Darkness. Nothing but an endless void.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJYmhG6j2m
Kumuna felt weightless, floating in the empty abyss. No sound, no sensation—just silence stretching infinitely in every direction.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0DYRooECL
Was he dreaming? Was he dead?
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSBJTDphsG
He wasn’t sure.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BpqjNLcS6
Then—
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCn3wDD5Km
A soft chime echoed around him.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGmyFVRPJI
A solid floor materialized beneath his feet, stabilizing him, while a blue light pulsed around the floating platform.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64RLmNQlzo
He turned his head, eyes widening as a glowing blue screen flickered into existence before him.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF657YAflC
⸻
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtf31Gvyloh
PLAYER: KUMUNA ROLIN
LEVEL: 1
RACE: HUMAN
CLASS: UNASSIGNED
CHARACTER LOADING…
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMUUi2yMbB
⸻
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQlW6dW65h
Kumuna blinked at the floating text. “Okay… this is weird.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDj3PrO0lZ
He reached out, attempting to touch the glowing screen, but his fingers passed through it like mist.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLYcYOlH2f
He arched a brow. “Huh. Well, shit…”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAQuaDcHWP
Then—
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLzCr6nG5v
A sudden pull.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOm9osYqqq
His stomach flipped as gravity reasserted itself, yanking him downward. The void around him twisted, colors blending together in a chaotic swirl before—
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXqsMQ7hpw
Light.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9A3WCUxNJT
Blinding, golden light.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGiv15BbD4
⸻
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Au5ZG6ZZa
The Throne Room of the Gilded Empire
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxWUeLkEQp
Kumuna crashed onto a polished marble floor with an audible thud.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSiPGC8Izv
“Ow—damn!” He groaned, rubbing the back of his head. “Could’ve given a guy a warning first… stupid screen.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTnn7UnpDB
As he sat up, his vision sharpened, revealing his surroundings—massive golden pillars stretching toward a domed ceiling, elaborate banners of gold and deep crimson draped across the walls, and a polished floor that gleamed beneath him. The scent of burning incense and metal filled the air, creating an atmosphere of both grandeur and intimidation.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ4KvCuZJz
And seated before him, on an enormous golden throne, was a king.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3XoSzASv9
His presence was overwhelming. A ruler in every sense of the word. His golden cape draped over his powerful shoulders, his piercing brown eyes regarding Kumuna with careful calculation. His neatly trimmed beard, his dark weathered skin, and the sheer authority radiating from him made it clear—this was King Rhaegor Lysandor, ruler of the Gilded Empire.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39YwFtlv8B
Beside him stood a young man in fine royal attire—his son, no doubt—with a sharp, composed expression.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81heBN8jTk
And surrounding them—
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkugKkSNGjS
Ten warriors.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6jnea76dB
They stood in a semi-circle around the throne, each exuding sheer strength and power, clad in elaborate battle-worn armor, their weapons resting at their sides.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfYwO0kWUu
A mix of expressions met Kumuna’s arrival—some intrigued, others indifferent.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdPaqJlSvd
“Well now,” Kumuna muttered, pushing himself up. “Ain’t this fancy.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZv28tykjYW
The warriors stiffened at his casual attitude.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedeUzXUw3v
Then—
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5J28J28Ip
A scoff.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j4M0cpWZb
A burly man, arms crossed, his jaw clenched with visible disdain. “This… child is supposed to be our hero?” His voice was deep, dripping with disbelief and irritation. “Surely, the gods have made a mistake.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodr3ar9Th0
Kumuna glanced at the man—a walking fortress of muscle, clad in heavily plated armor with deep scars running along his arms. His eyes burned with clear disapproval.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqAMwPe0IX
However, Kumuna remained unfazed. He stood to his feet, dusted himself off, stretched, and smirked.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfss0mC6XXu
“Damn, dude. A little rude for someone you just met.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxjbw17sfc
