[Nebura Palace]
King Edlen Starfall, thirty-nine years old and ruler of the Kingdom of Nebura, stood upon the balcony of his palace, watching the harsh training taking place in the courtyard below where the Knights of Nebura drilled relentlessly.
His dark eyes radiated wisdom and resolve, while his well-kept beard marked the lines of his face. His black hair, slightly long yet always neatly styled, framed a face marked by quiet charisma. Clad in flowing robes of black and white, he carried the aura of both nobility and command. Known for his kindness, humility, and strength, Edlen was not only a king but also a knight who personally embodied the ideals of his realm.
It had been only three years since he had taken the throne, after the death of his father, King Learon Starfall. Learon had ruled Nebura with dignity but had finally succumbed to a lingering illness. The crown had fallen heavily upon Edlen's head, yet he bore the burden with the same steadfast leadership inherited from his father.
Below, his second child, Prince Nexa Starfall, trained diligently under the eye of an experienced mentor. From the balcony, King Edlen observed his son with keen attention while conversing with the Chancellor standing at his side.
King Edlen (Thoughtful, eyes narrowing):
"It seems Nexa is making good progress in his training. Still, I wonder… will his Lun mirror mine exactly, or will he awaken a unique one of his own? Next year, he will face the Lun Trial. That will be the turning point for his future."
Seated beside the king was his eldest child, Princess Rhea Starfall. Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she watched the knights drill, but soon her curiosity overcame her silence. She turned toward her father.
Rhea (Serious, but curious):
"Father, why must Nexa wait another year before taking the Lun Trial? Isn't he old enough already?"
King Edlen glanced at her briefly before turning his gaze back to the courtyard. His expression was weighted with consideration.
King Edlen (Calm, steady):
"Nexa will take the Trial next year, Rhea. That moment is crucial for anyone born with Lun. At the age of ten, a child is mature enough to begin learning how to control their inner energy, which we call Nul."
Rhea furrowed her brows, trying to understand.
Rhea (Puzzled):
"Nul? What is that?"
The Chancellor, who had been listening in respectful silence, finally spoke. His voice carried patience and clarity.
Chancellor (Explaining):
"Nul is the inner energy that exists within every person. But not everyone can access or command it easily. To master Nul requires long years of discipline. Without proper guidance, its use can be dangerous… sometimes fatally so."
Rhea nodded slowly, though her curiosity still pressed for more.
Rhea (Leaning forward, insistent):
"Then why only those with Lun are permitted to take the trial? Why not everyone?"
King Edlen exhaled softly, as if the weight of her question carried old truths.
King Edlen (Firm, yet gentle):
"Because Lun is different, Rhea. Those born with Lun, like Nexa, hold the potential to reach far greater heights. But before their Lun awakens, they must first master their Nul. Without that foundation, their Lun may never stir at all."
Chancellor (Adding, hands clasped):
"Indeed, Princess. Every person is born with Nul. Yet not all are born with Lun. That is what sets them apart. Those who wield Lun must first prove they can control the core of their being, their Nul. Only then can Lun awaken."
Rhea absorbed their words carefully.
Rhea (Quietly, almost to herself):
"So… Nexa must first master Nul before his Lun can awaken?"
King Edlen nodded, his expression grave.
King Edlen (With weight in his tone):
"Exactly. And many children have rushed too soon, eager to wield their power. Too often, they fail to control it… and force themselves beyond their limits. The consequences are tragic. That is why the Trials are strictly kept, and only those of ten years or older are permitted to take them."
Rhea lowered her eyes, her voice softer now.
Rhea (Hesitant, but determined):
"Father… I want to learn the sword. I know I cannot become a knight, but at least… I want to defend myself."
King Edlen turned to her, a faint smile tugging at his lips though his gaze remained firm.
King Edlen (Gently, but unyielding):
"Rhea, my daughter, you know this path is not yours. You are a princess of Nebura. Your place is to uphold its honor, not to bear its blade."
Rhea let out a deep sigh.
Rhea (Frustrated, looking down):
"But Father, Nexa grows stronger every day through training. Why can't I? I only want to learn… not to become a knight."
Edlen studied her with steady eyes, unwavering in his role as both king and father.
King Edlen (Patient, but direct):
"Rhea, Nexa is different. He is the heir to the throne, and he bears Lun. You know this."
At those words, Rhea's gaze fell to the floor. She knew the truth—she had not been born with Lun. Unlike Nexa, who carried their father's legacy and gifts, she lived in the shadow of her younger brother's brilliance. Though she fought against it, envy often stirred quietly within her heart.
