The world was a chaotic place, with humans and supernatural creatures locked in constant war. Human society, also known as the Human Empire, was divided into four clans—Opporo, Inaziki, Mitrezana, and Kurozawa.
These clans were always at odds, but the KOTs—the official ranks that ruled the empire—kept them united for thousands of years.
On 7th April, 6:26 PM, during the blood moon phase, a child was born amidst the chaos under the red sky in the Inaziki clan. The moment he opened his eyes, the blood moon rays reflected in them. His eyes had evolved because of the rare celestial event, making him the first person in a thousand years born under a blood moon—and the possessor of the JUBIRAGAN: The Eye of the Cosmos.
Tragedy struck early. His mother died during childbirth, and his father went missing a few days later. The society feared the child's terrifying eyes, so they hid the truth from him. He was eventually adopted by the clan leader, Okotuka Inaziki.
"Good morning, Mezu!"Mezu opened his eyes to see a boy slightly taller than him, wearing spectacles and a shabby overall look.
"Tairo, what is it? Why did you wake me up?" Mezu asked in a half-sleepy voice.
"Sorry, Mezu, but Dad's calling you downstairs." Tairo paused, noticing Mezu rubbing his eyes.
"What time is it?" he asked dreamily.
"Come downstairs in five minutes. Father will be waiting."
Tairo stood up from Mezu's chair. The room wasn't large, but it was always a cozy place. A big window beside his bed let sunlight stream in, brightening the room.
Mezu had tons of wooden toys piled in a corner. His father had pampered him so much that whenever Mezu saw a toy in a shop, he would get it. But as he grew, he lost interest and left the toys unused.
Tairo left, and Mezu wondered why his father was calling him. He got up, brushed his teeth, and looked out the window.
He could see the entire village: Harmon's shop, known for its handmade swords; the playground where he used to play with his siblings, now replaced by a town center; and the KOT-level training academy, stretching across the landscape. Okotuka had promised to enroll him next year.
Mezu hadn't decided what he wanted to be when he grew up, but he dreamed of becoming Rank 1 KOT, a feat almost everyone considered impossible. His older brothers were already ahead—Shiver in his fourth year and Tairo just starting the first. They were heading out together, and Mezu couldn't help feeling jealous. Meanwhile, his sister Mayaki, only two months older than him, was even more excited.
"MEZU!"
"Coming!"
Mezu rose, rinsed his mouth, and made his way downstairs. The house was made entirely of wood, which Okotuka thought looked great.
"You're late, Mezu. What took you so long?" his father asked. Mezu had hoped to be enrolled in the academy this year, but it seemed he had expected too much.
"I woke up late."
"No excuses."
"Me and Shiver are going to see the newly established East Tower. You can tag along if you want," his father said.
Mezu had always dreamed of visiting the East Tower—a place where you could see for miles and feel like the world was beneath you.
"Yes, Father."
"Only if you eat your breakfast first."
Mezu quickly finished eating, barely believing he would be the first to visit the tower with his father and Shiver.
"Got the hang gliders, Dad," Shiver said, hauling three of them over. In this world, everyone traveled using hang gliders powered by wind magic, allowing them to zoom through the skies at incredible speeds.
They inserted the wind gemstones into the gliders and took off. Normally, Mezu would perform 360-degree stunts in the sky, but he didn't dare with his father present.
The first time Mezu had flown, he'd felt freedom for the first time. Now he was used to the strange fluttering in his stomach during takeoff.
As they ascended, the village faded from view. Okotuka had said the East Tower lay near Mount Kiama, about twenty miles away.
Mezu wondered what the tower would look like. He imagined a giant but ordinary structure. Most of the trip, both Shiver and Okotuka remained silent, observing their surroundings.
"We're almost there!" shouted Shiver.
Through the mist, Mezu glimpsed a floating tower. Even at their height, it appeared massive. A magnetic field allowed it to hover about ten meters above the ground.
The wind grew stronger and colder than near the village. Mezu felt a mix of excitement and chill, wishing he had worn a sweater.
As they neared, the tower's majesty became even clearer. Turrets crowned its cupola, and magical barriers shimmered visibly.
They landed just before the barrier, sensing the immense energy radiating from it. As the Inaziki clan leader, Okotuka had permission to enter.
"Open." Okotuka's hand glowed as he touched the barrier, which parted just enough for all three to pass through.
"This tower marks the beginning of modern architecture," Okotuka said.