A few of the warlords chuckled, but the displeased one wasn’t amused. He took a step forward, sneering.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpan91X2wd
“A mere boy cannot possibly be the savior of this world. We have spent lifetimes honing our skills, leading armies, and protecting this land. Why should we entrust our fate to someone so… insignificant?”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPelemSP2h
Kumuna tilted his head. “Damn, dude. We just met. Why are you hating on me this early?”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz429wGD4X2
The man’s glare hardened, seemingly ready to argue further, but before he could, a stern commanding voice cut through the air.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtTvdi3zjV
“Kai’Zen,” the king’s voice echoed through the throne room, calm yet laced with authority. “Enough.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxlp1kELL4
Kai’Zen clenched his fists, still glaring at Kumuna. After a tense moment, he exhaled sharply, turning toward the king.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXVqh5SsZM
With reluctant obedience, he bowed. “Apologies, Your Majesty,” he said, though his tone was anything but sincere. He then turned sharply, storming out of the throne room, but not before giving Kumuna one last glare.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccAVAyGcDI
Kumuna watched him go, lips pursed. “That dude’s got issues.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h7Q6o6Hwi
A few of the warriors chuckled again, but others remained indifferent.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5VHYr3GQ2
The king finally chuckled softly, stepping forward, placing a firm hand on Kumuna’s shoulder.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQ58qdptpl
“You must forgive Kai’Zen,” Rhaegor said. “He is a warrior of great pride—one who has fought in countless battles. He sees strength as something earned, not given.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JgnP5kI19
Kumuna shrugged. “It’s okay, I’ve dealt with a few people like him before… a lot, actually.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJojU63Pjv
The king laughed heartily. “Well, you can expect a lot more from him.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrqijUwSNb
He then gestured to himself and his son. “Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am King Rhaegor Lysandor, ruler of the Gilded Empire. And this—” he gestured to the young man beside him, “is my son, Prince Verric Lysandor.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7mtRAwusE
The prince gave a slight nod, his expression reserved. “An honor to meet you, Hero.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Sn0KPUB3e
Kumuna grinned. “Nice to meet ya too, Prince V.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl5PqGixyg
The prince raised a brow at the nickname but chose not to comment.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrf3oeXslLU
King Rhaegor continued, taking a step forward, his deep voice carrying throughout the grand throne room. “These warriors before you are the Ten Heavenly Warlords—the strongest warriors in the Gilded Empire. They are my most trusted champions, masters of war, and now, your mentors. They will train you, shape you, and if necessary, break you so that you may become the warrior the gods intended you to be.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25xLDxBUeY
Kumuna’s eyes scanned the group. Each of them carried an aura of sheer power, their presences nearly suffocating. Some looked amused, others indifferent, and a few downright unimpressed.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQDci02Fv5
One by one, they stepped forward.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fJiYmVgaB
The first to step forward was a tall, lean half-elf woman with flowing silver hair and piercing emerald eyes. She moved with an effortless grace, and the way she carried her rapier, resting elegantly at her hip, told him she was used to ending fights in a single stroke.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQImFiWSm9d
She looked him over, not with disdain, but with an appraising gaze.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUS25bAj65
“I am Seraphis, The Silver Tempest. Half-elf, strategist, and master duelist,” she said smoothly, her voice carrying the weight of authority. “I specialize in speed and precision combat. If you lack discipline, you will be useless to me. But if you prove yourself, I will make sure you wield your blade with purpose.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NXr9kwBMK
Kumuna smirked. “Precision, huh? Not gonna lie, I’ve never been great at being ‘graceful.’ But hey, if you’re willing to teach, I’ll learn.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfP985TppK
Seraphis didn’t smile, but something in her expression softened slightly before she stepped back into line.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BbNxguVcc
Next, a short, stocky dwarf stomped forward. His burly frame was wrapped in heavy armor, and his thick beard was woven into tight braids. A large tower shield rested against the ground beside him, nearly as tall as he was.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qzksY1BTO
