Far across the galaxy, beyond the reach of Imperial patrol routes and mapped star lanes, stood a massive ancient dojo fortress carved into the side of a black mountain. Its stone pillars were tall as towers, its wooden beams older than any kingdom, its training courtyards scarred from battles fought thousands of years ago.
Inside, beneath a dim skylight, Bron Krakos opened his crimson eyes.
He rose from his meditation chamber, muscles rippling beneath his robe, and marched through the quiet hall. At the far end, two towering doors slid open to reveal a vast dining hall of carved stone tables, flame-lit braziers, and walls decorated with ancient battle murals.
His brothers were already waking.
Vyroz Strael emerged first, lithe, coiled, and deadly, with dark violet skin and eyes like flickering embers.
Seirath Vorn followed, taller than both, draped in heavy armor pieces, his long black horns curving back like a crown.
The three of them gathered around the stone table.
These were the Ascendants.
Warriors so powerful that they once challenged The First Great himself and lost.
Bron cracked his knuckles, the echo rumbling through the hall.
"Hey, you two… remember when The First Great beat us?"
Vyroz let out a sharp hiss of amusement. "How could we forget? He shattered an entire mountain with one strike."
Bron leaned forward, resting his massive hands on the table.
"I met someone. A human. Name's Silas. He told me where the strongest in the Empire live now. He said The First's students are alive. Their names are Ian and Optimus."
Vyroz's eyes narrowed. "It's been centuries since that fight… and now The First's legacy still walks the galaxy."
Seirath stepped closer, folding his arms. His voice was low, steady, but carried the weight of absolute certainty.
"I remember them. Two young ones stood at The First's side during our match. Even then, their spirit was fierce. They are not to be underestimated."
Bron grinned, a row of sharp teeth glinting. "Good. I don't want weaklings."
Seirath spread a star map across the table, glowing runic markers flickering to life.
"Then we begin."
The air in the dojo thickened with anticipation.
"The STF is strong, united, and annoyingly loyal," Seirath continued. "So we must tear their attention apart. Make them chase shadows. Force them into our arena."
He pointed at a glowing red world.
"Vyroz. Eldrathor. Cause havoc. The STF will respond instantly. When they do, you test them. Measure how far The First's teachings have carried his students."
Vyroz cracked his neck, smirking with razor-sharp confidence.
"Whatever you say. We'll get our revenge on The First. And his bloodline of warriors."
Bron rose to his full height, towering over both brothers.
"Ian. Optimus. The Galactic Empire… they have no idea what's coming."
Seirath nodded slowly.
"We are the Ascendants. And the galaxy will remember us once more."
A storm of power surged through the dojo as the three brothers walked toward the open balcony overlooking the endless night sky.
Their time had come.
Revenge against The First was finally within reach.