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.
Edlen narrowed his eyes slightly, exhaling in thought.
"Looks like Nexa's keeping up well. Kid's getting sharper by the day." A faint smile tugged at his lips before fading into quiet contemplation.
"Still… I can't help wondering. Will his Lun turn out like mine, or will he awaken something completely his own?"
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.
"Father," she asked, "why does Nexa have to wait another whole year for the Lun Training? Isn't he old enough already?"
Edlen glanced briefly at her before returning to the courtyard.
"He'll take it next year, Rhea. When a kid turns ten, they're mature enough to begin learning how to control their inner energy, which we call Nul."
Rhea furrowed her brows, trying to understand.
"Nul? What is that?"
The Chancellor, who had been listening in respectful silence, finally spoke. His voice carried patience and clarity.
"Your Highness," he began, tone steady and refined, "Nul is the inner energy that exists within every person. However, very few able to access or use it easily. To master Nul requires many years of disciplined training. Without proper guidance, its use can be dangerous… sometimes fatally so."
Rhea nodded slowly, though her curiosity still pressed for more.
"Then… why only those born with Lun get to take the Lun Training? If everyone has Nul, shouldn't everyone at least have the chance?"
Edlen exhaled softly, as if the weight of her question carried old truths.
"Because Lun doesn't work the same way," he answered gently. "Kids born with Lun, like Nexa, can grow far beyond what normal training allows. But before their Lun awakens, they must first master their Nul. Without that foundation, their Lun may never stir at all."
The Chancellor stepped forward, his hands clasped neatly before him, the folds of his dark robes rustling softly.
"Indeed, Princess," he said. "Every person is born with Nul. Yet not all are born with Lun. That is what separates them. Those who wield Lun must first prove they can control the core of their being, their Nul. Only then can they awaken their Lun and truly master and elevate it to greater heights."
Rhea absorbed their words carefully.
"So… Nexa has to master Nul first, so that his Lun awakens?" Rhea asked.
Edlen nodded.
"Exactly," he said, his voice carrying the weight of a man who had seen far too many tragedies. "Too many children rush ahead, desperate to wield their power, and lose control… pushing themselves past what their bodies can bear. The aftermath are tragic. That is why the Lun Training are guarded so strictly. None may attempt them before the age of ten."
Rhea lowered her eyes, her voice softer now.
"Father… I wish to learn the sword. I know I can't become a knight, but at least... let me learn to defend myself."
Edlen turned to her, a faint smile tugging at his lips though his gaze remained firm.
"Rhea," he said gently,
"you know that path isn't meant for you. You're a princess of Nebura. Your duty is to uphold its honor, not to bear its blade."
Rhea let out a deep sigh.
"But Father… Nexa keeps getting stronger from all his 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.
"Rhea, your brother is different," he said plainly.
"He is the heir to the throne, and he bears Lun. You know this."
At those words, Rhea's gaze fell to the floor. Of course she knew, she's a princess and she had not been born with Lun. Unlike her younger brother, 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.
"Rhea," he said,
"your path is not lesser. You are the firstborn of Nebura, the daughter of its king. Do not diminish yourself. Your destiny is no less great."
Before she could reply, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed across the marble floor.
Walt Heavan, 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, one arm across his chest and the other at his side. When he spoke, his voice was calm and precise.
"Your Majesty," he said,
"I wish to report that my men stand prepared. At your command, we will depart at once for the Kingdom of Hinomoto."
Edlen gave an approving nod.
"Good, Walt. Ensure your journey is without trouble. Hinomoto remains one of our most vital allies. 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.
"This letter bears an important message for King Haruto Yoshimura," Edlen said.
Then, after a brief pause, his tone shifted into one of guidance.
"I have another suggestion for you," he continued. "While you are in Hinomoto, seek out Musashi Miyamoto. He is renowned as one of the strongest knights in history. Approach him, and learn whatever he is willing to teach. You're still young, Walt. Let this journey become an opportunity for your growth."
Walt accepted the scroll with both hands, bowing once more.
