x
Darkness. Nothing but an endless void.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMcP6533gD
Kumuna felt weightless, floating in the empty abyss. No sound, no sensation—just silence stretching infinitely in every direction.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdG9HfqcJX
Was he dreaming? Was he dead?
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03YyG1K2k3
He wasn’t sure.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTU4JF1dAp
Then—
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeasD09PFU
A soft chime echoed around him.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9b2Dwse92
A solid floor materialized beneath his feet, stabilizing him, while a blue light pulsed around the floating platform.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr0I6yDntL
He turned his head, eyes widening as a glowing blue screen flickered into existence before him.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcEs3TwE0I
⸻
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGiwQq2IQX
PLAYER: KUMUNA ROLIN
LEVEL: 1
RACE: HUMAN
CLASS: UNASSIGNED
CHARACTER LOADING…
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdx57BFGlc
⸻
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUlxwNzVU9
Kumuna blinked at the floating text. “Okay… this is weird.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBu9QgDKA2
He reached out, attempting to touch the glowing screen, but his fingers passed through it like mist.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xDIkpos9V
He arched a brow. “Huh. Well, shit…”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRzMKDL1c3
Then—
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloJItiPYrD
A sudden pull.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtAAaNV2l5
His stomach flipped as gravity reasserted itself, yanking him downward. The void around him twisted, colors blending together in a chaotic swirl before—
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1s7uatUb0
Light.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS97L5H28Sp
Blinding, golden light.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMsByIzyCF
⸻
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVkqnE3jsy
The Throne Room of the Gilded Empire
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHeu1iQc6Y
Kumuna crashed onto a polished marble floor with an audible thud.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGHsRQ4teB
“Ow—damn!” He groaned, rubbing the back of his head. “Could’ve given a guy a warning first… stupid screen.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcugF3568F
As he sat up, his vision sharpened, revealing his surroundings—massive golden pillars stretching toward a domed ceiling, elaborate banners of gold and deep crimson draped across the walls, and a polished floor that gleamed beneath him. The scent of burning incense and metal filled the air, creating an atmosphere of both grandeur and intimidation.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxEauyaIeu
And seated before him, on an enormous golden throne, was a king.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzhARUKuru
His presence was overwhelming. A ruler in every sense of the word. His golden cape draped over his powerful shoulders, his piercing brown eyes regarding Kumuna with careful calculation. His neatly trimmed beard, his dark weathered skin, and the sheer authority radiating from him made it clear—this was King Rhaegor Lysandor, ruler of the Gilded Empire.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuyC1H8Avk
Beside him stood a young man in fine royal attire—his son, no doubt—with a sharp, composed expression.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKylOrwU8g
And surrounding them—
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnunhMMXHhl
Ten warriors.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2zcdz7OuK
They stood in a semi-circle around the throne, each exuding sheer strength and power, clad in elaborate battle-worn armor, their weapons resting at their sides.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsnUdFH6VF
A mix of expressions met Kumuna’s arrival—some intrigued, others indifferent.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYNEa4Y5Yp
“Well now,” Kumuna muttered, pushing himself up. “Ain’t this fancy.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkc9DhQgj4
The warriors stiffened at his casual attitude.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzHzIjFL0f
Then—
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3gFEQndHs
A scoff.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMZMYzcL4P
A burly man, arms crossed, his jaw clenched with visible disdain. “This… child is supposed to be our hero?” His voice was deep, dripping with disbelief and irritation. “Surely, the gods have made a mistake.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQcdCE5sMq
Kumuna glanced at the man—a walking fortress of muscle, clad in heavily plated armor with deep scars running along his arms. His eyes burned with clear disapproval.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBDwMDvSSN
However, Kumuna remained unfazed. He stood to his feet, dusted himself off, stretched, and smirked.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c7vWGb2Gc
“Damn, dude. A little rude for someone you just met.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsVowuwhvv
A few of the warlords chuckled, but the displeased one wasn’t amused. He took a step forward, sneering.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdJYjUuPyH
“A mere boy cannot possibly be the savior of this world. We have spent lifetimes honing our skills, leading armies, and protecting this land. Why should we entrust our fate to someone so… insignificant?”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxEwuBOok0
Kumuna tilted his head. “Damn, dude. We just met. Why are you hating on me this early?”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsqhrpspXd
The man’s glare hardened, seemingly ready to argue further, but before he could, a stern commanding voice cut through the air.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZXAbZjyCG
“Kai’Zen,” the king’s voice echoed through the throne room, calm yet laced with authority. “Enough.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuuqDfNqto
Kai’Zen clenched his fists, still glaring at Kumuna. After a tense moment, he exhaled sharply, turning toward the king.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklNMVo6orS
With reluctant obedience, he bowed. “Apologies, Your Majesty,” he said, though his tone was anything but sincere. He then turned sharply, storming out of the throne room, but not before giving Kumuna one last glare.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1LgdmqWIt
Kumuna watched him go, lips pursed. “That dude’s got issues.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uYLOOJcGA
A few of the warriors chuckled again, but others remained indifferent.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ3KW4pLw8
The king finally chuckled softly, stepping forward, placing a firm hand on Kumuna’s shoulder.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoSnYPPNZ0
“You must forgive Kai’Zen,” Rhaegor said. “He is a warrior of great pride—one who has fought in countless battles. He sees strength as something earned, not given.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvmNHFxNzh
Kumuna shrugged. “It’s okay, I’ve dealt with a few people like him before… a lot, actually.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3ueaxqO8d
The king laughed heartily. “Well, you can expect a lot more from him.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprBnymKFRA
He then gestured to himself and his son. “Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am King Rhaegor Lysandor, ruler of the Gilded Empire. And this—” he gestured to the young man beside him, “is my son, Prince Verric Lysandor.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ8TNUngj4
The prince gave a slight nod, his expression reserved. “An honor to meet you, Hero.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruqz4jzs4K
Kumuna grinned. “Nice to meet ya too, Prince V.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u4ftBQJ0v
The prince raised a brow at the nickname but chose not to comment.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2XfOURjnZ
King Rhaegor continued, taking a step forward, his deep voice carrying throughout the grand throne room. “These warriors before you are the Ten Heavenly Warlords—the strongest warriors in the Gilded Empire. They are my most trusted champions, masters of war, and now, your mentors. They will train you, shape you, and if necessary, break you so that you may become the warrior the gods intended you to be.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJHZJEzUhZ
Kumuna’s eyes scanned the group. Each of them carried an aura of sheer power, their presences nearly suffocating. Some looked amused, others indifferent, and a few downright unimpressed.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1XEC5p8z0
One by one, they stepped forward.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5drVyPbwP
The first to step forward was a tall, lean half-elf woman with flowing silver hair and piercing emerald eyes. She moved with an effortless grace, and the way she carried her rapier, resting elegantly at her hip, told him she was used to ending fights in a single stroke.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfgQJhvv3M
She looked him over, not with disdain, but with an appraising gaze.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8ujpkJ6sU
“I am Seraphis, The Silver Tempest. Half-elf, strategist, and master duelist,” she said smoothly, her voice carrying the weight of authority. “I specialize in speed and precision combat. If you lack discipline, you will be useless to me. But if you prove yourself, I will make sure you wield your blade with purpose.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVrYZUKdAw
Kumuna smirked. “Precision, huh? Not gonna lie, I’ve never been great at being ‘graceful.’ But hey, if you’re willing to teach, I’ll learn.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7I6WQlQps
Seraphis didn’t smile, but something in her expression softened slightly before she stepped back into line.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnIHbsB43k
Next, a short, stocky dwarf stomped forward. His burly frame was wrapped in heavy armor, and his thick beard was woven into tight braids. A large tower shield rested against the ground beside him, nearly as tall as he was.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfOKsAzv5A
