Hello!
Thank you to everyone who started reading my novel and supported me. From here on, Arc 1 — the Beginning Arc — starts. Enjoy reading!
———
That day, the legendary nine Volgrath siblings, together with their father Valtherion, declared war upon the world.
Humanity stood no chance against such power; cities fell one after another, kingdoms surrendered one by one.
But not all of them yielded—some built walls, raised armies, and swore to fight until death.
The world was no longer ruled by peace, but by blood.
A soldier clutching a sword in his trembling hands ran up the stone walls, shouting as he reached the man standing there.
— Colonel Koga! Colonel Koga!
Koga kept his eyes forward before slowly turning his head.
— What is it, soldier?
The soldier was gasping for air.
— The northern front… it's fallen. I barely escaped from there.
Koga's eyes widened in disbelief.
— That's impossible! There were at least fifty thousand skilled energy users stationed there!
The soldier pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and handed it over.
— Colonel, this note was sent by Commander Shinsuke from the northern front…
Koga snatched the note and began to read out loud, his voice growing heavier with every word.
— By the time this reaches you, I'll probably be dead. I wrote this to warn you and the others: you're all in danger! The enemy… is only one person. But against him, you have no chance. Escape as fast as you can… save yourselves!
Koga and soldier froze.
Koga's eyes fell to the ground, his face twisted in fear.
— One person…? That's impossible!
Suddenly, screams echoed through the mist. Koga looked around in panic, but the fog was too thick to see through. The wall trembled. The soldier next to him fell off. Koga grabbed the edge of the wall to keep from falling, but then… the wall itself began to collapse.
When he opened his eyes again, his legs were crushed under rubble. Pain tore through his body as he screamed. He tried to lift the massive stone off him, but he had no energy left. Around him, the fortress was in ruins. Almost every soldier was dead. Blood covered the ground.
And then, through the mist, the silhouette of a man appeared. Koga's hands trembled in terror.
— W-who… who are you?!
The man approached slowly. His face was hidden, but his body radiated a strange green energy. He raised his sword.
In the next instant, Koga's head rolled to the ground. His eyes slowly faded to black.
And then a voice was heard—
— Akira… hey, wake up already! If you don't, I'm eating your breakfast too!
Eight-year-old Akira Valen slowly opened his eyes. His breathing was uneven, his heart pounding in his chest. For a moment, the vivid nightmare clung to his mind—until he saw the warm morning light spilling into his room.
He was inside a small wooden house that smelled faintly of cedar. The large window leading to the garden filled the room with sunlight. Curtains swayed gently in the breeze, wrapping the air in a peaceful stillness.
But the dark expression on Akira's face cast a shadow over that peace.
He sat up in bed but didn't move. His eyes stared blankly ahead, and a deep silence settled over the room.
The door creaked open. Mira stepped inside, her face carrying a warm smile, though her sharp eyes seemed able to catch anything. When she noticed Akira's pale face, her expression shifted to surprise.
— Don't tell me… you had another nightmare?
Akira jolted, shaking his head.
— Eh… maybe… I don't really remember, but… I think I saw a man.
Mira tilted her head curiously.
— A man? Then it couldn't have been a bad dream.
Akira's expression darkened.
— No, no… this was definitely one of the scariest. If I had to rank them… it'd be in the top three for sure.
Mira walked over with soft steps. Suddenly, she leaned close to his ear. Akira jumped up with a startled scream.
— Sis, what are you doing?!
Mira burst out laughing. Her warm laughter filled the room.
Just then, a deep voice called from the other room.
— Did Akira have another nightmare? Why's he shouting so early in the morning?
It was their grandfather's voice.
Mira shouted back toward the door:
— Yeah, he had a nightmare!
A moment later, their grandmother's voice followed.
— Come now, breakfast is ready! Come and eat!
Mira nodded and turned back to Akira. With a gentle tone, she grabbed his left arm.
— Hmm… how many more times do I have to tell you not to sleep with the lights off?
Akira winced.
— Ow! That hurts…
— Come on, let's go. Everyone's waiting for you.
Akira's face fell.
— Can't I just skip school today?
Mira immediately understood his mood, but kept her cheerful smile.
— Of course not.
— But why…
This time Mira's gaze grew serious.
— Akira… how many times do I have to remind you? You can't give up. You have to work hard. One day, you'll show all your friends what you can do with your energy.
With that, she walked out of the room. Akira let out a long sigh. Somehow, he dragged himself out of bed and shuffled toward the table.
At the breakfast table, their grandmother and grandfather were already seated. Fresh bread, jam, and a steaming soup made by his grandmother filled the air with a delicious aroma.
Akira, still half-asleep, dropped into a chair. His grandmother greeted him with a smile.
— Welcome, my dear Akira.
But his grandfather frowned.
— You'll be late for school. This won't do.
Mira quickly chimed in, her face carrying a teasing grin.
— Look, nothing's left on the table by the time you got here.
Akira grumbled.
— Good morning, grandma… I'm still sleepy. And if nothing's left, it's obviously because you ate it, right?
Mira narrowed her eyes and smirked.
