The name Yathra has echoed through the annals of history, a symbol of life's greatest truth-journey. The ancestors of this world believed that existence itself was a voyage where knowledge and experience were the greatest treasures one could earn.
But this journey took a dark turn a thousand years ago when the skies of Yathra darkened with the arrival of Agragar, the Demon Lord. Agragar's goal was not conquest alone but the acquisition of Yathra's mysterious, untapped power-a force that could render him invincible.
Until Agragar's arrived, Yathra had been a sanctuary of peace. Humanity lived harmoniously with nature, unarmed and unsuspecting of the horror that was about to descend. The demon armies tore through the lands like a storm, plunging the world into chaos. The human resistance was feeble, and the demons were on the cusp of victory.
Just as hope dimmed, the tides turned. A group of enigmatic sorcerers appeared like lightning piercing through a storm, wielding a mysterious force called Aki. These sorcerers were unlike anything humanity had ever seen, their powers blazing with unmatched intensity.
The leader of the sorcerers clashed directly with Agragar in a battle so fierce that the earth beneath them cracked, and the skies burned with their fury. Though Agragar was powerful, he was not invincible. The sorcerers dealt him a grievous blow, defeated him with his army.
In the aftermath, these sorcerers shared their knowledge of Aki with humanity, teaching them how to harness this energy to transform it into elemental magic. Aki became the cornerstone of humanity's resistance against the demons. But only a quarter of the population possessed the capacity to wield Aki. The rest, including our protagonist, Azad, were left powerless.
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Present Day - The Four Kingdoms
Yathra now stands divided into four nations: Sparta, Athena, Britannia, and Boyas. The bustling capital of Sparta, Laconis City, is home to Azad-a young man who dreams of a better life in a world where he is considered ordinary.
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Location: Laconis City
Time: 6:00 A.M.
The sun was just beginning to rise over Laconis City, painting the horizon in hues of gold and crimson. Inside a modest home, Azad groaned as his alarm clock blared incessantly. With a lazy swipe, he silenced it and sat up, yawning.
Dragging himself into the bathroom, he splashed cold water on his face, trying to shake off his drowsiness. Suddenly, a loud BANG BANG BANG reverberated through the house as someone pounded on the bathroom door.
"MASAFU!" Azad roared, his voice echoing. "I know it's you, you idiot! Stop banging the door!"
From the other side of the door came the unmistakable sound of laughter. Masafu, Azad's best friend, cackled. "You're taking forever! We're going to be late for college on our first day, we are now second year students, do you know that?"
"Pch... I know that Masafu...Just wait a minute!" Azad snapped, clenching his fists.
But Masafu wasn't done yet. He banged on the door again, harder this time, before dashing away, leaving Azad fuming. "MASAFU, YOU MORON!"
Downstairs, the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast filled the air. Kendra, Masafu's mother, called out, "Boys, hurry up! Breakfast is ready, and if you went late to college on the first day, your professor won't let you into class!"
Masafu was already at the table, shoveling food into his mouth with one hand while flipping through TV channels with the other. Azad stormed into the kitchen moments later, his face a mixture of irritation and exhaustion.
"Aunt Kendra," he grumbled, pointing an accusatory finger at Masafu, "he's been annoying me all morning!"
Masafu feigned innocence, flashing a grin. "Mom, don't listen to him. I didn't do anything."
Kendra sighed, shaking her head. "Enough, both of you are now 19 years old, don't act like a children's. Sit down, eat, and get going. You're running out of time."
Azad sat down, his gaze drifting to the television. Suddenly, the screen flashed with breaking news.
"This is just in: Grade 2 demons have launched an attack in Laconis City! Civilians are urged to evacuate immediately as authorities and sorcerers respond to the threat."
The images on the screen were harrowing-buildings reduced to rubble, flames consuming everything in sight, and demons wreaking havoc in the streets.
Masafu's eyes burned with determination as he stood abruptly. "I'm going."
Azad shot up, blocking his path. "Are you insane? Those are Grade 2 demons! You're only a Grade 3 sorcerer! You still didn't learn your powers Masafu. You'll get yourself killed!"
Masafu's fists clenched. "Don't underestimate me, Azad! I'm tired of being stuck at this level. If I don't push my limits, I'll never grow stronger. My dream is to become the strongest sorcerer in the world, and I won't let anyone stop me!"
Before Azad could react, Masafu shoved past him and sprinted out the door. "Masafu, wait!" Azad yelled, but his words fell on deaf ears.
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On the Streets of Laconis City
Azad wandered the streets, his mind clouded with worry. The distant sounds of battle echoed through the air, a reminder of the chaos unfolding.
"Azad! Hey, Azad!"
A familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts. He turned to see Hinata, her face lit up with a cheerful smile as she ran toward him.
"Good morning, Azad!" she greeted Azad, slightly breathless.
"Morning, Hinata," he replied, forcing a small smile.
Hinata tilted her head, her brow furrowing. "Huh... Where's Masafu? Did he go to college without you?"
Azad sighed heavily. "Pch... No, he ran off to the demon attack site."
