Two swords clashed, creating a sharp and ringing sound.
After clashing several times, the swords finally grew silent. This was because the two swordsmen halted their fight to catch their breath.
Once they had finished catching their breath, they resumed their battle. Both of them had sustained slash wounds on their respective bodies.
Neither man was willing to give in, and they continued to swing their blades.
The wounds they received were not deep, but they were quite numerous. Their bodies were now covered in a fair amount of scratches and bruises.
Slash after slash occurred, creating a piercing noise.
The arena where they fought was already quite damaged.
At one point, the red-haired man suddenly swung his sword from bottom to top, catching his opponent off guard.
Thanks to that attack, his opponent's sword was knocked out of his grip.
The attack was followed by the man kicking his opponent's leg, causing him to fall to the ground. The man then pointed his sword at his opponent's face.
I win, buddy, the man said.
Hearing that, his opponent let out a sigh.
Ah.... I lost again this time, huh... I thought I had developed rapidly, but it turns out you have developed much faster than me. I now agree with the nickname 'monster' that people give you.
Oh, come on. Don't be discouraged. You've grown stronger too, the man said as he sheathed his sword and offered a hand to help him up.
His opponent shook his hand and stood up from his sitting position.
Huh, I wonder how you could grow strong that quickly.
That question applies to you too.
The two men were Ash and Leiton. They were both knights who had just reached two rings at the age of 16.
---
A ring is a vessel that exists within the bodies of all living creatures. Whether they are humans, animals, or monsters, they all possess them.
Rings are divided into 7 levels, which include:
The first ring—a stage where someone just begins to learn magic and fighting techniques. Usually, humans can only reach this stage at age 12 because that is when a normal human body can accommodate a ring.
The second ring—the stage where they possess power equivalent to an ordinary knight. At this stage, they can use basic magic or techniques with ease. Generally, they can only enter this stage at age 18.
The third ring—the stage where they match the power of a knight order general. At this stage, they can use their power more efficiently and more destructively.
The fourth ring—the stage where a knight can be called a Swordmaster and a mage can be called an archmage. A stage where they have begun to enter the realm of transcendence.
The fifth ring—the stage where they have power equivalent to a dragon. The power of a single individual at this level can destroy a mountain.
The sixth ring—the stage where they have power equivalent to an ancient dragon. At this stage, they can already be called 'non-human.' In history, there have only been 3 humans who could reach this stage.
And the seventh ring—the stage where they deserve to be called 'gods.' The power of such an individual can destroy a planet. However, in known historical records, no one has ever succeeded in reaching this stage.
This is an era where many humans have entered the fourth ring stage—the realm of transcendence.
This is an age worthy of being called the Transcendent Era. The golden age of humanity.
--- Transcendent Era ---
The era where many powerful humans are scattered everywhere.
---
As Ash and Leiton were sitting while drinking, Leiton spoke up.
Hey, Ash.
Yeah, what is it?
What do you think the future of this world will be like? Leiton asked Ash.
Huh? Why are you suddenly asking that?
Just answer my question first.
Hm.... The future, huh... I think in the future, a fourth figure with a sixth ring will appear. At that time, I feel a very large upheaval will occur.
Why do you think so?
It's simple. From all historical records, every time an individual with six rings appears, it is always accompanied by great turmoil. Even in history, when the first sixth ring appeared, the world was on the brink of destruction. But thanks to their efforts, the world was saved from ruin, and that figure was called the first hero—the one who opened humanity's eyes to the immense power and potential they possessed.
Hearing that, Leiton smiled.
So it's a prediction based on history, not just a random guess without a clear source. But Ash, in your opinion, if you ignore history, what will happen in the future? I mean, try to predict the future this time without analyzing history. Purely just a guess.
Hm.... In my opinion.... This world... Will be destroyed? Wait, why did I think of that? Ugh... My head... Ash said as he started clutching his head with his hands.
Seeing that, Leiton stared in silence. After a few moments, Leiton opened his mouth.
It seems what 'that person' said is true, Leiton said.
Ash, who was still clutching his head, could not hear the strange words uttered by Leiton.
But ignoring all of Ash's groans, Leiton continued his words. Something whose meaning became increasingly incomprehensible.
It seems it is indeed time. I already suspected 'that person's' prediction wouldn't be wrong, but I still hoped this time it would miss the mark.
Leiton let out a long sigh. After doing so, Leiton stood up from his seat and stood right in front of Ash.
Leiton looked down at Ash, who was groaning while holding his head.
Leiton said something that could not be heard by anyone. After saying that, Leiton plunged his sword into Ash's chest.
Ash, who felt his head was slightly better before, was suddenly shocked by the stab.
Ash lifted his head, and there he saw Leiton with an expression of resignation.
Why... Leiton...? Ash said, his body already losing its strength.
I'm sorry, but I can't tell you the reason.
After saying that, Leiton forcefully pulled out his sword, causing Ash to feel an extraordinary amount of pain.
The next second, Ash fell and lay sprawled on the floor. At that moment, it was certain that Ash was dead.
Seeing that, Leiton sheathed his sword once again.
---
Ash was currently lying in a black space without being able to open his eyes.
'Why, Leiton? What did I do wrong? Why did you stab me? Damn it! If only I knew he would kill me, I would have fought him and not let him kill me this easily! I want to pay him back....!' Ash said, his voice and consciousness fading away.
But in the next moment, Ash could suddenly open his eyes, and what he saw first were two faces of people he did not recognize. They were a woman and a man.
The woman had a disheveled face with white hair and looked to be in her late 20s, but even so, it did not take away from her beauty.
Meanwhile, the man had white hair, golden eyes, and a very handsome face. The man's face was filled with happiness.
Honey! You did it! This is our first child! And it looks like this baby is very healthy!
Hearing those words, I was shocked. No, not just shocked, but utterly stunned.