A soft breeze drifted through the half-open window, rustling velvet curtains embroidered with silver threads.
Arthur's golden eyes snapped open.
He lay in a massive, lavish room that reeked of nobility. Everything around him—from the carved obsidian pillars to the hovering mana lamps—screamed luxury and power. The kind of room built not just for comfort… but to remind anyone who entered that its owner was elite.
Arthur sat up slowly. His muscles should've ached from the brutal training earlier, but they didn't. Not even a scar remained.
"Healing magic…" he thought, glancing down at his unblemished arms.
Of course. His mother, Rubina Valerian, wasn't just anyone—she was a Rank 7 Archmage, one of the strongest women on the continent. While he was unconscious, she must've used her healing magic. In this world, even near-death could be reversed with the right power.
Beside the bed, a crystal jug sat filled with chilled water. Arthur poured a glass and drank, his reflection dancing in the liquid—black hair like midnight, sharp eyes gleaming with stubborn fire.
Then, with a flick of his fingers, he activated the floating screen across the room.
"In the world of Aetherion," the voice on the screen declared, "dozens of races coexist—humans, elves, vampires, beastkin, dragons, demons. But here, power doesn't belong to bloodlines alone. Anyone can rise. Anyone can become an Awakener."
Arthur scoffed and turned the screen off.
"Anyone? They say that… but only those who fight like hell survive."
He sat in silence for a moment, then whispered to himself, "I've opened all 9 mana circuits. Now the real journey begins."
To become Rank 1, a warrior must channel mana through all nine circuits to form a core—a condensed crystal of pure energy inside the heart. It wasn't easy. Most failed. But Arthur wasn't most people
In Aetherion, strength beyond the mana circuits was divided into Ranks:
•Rank 1: Ten times stronger than a 9th Circuit user.
•Rank 2: Allows mastery of advanced mana techniques. Powerful enough to destroy buildings.
•Rank 3: Extends lifespan to 120 years; physical and magical strength greatly increased.
•Rank 4: Focuses on mental training. Lifespan reaches 150 years.
•Rank 5: Rare and elite. Only the most gifted reach it. Lifespan up to 200 years.
•Rank 6 (Masters): Capable of wiping out entire cities. Lifespan of 300 years.
•Ranks 7 to 9: Almost mythical. Rank 7s live up to 500 years, Rank 8s up to 1,000. And Rank 9—the Supreme Rank—are continent-level threats with lifespans extending to 2,000 years.
Each rank had three stages: Beginner, Intermediate, and Peak.
Outside his room, he was greeted by a tall, broad-shouldered man dressed in a crisp butler's uniform—Rein, his loyal guard and personal attendant. But don't let the outfit fool you. Rein was a Rank 5 Warrior, a storm hidden beneath a polished exterior.
"Young Master," Rein said, bowing. "The Patriarch has summoned you to his office."
Arthur nodded. "Let's go."
As they walked through the estate—past glowing flowerbeds, floating stones, and mana-fed waterfalls—Arthur barely glanced at the beauty around him. He'd seen it all his life.
The top floor of the Valerian estate housed the family's war chamber and the Count's private office. Arthur stopped in front of the tall oak doors and knocked.
"Come in," said a deep voice.
Arthur entered—and paused.
Inside were three people: Count Alaric Valerian, his father, standing by the window in his black and silver military coat; Lady Rubina, seated gracefully on a floating mana throne; and lastly—
Elyra.
His elder sister, tall and fierce, with silver hair tied in a long braid and eyes like sharpened blades. She rushed forward the moment she saw him.
"Arthur!"
Before he could dodge, she swept him into a tight hug—lifting him off the ground like he weighed nothing.
"Can't… breathe…" Arthur wheezed.
"Oh, stop being dramatic," Elyra laughed, finally setting him down.
Elyra Valerian—business genius, Peak Rank 4 Swordmaster, and former academy prodigy known across Aetherion as the Death Drawer.
She gave him a teasing smile. "Did you miss me?"
"Nope."
She pouted. "So cruel. Even after I flew back just to see your bratty face."
Everyone chuckled—even Count Valerian's lips twitched slightly.
Then the Count stepped forward, serious once more.
"Arthur," he said, "your performance during training, especially your use of [Heaven's Descent], was nothing short of astonishing. For that… you've earned a reward."
He handed Arthur a small black box.
Arthur opened it.
Inside was a single earring—gold, with a glowing red gemstone. Simple, yet radiating power.
Arthur narrowed his eyes and activated Appraisal.
[Bloodbound Earring – Rank 5 Artifact]
Bound once worn. Generates a defensive mana barrier capable of blocking any attack under Rank 5. Auto-activates in danger.
His breath caught.
A true-life saving artifact.
"Thank you, Father."
But before he could say more, Elyra interrupted, stepping forward with a grin.
"Now that you've been spoiled, I have a question for you."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Will you participate in the Young Champions Tournament?"
Arthur's eyes lit up.
The Young Champions Tournament—a sacred battleground where geniuses from across the empire clashed, where alliances were formed and legends were born.
He clenched his fists.
"Yes. I'll fight."
Elyra smirked. "Good. It begins the day after tomorrow. Don't disappoint me."
Arthur gave a short nod, then turned and walked out.
his steps steady but his heart pounding like war drums. The corridor ahead was quiet, but inside him… a storm was rising.
The Young Champions Tournament…
Not just a stage.
It was the gateway to glory—or ruin.
A battlefield where pride is shattered, dreams are forged, and monsters wear the faces of children.
As sunlight pierced through the stained-glass windows, casting rainbows over his black hair, Arthur's eyes gleamed—golden, sharp, and burning.
Let the world come.
Let every so-called genius step forward.
I will rise above them all.
Because I'm not just a boy with a sword… I'm the storm that will change Aetherion.
And with that, he vanished down the hallway—toward war, destiny, and the beginning of his legend.