King Edlen's voice softened, though his words carried weight.
King Edlen (Gently):
"Rhea, your path is not lesser. You are the firstborn of Nebura, the daughter of its king. Do not belittle yourself. Your destiny is no less great."
Before she could reply, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed across the marble floor.
Walt Haevan, a tall young knight, arrived behind King Edlen and Princess Rhea. His athletic frame carried the poise of a seasoned warrior, his handsome face framed by short white hair, and his silver eyes gleaming with a sharp intelligence. He wore radiant white armor, engraved with the emblem of the Nebura Kingdom upon his chestplate. A black cloak draped over his armor, swaying lightly with each step. At his side hung a silver rapier, its guard shaped like a star.
Walt (Bowing respectfully, his voice calm yet commanding):
"Your Majesty, I wish to report that my knights are ready. At your command, we will depart at once for the Kingdom of Hinomoto."
King Edlen (Nodding in approval):
"Good, Walt. Ensure your journey is without trouble. Hinomoto is a vital ally. I want you to deliver this letter to their king."
The king reached into his robes, producing a sealed scroll. The faint crack of wax echoed as he held it out.
King Edlen (Gravely):
"This letter carries an important message for King Haruto Yoshimura."
Pausing, his tone shifted into one of guidance.
King Edlen (Firmly, yet with encouragement):
"I also have a suggestion, Walt. While you are there, seek out Musashi Miyamoto. He is one of the strongest knights in history. Approach him, and learn whatever you can. You are still young, and this journey is an opportunity for your growth."
Walt accepted the scroll with both hands, lowering his head in respect.
Walt (Steadfastly):
"I shall carry out your will, Your Majesty."
The king then turned toward his daughter with a gentle smile.
King Edlen (Warmly):
"Rhea, would you like to visit Hinomoto? Princess Yuna Yoshimura has invited you. She is about your age, and I believe the two of you will get along well. This will be a fine chance to learn from one another."
Rhea's eyes lit up, her voice bursting with excitement.
Rhea (Eagerly):
"Truly, Father? That is wonderful! I cannot wait to see Hinomoto! I will make sure to build a strong friendship with Princess Yuna!"
King Edlen smiled with satisfaction at his daughter's enthusiasm.
King Edlen (Proudly):
"Good. Hinomoto is a land rich with tradition and culture. This journey will be a precious experience for you, Rhea. Carry the honor of our kingdom, and learn well."
Walt, listening quietly, allowed himself a faint smile. Though only nineteen, he was already among the most strongest knights of Nebura. At the age of seventeen, he had earned the title of Stellar Knight, a rank reserved only for the kingdom's strongest. His strength was not only physical, he possessed a rare Lun, making him an irreplaceable asset to the kingdom.
The name Musashi, spoken by the king, echoed in his mind like a striking clang of steel. Walt knew well who Musashi Miyamoto was: a legendary samurai whose mastery of the blade had etched his name into history. The strongest swordsman of Hinomoto, a man of unparalleled skill and power. To meet him would not only be an honor but also a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn from one of the greatest knights ever known.
Walt (Turning politely toward the princess):
"Princess Rhea, though the road to Hinomoto is long, I believe it will be worth it. The land is said to be wondrous, and I am certain Princess Yuna will be delighted to welcome you in person."
Rhea gave him a gentle smile, her voice soft but filled with resolve.
Rhea (Kindly):
"Thank you, Walt. I believe this journey will be unforgettable."
The meeting drew to a close as King Edlen gave Walt his final instructions. When all preparations were confirmed, Walt Haevan departed the balcony to make ready for the expedition.
Rhea remained by her father's side, her gaze fixed on Nexa, who was still training with fiery determination. Inside her heart, a quiet vow took shape. Though she possessed no Lun and lacked the same training as Nexa, she would find her own path to strength. The journey to Hinomoto would mark the beginning of something new, an opportunity to prove herself.
[Guru's Temple]
The sun dipped behind the mountain peaks, pulling long shadows across the old temple. A gentle evening wind drifted through the air, carrying with it the mingled scents of earth and sweat. Inside the training hall, three young men sat cross-legged on the cooling wooden floor. Their bodies were worn from the day's trials, yet their spirits still glowed faintly, like embers refusing to die.
Renzo leaned back against one of the wooden pillars, his katana resting across his lap. His eyes traced the beams of the ceiling as he spoke, his tone light, almost joking.
Renzo (Casually):
"When I first got here, I thought I was the only one without a Lun. Turns out, I was wrong. Newth's just like me."
