Two years ago…
One of the lasting impacts Barfoot left on Kortan was the educational system. He taught them how learning was structured on his home planet—what they studied, how they studied, and how many levels of schooling existed. This led to the birth of schools and universities across Kortan.
Onan was one of the brightest and most diligent students. He dreamed of becoming a doctor like his father. However, he struggled to connect with other students and make friends. His parents noticed this, so they decided to act as his friends. They joined in his interests—watched the movies he liked, played the games he played. Imagine having parents who genuinely share your hobbies? Interesting, right?
Life was stable. Peaceful. Until one day…
Onan came home, excited to share that he had passed his exam. His mother was thrilled, hugging and congratulating him. But his father… remained silent.
During lunch, Onan asked, "Why didn't you congratulate me, Dad?"
His father replied with something controversial.
Father: "Listen, son. I'm happy you passed, but honestly… after all these years, I'm beginning to believe school is useless. I think you should quit."
Mother: "Please tell me you're joking. Say this is one of your daily jokes to make us laugh."
Father: "I'm not joking. I'm 100% serious. I know what you're thinking—that you're afraid this will ruin his future. But that's not true, and—"
Mother: "I can't believe what I'm hearing. How can such nonsense come from a man like you? You became a doctor through education! You wouldn't be where you are without it!"
Father: "I'm not denying the useful parts of school. But there's also a lot of pointless material that wastes years of our lives. I believe I can teach Onan to become a doctor myself, through hands-on training. That's more effective than books filled with useless info."
The mother firmly rejected the idea. The argument continued, until...
Father: "I have a suggestion. Why don't we let Onan decide for himself? He's 18 now. He can make such a decision."
Onan: "…This is a big decision. I need time to think."
Father: "Take your time, son. I know you'll make the right choice."
After a day of deep thought, Onan made his choice. When his parents entered the room for his decision, he said he would leave school and train with his father to become a doctor.
His mother, outraged, left the room in anger.
Father: "Don't worry. She'll come around. For now, I want to say—I'm proud of your decision, and I'll teach you everything."
The very next day, the father began training Onan. He taught him about the healing properties of nature.
Father: "Despite all the medical advancements on Kortan, nature still has its place. Some plants heal wounds better than any machine. Like the white-pulp fig tree—it treats burns and cuts…"
But before he could finish his sentence—a knock at the door.
He went to open it. A masked stranger stood there. Before the father could say a word, the stranger drew a sharp dagger and killed him on the spot. The mother arrived, shocked—but the masked man lunged at her and killed her too. Then he vanished.
When Onan returned home… he found their bodies. He stood, frozen. Should he cry? Scream? Run for help?
He did nothing.
The police arrived and investigated. But Onan had no useful information—he never saw the killer's face.
Later, a stranger came and told the officers that he would take care of Onan.
Stranger: "We haven't met. But I believe I'm the best person to care for you. You're 18, but you still need a guide."
Onan: "Who are you? One of my father's friends?"
Stranger: "No. I'm better than that. I'm his brother. I'm your uncle—Shin."
Onan: "bullshit . My father never told me I had an uncle. And if you really are his brother, why have you never visited us before?"
Shin pulls out an old photo of himself with Onan's father.
Shin: "If you come with me, I promise I'll explain everything."
Onan hesitated. But in his broken, grieving state—with no other options—he agreed and followed his uncle to his home. Once there, he saw many photos of Shin and his father together.
Shin: "When I was a child, I had poor social skills. No friends. Your father, Don, was my only friend. We did everything together. Played. Ate. Failed our exams. Got scolded. Succeeded. We were like soulmates."
Onan was moved by these words—but still had questions.
Onan: "If your bond was so strong, then why didn't he ever mention you? And where have you been all these years?"
Shin: "Well... before you were born, I was one of the Knights of Light..."
Onan (cutting him off): "You were a Knight of Light?!"
Shin: "Yes, but please don't interrupt me again."
Onan: "Sorry! I've just never met one before. You guys are amazing! I have so many questions about your work and—oh, sorry again. Please go on."