"I shall carry out your will, Your Majesty."
Edlen's stern composure warmed as he turned toward his daughter.
"Rhea," he said gently,
"would you like to visit Hinomoto as well? Princess Yuna Yoshimura has sent an invitation for you. She is close to your age, and I believe the two of you will get along well. This will be an excellent chance to learn from one another."
Rhea's eyes lit up, her voice bursting with excitement.
"Really, Father? That's wonderful! I've always wished to see Hinomoto. And Princess Yuna... oh, I'll do my best to build a strong friendship with her!"
A proud smile creased the king's features.
"Good," he said.
"Hinomoto is a land rich in tradition and culture. This journey will be a precious experience for you, Rhea. Go with honor, 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 turned toward the princess, his posture composed and respectful.
"Princess Rhea," he said, bowing his head slightly, "though the road to Hinomoto is long, I believe the journey will be well worth it. The land is said to be truly wondrous, and I'm certain Princess Yuna will be honored to welcome you in person."
Rhea gave him a gentle smile.
"Thank you, Walt," she replied gently.
"I'm sure 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 Heavan 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.
"When I first got here," he said,
"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.
"Like you? Don't lump me in with you, Renzo." A short laugh escaped him as he tapped the hilts of the twin swords at his side.
"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.
"Oh, right," he murmured. "I remember you saying Master doesn't take students who have a Lun."
Renzo tilted his head, a faint teasing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"That's right. Master only trains those born without one. Says he wants to build 'true strength' or something like that."
Newth snorted, shaking his head.
"More like he just doesn't want to deal with people who think they're special."
Key allowed himself a small smile, the heavy knot in his chest loosening just a little.
"So we're just ordinary people in this world, huh?" he murmured.
Renzo lifted his katana, pointing it lightly in Key's direction, playfully, not threatening.
"Ordinary? Maybe," he said.
"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.
"I don't even know what it is," he admitted, unease creeping into his voice.
"It felt… alive. Like it had a will of its own."
Newth leaned forward slightly, curiosity sharpening his voice.
"Alive?" he echoed. "That's strange. Did Master say anything about it?"
Key shook his head slowly.
"He only said it wasn't a Lun. 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 regarded the three boys with his usual unreadable calm. But when his eyes settled on Key, something in the air shifted.
"Key," he said, voice calm but firm, "I challenge you to a duel."
Renzo and Newth exchanged wide-eyed glances.
"Wait... what?!"
Newth gaped.
"You've never even sparred with us, Master! Not once!"
Renzo nodded emphatically.
"Yeah! We've been begging since the first day we trained here, but you always refused!"
But Guru's eyes stayed locked on Key.
"This is different," he said.
"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 M-Master—"
"Do not hesitate," Guru said, cutting him off with a tone that allowed no argument.
"Release your power as much as you can."
Renzo and Newth stepped back, their curiosity tangled with worry.
"Do your best, Key!" Renzo called, his voice tight despite his attempt at encouragement.
Newth forced a shaky grin.
"You've got this… probably!"
Key took a step forward, his mind wavering between fear and determination. Guru stood tall, gaze steady, his sword still sheathed at his side.
Then Guru spoke a single word, quiet, effortless, final.
"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 red and black aura exploded around Key. His eyes blazed red, 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's face went pale.
"Key! What's happening to you?!"
Newth stepped back, panic twisting his voice.
"That aura… it's terrifying!"
Key didn't answer, he couldn't. Key's body moved on its own, his consciousness fighting desperately to regain control. In a blink of an eye, he closed the distance between himself and Guru, unleashing a light speed kick aimed straight at Guru's head.
WHOOSH! CRACK!
Guru's eyes narrowed. In a flash, he unsheathed his sword, intercepting the strike with flawless precision.
The impact thundered through the hall.
BOOOOOM!
A shockwave tore outward, extinguishing the torches and plunging the arena into near darkness.
Guru's gaze met Key's.
Those were no longer Key's eyes.
The familiar softness was gone, replaced by glowing red eyes and pupils slit 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.
"I knew it!"