Newth smirked, running his fingers lazily through his messy blond hair.
Newth (Laughing):
"Like you? Don't lump me in with you, Renzo. Sure, I don't have a Lun, but I've got plenty of ways to make up for it."
He patted the two long swords lying at his side with a confident grin.
Key raised an eyebrow, a flicker of realization crossing his mind.
Key (Thoughtfully):
"Oh, right. I remember you saying Master doesn't take students with a Lun."
Renzo tilted his head, smirking faintly.
Renzo (Casually, almost teasing):
"That's right. Master only trains those born without one. He says he wants to build 'true strength' or something like that."
Newth chuckled under his breath, his eyes glinting with mischief.
Newth (Mocking tone):
"More like he just doesn't want to deal with people who think they're special."
Key allowed himself a small smile, the heavy weight inside his chest easing just a little.
Key (Quietly):
"So we're just ordinary people in this world, huh?"
Renzo lifted his katana, pointing it lightly in Key's direction.
Renzo (With a grin):
"Ordinary? Maybe. But you? You're not ordinary at all, Key. That power of yours? Definitely not normal."
Key stared down at his own hand, the memory of that wild surge of energy still fresh in his mind.
Key (Uneasy, yet honest):
"I don't even know what it is. It felt… alive, like it had a will of its own."
Newth leaned forward slightly, curiosity sharpening his voice.
Newth (Intrigued):
"Alive? That's strange. Did Master say anything about it?"
Key shook his head slowly.
Key (Softly):
"He only said it wasn't a Lun. But beyond that, he hasn't explained much at all."
For a while, the three of them fell silent. The wind outside rustled through the trees, its sound slipping through the open doors like a gentle melody. Though each of them carried their own doubts and burdens, there was an unspoken bond between them, a shared determination to prove that even those without a Lun still had worth in a world that often dismissed them.
As night deepened, Guru stepped into the training hall, his powerful presence immediately drawing all attention. The three boys rose to their feet, their exhaustion forgotten in an instant.
Guru (Calm but firm):
"Key, I challenge you to a duel."
Renzo and Newth exchanged wide-eyed glances.
Renzo (Shouting):
"Wait, what?!"
Newth (Startled):
"You've never even sparred with us, Master! Not once!"
Renzo (Nodding quickly):
"Yeah! We've been begging since the first day we trained here, but you always refused!"
But Guru's eyes stayed locked on Key.
Guru (Unwavering):
"This is different. Key, I want you to fight me with everything you have. Treat me as if I were an enemy threatening your life."
Key's heartbeat thundered in his chest as the weight of Guru's words sank into him.
Key (Uneasy):
"But Master—"
Guru (Cutting him off):
"Do not hesitate. Release your power as much as you can."
Renzo and Newth stepped back, their curiosity tangled with worry.
Renzo (Trying to sound encouraging, but tense):
"Do your best, Key!"
Newth (Forcing a smile):
"You've got this… I think!"
Key took a step forward, his mind wavering between fear and determination. Guru stood tall, gaze steady, his sword still sheathed at his side.
Guru:
"Begin."
Key drew in a deep breath, struggling to suppress the strange energy coiling within him. But Guru's words echoed in his mind.
"Fight me with everything you have. Treat me as if I were an enemy threatening your life."
Something inside him snapped.
BOOOOM!
A crimson-black aura exploded around Key. His eyes blazed red like smoldering coals, glowing veins of scarlet ran beneath his skin, and the air itself trembled with dreadful force. The temple quaked under the weight of his power, loose stones raining down from the walls.
Renzo (Terrified, shouting):
"Key! What's happening to you?!"
Newth (Stepping back, panicked):
"That aura… it's terrifying!"
Key's body moved on its own, his mind fighting desperately for control. In a flash, he closed the distance between himself and Guru, unleashing a lightning-fast kick aimed straight at Guru's head.
WHOOSH! CRACK!
Guru's eyes narrowed. In the blink of an eye, he unsheathed his sword, intercepting the strike with flawless precision.
The impact thundered through the hall.
BOOOOOM!
A shockwave erupted, extinguishing the torches and plunging the arena into near darkness.
Guru's gaze locked with Key's, and his breath caught.
Those were no longer Key's eyes. The familiar gaze had been replaced with dark crimson irises, pupils slit vertically like a predator's.
The aura coiled tighter around Key's body, twisting into a living shadow that pulsed with silent rage. Something within him snarled, furious at being restrained, its hatred pressing against the air like a suffocating weight.
And then, Guru smiled, his voice calm but tinged with satisfaction.
Guru:
"I knew it."