Shin: "As I was saying… I went on a mission with a few other Knights outside Kortan. We were ambushed in the forest by monsters. The attack was brutal. My comrades were unprepared… they were devoured. One of the beasts slashed my stomach. I fled, barely escaping with my life.
I know what you're thinking—'How could a Knight of Light run away like a coward?' You're right. It was cowardly."
Onan: "Actually… judging by what you're saying, it sounds like it was terrifying. I don't blame you. Being a Knight doesn't make you perfect."
Shin: "I kept running until I collapsed, hit my head, and blacked out. I woke up in a village. A kind stranger had found and helped me. But due to the injury… I lost my memory.
I stayed in that village for 18 years, thinking it was my only home. During that time, the Knights probably assumed I was dead. I imagine your father never told you about me because he didn't want to remember the brother he thought he lost. I don't blame him.
Eventually, one day—suddenly—my memories returned. And while I loved that peaceful village, I knew I had to return to Kortan… to my real life. When I came back, I found your parents had been killed. I knew then—I had to look after you."
Onan: "Man... I can't imagine what you've been through. I'm sorry I doubted you when we first met. I was angry… and I acted out."
Shin: "No need to apologize. We both suffered the same loss. But we'll work through it. From now on, you can consider me your new father."
They hugged. For the first time in days, Onan felt lucky—he had someone to fill the void his father left behind. Someone strong. A Knight of Light.
That night, he went to sleep. The next morning, he had breakfast with his uncle.
Shin: "Last night, when I told you my story, you seemed thrilled to hear I was a Knight of Light. Why is that?"
Onan: "Everyone loves the Knights. They protected our land from countless evil invasions. And honestly, I love how their swords look—though they seem a bit dangerous."
Shin: "Have you ever thought about becoming one?"
Onan: "Not really. I mean, look at me—I'm skinny, weak, and terrible at fighting. Even school bullies used to beat me up. I don't think someone like me could ever be a Knight."
Shin: "There were many who started off like you and became powerful through training. I believe you can be even greater than them."
Onan: "I appreciate your optimism, but even if I could become stronger, I don't want that life. It's dangerous. Full of responsibility. I'd rather be just… a regular citizen."
Shin (quietly): "So… you don't want revenge?"
Onan: "Revenge? What are you talking about?"
Shin: "You know exactly what I'm talking about."
Onan: "You mean… that masked man? The one who killed my parents? I'm sure the police will take care of him."
Shin: "Maybe. But is that really what you want? Do you want the police to handle it? Or do you want to do it yourself?"
Shin's words struck a chord. Onan thought deeply.
Shin: "Think about it. That monster took everything from us. Your dream, your family. If the police catch him, they'll throw him in jail. But he doesn't deserve prison. He deserves death."
Onan: "…Alright. I'm in. When do we start training?"
Shin: "Tomorrow. Rest up. Tomorrow will be a long day."
That night, Onan lay awake, his thoughts racing. He had made his decision. He was no longer just an ordinary boy. He would become a warrior.
He also knew that killing the masked man could bring legal consequences—Governor Clinton's laws didn't allow citizens to take justice into their own hands. But Onan didn't care. He remembered the image of his parents' lifeless bodies… and committed himself fully, no matter the cost.
The next morning, Shin woke Onan up—by dumping a bucket of water on him.
Onan: "Wha– what?! Why did you do that?!"
Shin: "I tried waking you the normal way. Didn't work. So I had to use the guaranteed method."
Onan: "And why so early?! It's 7 a.m.!"
Shin: "You need discipline. From now on, 7 a.m. is your new wake-up time. Now come with me."
Onan: "What's the first training? Weightlifting? Sword training? Pushups?"
Shin: "None of that. You're eating. I made you roasted lamb."
Onan: "Eating? I want to get strong, not fat."
Shin: "You're underweight and weak. You need protein. You can train for a hundred years and never grow a single muscle without it. Didn't they teach you that in school? No wonder your dad pulled you out."
Onan: "I don't like meat… it tastes weird and makes me feel sick."
Shin: "Onan. This isn't about what you like. It's about what you need."
Onan: "Sorry. I just can't force myself to eat something I hate."
