Chapter 1 – The Arrival of Azrael
In the southwestern corner of the New World lay a small kingdom, surrounded by mountains and the endless sea — Arkonis.
That day, one of Arkonis's merchant ships sailed across the ocean, its sails swelling with wind as it journeyed home. The waters were calm, the sky clear — until suddenly, the deep trembled.
From the black abyss below, a shadow began to move. A monstrous presence rose, stirring the sea into towering waves. In the next moment, it breached the surface — a colossal creature, known in sailor's tales as the Sea King.
With a single gulp, it could devour the ship whole.
The crew fell into chaos. Some scrambled for weapons, others froze in despair, while a few simply dropped to their knees, muttering broken prayers.
And then —
A brilliant silver light flared from the ship's deck, slicing through the air like a flash of lightning. It streaked across the sky and cleaved the Sea King in two with a sound like thunder.
As the light faded, a figure stood at the heart of the deck.
He appeared to be no more than fifteen or sixteen — a handsome boy with golden hair and silver eyes that glimmered like twin moons. Yet in that gaze burned the courage of a warrior far beyond his years.
His name was Azrael — the boy who had crossed from another world into this one.
He landed softly upon the deck, turning with effortless grace.
The sailors burst into cheers, laughter, and tears, their terror forgotten.
"That boy's incredible! As long as he's aboard, we've got nothing to fear!" shouted one of the sailors.
"Aye, the captain knew what he was doing bringing him aboard," another said proudly. "The moment I saw that look in his eyes, I knew he was special!"
"Ha! Don't make me laugh," the first one teased. "Back then, you said you could beat ten of him at once!"
Their laughter rolled across the deck, breaking the tension like sunlight after a storm.
The ship's captain, John, approached Azrael with a warm smile.
"Azrael, that was remarkable. You saved every one of us. I'm adding five million berri to your pay," he said sincerely.
Azrael merely smiled back, shaking his head.
"It's nothing, Captain. Just a small favor," he replied lightly.
John gazed at him for a long moment before laughing softly.
"You truly are something else, lad. Even the knights of the royal court can't compare. Mark my words — your name will be remembered in the chronicles of this world."
Then he turned to the rest of the crew.
"Alright, men! Enough staring — back to work! We're nearing the harbor. Raise the anchor!"
The crew scrambled into motion once more, their spirits high.
Azrael, however, simply smiled and looked toward the glowing board hovering before him — a panel of shimmering gold light only he could see.
Yes. You guessed it right. This was Azrael's Golden Finger — the Knight's System.
A wondrous mechanism that rewarded him with strength, skills, and power for every mission completed, every life saved.
Lines of text flowed before his eyes:
Mission Complete!
Merchant Ship Escort – Success.
Strength +10
Swordsmanship +10
Congratulations! Your Physical Power has reached 1000 points.
→ "Weapon Haki – Beginner Level" unlocked.
"Congratulations, Host Azrael," chimed the gentle, melodic voice of the System.
The words echoed softly in his mind as silver light flickered once again in his eyes.
Azrael's smile deepened.
"This is only the beginning…"