The training hall echoed with the sound of fists smashing stone. Thud. Thud. Crack.
Vemy Lula's knuckles split open, the blood dripping down his slender, toned arms. His strikes were precise, yet the stone dummy barely cracked. Every punch made his chest ache—not just from the blows, but from humiliation.
Behind him, laughter.
"Still a Zero, huh?"
"Pathetic. Can't even awaken a single ring."
Vemy gritted his teeth. He was slender, almost delicate, yet his muscles flexed under his skin with every movement. Even his slightly feminine features—sharp cheekbones, high collarbone, subtle chest—did nothing to earn him respect. In fact, they made the mockery worse.
He raised his fist again, refusing to quit. Pain tore through his wrist with a sharp crack. He crumpled to his knees, gasping.
Then the air changed.
A figure appeared in the doorway, cloaked in blue flames that warped the very air. His presence pressed down like a storm, and yet his gaze burned with something more—interest.
"You're striking wrong," the man said, voice deep and edged with authority.
Vemy blinked. "…Who—?"
The man lifted a hand. Hovering above his palm was a shattered ring, glowing azure despite its jagged form.
"You're not weak," he said. "You're untaught. Strength isn't in your fists—it's in your soul. Do you want me to teach you?"
Vemy's chest tightened. His life flashed before him: endless mocking, bruises, failure. His hand shook as he reached toward the ring. His fingers brushed the shards—
And his soul ignited.
A blue flame erupted from his body, wrapping him in brilliant, flickering energy. His hair flowed like liquid sapphire, eyes glowing bright azure. The air warped with the intensity of his aura.
The stone dummies exploded into blue embers. The other trainees screamed and scrambled back. The fire traced the curves of his body, highlighting both his delicate features and deadly presence. He looked almost unreal—beautiful, terrifying, unstoppable.
Vemy's fists glowed, dripping energy like molten fire. He roared, striking the nearest dummy.
It didn't crack. It disintegrated into glowing ash.
The man smirked. "Azure Spark. The first step."
Vemy collapsed to the floor, chest heaving, aura still flickering. But he was smiling—blood, sweat, and fire all mixed into a dangerous euphoria.
The mentor rose, cloak ablaze.
"Name's Samaki. From today, you're my student. Fail me, and I'll break you myself. Succeed…"
His grin widened, sharp and merciless.
"…and you'll burn this world blue."