Shin: "Listen. When you eat meat, don't think about the taste. Think about what it'll do for your body. You'll get stronger. Gain muscle. Be able to defend yourself. Sometimes, we humans have to do things we don't like, because they're necessary. The 'I don't like it, so I won't do it' mindset is a recipe for failure."
Shin's words hit hard. Onan began to eat the meat. He hated it at first. But with time… he got used to it. Eventually, he even liked it. It became his favorite meal.
Once his body had enough protein, Shin began his true training . Shin was very committed and made Onen train most of the time. One day, Onen asked his uncle this question:
Onen: "Uncle, why don't you enroll me in the Academy of the Light Knights? You spend so much time training me. You must need rest."
Shin: "The system of that academy is flawed and takes too long. I can make you a strong and skilled warrior in just two years. And I have no problem spending most of my time with my dear nephew."
Onen: "Okay, but how can I become a Light Knight without the Light Sword? The only way to get that sword is to graduate from the academy and earn the certificate."
Shin: "Don't worry about that. During the time I was away from Kortan, I discovered a unique metal whose strength and hardness are equal to the laser swords used by the Light Knights. I'll craft a sword from it and give it to you when you're ready."
Onen was overjoyed when he heard this. He kept bothering his uncle about the sword and when he would get it. After a full year of training and eating proteins and carbohydrates, Onen was finally ready to receive the sword. He boarded a flying vehicle with his uncle and they flew outside of Kortan, arriving at a monster's cave. There, Shin revealed the source of the metal — the metal was called Arksis, a shell from a terrifying and massive beast. But the beast had a weak point, and they needed to hit it and extract the metal.
Shin gave Onen a laser gun (a blaster), and they entered the cave together. But suddenly, something terrifying happened — Shin disappeared and left Onen alone.
Onen (screaming): "Uncle? Where are you??? Please don't leave me! I can't do this alone!"
Then the monster appeared. Out of fear, Onen ran, with the monster chasing him. He hid behind a rock, but the monster smashed it. Onen began firing his blaster randomly — one of the shots hit the monster's weak point, and the beast died.
Shin then appeared and said:
Shin: "Well done, boy. You passed the test. Although I have a few negative comments, overall, it was a good start."
Onen got angry and threw the blaster at him, shouting:
Onen: "Why did you leave me?! We agreed to fight the monster together, but you broke the deal and left me alone. I could've died!!!"
Shin: "Calm down, boy. Let me expla—"
Onen (interrupting, shouting): "There's nothing to explain! There's no excuse for what you did. You promised to protect me!"
Shin (shouting): "Silence! Let me make it clear to you. I can't be with you all the time — you must learn to face danger on your own. Imagine we were in a battle against a group of enemies, and one of them managed to kill me. What would you do then? Run? Cry over my death and give them the chance to kill you too? There's no logical reason for you to be upset right now. You faced one of the most dangerous beasts and survived. That means next time, when you face a group of villains, you'll be able to defeat them — because you've already beaten something worse. So, will you calm down and accept the fact that you killed the monster, or are you going to keep yelling at me?"
Onen calmed down and stayed silent.
Shin: "Good. Now let's extract the metal from the monster and go back home."
Shin used a special device to extract the metal. Then he and Onen boarded the vehicle and returned home. Shin began working on crafting the sword, and once it was ready, he trained Onen in how to use it. Onen became skilled with the sword and felt ready to face the masked man who had killed his parents.
But first, he had to find him.
One day, Onen was playing video games when someone knocked on the door. He paused the game and went to open it. Standing there was the masked stranger — the one who had killed his parents. Onen was stunned by his sudden appearance and froze in place.
The masked man punched Onen in the face and ran away. Shin rushed over and asked:
Shin: "What's all that noise? Who was at the door?"
Onen (nervously): "It's him... the masked man who killed my family."
Shin: "Then it's time for you to take your revenge."
Onen: "I don't know, I feel… I feel like I'm not... not ready. He appeared so suddenly… I just froze."
Shin: "Onen, my boy, you've trained for two years for this very moment. You are ready. Now go — chase after him before he disappears."
Onen takes his sword and chases after the masked man.
