A Thousand Years Ago...
The land trembled beneath the power of a single mage. His name was Yamashiki—a man whose magic was so potent, it reshaped the world. He founded the Yamashiki Kingdom, a realm filled with unparalleled warriors and boundless wealth. For a thousand years, his kingdom stood proud and invincible.
Countless kingdoms tried to bring it down. But no matter the number or strength of their armies, none could breach the walls of Yamashiki. Not a single enemy had ever succeeded.
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Present Day — Year 506 CC
The Ashura Kingdom was desperate. Once again, they had chosen war. But this time, they faced an enemy unlike any before.
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The Battlefield
Clash. The sound of steel ringing against steel echoed across the open plains. The soldiers of the Yamashiki Kingdom fought valiantly, their swords flashing like lightning. Across from them, the Ashura Kingdom pushed forward with relentless fury, but their efforts were in vain.
And then, amidst the chaos, a voice rang out—clear and commanding.
"Mantra Esvasto Pedulium—Fire Blast!"
In the distance, a surge of brilliant light erupted into the air. Flames roared like a beast unleashed. Ashura soldiers cried out in terror, retreating from the magic that tore through the battlefield.
"Run! It's the magic of Genius Light!" A soldier yelled, his voice cracking with fear.
The Ashura troops froze, doubt creeping into their hearts. They had heard of him—Light, the twelve-year-old prodigy of the Yamashiki Kingdom.
"What can a child do? He's just a kid!" one soldier scoffed, though the tremor in his voice betrayed his unease.
"Don't underestimate him!" another soldier shouted, his hands shaking as he clutched his weapon. "He's defeated entire squads on his own!"
And they were right. Light wasn't just any child. He was a force of nature.
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Atop a Stone
The boy known as Light stood tall atop a stone, his silhouette outlined by the fiery glow of battle. His deep blue eyes burned with determination as he gazed down at the trembling Ashura soldiers.
With a voice that carried authority beyond his years, Light spoke.
"Soldiers of Ashura, you can't even lay a finger on us."
He raised his sword high, the blade gleaming in the dimming light.
"You dared to challenge us? If you value your lives, leave now. And tell your king—if he dares strike again, his head will rest beneath my feet."
A moment of silence passed. Then, without warning, a desperate soldier from Ashura charged toward Light, katana raised high.
But Light was faster. The world seemed to slow as he moved. With a single, fluid motion, Light swung his sword, the blade cutting through the air with precision.
The Ashura soldier's arm fell to the ground, severed at the wrist. He screamed in pain as he collapsed.
The battlefield was silent.
For the first time in a thousand years, the soldiers of Ashura knew what it felt like to face true power.
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Back in the Yamashiki Kingdom
The tension of the battle still lingered in the air as Light returned to the kingdom, his heart beating fast—not from fear, but from the adrenaline of battle. He made his way to the royal palace, where Yamashiki the 8th, the current ruler, awaited him.
Yamashiki the 8th sat upon his throne, his expression unreadable, but there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes.
"Submit your report, Light." His voice was calm, steady.
Light stepped forward, his gaze never wavering. "The Ashura forces have retreated. Victory is ours."
Yamashiki the 8th nodded, pleased. "Good. You've done well, my son."
A pause. Then, the king's voice softened. "Your little brother has been born. Go see him."
Light's face lit up with a rare smile. "Thank you, Father!" Without another word, he rushed from the throne room, eager to see the newborn.
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The Royal Chambers
Light's steps were swift as he ran through the corridors of the palace. He spotted his mother, Sakuno, standing by a window, her face soft and serene despite the chaos outside.
"How are you, Mother?" Light asked, his voice gentle.
Sakuno smiled warmly, her eyes filled with love and exhaustion. "I'm fine, Light. Your little brother is with your sister. Go see him."
With a nod, Light rushed to his sister, Reena, who was holding the newborn in her arms. At just eight years old, Reena was wise beyond her years, her gaze full of a deep, comforting calm.
She handed the baby over to Light, her eyes shining with love.
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The First Promise
Light gazed down at the tiny infant in his arms, his heart swelling with emotion. The baby's eyes were still closed, his small chest rising and falling with each breath. Light's hands trembled slightly as he cradled him.
"Dark…" Light whispered softly, his voice full of wonder and promise.
He looked at his little brother, the future of the kingdom, and felt the weight of his responsibility. "I'm your big brother, Dark. And I will protect you, no matter what."
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The kingdom had faced many battles, but this was only the beginning. With the birth of Dark, a new chapter had begun—one that would define the future of the Yamashiki Kingdom.
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End of Chapter 1