— Well, well, looks like your tongue works fine. Did you forget who I am?
Akira tilted his head with exaggerated dramatics.
— Of course not. You're the amazing Mira Valen, aren't you?
Mira puffed her chest with pride.
— That's right. But don't worry, one day you'll be even more amazing than me.
Akira's face darkened. Inside, he thought sadly: I'll never be like my sister…
Their grandfather spoke firmly.
— Giving up is for the weak. If you work hard and never give up, you can do anything.
Mira laughed out loud, mocking his tone.
— Grandpa, you're not a philosopher. Why do you say things like that, acting all wise?
His eyebrows furrowed instantly.
— Mira!!
A brief silence fell over the table. Then Akira, his eyes shining with curiosity, turned to his grandmother.
— Grandma, grandma… can you tell that legend again?
She smiled, her eyes gleaming with seriousness.
— That's not a legend, child. It's real.
Mira and grandfather were already smirking, struggling to hold back their laughter. A few seconds later, they burst into giggles.
Grandmother scolded them with a sharp tone.
— About a hundred years ago, the world was shaken when the nine brothers known as the Volgrath siblings started a great war. Countless people died, kingdoms fell to ruin. Humanity was on the verge of defeat. But… my great-grandfather managed to unite the people and win the war. And Velmo—
Before she could finish, Mira and grandfather burst into laughter again. This time, even Akira couldn't resist and joined in.
Warm laughter echoed through the house, wrapping the family in the morning sunlight.
After breakfast, Akira put on his shoes, opened the small wooden fence of the garden, and left the house. The morning breeze hit his face, waking him up a little. The road to the capital, Eldravon, took about twenty-five to thirty minutes.
Akira started running so he wouldn't be late for school. The sound of his feet striking the dirt echoed along the path, the cool morning air filling his lungs. Yet inside, there was still a strange heaviness left behind from his nightmare and the breakfast conversation.
When he stepped through the school's large gate, he immediately felt the eyes on him.
The stares, the whispers, the mocking laughter of the students crashed into his ears one by one:
— That's him. The kid who can't use energy.
— He's definitely going to fail the exams.
— A burden to his family…
A few students laughed out loud. Their voices weighed even heavier on Akira's shoulders. He lowered his head and walked into his classroom. Quietly, he sat at his desk, clenching his fists to hide his shame.
Before long, the classroom door opened, and the teacher entered. The chatter instantly died. Without a word, the teacher went straight to the podium and began the lesson.
— The Kingdom of Velmorya was founded a hundred years ago, the great war started by nine brothers together with their father, Valtherion.
A few students paid attention, while the rest listened with bored expressions. The teacher's voice grew heavier.
— This war was a great turning point for humanity. Seventy percent of the population perished in the catastrophe. The kingdom was created to bring peace to the world, and since then, only a few wars have taken place.
Akira listened intently. The teacher continued, his tone pressing down on the class:
— Not much is still known about Valtherion and the nine brothers. But the one certain thing is that all of them possessed extraordinary and terrifying powers.
Whispers spread through the class. Some shifted uneasily with fear, others scoffed and laughed. But in Akira's mind, only one word echoed:
Volgrath…
When the school day ended, Akira wandered through the streets absentmindedly, the teacher's words still spinning in his head.
— The Volgrath brothers… why does no one know much about them?
Just then, three drunken men stumbled into his path. Their eyes were hazy, their steps unsteady, yet they blocked Akira threateningly.
— Hmm? What did you just say?
— Did you say Volgrath?
— Speaking that name here brings misfortune.
Akira flinched, backing away, bowing his head.
— I'm sorry… I won't say it aga—
Before he could finish, the men grabbed him, shoving his back against a wall.
— Let me go! L-let me go!— Akira struggled helplessly.
Then a voice cut through the crowd:
— Leave Akira alone!!!
A boy stood before them, furious. Akira's close friend, Khan.
The men let go of Akira for a moment, turning with mocking laughter toward Khan. The small boy was clearly afraid, yet he refused to move. Their laughter grew crueler as they pushed him around, throwing a few punches.
Akira watched helplessly, but Khan didn't back down.
Eventually, the drunks grew bored and wandered off. Akira and Khan began walking home together. Akira glanced at his friend with worry.
— Khan… why did you do that? Now you've been beaten badly…
Khan pouted, turning his head away with a cocky tone.
— Beaten? Please. I could've crushed them if I wanted, but I went easy. Besides… I saved you.
With a flick of his cloak, he walked proudly ahead.
Akira couldn't help but laugh.
— Yeah, I guess you did save me. You're a great hero.
Khan frowned.
— What's so funny?
When Akira reached his home, he let out a breath of relief.
— Anyway, I'm finally home. See you later.
Khan tossed his cloak back, a small smile on his face.
— See you.
And their paths split.
Inside the house, Akira noticed something unusual in the familiar silence. His eyes drifted toward Mira's room—where he saw her packing a suitcase.
Mira looked up and smiled.
— Ah, Akira… you're back?
Akira hesitated for a moment.
— Where are you going?
Still arranging the items inside her case, Mira answered with a gentle smile.