They leap and dart across rooftops and buildings. The masked man enters a house and, for no reason, murders a couple who lived there with a dagger. Onen enters the house. The masked man throws the dagger at him, but Onen deflects it with his sword. Then, the masked man draws a sword made of araxys metal, similar to Onen's. The two engage in an intense sword fight.
Their battle causes major destruction in the house, but Onen doesn't care. All that matters to him is cutting off the masked man's head. Throughout the fight, he struggles to control his rage so that it doesn't lead him to make reckless mistakes — a fight like this requires full concentration.
The masked man exits the house and pulls out a blaster, firing at Onen. Onen deflects the shots and reflects one back at the masked man's hand, causing him to drop the sword and burn his hand. The masked man switches hands and tries shooting again, but Onen slices the blaster in half. Now the masked man is weaponless. Onen attempts to stab him in the heart, but the masked man kicks Onen's hand, disarming him, and delivers a series of kicks that send Onen crashing into a wall.
Onen charges forward and lands a heavy blow to the masked man's neck, badly injuring him and giving Onen a chance to retrieve his sword. He stabs the masked man, blood gushes out, and Onen removes the mask — revealing the face of a man he doesn't even recognize. Onen takes a deep breath, finally believing he has gotten his revenge. But it doesn't feel like enough. Rage overcomes him, and he starts to violently and repeatedly punch the man's face.
Just then, Shin arrives and stops him:
Shin: "Stop. It's over. It's over…"
They return home. Onen tries to sleep but can't. So, he goes up to the rooftop. Shin notices and joins him.
Shin: "Son… what's wrong? Why can't you sleep?"
Onen: "I can't stop thinking about what happened. Even after taking revenge, I don't feel satisfied… At the end of the fight, I lost control. I became a monster. I feel like the devil possessed me. Also, I can't understand how the masked man appeared out of nowhere. Where has he been all this time? I feel like there's some bigger conspiracy behind this."
Shin: "You're overthinking. You punished the man who killed your family. That's what matters. Now get some sleep… But before you do, I want to say something important. I want to apologize for leaving you to fight the Araxys beast alone months ago. I treated you more like a student than like a son. Please, forgive me."
Onen: "You don't need to apologize, Uncle. What you did was necessary. I needed to learn how to face trauma like this to be strong enough for the dangers ahead."
Shin smiles, comforted by his nephew's words, and returns to his room. Onen also tries to sleep and eventually nods off for an hour. He wakes up in the middle of the night and goes to drink water — but hears something strange coming from Shin's room. Shin is on the phone with a man named Dr. Ranton.
Shin: "Did you order the clone to break into a house and kill the couple living there?"
Ranton: "No. I didn't."
Shin (angrily): "You idiot! You told me your clones don't have free will and only follow orders! Because of you, an innocent family died!"
Ranton: "This has never happened before. There must've been an error in the cloning process."
Shin: "Fix it. I don't want this happening again. Understood?"
Ranton: "Yes, understood. I'll look into it. But keep your voice down! Someone might hear us!"
Shin: "There's no one here but my nephew, and he's asleep."
Ranton: "Alright, I'll check. Goodbye."
We now learn the horrifying truth — Shin was responsible for the death of Onen's family. The masked man was a clone, created by Dr. Ranton under Shin's orders. Onen, standing behind the door, heard everything. Furious and ready to kill Shin, he restrains himself. Shin is strong. A direct fight would be risky. A plan is needed.
---
The next morning, Shin wakes up and asks Onen to prepare him coffee. Onen does — and adds a sedative to it. Shin drinks the coffee.
Shin: "You looked down yesterday. How about we go out today? Maybe play some ball, watch a movie—"
The sedative kicks in. Shin passes out and wakes up tied to a chair.
Onen (calmly): "I once read that no evil act happens without reason. Even the worst villain has a motive — no matter how foolish. So tell me, Uncle. Why did you make a clone kill my family?"
Shin: "What are you talking about, my boy?"
Onen (furiously): "Don't play dumb! I heard everything — your call with the scientist, the clones, the murders. Stop lying and tell me the truth!"
