Master Swordsman City—a fairly renowned city on the human continent.
While other major cities had to make do with three or four S-Rank Hunters as protectors, Master Swordsman City stood proudly with two legendary SSS-Rank figures ready to crush anyone who dared threaten its peace. However, the city's main strength didn't lie solely in its protectors.
True to its name, Master Swordsman City was a paradise for sword practitioners. Nearly every corner of the city was filled with Hunters possessing Talents related to the art of swordsmanship. Magnificent buildings with unique architecture specifically designed for sword training towered high across various districts. Even the city's air seemed to vibrate with the metallic clashing of blades from training facilities that never lacked visitors.
In the midst of the bustling city market filled with weapon merchants, a foreign youth appeared to be admiring the city life that was so different from his homeland.
"This city... is truly nothing like I imagined," Chen Ye whispered in amazement.
The youth with lustrous blue-black hair stood frozen, his ocean-blue eyes sweeping across the entire scene with wonder.
A black sword was properly sheathed at his right hip, contrasting with his gray travel clothes that looked worn after weeks on the road.
However, what drew the most attention was the glowing blue crystal necklace encircling his neck.
'As a disciple of the great Sword King, you're truly embarrassing me,' hissed a disembodied voice behind him. 'Stop acting like a country bumpkin seeing the big city for the first time.'
The translucent shadow of an elderly man in white robes with a long beard floated behind Chen Ye, his face showing annoyance.
"How could I not be amazed?" Chen Ye replied with twitching lips. "Look around you, Master. Almost all the Hunters here are at least C-Rank or B-Rank. I haven't even seen a single D-Rank wandering around!"
Chen Ye sighed deeply. With his SS-Rank Emperor of Sword Talent, he could face A+-Rank Hunters in real combat. However, in pure swordsmanship skill, he was still far behind the experienced practitioners in this city.
'Hmph! Isn't that exactly why you came here?' snapped the Old Spirit. 'To forge your sword skills! So stop wasting time and start looking for a proper training ground!'
The Sword King huffed in irritation. It wasn't without reason that he was impatient—hundreds of legendary techniques were stored in his memory, ready to be passed on to his sole disciple. Unfortunately, Chen Ye's foundation was still too weak to learn high-level techniques.
"Isn't this your fault, Master?" Chen Ye complained while rolling his eyes. "You have a wealth of knowledge about swords, but you're terrible at teaching."
"..."
Despite being called the 'Sword King' during his lifetime—one of the continent's strongest figures—the old spirit was indeed poor at transferring his knowledge. His life as a hermit who rarely interacted with other humans made him awkward at communication, let alone teaching.
Chen Ye continued his journey along the stone road, occasionally searching for the figure that had captivated him several months ago.
'That girl... where is she?'
The image of a petite girl in a white-red kimono with always-closed eyes appeared in his mind.
That brief encounter months ago was still clearly etched—how the mysterious girl moved with impossible speed for such a small body, how her sword swung invisibly.
"Are you sure that girl wasn't a spy sent by Master's enemies?" Chen Ye asked, his voice lowering to barely a whisper.
'No, though that girl is quite strange, I can guarantee one hundred percent she's not a spy.' The Sword King answered without hesitation.
'She's too weak for that. Her sword aura is pure, without the dark stains usually possessed by Black Mamba.'
Chen Ye swallowed hard hearing that name—Black Mamba, the demonic sword group that had hunted and destroyed the Sword King's body.
The same organization now pursuing him, hoping to find the Sword King's soul they believed was still alive.
Three times they had faced each other, three times Chen Ye had nearly lost his life.
Somehow, they always managed to track him down, as if there was an invisible marker embedded within him.
'Whatever happens, I hope I won't encounter any members of that group.'
Chen Ye sighed deeply, his hand unconsciously touching the scar on his stomach—a gift from their last encounter. Truly, he was starting to tire of living as a fugitive.
'That's exactly why you need to get strong quickly!' the Sword King exclaimed. His voice was filled with enthusiasm that didn't match his aged appearance.
'The stronger you become, the faster we can form this master's body! When that time comes, the world will once again hear the name of this mighty Sword King!'
