—The Night Before Fate
The night felt strange, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
Shadow Shin walked through the tall forest trees, darkness clinging to him, his eyes glowing faintly.
He was on his way to a secret meeting…
A meeting that would change his life, yet none of his companions knew the truth.
Since his mother's death, her final words lived in his mind:
> "Gather light and shadow… unite the world under one banner."
Shin could feel war approaching… and something deeper, unseen.
---
— The Five Companions Appear
Shin arrived at the meeting place: a cavern shrouded in thick shadows, where even moonlight couldn't enter.
One by one, five individuals approached — destined to be the most important people in his life.
1. Raiku Stormwind – A young man with silver hair, unbelievably fast, from a human tribe with "Wind Pulse." Determined to prove he's not weak.
2. Kael Emberforge – A massive Dwarf wielding a fiery hammer, a genius in crafting weapons, hiding the mystery of a missing father.
3. Lira Greenveil – A calm Elf with heightened senses, "Life Sense," skeptical of the kingdoms' politics.
4. Fenrir Grayfang – Half-wolf, half-human, immense strength and speed; fights to protect his tribe from extinction.
5. Orion Nightflare – A young prodigy mage, with "Arcane Copy," capable of temporarily copying simple abilities.
They were brought together by Shin, though none realized he was their leader.
Each thought they were the one who devised the plan, while Shin silently guided them toward Lightborne Academy.
---
— The Academy Infiltration Plan
The team's mission was simple on paper:
Infiltrate Lightborne Academy
Identify who was provoking the kingdoms into war
Help one of them eventually become the King-of-All
Rules:
Use powers only when necessary
Conceal weaknesses
Never reveal full strength
Shin's secret?
He was the strongest among them, and his true power must remain hidden.
Tonight, they were walking straight into danger.
---
— Emergence of the Dark Alliance
On their way, the ground shook.
A black cloud descended from the sky, followed by violet flames rising from the trees.
Seven figures appeared, each from different kingdoms, wearing strange armor with the Bullion Crest emblem.
Their goals:
Overthrow all rulers
Take control of the world
Eliminate any threats
Their leader spoke coldly:
> "Your journey ends here."
— The First Encounter
Before anyone could react, shadows twisted around the forest.
Shin sensed unnatural danger.
If he fought with full strength, his identity would be revealed.
He stopped his friends, saying:
> "Do not use your powers unless the enemy surpasses all of you."
The first enemy, a massive stone-armored giant, advanced.
Kael shouted:
> "This one's mine!"
Strikes were powerful, but the enemy was stronger.
Raiku's wind attacks failed to penetrate.
Lira sensed dark magic surrounding them.
Fenrir's attack was blocked.
Orion's Arcane Copy failed.
They were losing.
An enemy sneered:
> "Weaklings… undeserving of life."
Shin's eyes changed, a line of light glowing in his pupils.
Shadows on the ground began moving on their own.
— Shadow Shin Emerges
A giant enemy lunged at Lira.
Shin vanished.
He appeared behind the enemy.
His shadow extended like a black blade.
He didn't use full power—only a tiny fraction.
Within seconds, the enemy flew into a tree, immobilized.
Shin said coldly:
> "I told you… only use your powers when your enemy exceeds your limits. This one qualifies."
His companions were stunned… and behind him, the shadows vanished as if nothing had happened.
— Companions' Shock
The team stared in disbelief.
They didn't understand how he had done it, or that he had been hiding his true strength all along.
Shin's calm presence reassured them, yet an unspoken tension hung in the air.
---
Scene 8 — The True Enemy Revealed
Just as they tried to catch their breath, the real leader of the alliance appeared.
The power radiating from him rivaled that of a kingdom's ruler.
> "Interesting… the real trials begin now. Survive me, and you may enter the academy."
Shin's resolve hardened.
It was time to fight, without revealing everything he could do.
— Shadows' Silent Warning
Shin noticed subtle movements in the forest shadows.
Enemies were observing, waiting for the slightest mistake.
He whispered:
> "Stay alert. Shadows protect us, but not forever."
The team tightened their formation, realizing this was only the beginning.
— Preparing for the Academy
Shin led his companions deeper into the forest, keeping shadows at their backs.
The academy awaited, but the dark alliance had already marked their path.
He thought quietly:
> "They don't know who I am yet. They won't… not until it's too late."
The first chapter ended with tension, secrets, and the promise of war.