After hesitation, Shin finally decides to confess:
> "Alright. I'll tell you the whole story…"
Shin recounts his past — how a mysterious blue humanoid from another dimension appeared through a small portal and warned him about a terrifying empire named Trantem that plans to invade all parallel universes. He said Shin's world was on the list, and they had about 22 years before the invasion reached their universe.
Shin panicked. He tried to warn everyone — the ruler, scientists, his brother — but no one believed him. They called him delusional. In despair, six of his old comrades from the Light Knights came to his home and chose to believe in him. Together, they decided to build a secret society to prepare for the coming invasion.
But they needed funding.
Shin resorted to stealing from his father — Onen's grandfather — causing him to go bankrupt and his company to shut down. He used the money to build, hire warriors, and eventually partnered with Dr. Ranton to create clones using the DNA of a skilled fighter.
But one of the clones went rogue… and murdered Onen's family.
Shin admits he was furious but couldn't kill Ranton, as he was too valuable. So instead, Shin took in Onen, trained him, and let him believe he was pursuing his family's killer — to make him stronger, and to eventually recruit him into the secret society.
Onen stays silent.
Shin: "I never meant for your family to die. It was a mistake. Please forgive me. Join us, Onen. Help us fight Trantem. We need you."
Onen breathes deeply. Thinks carefully.
Onen: "I'm turning you in to the police."
Shin (shocked): "What?!"
onen : "The death of my family may not have been your intention, but it is still your fault — and the fault of your friends. You were responsible for the clones, and yet one of them went out of control. You also stole money from my grandfather and ruined his life. And… I don't buy your story about this empire either . you and your friends deserves prison "
Shin: "You've disappointed me."
Suddenly, Shin breaks free and attacks Onen, beating him out of the house. He grabs his araxys sword.
Shin: "I built this for years. I won't let you destroy it!"
Onen draws his own sword.
Onen: "You're insane. I'm glad my father never talked about you."
They clash — master vs. student, uncle vs. nephew. Shin is slightly stronger and kicks Onen in the stomach.
Shin: "Last chance. Join me. Don't make me kill you."
Onen slashes and takes out Shin's eye.
Shin (screaming): "Damn you! I trained you, raised you — and this is how you repay me?!"
Fueled by rage, Shin delivers brutal attacks. Onen struggles. Finally, Shin stabs him in the stomach. Onen falls.
Shin raises his sword for a killing blow… but stops.
Shin: "No… I can't. You're all that's left of my brother. I can't kill you. But one day, you'll see I was right. And you'll return…"
Onen passes out. When he wakes up, he's in a hospital. He's been treated. He returns home — but Shin is gone.
---
Onen's thoughts:
> Damn it. He disappeared. No point telling the police now if I don't know where he is…
I was a fool to trust him. That story about memory loss and sudden recovery? What a joke…
I'm alone again. Dad's gone. Mom's gone. Grandpa's dead. My uncle's missing. I have no friends…
What do I do now? I need money. I need a job.
Exhausted by thought, Onen sleeps.
---
The next day, a man named Jack knocks on the door. Onen opens it.
Jack: "Hello, I'm Jack. I work for a gang leader named Gito. He saw you fighting the masked man and was impressed. He sent me to watch you and find out where you live. Now, I'm here to offer you a deal. Work for Gito, do missions — and you'll be paid."
Jack gives Onen a card with coordinates.
Jack: "One warning. We're watching you — in ways you can't detect. If you go to the police, we'll kill you. But I doubt you will. You need us. You've got skills, Onen. Use them."
Jack leaves.
Onen considers. Working with Gito means breaking the law. But he needs money. He has no other options. So he agrees — on one condition.
He meets with Gito.
Onen: "I want to know what kind of missions I'll be doing."
Gito: "Some rival gangs are a problem. I want you to spy on them… and kill them if you can."
Onen: "Alright. I agree. But I have one rule. No harming innocents. If I'm going to kill, it'll only be criminals."
Gito (laughs): "You want honor in a world of crime and mercenaries? Fine. I won't make you hurt innocents."
The deal is made. Gito gives Onen a suit and mask for missions — and this is how Onen becomes the mysterious figure we met in Chapter Two.
He never wanted this life. He wanted to be a doctor, like his father.
But life forced him down a darker....