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In the distant echoes of a time long forgotten, a singular, magnificent God resided before existence began. This divine architect, the Creator of the Multiverse, summoned forth a being unlike any other—a creature of infinite wisdom and power, a Dragon of purest white, a Cosmic Dragon capable of bending the very fabric of reality to its will.
This Dragon, a magnificent entity in its own right, fragmented its essence into three distinct identities: Garo, Enryu, and Shenlong. Thus, our tale unfolds amidst this division—a saga borne of three divine souls cast adrift, navigating the wonders and trials of a singular planet known as Liras, a realm deemed the pinnacle of creation by God Himself.
Liras boasts an extraordinary tapestry of life divided into three distinct realms, each housing a myriad of souls and experiences:
The First Realm, revered as Aetherion, is a celestial sanctuary for angels and pure-hearted souls—an ethereal domain where the light is eternal and the whispers of their devotion resonate like soft chimes in a gentle breeze. It is said to be a step closer to the divine, a place where the very essence of goodness thrives.
The Second Realm, known as Seruniya, teems with vibrant life. It is a bustling world where mythical creatures and diverse beings coexist in a delicate balance. Here, Beast-Men roam the lush forests, Elves dance among the ancient trees, Humans forge their destinies, Dwarfs delve into the depths of the mountains, and Fairies flit about in a symphony of colour. It is a realm of trials and tribulations, where each living being faces hardships, growing and evolving amid life's challenges.
The Third Realm, shrouded in darkness and despair, is called Noxavyr. This is a harrowing domain where the Devil reigns supreme, a tormented prison for Demons, Sins, and Evil Souls. Here, shadows twist and writhe under the weight of their malevolence as they are eternally subject to the cruel machinations of their tormentors. These demons dwell within this abyss of suffering.
As our story begins, we find ourselves at the crossroads of these realms, drawn into the intricate saga of three divine souls, each seeking their purpose and place within the universe's grand design.
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As the teenage boy steps onto the lush, emerald grass of the clearing, he emerges from the depths of the ancient forest, his silhouette shrouded in luxurious white and gold royal fabric that drapes elegantly over his form, veiling his head and casting an enigmatic shadow across his features. The late afternoon light dances upon the opulent cloth, creating a striking contrast against the starkness of his black fingerless gloves, which bear the traces of battles fought—his scarred arms a testament to a life filled with struggle and resilience. He wears sturdy combat boots, slightly scuffed and worn, and fitted jeans that hug his frame while the flowing layers of fabric conceal the secrets of his journey.
He gazes thoughtfully at the sprawling city that stretches beneath the watchful gaze of the Second Moon. "Moon of Hope," he whispers, the words lingering in the air like a distant echo. No one truly understands the origin of this name, nor the reason for the city's existence under the unyielding gaze of the moon, which hangs suspended, a sentinel over the planet Liras. Some whisper that the city has withstood the test of time for millennia, while others insist it rose from the ashes of ancient, devastating wars.
As his eyes wander over the vibrant tapestry of life that is Lunaris, he murmurs its name, feeling a stirring within him: "Lunaris." A cacophony of diverse souls inhabits this bustling metropolis—humans, beast-men, elves, dwarves, and myriad other beings—each drawn here by the promise of peace, yearning to forge a life free from the shackles of conflict. For many, Lunaris represents an oasis of hope and redemption. Yet, beneath the city's vibrant facade, he senses the lurking shadows, dark undercurrents whispering of discord and struggle.
With an air of resolve, he retrieves a compact, well-worn clock from his pocket, its metallic surface catching the fading sunlight as he checks the time: 16:42. A heavy sigh escapes his lips, mingling with the air thick with anticipation. "I needed to save them. Hopefully, it's not too late," he reflects, determination kindling in his chest.
With one clear goal and unwavering mission, he strides forward into the heart of Lunaris, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
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As he strolled through the bustling streets, an air of intrigue surrounded him, drawing the curious gazes of passersby. He was draped in a magnificent cloak emblazoned with the emblem of a regal beast, shadows dancing beneath its heavy fabric as he moved.
"Young Man, halt right there!" a voice cut through the crowd's murmurs, commanding yet edged with caution. He turned slowly, revealing a human guard striding toward him, clad in the standard livery of his post.
"You cannot walk here adorned with the Royal emblem!" the guard barked, indignation bubbling in his tone. But the youth remained unfazed, a confident smirk playing on his lips as he replied, "What? I simply wear the gifts my friends bestow upon me."
As the guard drew nearer, he couldn't help but notice the teen's towering height -168 centimeters of poised defiance. His pulse quickened when he saw a single glowing cyan eye peering from beneath the cloak, its light piercing the gloom of doubt.
Suddenly overcome with trepidation, the guard stumbled back, a nervous bow escaping him. "Forgive me, sir! I didn't realize that. Your friend bestowed this upon you! But may I inquire who it was?"
