Inside the cold stone halls of a castle, three soldiers were supposed to guard the main gate.
Instead of focusing on their duty, they sat on the floor, playing cards.
"Wow, you're really good at this," the first soldier said with a grin.
"I know that," the second soldier replied proudly, shuffling the deck.
The third soldier sighed. "You guys are going to get us in trouble…"
Suddenly, a loud crash shook the room. Part of the wall exploded inward, scattering dust and stones everywhere.
"Huh? Who is it?" one soldier shouted, reaching for his weapon.
"Show yourself!" another yelled into the cloud of debris.
A dark figure stepped through the broken wall. Without warning, he raised his hand, forming a finger gun—his index finger extended straight like a barrel, his thumb cocked upward like a hammer, the other fingers curled tight.
Then he fired two of the soldiers.
"No! You're—" the last soldier gasped, but before he could finish, the stranger shot him as well and walked past the fallen guards.
He stopped at the huge iron door and, with a single strike, broke it open.
"Finally," the man said softly. "I'm here, Father."
On a tall throne at the end of the hall sat a powerful-looking man, his crimson cape flowing down the steps. His eyes glowed faintly.
"I didn't think you would come this far," the man said. "Especially just to reach the Human World."
"I will do anything to reach the Human Realm," the stranger replied. "You can't stop me from accomplishing my dream."
"Of course I can," the man said coldly. "I am the King of Lumora—the conqueror of lands—Mimeon."
"No matter who you are," the stranger said firmly, "you can't stop me from achieving my dream."
"You are a fool," King Mimeon said. "You don't even know when to give up."
A tall man wearing black armor stepped forward. This was Commander Kayoger, leader of all the king's soldiers.
"Commander Kayoger," King Mimeon ordered, "I command you to eliminate the Prince of Lumora—Gundum."
"How can you…" Gundum began, but before he could finish, everything went black.
---
There Are Two Worlds
The first is called the Human Realm, ruled by humans. People call it the Land of Heaven and Hell, a place where good and evil exist side by side.
The second world is Lumora—a land filled with magic, spells, and dark curses. Many strange creatures live here, but among them, one race stands above the rest: The Rippers.
They are the strongest beings in Lumora and rule the land with power and fear.
A thousand years ago, a powerful Ripper named Mute became Lumora's ruler. He was known as the strongest being in the history of Lumora. For eight hundred years, Mute ruled with unmatched might. Then, one day, without warning, he gave up his throne to his son, Mimeon, and fell into a deep sleep.
Mute never woke again.
Since that day, Mimeon has ruled Lumora for two hundred years.
---
Gundum slowly opened his eyes.
"Where… am I? What is this place?" he muttered.
"It's Pantheon, my lord," said an unknown voice.
"What? I've never heard of it. And who are you?" Gundum asked, sitting up.
"I am just a humble servant of your mother, dear majesty. My name is Entei," the voice replied.
"Are you the one who summoned me?"
"Yes, indeed I am, dear majesty," Entei said with a small bow. "Your mother gave me the responsibility of helping you achieve your dream."
"But I was about to—"
"There's no way you can enter the Human Realm with the powers you have now," Entei interrupted. "You need to become strong. Stronger than anyone alive or dead. And I will help you do that."
"I don't need your help," Gundum snapped. "If I have to get stronger, I'll do it myself."
"You can't get strong without me," Entei said calmly. "I will be the one to make you strong, and I will guide you to achieve your dream."
"I already said I don't need your help!" Gundum growled.
"I bet you don't even know what Pantheon is—or how to get out of here," Entei said with a faint smile.
Gundum's face twisted awkwardly. It was clear Entei was right.
"My lord," Entei continued, "the land of Lumora is divided into seven parts. Pantheon is one of them. You need to go to the Castle of Pantheon and defeat its commander, PSP, to get out of here."
"Fine. Then where is it?" Gundum asked.
"You're not ready to do that yet," Entei replied.
Gundum's eyes narrowed. "Then what should I do? Get stronger?"
"You're right, dear majesty," Entei said with a small laugh. "Come with me. I will show you a place."
He turned and began walking into a dark tunnel.
"Hey, wait for me!" Gundum shouted, running after him. "I'm coming!"