"Yeah, yeah..." Chen Ye replied lazily. Sometimes he felt like a caretaker for a child trapped in an old man's body.
Chen Ye's steps suddenly stopped. Something caught his attention—not sight or hearing, but a deeper intuition.
"Hm?"
'What is it, boy?' asked the Sword King, noticing the change in his disciple's demeanor.
Chen Ye stared straight at a building at the end of the road. A spacious traditional wooden residence surrounded by high walls with an intricately carved wooden gate. Unlike the modern buildings around it, this residence was like a piece of the past trapped in time.
His Talent—Emperor of Sword—resonated with that place, as if whispering that what he sought might be inside. Like a strong magnet pulling him, Chen Ye stepped forward unconsciously.
"My advice is, you better not try training at that place," a voice stopped his steps.
Chen Ye turned and found a C-Rank Hunter with a sword slung on his back looking at him with a serious expression.
"Excuse me?" Chen Ye furrowed his brow.
"You're a newcomer, aren't you?" The Hunter observed Chen Ye from top to bottom. "No wonder. If you'd lived here long, you'd definitely know about Yozakura."
"Yozakura?"
"Yes, the Yozakura Family." The Hunter pointed toward the wooden residence. "One of the three founding families of Master Swordsman City, though almost no one knows them now."
"City founders?" Chen Ye was surprised. That information felt foreign yet strangely familiar, as if the knowledge had always existed in his mind.
"Not surprising you're confused," the C-Rank Hunter smiled thinly. "Compared to the other two families led by SSS-Rank Hunters, the Yozakura Family has been nearly forgotten by history. This outdated residence of theirs serves as proof of their decline. What's more concerning is that their descendants are now few in number."
Chen Ye was still confused by the warning. "So why are you forbidding me from training here?"
"Because—"
BANG!!
"ARGHH!!"
The Hunter's words were cut off by a loud explosion. The wooden gate of the Yozakura residence burst open, and a young man's figure was flung out with a body full of wounds, landing hard against the wall across the street until he fainted.
"..." Chen Ye fell silent seeing that scene.
"..." The C-Rank Hunter also went quiet.
"As you can see," the Hunter continued with a trembling voice. "Unlike the structured training methods at Shikai Family or Resonance Family, Yozakura Family training is known to be brutal and merciless. Just for an entrance test, you'll end up nearly dead like that unfortunate young man."
The C-Rank Hunter thought his warning would make Chen Ye realize the danger. However, unexpectedly, the youth instead approached the gate with sparkling eyes.
"H-hey! Didn't you hear what I said?!" he shouted in panic. "Find another, more humane training place!"
"Sorry," Chen Ye smiled broadly, his blue eyes gleaming with excitement. "But I think this is exactly the right place for me!"
Without hesitation, Chen Ye dashed inside just before the heavy gate closed completely!
"WAIT! DON'T BE FOOLISH!" the Hunter's shouts vanished behind the now tightly shut gate.
Chen Ye had only a fraction of a second to realize the approaching danger. Dozens of arrows and throwing knives shot toward him from various angles!
'Oh no—'
BOOM!
Dark red flames with a dark aura suddenly burst from Chen Ye's body, forming a shield that burned every projectile approaching him. Sparks of fire fell touching the ground, leaving charred traces.
"Master," Chen Ye wiped the sweat from his forehead, "you could have warned me earlier about these traps."
'Fool!' the Sword King snapped irritably. 'You're the one who suddenly barged in without thinking! What if this place was really as dangerous as that Hunter said?'
"My intuition says this is the best place to train," Chen Ye replied confidently. "Emperor of Sword is never wrong about such things."
'Tsk, if that's truly your Talent's effect, we have to follow it to the end.' The Sword King clicked his tongue in displeasure. 'Stay alert.'
Chen Ye carefully walked through the spacious courtyard filled with old cherry blossom trees. Strangely, even though he was clearly an intruder, no one appeared to stop him.
"Isn't this strange, Master?" Chen Ye whispered. "I've broken in, but no guards are stopping me."
'This place... is surrounded by strong barriers,' the Sword King answered with a furrowed brow. 'I can't sense anyone's presence even though I've spread my perception.'
