Chapter 1:
The sun bathed the small town in gold as laughter rang from a narrow street.
"Catch me, big brother!" Ari shouted, sprinting forward with all his little strength.
Siun smiled, chasing after him, his longer legs catching up easily. "Got you," he said, grabbing Ari's shoulders and ruffling his hair. Ari pouted, then burst into giggles.
The two brothers ran until they were breathless, before heading home.
Inside, the warm smell of dinner filled the house. Their mother stood in the kitchen, humming softly while their father sat at the low table, flipping through old papers.
"You two are late," their father said, though there was no harshness in his voice.
"Sorry," Siun answered quickly, guiding Ari to wash his hands.
Later, the brothers sat at their desks. Siun leaned close, patiently helping Ari with letters and numbers. His mother peeked in, smiling at the sight. His father gave a quiet nod of approval.
Hours passed. At last, Ari closed his notebook. "big brother… can I go to Yuto's place now?"
Siun hesitated, then glanced at his parents. His mother gave a small nod.
"Be quick," Siun said. "Don't be late."
Ari grinned and ran off.
The evening air grew heavy. Siun studied quietly until the door creaked open again.
"Ari?"
His little brother stepped inside—limping. His clothes were torn, his lip bleeding, bruises dark on his small arms.
Siun stood, panic tightening his chest. "What happened!?"
"I-I just fell while playing," Ari stammered, forcing a smile.
Siun's eyes narrowed. "Don't lie. Tell me the truth."
Ari shook, tears spilling down his cheeks. "…It was that boy. The one with the book. He… he pushed me, and… his people hit me."
Siun's fists clenched. His heart thundered. "Stay with Mom and Dad. I'll handle this."
He found the "novel boy" in the square. A book under his arm, his smirk sharp as a blade. Around him stood armored knights, their gazes cold and empty.
When Siun stepped forward, the boy tilted his head. "You're the brother? Brave to come here."
"Why did you hurt Ari?" Siun's voice was low, trembling with rage.
"Because he's weak," the boy said simply. "And weak things should stay down."
He snapped his fingers. "Knights. Break him."
They advanced.
Siun turned quickly—his heart sank. Ari had followed again, peeking from the shadows.
"Ari! Run home! Stay with Mom and Dad!"
Ari froze, tears streaming.
"Go!" Siun roared.
The knights lunged.
Siun charged forward bare-handed, striking with all he had. His blows landed, but armor turned them aside. Blades slashed his arms, spears grazed his side. Still, he refused to fall.
But one against many was hopeless. Blood dripped from his mouth. His knees hit the dirt.
The world blurred. The knights raised their blades for the final strike.
And then—
A voice.
Not loud, not soft. Familiar. Deep. A warmth buried in memory.
"Siun… stand."
"…I know you…" he whispered, before darkness swallowed him.
To be continued.