“Garran, The Unbroken Shield. Dwarf, defense specialist, and master of endurance,” he rumbled, his voice deep and steady. “You got strength in those legs, lad? No? Well, you better find it, ‘cause I’ll have you carrying weight till your bones scream. A warrior without endurance is a corpse waiting to happen.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ki4yCMCif
Kumuna rubbed his chin, nodding. “Endurance, huh? I dunno, man, I’m pretty fast, but I’d rather not carry my own coffin before the fight even starts.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzDUeK92SV
Garran let out a loud laugh. “Ha! You’re quick-witted, I’ll give you that. But speed means nothing if you can’t take a hit. I’ll make sure you can stand your ground.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9srEDem6o2
Next to step forward was a beastling, his body lean and toned with sharp, wolf-like features. His golden eyes flickered with animalistic intensity, and the curved twin blades strapped to his back looked deadly sharp.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnDdf5BYLV
“I’m Orwin, The Fangs of War. Beastling, hunter, assassin.” His voice was smooth, yet carried a dangerous edge. “You might’ve been chosen, but if you can’t hunt, if you can’t track, you’ll die before you even reach the battlefield. Survive my training, and we’ll talk.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOd7ENfZ4P
Kumuna gave a casual thumbs-up. “Survive, huh? That sounds like a challenge.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoJ6v3nwLz
Orwin grinned, revealing sharp canines. “It is.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7leKUQWU9P
A hooded figure emerged next—cloaked in shadows, her movements eerily silent. Even standing still, she gave the impression of someone who could disappear at a moment’s notice.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RKJ7hq7iW
“I am Veska, The Phantom Dancer. Human. Rogue. Assassin.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried across the room with a ghostly presence. “Weakness is unforgivable. In battle, hesitation is death. You either strike first, or you die first.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg3f44JyxY
Kumuna raised an eyebrow. “And if I don’t want to be an assassin?”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauiveYN1oS
Veska tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable beneath her mask. “Then you will still learn. Knowing how to kill ensures you know how to survive.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjh2hW4EQd
“…Okay, fair point,” he admitted.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8xENgw2fK
A towering mountain of a man stepped forward next, arms crossed over his broad chest. His fiery red and blonde hair, along with his thick beard, made him look as if he had stepped straight out of a war saga. He rested a massive warhammer against his shoulder, his muscles flexing beneath his armor.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97ctPIE8U3
“Torvas, The Crimson Thunder. Human. Berserker. Wrecker of battlefields.” His voice boomed like rolling thunder. “I don’t do delicate. I don’t do careful. I break things—armor, bones, and men. If you can’t keep up, I’ll leave you in the dust. But if you survive my training? You’ll hit like a war god.” He smirked, tilting his hammer slightly toward Kumuna. “Let’s see if you got the guts, little hero.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KKc04HSc8
Kumuna gave him a challenging grin. “I mean, I’d rather not get crushed on my first day, but if breaking things is part of the job, sign me up.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbAmK9avPU
A sharp contrast to Torvas, the next warrior was a lean, wiry man with flame-like tattoos covering his arms. His black hair was streaked with red, and a massive greatsword rested on his back, flickering with embers.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qTXZ8PDv6
“Rivis, The Blazing Storm. Human. Fire wielder. Battlefield sweeper.” His crimson eyes burned with excitement as he twirled a flicker of fire between his fingers. “I like battles. The heat. The chaos. The thrill of watching weaklings crumble.” His smirk widened, flashing sharp teeth. “Don’t bore me, kid. If you do, I might just turn up the heat.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt18utZc0AC
Kumuna chuckled. “I don’t plan on being anyone’s kindling, but you do have a cool entrance, I’ll give you that.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYGqkzZTUX
Next was a woman—cool, calculated, and utterly unshaken. Her icy blue gaze pierced through Kumuna as if she could see straight into his soul. Her black and silver hair was braided down her back, and a frost-covered halberd rested at her side.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡet7fxMo9lS
“Mira, The Frost Valkyrie. Human. Ice wielder. War tactician.” Her voice was crisp, emotionless. “Strength means nothing without control. Power without discipline leads to ruin. If you wish to be a warrior, you will learn precision, patience, and restraint. If you do not—” her cold eyes narrowed, “—you will break.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbuUQVHTUR
Kumuna exhaled, nodding. “You sound a little scary, not gonna lie.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMIcxmu9dJ
Mira blinked. “Good.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNozvPAKBqb
Kumuna wasn’t sure if she was joking.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWigRdVCAa2
A hulking figure stepped forward, towering even over Torvas. His massive frame was covered in heavy armor, thick plates layered over muscle upon muscle. He carried a battle axe that looked like it could cleave through mountains. Unlike the others, he did not speak immediately.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYyuPrQKAi
Kumuna blinked. “And you are…?”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDbfH9ts4p
The man let out a low grunt.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3EYBBuRV0
“Darius, The Iron Juggernaut. Half-orc.” His voice was deep and gravelly, few words wasted. “I crush.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhk6oeEGMm
“…That’s it?”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18zpSkFGbZ
Darius stared at him. “That’s all that matters.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecSjfnZmbU
Kumuna nodded slowly. “Alright, man, I respect the simplicity.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxf1Q1Rdkb
The last warlord, dressed in a blend of armor and mage robes, stepped forward with a smirk. He carried twin curved blades, each glowing faintly with infused magic. His sharp violet eyes studied Kumuna with amusement.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OIPCx83en
“Well, well,” he mused. “Our ‘Hero’ doesn’t look like much.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKe3rc6ywj
Kumuna sighed. “Man, you guys gotta stop saying that.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt6HkKGoST
Ronan chuckled. “Ronan, The Arcane Gladiator. Human. Spellblade. Master of the arcane arts.” He flourished one of his swords, the runes glowing brighter. “You’re cocky. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—confidence fuels progress. But make sure it’s backed up with skill, or you’ll be nothing but an overconfident corpse.” He sheathed his blades, tilting his head. “Try not to die too quickly, yeah?”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn5sK4OCVg
Kumuna shrugged. “I’ll try my best. Can’t make any promises.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5dSOmGXfC
The warlords exchanged glances before stepping back, their introductions complete.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYuKxAH6HQ
King Rhaegor spoke once more. “Your training begins tomorrow.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbczWTK1ko
Kumuna stretched. “Alright. Sounds fun.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52Z1Ofttfc
Prince Verric raised a brow. “You don’t seem very… concerned.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NcyGSlX05
Kumuna shrugged. “Why worry? This is exciting. I get magic, badass teachers, and a whole kingdom backing me up? What’s not to like?”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx7mVZmOcD
Kai’Zen scoffed. “Arrogant brat.” He mumbled in the corner of the room.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw82wq0jC2u
Kumuna smirked at him. “I heard that You’ll warm up to me eventually.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGFPCkzZsr
Kai’Zen rolled his eyes and left the room, for real this time.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV8HPF0tg1
Kumuna chuckled to himself “Very uptight”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu2IjTH8Nc
“You’ll get used to it,” Orwin spoke patting Kumana on the shoulder.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTnPPaYM5d
“If you say so…” Kumuna sighed.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWgMrWt1BX
A Moment of Reflection
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMut2H9AUT2
Later, Kumuna was escorted to his chambers—massive, luxurious, far too fancy for his taste. A king-sized bed, velvet curtains, a balcony overlooking the city—it was wealth beyond anything he had ever seen.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKouPZfnAq
He flopped onto the bed, stretching his arms behind his head.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2FcOnmYEH
“Man… this is crazy.”
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X7gYvIkDs
But despite his confidence, his thoughts drifted.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LPjEflH0I
Kaida, Tsubaki, Mishell.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MEE3dKamq
Where were they?
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKvbqWz40E
Were they safe?
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KaxrctAJf
His grin faded slightly, his expression thoughtful. He exhaled slowly, staring up at the ceiling. He couldn’t worry too much just yet—he had no answers, and panicking wouldn’t help.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7QaIthNDk
Still…
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZq4NqDoj7
“Hope you guys are out there,” he muttered.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe96XiI4j0r
As he lay there, exhaustion finally crept in.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyA2teNgbW
His eyelids grew heavy.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm8OQcv2qK
And soon—
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD2gLnjCeF
Sleep took him.
68Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rHdauS12y
Tomorrow, his journey would begin.