Chen Ye continued exploring the vast residence complex. Several traps appeared along the way, but thanks to his sharp instincts and the Sword King's warnings, he managed to avoid them all.
Until finally, in a room that looked like the main hall, his gaze was drawn to a large painting on the wall.
A portrait of a petite girl with mesmerizing beauty. Snow-white hair with sea-blue strands on the left side. Clean white clothing that gracefully wrapped her small body. But what was most captivating was her pair of eyes—pink irises with cherry blossom patterns that radiated mysterious power.
'Is she the last descendant of Yozakura?' Chen Ye thought unconsciously.
"Perhaps..." he murmured softly, unable to suppress his pity imagining such a young girl living alone in this large, empty residence.
"Another visitor?"
"?!!"
That cold voice startled Chen Ye. Before he could turn around, the Sword King shouted loudly in his mind.
'WATCH OUT!'
A flash of sword light shot lightning-fast, forming a series of deadly slashes aimed directly at Chen Ye's body!
SLASH!! BOOM!
"Hm?" The attacker narrowed his eyes. "...Not bad."
"Is this how you welcome guests?" Chen Ye hissed, his sword successfully blocking the sudden attack, though the vibration still resonated in his arm.
Before him stood a youth of similar age with short blue-green hair. His narrow eyes radiated the sharpness of a hunting eagle, without a trace of emotion. He wore a black coat layered with gray that looked formal yet practical for combat. The beaded earring on his left ear glinted in the light.
'He moves without sound,' Chen Ye thought warily. 'His strength might be equivalent to a B+ or A-Rank Hunter...'
"Are you the one who will test my abilities?" Chen Ye asked, trying to provoke a reaction. "If it's just you, this will be an easy practice."
The youth looked at him expressionlessly. "It seems you misunderstood."
"Misunderstood?"
"Yes." His tone remained flat. "I'm not here to test you, but..." His gaze became sharp as a blade, "...to kill you."
In the blink of an eye, the youth's figure vanished like a ghost.
Whoosh!!
'He's coming!'
"I know, Master!" Chen Ye drew his sword with reflexive movement!
SLASH! TING!!
Two sword blades clashed hard, creating sparks in the air. Unlike Chen Ye's normal sword, his opponent used a Shirasaya—a katana with a straight blade without curves stored in a plain wooden sheath. Though it looked simple, the weapon could withstand the pressure of Chen Ye's rare sword without a scratch!
KRING!!
The sound of clashing metal echoed in the room. Chen Ye, who had superior physical strength, began pushing his opponent back.
But suddenly—
BOOM!
Unexpectedly, the mysterious youth performed a spinning motion and kicked Chen Ye squarely in the chest.
Before Chen Ye could recover his balance, his opponent had already flickered behind him, launching a series of precision slashes that tore through Chen Ye's clothes and skin!
'DAMN! He's faster than I thought!'
Chen Ye swung his sword with a wide motion. Black-red flames enveloped his sword blade, forming a fire slash that shot directly at his opponent.
"<
Facing the deadly attack that could devastate steel, the youth remained calm. He took a low horse stance, his grip on the sword changing.
"<
Slash! BOOOM!
Chen Ye's dark fire slash was split in two! A tremendous explosion occurred to the youth's left and right, burning the wooden walls and floor, while he himself stood unmoved in the center of destruction.
Chen Ye's eyes widened in disbelief.
'What the hell?! He split Flame of Abyss with an ordinary slash?!'
Chen Ye's SS-Rank Talent—Flame of Abyss—was famous as dark fire whose power increased many times over when facing living beings.
If that attack had been blocked with [mana] techniques or other supernatural powers, Chen Ye might still have been able to accept it. But the youth before him used no special energy whatsoever—there wasn't even a trace of [mana] in his attack!
This was purely sword technique and physical strength!
Even the Sword King looked impressed. 'Is that a passive Talent related to the body? Or... Special training that exceeds normal human limits...'
However, the more important question was: what kind of training could make someone this strong with only physical abilities?
