Astra was a world ruled by eight Great Emperors. These eight figures were revered by many—people believed they were blessed by the Goddess herself. The power and abilities they held were beyond human comprehension. Their divine blessing also gave them immortality, allowing them to rule for hundreds of years without ever aging.
To extend their control, the Great Emperors appointed thirty-two kings to govern distant lands in their name. These kings were bound by an ancient artifact called the Royal Seal—a magical mark that stripped them of free will when it came to disobeying the emperors. The curse of the seal was passed down through generations. Children born from these kings inherited both the crown and the chains of their bloodline, forced to serve the will of the emperors for eternity.
As centuries passed, the influence of the eight rulers spread across the world of Astra. Without resistance, they seized control of three of the seven great continents. No war was needed—the world had already been broken long ago.
On the western edge of the continent of Lunar stood the kingdom of Ravenguard, a fortress state marking the boundary of imperial power. Ravenguard was led by King Helion Silverblades, the ninth ruler from his bloodline. But the Silverblades family had not been tasked with simple governance. No, their role was far more vital.
They were humanity's final wall.
Across the sea from Lunar lay the Hollow Region, a forbidden continent shrouded in mystery. It was said that demons—the true terrors of the world—originated from there. And for hundreds of years, the Silverblades fought those demons back, generation after generation, never letting them set foot on Lunar soil.
Of all the battles waged, none were more intense than those in the recent years. The demons had grown stronger, bolder. But Ravenguard's walls had never fallen—not even once. It's because King Helion Silverblades is there. He was a warrior of unmatched might. With a single swing of his sword, he could wipe out hundreds of demons that dared cross the sea. People across the land began calling him "The West Gate", the guardian of humanity's last frontier.
Even the eight Great Emperors acknowledged Helion's strength.
But behind the name and the crown was a man of simple heart. Helion was generous, humble, and never sought riches. Instead, he poured the kingdom's wealth into rebuilding homes, feeding his people, and protecting the helpless. His love for his late wife, Lucia, was known to all. She had passed away shortly after giving birth to their only child, and Helion had never remarried. Many said he never even considered it.
That child was Kael Silverblades.
Kael, however, was not born under a lucky star. He was different. He had no Mana Core, the very essence needed to wield magic. In a world built on power and sorcery, Kael was… powerless.
But to Helion, Kael was never a disappointment.
Despite being a single father and a king burdened with war, Helion raised Kael with unwavering love. He didn't shield his son from truth or hardship—instead, he taught him how to face them.
At the age of six, Kael began training under his father's guidance. Though he couldn't sense mana, couldn't cast a single spell, Kael never gave up. He practiced his swordsmanship every single day. Under the scorching sun and in the freezing rain, he swung his blade, again and again.
Helion watched from the shadows. Pride filled his heart every time Kael picked himself up after falling. But guilt clung to him too. He blamed himself for the curse of weakness Kael had inherited.
Years passed.
Kael was now turning sixteen. He had grown into a determined young man, and one day he approached his father with a request.
"Father," Kael said, his voice firm. "For my birthday… I want a sword."
Helion paused, studying his son's face. "Are you certain, Kael?"
"I am. I want to become a warrior, like you."
Without saying another word, Helion turned and began walking. "Follow me."
Kael obeyed.
They left the palace and walked toward the northern tower, a tall, quiet place where few ever went. Step by step, they climbed the spiral stairs. Neither spoke. When they reached the top, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden hue over the western horizon.
Helion stood still, his gaze locked on the distant sea. After a long silence, he spoke.
"Kael… do you think I'm a strong man?"
His voice was no longer filled with authority. There was sadness in it—heavy, weary sadness.
Kael lowered his head. He didn't want to meet his father's eyes.
"I think you are, Father. You fight to protect this kingdom. The people here live in peace because you stand at the gate. Even though they know what lies across that ocean… they can sleep without fear."
Helion closed his eyes.
"…Then I suppose I've fooled everyone, even you," he muttered. " I'm not strong, Kael. I've made mistakes… too many to count. I've lost things that mattered to me. Things I can never get back. I couldn't save them. All I can do now is try to protect what's left."
Kael clenched his fists.
"But isn't that what it means to be strong?" he said firmly. "You once told me that a warrior's true strength isn't in their sword or their muscles—it's in their will. The will to protect, no matter what. If that's true, then… you're the strongest warrior I know."
Helion's eyes widened.
Tears rolled down his cheeks as he turned to his son. Slowly, he smiled—an honest, trembling smile, filled with pride and grief.
Kael didn't say anything more. He simply stood beside his father, letting the silence speak for them. The last rays of sunlight painted the sky in shades of orange and gold. And then, night fell.
Helion placed a hand on Kael's head.
"Your birthday is tomorrow… but I think it's time you received your gift today."
From a wooden crate wrapped in white cloth, he retrieved something long and heavy. Helion placed it in Kael's hands.
Kael unwrapped the cloth and saw a black sword. The blade shimmered under the moonlight like obsidian glass. It was unlike anything he'd ever seen.
"This sword," Helion said softly, "was forged from a metal I found long ago. I was told it didn't come from this world, but from the stars above—from beyond the sky."
Kael stared at the weapon, speechless.
Then, he stepped forward and embraced his father tightly.
"Thank you… Father."