Hinata's eyes widened in shock. "What?! Is he crazy? He's only a Grade 3 sorcerer! How does he plan to take on Grade 2 demons?"
"I told him the same thing," Azad said, his frustration evident. "But he wouldn't listen. He pushed me away and left."
Hinata placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Azad. The Red Dragon Guild is already on the scene. They'll handle it."
Azad nodded, though his worry for Masafu lingered.
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Location - Laconis City (Demons' Attacking Zone)
The once-bustling streets of Laconis City had descended into chaos. Smoke billowed from the crumbled ruins of buildings, while distant cries echoed like a mournful symphony. The air carried a heavy, unsettling aura as if despair itself clung to the atmosphere.
Amid the devastation, a man stumbled out from behind a fallen structure, his voice trembling as he cried, "Help! Someone, please help! My family is trapped under the rubble!"
Before his voice could reach anyone's ears, a shadow loomed over him. A towering demon emerged, its monstrous frame radiating menace. The man froze in place, his legs giving out as the demon reached for him.
The man's whispers of desperation filled the tense air. "Please... someone..."
A sudden blaze of light sliced through the scene. The demon recoiled in a screech, its hand severed in a clean, precise strike. Standing amidst the smoke and debris was Leon, a second-grade sorcerer, his double axe glowing faintly with fiery energy.
Leon smirked as he addressed the demon. "You're uglier up close than I imagined."
The demon snarled and lunged at him with its sharp claws. Leon easily sidestepped the attack, his confidence unshaken. "Whoa, slow down, ugly. You're not exactly making a good first impression."
Channeling his Aki energy, Leon's axe flared to life. "Power of Fire, Flame Edge Slash!" he roared, swinging the weapon in a fiery arc and cut off the demon's torso. The demon crumbled as the blow landed, dissipating into ashes.
Leon turned toward the man, his tone commanding. "Get moving. Find somewhere safe!"
The man hesitated, pointing toward the collapsed buildings. "But... my family..."
Leon's expression softened briefly before hardening again. "I'll handle it. Now go!"
The man stumbled away as another voice interrupted. "Still showing off, Leon?"
Freya, a skilled sorcerer with a bow strapped across her back, landed gracefully beside him. Her sharp eyes scanned the battlefield. "Now you started to show off in front of survivors ? That's a new low."
Leon scoffed. "Says the queen of dramatics."
Freya's playful tone faded. "Leon, some of the demons have grown stronger-they must have consumed humans and gain energy from it. This could get messy."
Leon nodded. "How many sorcerers do we have on the ground?"
Before Freya could answer, a squad of Red Dragon Guild sorcerers arrived, their synchronized landing sending ripples through the ground.
Freya smirked. "Enough to make them run."
Leon's grin widened. "Then let's have fun."
---
The Battle Commences
Leon dashed toward a colossal demon, chanting as he leapt into the air. "Power of Fire, Flame Edge Slash!" His axe ignited, the fiery blade cleaving through the demon's thick hide. The beast collapsed with a thunderous crash as Leon landed gracefully amidst the chaos.
Meanwhile, Freya raised her bow, her focus unwavering. "Red Dragon Scale, Twin Meteors, Red Flame Arrow!" she chanted, releasing a blazing arrow. The projectile streaked through the air, striking one demon before piercing through another behind it in a fiery explosion.
The battlefield erupted into a cacophony of shouts, spells, and clashes as the Red Dragon Guild's sorcerers unleashed their full might. One by one, the demons fell, their overwhelming presence diminishing under the onslaught.
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Masafu's Arrival
Far from the frontlines, Masafu reached the scene, only to find it nearly over. The demons had been defeated, the ruins quiet except for the sounds of survivors being rescued.
Masafu's fists clenched as frustration surged within him. "Why... why am I always too late?!"he muttered, his voice trembling with anger. Tears welled in his eyes as he turned away, the sting of failure driving him to run.
"This was supposed to be my moment... Next time, I'll prove my worth. I'll show them all."
---
Location - Red Dragon Guild Headquarters
At the Red Dragon Guild's formidable base, Leon and Freya stood before their leader, Kaguya, a figure of immense stature and calm authority.
Leon's voice was steady but urgent. "Master, we've noticed an alarming increase in demon activity. It's as if they're working toward something. If we don't act now, the consequences could be severe."
Kaguya's sharp gaze studied him. "Are you afraid, Leon?"
Leon straightened. "Never, sir. The Red Dragon Guild doesn't tolerate fear."
Kaguya's lips curled into a faint smile. "Good. Something stirs in the shadows, and it's only a matter of time before it reveals itself. Stay vigilant. I believe that soon, a protector will emerge-someone destined to shield humanity from the darkness."
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Location - Laconis City College
In a quiet classroom, Azad sat by the window, his gaze fixed on the swirling clouds outside. The wind howled, carrying with it a sense of unease. For a brief moment, Azad felt the prickling sensation of being watched.
The narrator's voice echoed: "Azad, the one with no power, has a destiny greater than he could ever imagine. Watch as his journey begins and the world of Yathra changes forever."
Chapter 1 - TO BE CONTINUED....