'Look carefully, fool,' the Sword King nudged Chen Ye's thoughts. 'He managed to slash it, but he also suffered.'
Chen Ye followed his master's attention and saw the truth in his words. Though he had accomplished the nearly impossible feat of splitting Flame of Abyss, the youth also suffered serious damage.
His katana blade was partially melted, while both sleeves of his clothing were burned away, revealing blistered skin underneath. Traces of fire still licked at his body like hungry creatures.
But what was most shocking—the youth still stood upright with a calm expression as if those wounds meant nothing to him.
Chen Ye took a deep breath and said, "You're strong, but I suggest you stop. If you continue, you'll definitely die."
The youth ignored the warning. "I don't know whether you're naive or stupid. You had the chance to kill me directly..." His eyes stared straight at Chen Ye. "Or are you afraid?"
His words contained no particular emotion, yet somehow felt like sarcasm directed at him!
"W-what did you say?!" Chen Ye was provoked. "Damn, and here I was being kind to you!"
"Meaningless compassion," the youth replied flatly. "Being kind to someone who wants to kill you? How naive."
"Bastard! If that's the case, I'll grant your wish directly!"
Anger consumed Chen Ye, and Flame of Abyss blazed stronger from his body. The fire was no longer just a thin coating—but a fierce tornado spinning around him, raising the room's temperature until metal ornaments began to melt.
His sword transformed drastically, now appearing like a solid flame blade twice its original length. His ocean-blue eyes turned glowing red, radiating anger and killing intent.
Seeing this transformation, even the Sword King's expression turned worried. 'Fool, if you use your fire at this level, you'll really kill him! And this room won't survive!'
But that warning fell on deaf ears. Chen Ye had been completely consumed by anger, something that rarely happened to the usually calm youth.
On the other side, the black-coated youth didn't remain idle either. He took position with a low horse stance, his damaged katana raised high in front of his face. A thin cyan aura began to envelop him, cooling the air around him until steam began to form.
As both prepared for their final attack—
"Stop."
A gentle yet melodious voice was heard, echoing in the nearly destroyed room. Along with it, greenish roots suddenly emerged from the floor, directly locking Chen Ye's movements!
"?!!"
BOOOOM....!!
Flame of Abyss exploded wildly, trying to burn the obstacles restraining it. The fire grew larger and hotter, sensing strong life energy from those roots—its primitive instinct wanted to devour that energy.
But strangely, the roots didn't burn. Instead of destroying them, the flames gradually subsided, as if suppressed by an even greater power.
"Damn! What are these roots!" Chen Ye struggled to free himself. "Master, do something!"
'...' The Sword King didn't respond.
"Master! Why are you just staying silent?!" Chen Ye shouted in frustration.
'Shut up, fool! Don't you see I'm thinking?!' the Sword King snapped, his voice full of tension.
"Hah?" Chen Ye was surprised to see his master's expression, usually arrogant, now appeared wary.
"I never expected that someday... this shabby residence would be visited by such an extraordinary figure."
That gentle voice was heard again, closer this time. Its presence brought a strange calm, as if neutralizing the tense atmosphere that had previously dominated.
Chen Ye looked up and for a moment, the world around him seemed to disappear.
Standing gracefully before him was a petite girl with beauty that was almost not of this world. Her skin was porcelain white with a faint cherry blossom hue on her cheeks. Her long hair, snow-white with touches of sea blue, appeared to shimmer in the light, falling softly to her waist.
Her eyes—a pair of pink gems with cherry blossom patterns—gazed gently yet calculatingly. A thin smile graced her perfect face.
"You..." Chen Ye stammered. "Aren't you the one in that photo? But..."
His attention was drawn to something absent from the photo. From the girl's body, especially on the right side, small cherry blossom tree branches could be seen penetrating her skin and clothing. The branches moved gently as if alive, with several cherry blossom petals blooming beautifully here and there.
"Why... Are cherry blossom branches growing from the side of your body?..."
The question slipped out naturally, making the Sword King want to smack his head for such rudeness. Wasn't this like asking about someone's physical defect upon first meeting them?
However, the girl only smiled gently, as if already accustomed to similar reactions.
