Chapter 1 – A Name in the Wind
This is a world where swordsmanship, martial arts, and battle define honor.
A world known as Estania—a vast continent ruled by five mighty nations, forever locked in a silent war for power, pride, and survival.
Every thirteen years, a sacred tradition returns: the Survival Tournament, a brutal contest where champions of each nation fight not only for personal glory, but for the future of their homeland. The country whose warrior excels gains vital resources—food, technology, and influence.
Far from the heart of the empire, in a remote village of the Iron Empire, a sixteen-year-old boy named Ian spent each day in quiet solitude.
In the dusty yard of a small clay house, he trained relentlessly, slashing at a wooden dummy under the blazing sun. Sweat dripped from his brow, but his eyes remained locked on his target—focused, determined, and full of fire.
He had made a promise to his mother long ago: to rebuild their fallen clan.
And the only path forward... was to become a powerful warrior and enter the Survival Tournament.
Ian was an orphan. The villagers rarely spoke to him. Since his mother's death, he had cut himself off, dedicating his entire being to training. He never offered help, never joined in village gatherings—his sword was his only companion.
On that very day, as his sword fell one last time and his breath grew heavy, a voice called out, snapping him from his thoughts.
— "Boy… you have a visitor."
Ian looked up, surprised. The voice belonged to the village elder, a man who barely acknowledged him before.
Ian turned toward the direction he pointed—and froze.
A strange man stood at the edge of the yard. He wasn't someone Ian had ever seen before.
He had long black hair, and most of his face was hidden behind a metal mask with unfamiliar markings. He wore the plain clothes of a soldier, and a sword rested at his hip.
He walked with a slight limp, and his presence carried a weight that made the air around him feel heavy.
As he approached, the man spoke in a calm, gravelly voice:
— "Hello. You must be Ian."
Ian, confused and alert, gave a hesitant nod, his fingers twitching near his sword.
Little did he know… this encounter would change his destiny.