Prologue
I stood at the edge of the beach, staring out at the horizon. The calm waves of the sea broke with the sight of hundreds of massive military ships moving straight toward us. Their dark shapes cut through the water, making the whole scene feel heavy and tense.
A voice broke the silence. "So, Japan has finished Round 20 too."
I turned to see a girl next to me — stunning beyond words. Her golden hair shone like sunlight, flowing past her shoulders.
Her eyes glowed red, fierce and sharp, and her face was striking enough to stop anyone in their tracks. She wore a sleek dark outfit, and in her hands rested a huge black and red scythe, longer than she was tall.
"Yeah," I said calmly, despite the tension. "And they're coming at us with everything they've got."
She narrowed her eyes as she watched the fleet. "It's been a while since we faced an enemy this big. Think we can win?"
I glanced behind me at the crowd. Thousands of soldiers stood ready — swords, bows, hammers, spears — all focused on what was coming.
"I hope so. We need to be ready for anything."
I turned to face them. Their eyes locked on me, a mix of hope and nervousness. They waited for my order, their faces set with determination.
Raising my arms, I summoned hundreds of dark orbs out of thin air. Each one pulsed with a shadowy energy.
"This is our first battle with another country," I said, my voice cutting through the noise. "Be ready. This could get messy."
With a sharp motion, I sent the orbs flying. They spun and crackled with power. The crowd erupted in cheers, their energy filling the air.
"Long live the Shadow Ravens!" I shouted, arms lifted high.
"Long live the King!" the soldiers roared back. "Victory to the Shadow Ravens!" "For the glory of the realm!" "To battle and triumph!" "Strength and honor!" "For our future!"
Their cheers echoed across the beach, full of fire and hope. I turned back to the fleet, my focus steady.
Soon, I'd meet him.
The true main character of this world.
As the ships drew closer, I readied myself for the fight that would decide everything.