"This is just part of my power," she answered with a melodious voice. "Remember? Great power doesn't come without a certain price."
She tilted her head slightly, the cherry blossom petals on her body's branches moving along. "Besides... You must be the person introduced by Tsukuyo?"
"H-huh? Tsukuyo?" Chen Ye blinked in confusion.
"Petite girl, white hair in twin ponytails, short-sleeved red and white kimono. Inaba Tsukuyo, one of the Yozakura Family members."
That brief yet detailed explanation came from the black-coated youth. Though his current appearance looked quite pitiful with burned clothes and a damaged sword, he still stood upright beside the girl like a loyal guard.
"Oh!" Chen Ye's eyes widened with understanding. "That kimono girl with closed eyes?! She's part of this family?"
That description perfectly matched the mysterious girl Chen Ye had met several months ago—the same girl who had suggested he come to Master Swordsman City.
"So... you two?" Chen Ye asked carefully.
"Ah, sorry for his rudeness." The girl bowed slightly, a graceful movement that reminded Chen Ye of ancient aristocrats. "I am the founder and last member of the Yozakura Family, Yozakura Tsubomi. As for him..."
"One of the Yozakura Family members and personal guard of the Yozakura family head, Aoi Sui," the youth completed in a monotone voice.
That introduction successfully left Chen Ye speechless...
***
"Hah... hah... hah..."
In the suffocating depths of a forbidding forest, a small girl stumbled through the darkness of night, running desperately. Her breath came in ragged gasps, each intake of air feeling like sharp blades slicing through her lungs.
Her disheveled golden hair glimmered faintly between the gaps of trees illuminated by the full moon, while her wide blue eyes radiated a mixture of terror and burning determination.
The girl—perhaps only six years old—was wrapped in what must have once been an exquisitely luxurious dress, adorned with gold trim and small gems that still clung to certain sections. Now the gown was in tatters, torn by thorny bushes and stained with the damp mud of the forest floor.
Every detail of her clothing—the fine silk fabric, intricate embroidery, and beautiful jewelry—screamed that she was no ordinary child. She came from nobility, perhaps even royalty.
But that high status had now become her curse.
'I must run! No matter what happens, I cannot be caught!' she thought desperately, while her small feet continued to force themselves forward.
She knew with absolute certainty the fate that awaited her if captured—a slow and agonizing death. How could she be so sure?
Because in her previous life, the girl had experienced it.
Memories from her past existence—of torture, betrayal, and ultimately a horrific death at the hands of her own family—remained vividly etched in her mind. It was these memories that drove her to flee regardless of whatever risks lay ahead.
This wilderness stretched across the border territories. If she could make it through, she would enter the domain of the Duke's family, known for their cruelty—a choice nearly as terrifying. But at least it offered new hope. With the knowledge from her previous life stored in her head, she was confident she could offer something to negotiate for her survival.
'Just a little more... I must endure just a little longer...'
But fate seemed intent on toying with her. Her tired little feet caught on a tree root jutting from the ground, sending her tumbling hard to the earth.
"Kyaaa!"
Her body struck the rocky ground with a painful thud. Agony spread throughout her body. When she tried to rise, horror seized every cell of her being—her limbs refused to move, as if frozen. Three hours of non-stop running had pushed her small body beyond its limits.
Cold sweat trickled down her temples as her ears caught the rumble of footsteps and wing beats in the distance. The heavy, cold voice of a commander echoed through the trees:
"Spread out! That girl can't be far from here! Find her alive!"
The girl's heart pounded so violently it hurt. Panic gripped her heart like invisible icy hands.
'No... Not again... I won't go back to that hell...'
With the last of her remaining strength, she tried to force her body to move even just a few centimeters. Her eyes began to blur, her vision darkening at the edges, and hot tears started flowing uncontrollably.
"I... will not... go back..." she whispered in a broken, trembling voice.
Her body swayed, ready to collapse to the ground. But instead of feeling the cold earth's surface, she crashed into something—or rather, someone—standing firm before her.
With blurred vision, the girl slowly looked up.