— I told you before. I'll be leaving for another kingdom for a week.
Akira's expression shifted instantly, his lips trembling.
— R-right… I remember now… but…
Mira walked over, noticing the crack in his voice.
— Don't worry. I've gone before. Come, help me finish packing.
Without a word, Akira helped. His hands moved over the suitcase, but deep down, he wanted to stop her from leaving. However, remained silent. Together, they finished preparing. Finally, Mira headed for the door. Just before stepping out, her eyes lingered on her brother. His face had fallen completely.
Mira took a deep breath, her voice soft.
— Akira, you still have grandmother and grandfather with you. And I'll only be gone for a week. Why such a face?
Akira bit his lip.
— B-but…
Without hesitation, Mira embraced him tightly, holding him in her arms. With a smile, she whispered:
— I love you.
Akira's eyes widened.
— I-I love you too…
They stayed like that for a long while. Akira was stunned; her embrace was tighter than ever before. He could hear the pounding of her heart echoing in his ears.
In a faint voice, he asked:
— I didn't know… you wanted to hug me this much.
Mira rested her head on his shoulder.
— You're not the only one who will miss someone, after all…
At the end of her words, tears slipped down her cheeks. They fell silently, but Akira noticed. Still, he said nothing. Perhaps he understood her wish to appear strong.
Finally, Mira pulled away, hiding her tears as she stood up. Her hands trembled. From her pocket, she took out a small necklace.
— Akira… I'm giving you this necklace. Don't ever lose it.
Akira's eyes widened in shock.
— B-but… that's your favorite necklace…
Mira turned her back to him, heading toward the door without replying. She opened it to a dark, rainy night. Unfolding her umbrella, the sound of raindrops filled the silence.
She turned one last time to look at her brother.
— Akira… never give up. Even if you're scared, even if you're hurt…
Akira nodded before he could even understand.
— O-okay… sis…
Mira looked toward their grandmother.
— Grandma… take care of Akira.
Grandmother nodded silently. Mira stepped out, closing the door behind her. In the rain, her silhouette grew smaller, fading into the darkness. Akira rushed to the window, watching her until she disappeared from sight. Then he climbed into bed, weighed down by a heavy ache he couldn't explain.
The next morning, he quickly ate the breakfast his grandmother had prepared. His grandfather was still asleep. The heaviness from the night before lingered, but he didn't dwell on it. He got dressed and left the house.
— This time I need to leave a little earlier.
On the road to the capital, twenty minutes later, he noticed black smoke rising in the distance. His eyes widened. A house was on fire. Steam rose into the sky as fire soldiers desperately tried to bring the flames under control. The area was surrounded, no one allowed near.
Akira's heartbeat quickened.
— Is someone… still inside?..
He watched for a while. His curiosity and worry mixed together. He couldn't stand it anymore. Scanning his surroundings, he climbed onto the rooftops across from the burning house. From there, slipping past the soldiers' eyes, he entered the blazing building.
Inside, the air was hot, thick with smoke that blinded sight. Akira covered his mouth with his arm, his throat burning. He descended the stairs to the bottom floor. The first thing that caught his eyes was a sign: "Ramen Shop."
His steps grew heavier. Then he froze. On the ground lay a covered body. Trembling, he approached, his cold hands hesitating as he lifted the cloth.
His eyes widened. Parts of the corpse were burned, unrecognizable. A deep, long gash carved across the back, still bleeding. The sight made his stomach churn; he nearly vomited, but forced it down.
Just as he turned to pull away, he noticed something. Around the corpse's neck hung a necklace. Small, simple… yet familiar. Identical to the one around his own neck.
Akira's heart thundered, ready to burst. His trembling hands reached forward, his eyes filling with tears.
Slowly, he turned the body over.
And froze.
— T… th-this… is you?..
The words slipped out as a broken whisper, thin and fragile. His mind refused, but his eyes screamed the truth. Lying before him… was Mira.
When his fingers brushed her hair, reality crashed down with its full weight. Time itself seemed to halt. Scenes flashed before his eyes: their laughter at breakfast, games in the garden, her advice, her embraces… One by one, they replayed—and shattered.
Akira collapsed to his knees. Tears streamed down his face. He clutched his sister's hands tightly.
— S-sis… w-why?..
His voice was hoarse, his words trembling. A scream built in his chest.
— Sis! Please… please wake up! Get up! I'm begging you!
His desperation was so raw, it was as if his soul itself was breaking. He embraced her lifeless body, refusing to let go. His face drenched in tears, his breath ragged, his words collapsing into sobs.
— Sis… I'm… I'm here… I won't leave you… please… wake up…
The world fell completely silent. Inside, only emptiness, an indescribable pain. Each beat of his heart cut him deeper.
Soldiers heard his cries. They rushed inside. They tried to pull Akira from his sister's body, but he resisted with all his might.
— Let go! Let go! Don't touch her! Don't take her from me!
But his hands were weak. Helpless. The soldiers lifted Mira's lifeless body, carrying her away, while Akira's tears poured without end. His arms reached out, his voice broken.
And at that moment, for Akira, the world lost all its colors. Nothing remained but a pitch-black void.