Samay's eyes fluttered open, his vision blurred at first before slowly sharpening. The ceiling above him was unfamiliar—smooth, white, and adorned with intricate carvings. He turned his head slightly, wincing at the dull ache pulsing through his body. The room was warm, lit by the soft glow of lanterns, their light flickering against the wooden walls.
Photos and strange decorations lined the shelves—strange symbols, masks, and weapons mounted like trophies. His gaze lingered on one particular photograph: a gray-hooded figure standing beside a masked individual, their faces obscured, their postures rigid, as if frozen in a moment of silent understanding.
A sharp pain shot through his ribs as he tried to sit up, forcing him back onto the white bed. He looked down at himself—his body was wrapped in thick bandages, stained faintly with dried blood. His arms trembled as he lifted them, his muscles weak, his skin pale.
What happened to me?
A glint of metal caught his eye. Beside the bed, resting atop a small wooden table, was an Academy member token—its silver surface engraved with runes he didn't recognize.
An Academy member token ?
A voice cut through the silence, smooth yet edged with amusement.
"What are you looking at? It's an Academy member token."
Samay turned his head sharply, his breath hitching as his eyes settled on the gray-hooded figure from the photograph. The man stood near the doorway, arms crossed, his face still hidden beneath the shadows of his hood. Only his lips were visible, curled into a faint smirk.
"Where… where am I?" Samay croaked, his throat dry.
"My house,"the man replied simply.
"Why did you bring me here?"
The hooded figure tilted his head. "Because you agreed to become my disciple."
Memories rushed back—the attack, the fire, the screams. His village. His father.
"Where is my father?"Samay demanded, his voice breaking. Tears welled in his eyes, blurring his vision once more.
The man's smirk faded. "I don't know. I searched everywhere. Couldn't find him."A pause. "He's either dead… or eaten by the demonic beasts."
The words struck like a blade. Samay's chest tightened, his breath coming in ragged gasps as the weight of the truth crushed him. His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms.
"What… what happened to my village?" he whispered.
The man sighed. "Your village was saved… kinda."
"Kinda? What does that mean?"
"Most of the people died. The demonic beasts slaughtered them before the knights arrived."
Samay's blood ran cold. "The knights… they came?"
The hooded figure let out a dark chuckle. "Oh, they came. But not to save anyone. They knew the beasts would attack. They waited by the river, hoping to capture them alive—sell them for profit. In this world, people only care about money and power. Even me. I saved you because you agreed to be my disciple. Nothing more."
Samay's jaw tightened. "Then what happened to the knights?"
"Arrested. The noble who sent them couldn't risk the royal family finding out, so he threw them to the wolves. Some knights tried to help when they heard, but it was too late."
"And the survivors?"
"Taken in by the kingdom. Given shelter, money. Some are alive. But you, Samay…"The man leaned forward slightly. "You're different."
Samay swallowed hard. "What do you want from me?"
"You're going to become my disciple."
"And if I refuse?"
The man's voice turned icy. "Then you die."
A long silence stretched between them. Finally, Samay spoke again. "Why me?"
The hooded figure straightened. "Because you're special. Your aura awakened on its own—no potions, no training. Most don't awaken until they're fifteen. You're twelve."He pulled back his hood, revealing sharp, calculating eyes. "My name is Dax. I'm an aura user."
Samay frowned. "I've never heard of aura."
Dax smirked. "Of course you haven't. You lived in a village. Listen carefully, because this will change your life." He crossed the room, his boots clicking against the wooden floor.
"In this world, two energies exist—Qa and Aura. Qa is like oxygen, mixed into the air, produced by nature. With it, you can conjure fire, wind, water—unleash devastating attacks. But awakening Qa is rare. Only the talented can wield it."
Samay's eyes widened slightly.
"Aura," Dax continued, "is even rarer. In this entire kingdom, only ten to fifteen people can use it. It's weaker than Qa in raw power, but its applications are unique."He raised a hand, and a faint silver glow emanated from his fingertips. "Sharpen a blade. Strengthen armor. Enhance speed. Heal wounds. See farther. It's versatile."
"Then why is it weaker?"Samay asked.
"Because a Tier 1 Qa user can crush a Tier 3 aura user in direct combat. Qa users have more energy, more destructive force. Aura is subtle. But in the right hands…" Dax's eyes gleamed. "It's deadly."
Samay clenched his fists again. "And normal people? Those who can't use either?"
Dax's expression darkened. "They're slaves in all but name. Farmers, laborers, disposable. If they die, no one cares."
Samay's heart pounded. "That's why you want me to become strong? To save them?"
Dax chuckled. "Yes. I want you to become strong so you can take revenge. For your village. For your father and to save them. And so you can slaughter the demons that took everything from you."
The words hung in the air, heavy with promise.
"Now,"Dax said, turning toward the door. "Rest. You'll need your strength."
As the door clicked shut, Samay stared at the ceiling, his mind racing.
Rest? How can I rest when everything is gone?
The fire of vengeance burned in his chest.
I will become stronger. I will make them pay.
The Training Begins
Days passed. Samay's wounds healed under Dax's care, his body slowly regaining strength. When he finally stepped outside, he found himself in a vast forest, surrounded by towering trees. In the distance, a massive stone wall encircled the area, sealing it off from the outside world.
"This entire place is mine,"Dax said, appearing behind him. "No one enters. No one leaves. Until you're ready."
Samay followed him to a training field—a wide, open space with wooden dummies, weapon racks, and obstacle courses.
Dax tossed a sword at him. Samay barely caught it, the weight unfamiliar in his grip.
"Now,"Dax said, unsheathing his own blade. "Attack me."
Samay hesitated for only a second before charging forward, his mind set on one goal:
Power. Revenge. Survival.
And so, his training began.