A towering figure stood before her, enveloped in a magnificent robe. The robe was not merely ordinary clothing—it seemed alive and part of the wearer's very being, moving with its own consciousness. The combination of earthy brown, golden yellow that glowed like sunrise, and white as pure as fresh snow created a breathtaking sight.
Both arms of the figure were adorned with intricate, meaningful patterns—ancient symbols that gleamed golden like sacred script that sparkled, as if dancing beneath the moonlight.
His face was hidden beneath the robe's hood, but the girl could clearly see a pair of brilliant yellow eyes like crystals gazing sharply into her soul—eyes that had witnessed countless life experiences.
This figure was not human—no human could possibly possess such a dominating presence that made the very air around him seem to vibrate.
With trembling lips and a hoarse voice barely audible, the girl pleaded: "Please... save me... I don't want to go back to that place..."
The mysterious figure tilted his head slightly, as if studying the fragile creature before him. When he spoke, his voice was deep and resonant. "Is this a contract?"
"Yes..." the girl answered without the slightest hesitation, though she didn't fully understand the meaning of the question.
"But you must have an equivalent exchange," the figure continued. "What do you have to offer me?"
A piercing question for a small fugitive who had lost everything. However, with courage born from desperation, she lifted her face and answered:
"My life... You can have my life completely." Tears streamed down her pale cheeks. "So please..." her sob broke, "...save me from them."
The figure fell silent for a moment, then said, "That's an unequal exchange, so—"
Suddenly, dazzling golden light exploded from the mysterious figure's body, enveloping them both in a blinding dome of radiance.
Warmth unlike anything the girl had ever experienced before seeped into her bones, soothing and healing.
It felt like bathing in gentle morning sunlight, like the embrace of a mother she had never had.
"—As the God of Contract, I will modify the exchange," the figure continued, his voice now resonating with sharp authority.
"Besides guaranteeing your safety from all dangers, I will also train you until you're capable of protecting yourself. In return, during that time..."
His golden eyes flashed with stunning intensity, producing sparks of golden light. "...you must help me and obey all my commands."
Mysteriously, the girl felt her soul drawn to and bound with the figure before her—a bond deeper than mere spoken promises.
Her life was now tied to an entity whose name might be too sacred or too terrifying to be spoken by mortal tongues.
But that didn't matter. For the second chance she had been given, she was willing to make a pact with anyone—even if it was a God... or even a Devil.
With that thought, her heavy eyelids slowly closed, her consciousness fading in the warmth of the God's embrace. For the first time since being reborn, she felt safe.
The last sight captured by her closing eyes was the mysterious figure standing tall and noble, surrounded by a dazzling golden aura like an ancient war god, while in the distance, flying forces approached—like small, helpless ants running toward him.
***
The figure—who called himself the 'God of Contract'—gazed at the small girl in his arms with an unreadable expression. Without turning, he sensed the threat behind him.
"I don't know who you are, stranger," a cold, authoritative voice sounded from behind, "but you'd better hand over the girl in your arms immediately. Or..." there was a threatening pause, "...I cannot guarantee the safety of you and that girl."
The 'God of Contract' merely glanced over his shoulder. In the air, elite forces riding Wyverns—Rank B Magical Beasts with gleaming scales, broad wings, and sharp venomous fangs—surrounded them from all directions.
Their leader, a sturdy man with gray hair and cold blue eyes, radiated an aura of strength equivalent to Rank S—a level sufficient to become the highest commander in any kingdom.
This aerial force, with dozens of Wyverns and trained soldiers, was capable of leveling villages or even small towns within hours. Their threat was very real and deadly—to ordinary beings.
But they didn't know that the figure they faced was not only known as the God of Contract.
He also had another name...
Warrior God.
BOOOOM...!!
Suddenly, a tremendous roar shook the entire forest. The ground trembled as if struck by an earthquake of extraordinary magnitude. Giant trees swayed wildly, some falling with deafening crashes. The soldiers screamed in panic, their wyverns roared in fear and began flying erratically, difficult to control.
"W-what's happening?!"
"A-an earthquake?! Where is it coming from?! There's no way there could be an earthquake this massive!"
Unlike his panicking subordinates, the commander remained calm though cold sweat began dampening his forehead. His instincts as an experienced warrior spoke—this phenomenon was not natural.