"Hm, I can't reveal her name just yet, but know this—it was none other than Queen Laura herself," the teen replied, amusement threading through his words as he watched the guard tremble in shock.
Dropping to his knees, the guard made a spectacle of himself as he prostrated, eyes cast down and anxiety etched across his face, drawing the attention of all around. The youth shifted uncomfortably, a hint of disdain igniting within him.
"Please, raise your head. I am not royalty," he implored softly, concern mingling with impatience. If there's nothing more, I shall take my leave." With that, he turned away from the bowing figure, stepping back into the throng of curious onlookers, who continued to watch him with avid eyes. The air was still thick with the remnants of the encounter.
The teenager sighed deeply, the weight of nostalgia settling over him like a gentle mist. He recalled the warmth of the cloak wrapped around him, a gift from someone whose presence lingered in his heart. The fabric, rich in color and soft to the touch, seemed to whisper stories of their shared moments, each thread woven with memories that flickered like fireflies in the twilight of his mind.
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•Flashback•
"Hey, before heading to Lunaris, I have something for you..." A delicate hand, adorned with slender fingers, extended a luxurious cloak towards the teen boy, its fabric shimmering softly in the light.
"Why are you giving me this?" he asked, his brow furrowing with confusion as he examined the fine craftsmanship of the garment, unsure why his friend would bestow such a lavish gift upon him.
The girl let out a soft, playful giggle, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hehe, no reason~ JUST TAKE IT ALREADY!!" The warmth of her smile was infectious, making it hard for him to resist her cheerful insistence.
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•Flashback End•
The teen let out a heavy sigh, memories of past dramas swirling through his mind like shadows that refused to fade. People would turn away from him, their gazes averted due to the dark, flowing cloak he wore that seemed to envelop him in mystery and isolation.
Before he could delve deeper into those haunting thoughts, a sudden collision jolted him from his reverie. A girl with tousled brown hair stumbled into him. Instinctively, he reached out, preventing her from toppling over.
"Hey, careful..." His voice trailed off as he took in her appearance. She was a slave girl, her delicate neck bearing the weight of a cruel metal collar. The ragged fabric clinging to her body did little to conceal the angry scars that marred her skin, a testament to her suffering. One of her eyes was shrouded in blindness, while the other glimmered emerald green, filled with a mixture of fear and hope. She looked to be around 16 or 17, standing at a mere 154 cm, a small figure overshadowed by the harsh realities of her existence.
"I-I..." she stammered, her voice a strained whisper, nearly lost beneath the weight of her pain. The teen noticed the pronounced scar on her neck, a harrowing reminder that she had once been denied the power of speech.
"Are you running from someone?" he inquired gently, his tone calm, imbued with a quiet strength that seemed to soothe her trembling spirit. The girl made another attempt to respond, but he raised a hand, reassuring her. She nodded, her eyes wide with uncertainty.
Just then, a shout fractured the air, causing the girl to flinch. The teen turned to see a guard barreling towards them, his expression frantic.
"Oh, sir! Please capture that girl! She's escaped from slavery!" the guard yelled, positioning himself between the teen and the girl, who cowered at the sudden confrontation.
The girl's face reflected her fear, yet when she glanced at the teen, an inexplicable warmth blossomed in her heart, a flicker of safety amidst the looming threat.
"Why are you chasing this girl?" The teen's voice remained steady, but an undercurrent of menace laced his words.
"She—she's part of slavery! She was running away with her sister before she was to be sold!" The guard stuttered, visibly shaken under the intensity of the teen's glowing cyan eyes.
"Tell me where this place is, and I will take her with me," the teen commanded, his resolve firm. The girl's eyes widened in panic, but he met her gaze with a silent promise of protection, calming her racing heart.
With a bow that betrayed his apprehension, the guard replied, "Thank you, sir. I'm sorry to trouble you again. Here's the location. You've got an MDroid, right?" The teen nodded, pulling out a magical device that hummed softly in his hand. The guard quickly sent the location before adding.
"Good. Now, resume your duty, and do not presume arrogance on a whim just because we are human." His warning was punctuated with authority as the guard scurried away, beads of sweat dotting his forehead.
The girl stood trembling, worry etched across her face. She feared he would send her back to her captors.
"I'm sorry..." The words slipped from his lips softly, and for a fleeting moment, terror gripped her heart, imagining the worst. But as he removed his hood, revealing his face to the dim light, all fear melted away instantly.
He was breathtaking—a handsome visage marred only by a single scar that traced down from his cheek to his jawline, giving him an air of both danger and allure. His eyes sparkled like precious gemstones, a striking crystal blue that captured the essence of a tranquil ocean. His light blue hair framed his face, dancing lightly with the breeze, and at that moment, she felt the urge to cry.
She recognized him instantly; he had been her beacon of hope in her darkest hours—her light, her family. She whispered his name, barely a breath on her lips, "A-Akira..."
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•To Be Continue•
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