The Unique Temple: Chapter 1
At the highest layer of the sky lay a place shrouded in thick, heavy mist. Fragments of stone spun rapidly around this circle of fog, colliding with one another and echoing with deafening sounds. The air was so deathly cold that any living being—human or otherwise—would turn into a crystal of ice within seconds of entering it.
This was the Land of Wind , a realm crafted by the gods in a form of unmatched beauty. Here, the greatest dragon hunters were trained. Beneath the grim and ghostly mist lay an enchanting land filled with steaming hot springs and cascading waterfalls. This was a vast, sacred island where all aspiring dragon hunters arrived via hot air balloons and underwent rigorous training at the temple hidden within.
In this realm lived a master who had trained dragon hunters for 58 years. His name was Daisuke—a teacher, scholar, and once a fearsome hunter himself. His short, wavy hair shimmered under the sun. Wherever his skin touched, a sense of divinity and wisdom followed. With his flawless mastery and profound knowledge, he was more than a mentor—he was a living legend.
He wore a robe of pure white linen, as radiant and refined as the brightest cloud. Upon his head rested a beautifully crafted samurai hat, made from bamboo, painted black with crimson ribbon trimming its edges. He was dressed in a traditional white training outfit, with sandals made of pure leather. At his side hung the Last Breath Blade, a weapon reserved only for the highest-ranking hunters—featuring a matte black hilt, golden engravings, and embedded fragments of precious emerald.
The ancient hunter Daisuke turned to his assistant, Lady Akeno , with a serious expression. He furrowed his brows, pressed his lips tightly together, took a deep breath, and spoke in a firm, ancient, and commanding tone:
— Akeno... Where are the new students?!
Akeno looked at Master Daisuke. She narrowed her eyes slightly, bowed respectfully, and responded in a soft, gentle voice:
— They are on their way, Master Daisuke...~
Her amethyst-colored eyes gleamed like rubies, captivating anyone who met her gaze. Her delicate nose, soft pink lips, wavy black hair, perfectly arched brows, and small, elegant ears gave her a breathtaking beauty. But beyond her appearance, she had 19 years of experience as a dragon hunter—an elite worthy of her title. She was the second-most respected figure in the Ancient Dragon Hunters Temple , standing just beneath Daisuke himself.
The hot air balloon descended slowly through the icy mist, nearing the eastern landing platform of the temple. As the fog began to part, enormous stone pillars and dragon-carved pathways emerged like memories rising from the depths.
Akeno stood at the edge of the platform, her long black hair swaying gently in the wind. Her dark eyes scanned the distance with calm intensity. Finally, the balloon landed, and five young figures stepped out onto sacred ground.
Akeno turned, offering a faint smile as she looked at Master Daisuke and spoke with quiet respect:
— They have arrived, Master Daisuke...
Daisuke turned slowly, his every movement carrying the weight of wisdom and decades of experience. As his eyes swept over the new arrivals, a warm and composed voice emerged:
— Welcome, rookies.
His voice was deep and steady, with a quiet power behind it. The students stared in awe, mesmerized by the master's presence. Daisuke approached, inspecting each one with a sharp yet gentle gaze.
— Before we begin your training, let's assign your lodgings and prepare a proper meal for your recovery.
Among the five stood a boy whose aura already felt different: Takeshi Nakamura. At just 13 years old, he had already seen more death than most warriors. His family was killed in a brutal dragon attack, and he was the only survivor. Now, with pain and determination burning in his heart, he had come to rise from the ashes.
His eyes quietly scanned the other four students.
First: a short, energetic boy with bright orange hair and a wild spark in his eyes.
Second: a brown-haired girl with a calm, determined expression and quiet beauty.
Third: a boy with thick eyebrows, black hair, and piercing red eyes—his cold expression masked a storm within.
Fourth: a blond boy, carefree and aloof, watching a butterfly with idle interest… yet his eyes revealed hidden intelligence beneath the surface.
Takeshi studied them all. They were close in age, but something inside him made him feel worlds apart.
Master Daisuke noticed Takeshi's quiet analysis. A slight smirk touched his lips as he firmly placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and asked:
— Tell me, young man. How old are you ?
Akeno, who had been reviewing the student files nearby, stepped forward smoothly and answered:
— His name is Takeshi. Surname: Nakamura. Age: 13
Takeshi flinched slightly, caught between Daisuke's intense stare and Akeno's swift response. There was something intimidating yet strangely comforting in the master's presence. Daisuke held his gaze for a moment longer before stepping back and speaking again:
— Very well. Head to your lodging quarters."
The five students followed their masters up the grand stone staircase. Each step pulled them further from their pasts and closer to the destiny that awaited them.
As night silently blanketed the realm of dragons, something ancient… began to stir.
This is a CONCEPT CHAPTER.