"You're not human, are you?" the commander challenged with a tense but controlled voice. "Who or what are you really?"
"I often wonder about that myself," the mysterious figure replied in a calm tone that contrasted with the destruction around them. "But the answer will soon reveal itself."
Before the commander could respond, a terrified scream came from one of his soldiers:
"C-commander! The sky! LOOK AT THE SKY!"
All eyes turned upward, and their breath caught instantly at the sight that defied logic.
The starry night sky now seemed split apart. Clouds opened wide like giant curtains torn by invisible hands, revealing an apocalyptic scene: colossal, perfectly cubic meteors, shrouded in blinding golden light, hurtling toward earth at terrifying speed.
Not one. Not two.
Fifteen massive meteors fell together, each large enough to level a major village.
The commander's face paled instantly. When his eyes caught the golden patterns on the mysterious figure's body—identical to the light surrounding the falling meteors—he finally understood the situation he faced.
"...This is truly beyond comprehension."
BOOOM!! BOOOM!! BOOOM!!
There was no meaningful resistance. The elite soldiers, with all their combat experience, were like ants trying to resist a storm. Some attempted to flee at their wyverns' maximum speed, but the shockwave from the first meteor's impact easily swept them away like dust.
Several brave soldiers activated their strongest Talents—giant fireballs, ice spears, even destructive dark magic—but all of it vanished without trace upon contact with the meteors' golden aura. Their efforts were like trying to blow out a forest fire.
The commander, with all his Rank S skills and power, was not spared from destruction either.
With one last desperate attack, he launched his most powerful technique—a hundred-meter energy sword capable of splitting mountains—but even that only managed to cut through part of the meteor's surface before vanishing along with the commander.
Because these meteors were not ordinary space rocks. They were manifestations of power from a figure who had witnessed wars between gods, who had slaughtered various deities with his own hands.
The golden light that enveloped him was not merely color—it was light that had become the symbol of his element.
Amidst the spectacular destruction that transformed the forest into a sea of fire and dust, the tall figure floated in the sky, with the small girl still sleeping peacefully in his arms. His white robe fluttered in the shockwaves, his gleaming golden-brown hair dancing gently in the air.
From beneath his robe's hood, those golden eyes contemplated as he thought.
"To think of meeting a Son of Destiny in a place like this... What fascinating fate."
The majestic figure—Lux—sighed softly while gazing at the girl in his arms with a meaningful look.
Then a system voice that only he could hear echoed in his mind:
[Ding! Outstanding achievement! Becoming the figure who changed the fate of a Son of Destiny! Gained 100,000,000 Achievement Points!]
[Ding! Morax Template progress increased by 20%!]
[Ding! 'History Template Creation' has been used!]
[Modifying the history and memories of this world...]
[Ding! History Template Creation successful!]
[History created: Creation of 'Yozakura Family History' successful!]
[Related templates: Yozakura Tsubomi, Inaba Tsukuyo, Tomioka Giyū, Aoi Sui, and others...]
[Ding! History Template Creation used again! Creation of 'History Seven Archon' will require time...]
[Related templates: Raiden Ei/Shogun and Morax]
[Please be patient]
***
The template that Lux currently has:
1. Raiden Ei / Shogun
• Origin : Genshin Impact
2. Takamiya Mayuri
• Origin : Date a Live
3. Artemisia Bell Ashcroft
• Origin : Date a Live
4. Inaba Tsukuyo
• Origin : Busou Shoujo Machiavellianism
5. Dabi / Todoroki Toya
• Origin : Boku no Hero Academia
6. Tomioka Giyū
• Origin : Kimetsu no Yaiba / Demon Slayer
7. Kiana Kaslana – Herrscher of the Void
• Origin : Honkai Impact 3rd
8. Takamiya Mio (Limited)
• Origin : Date a Live
9. Itsuka Kotori
• Origin : Date a Live
10. Aoi Sui
• Origin : Mission, Yozakura Family
11. Yozakura Tsubomi
• Origin : Mission, Yozakura Family
12. Morax
• Origin : Genshin Impact