“Garran, The Unbroken Shield. Dwarf, defense specialist, and master of endurance,” he rumbled, his voice deep and steady. “You got strength in those legs, lad? No? Well, you better find it, ‘cause I’ll have you carrying weight till your bones scream. A warrior without endurance is a corpse waiting to happen.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchIwsMrOlg
Kumuna rubbed his chin, nodding. “Endurance, huh? I dunno, man, I’m pretty fast, but I’d rather not carry my own coffin before the fight even starts.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhNeR8KHL2
Garran let out a loud laugh. “Ha! You’re quick-witted, I’ll give you that. But speed means nothing if you can’t take a hit. I’ll make sure you can stand your ground.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppusl35OgW
Next to step forward was a beastling, his body lean and toned with sharp, wolf-like features. His golden eyes flickered with animalistic intensity, and the curved twin blades strapped to his back looked deadly sharp.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthxwLYvC9V
“I’m Orwin, The Fangs of War. Beastling, hunter, assassin.” His voice was smooth, yet carried a dangerous edge. “You might’ve been chosen, but if you can’t hunt, if you can’t track, you’ll die before you even reach the battlefield. Survive my training, and we’ll talk.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjqyS8ZPi2
Kumuna gave a casual thumbs-up. “Survive, huh? That sounds like a challenge.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2uEsHDSMP
Orwin grinned, revealing sharp canines. “It is.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVseU1nXCbN
A hooded figure emerged next—cloaked in shadows, her movements eerily silent. Even standing still, she gave the impression of someone who could disappear at a moment’s notice.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasXGRpXNj8
“I am Veska, The Phantom Dancer. Human. Rogue. Assassin.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried across the room with a ghostly presence. “Weakness is unforgivable. In battle, hesitation is death. You either strike first, or you die first.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5tQJPScO2
Kumuna raised an eyebrow. “And if I don’t want to be an assassin?”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyR5cKEMaS
Veska tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable beneath her mask. “Then you will still learn. Knowing how to kill ensures you know how to survive.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaadecYCZ8r
“…Okay, fair point,” he admitted.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00eGAduNuv
A towering mountain of a man stepped forward next, arms crossed over his broad chest. His fiery red and blonde hair, along with his thick beard, made him look as if he had stepped straight out of a war saga. He rested a massive warhammer against his shoulder, his muscles flexing beneath his armor.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG5U4PDdGU
“Torvas, The Crimson Thunder. Human. Berserker. Wrecker of battlefields.” His voice boomed like rolling thunder. “I don’t do delicate. I don’t do careful. I break things—armor, bones, and men. If you can’t keep up, I’ll leave you in the dust. But if you survive my training? You’ll hit like a war god.” He smirked, tilting his hammer slightly toward Kumuna. “Let’s see if you got the guts, little hero.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGGEOAFRso
Kumuna gave him a challenging grin. “I mean, I’d rather not get crushed on my first day, but if breaking things is part of the job, sign me up.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAK4eRpKOc
A sharp contrast to Torvas, the next warrior was a lean, wiry man with flame-like tattoos covering his arms. His black hair was streaked with red, and a massive greatsword rested on his back, flickering with embers.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSBXTDdxFC
“Rivis, The Blazing Storm. Human. Fire wielder. Battlefield sweeper.” His crimson eyes burned with excitement as he twirled a flicker of fire between his fingers. “I like battles. The heat. The chaos. The thrill of watching weaklings crumble.” His smirk widened, flashing sharp teeth. “Don’t bore me, kid. If you do, I might just turn up the heat.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw40FVAKsye
Kumuna chuckled. “I don’t plan on being anyone’s kindling, but you do have a cool entrance, I’ll give you that.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFAML0K4uI
Next was a woman—cool, calculated, and utterly unshaken. Her icy blue gaze pierced through Kumuna as if she could see straight into his soul. Her black and silver hair was braided down her back, and a frost-covered halberd rested at her side.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOnuL523WE
“Mira, The Frost Valkyrie. Human. Ice wielder. War tactician.” Her voice was crisp, emotionless. “Strength means nothing without control. Power without discipline leads to ruin. If you wish to be a warrior, you will learn precision, patience, and restraint. If you do not—” her cold eyes narrowed, “—you will break.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YTJKMivqK
Kumuna exhaled, nodding. “You sound a little scary, not gonna lie.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvziexIuVVh
Mira blinked. “Good.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPHztRTbLI
Kumuna wasn’t sure if she was joking.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr0ncyWMso
A hulking figure stepped forward, towering even over Torvas. His massive frame was covered in heavy armor, thick plates layered over muscle upon muscle. He carried a battle axe that looked like it could cleave through mountains. Unlike the others, he did not speak immediately.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14fXYaRs2e
Kumuna blinked. “And you are…?”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8CovFYHFK
The man let out a low grunt.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy654jDIDbu
“Darius, The Iron Juggernaut. Half-orc.” His voice was deep and gravelly, few words wasted. “I crush.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVNUl6sk5D
“…That’s it?”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJm8yS73dl
Darius stared at him. “That’s all that matters.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K2VGxZhLj
Kumuna nodded slowly. “Alright, man, I respect the simplicity.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia7SVaRB3q
The last warlord, dressed in a blend of armor and mage robes, stepped forward with a smirk. He carried twin curved blades, each glowing faintly with infused magic. His sharp violet eyes studied Kumuna with amusement.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z3wO9Ni5m
“Well, well,” he mused. “Our ‘Hero’ doesn’t look like much.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSShUeMbcq
Kumuna sighed. “Man, you guys gotta stop saying that.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LuLFsKg4U
Ronan chuckled. “Ronan, The Arcane Gladiator. Human. Spellblade. Master of the arcane arts.” He flourished one of his swords, the runes glowing brighter. “You’re cocky. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—confidence fuels progress. But make sure it’s backed up with skill, or you’ll be nothing but an overconfident corpse.” He sheathed his blades, tilting his head. “Try not to die too quickly, yeah?”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDgKsUJTft
Kumuna shrugged. “I’ll try my best. Can’t make any promises.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMm3jGK42N
The warlords exchanged glances before stepping back, their introductions complete.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdOMEOsSXB
King Rhaegor spoke once more. “Your training begins tomorrow.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFhXWJD3dj
Kumuna stretched. “Alright. Sounds fun.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOfjGCBs3s
Prince Verric raised a brow. “You don’t seem very… concerned.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3xYrYR4ag
Kumuna shrugged. “Why worry? This is exciting. I get magic, badass teachers, and a whole kingdom backing me up? What’s not to like?”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl51xAmri3s
Kai’Zen scoffed. “Arrogant brat.” He mumbled in the corner of the room.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtueZhwa8L
Kumuna smirked at him. “I heard that You’ll warm up to me eventually.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73V29LLzlF
Kai’Zen rolled his eyes and left the room, for real this time.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPVCEiJqi5
Kumuna chuckled to himself “Very uptight”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNig0vvGlw
“You’ll get used to it,” Orwin spoke patting Kumana on the shoulder.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhThVJHTGQx
“If you say so…” Kumuna sighed.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvga2nIMsz
A Moment of Reflection
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUNE5gBFOj
Later, Kumuna was escorted to his chambers—massive, luxurious, far too fancy for his taste. A king-sized bed, velvet curtains, a balcony overlooking the city—it was wealth beyond anything he had ever seen.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4pEMhL40G
He flopped onto the bed, stretching his arms behind his head.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIF4OZQMlLy
“Man… this is crazy.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0WkLyG2Px
But despite his confidence, his thoughts drifted.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaxp62xlaX
Kaida, Tsubaki, Mishell.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2M55D8bMg
Where were they?
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ4u8fX7fP
Were they safe?
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EsRoSqbVg
His grin faded slightly, his expression thoughtful. He exhaled slowly, staring up at the ceiling. He couldn’t worry too much just yet—he had no answers, and panicking wouldn’t help.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglbeydDFz6
Still…
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFMjGlF2qk
“Hope you guys are out there,” he muttered.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSuGU3bQBs
As he lay there, exhaustion finally crept in.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfabMbl4R0y
His eyelids grew heavy.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPktRgs8ca
And soon—
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIF3fyCcN0w
Sleep took him.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfitcc6Uzu
Tomorrow, his journey would begin.
然後按「加至主畫面」