In a dark and damp underground room, far outside the city limits of Seoul, seven figures stood gathered around a round table made of polished black stone. The light from slightly green-tinted candles flickered throughout the room, illuminating faces filled with anger and a thirst for revenge. They were the 7 Sovereigns – rulers once thought to have been defeated in the great war against the forces of Balance, yet it turned out they were still alive and breathing.
"Now you all understand why we survived, don't you?" said the first figure, wearing a black robe and a simple iron crown. He was Zephyrus, the Sovereign of Wind who had always been their leader. His blue eyes blazed with an unquenchable fire of rage. "The bodies you saw when we faced the Balance Keeper were not our true forms – only clones we created from fragments of our own life energy. The clones were indeed weaker, but they served one crucial purpose: to act as bait and make our enemies think they had succeeded in destroying us."
The second figure – with long silver hair and sharp features – nodded cynically. She was Luna, the Sovereign of Night who always preferred to plan from behind the scenes. "And while they were busy celebrating their false victory, we've had time to gather our strength and learn everything we need to know about our enemy. Ryu Arion – that young Balance Keeper. We've found out a great deal about him."
She then pulled out a sheet of paper covered in notes and diagrams. It contained detailed information about Ryu – from his home address, friends, and family, to even his seemingly trivial daily habits. "We've discovered his greatest weakness," Luna continued in a voice as cold as ice. "He cares too deeply about the people around him. He'll do anything to protect them – it could be our most powerful weapon, but also the vulnerability we'll exploit."
The third figure – large and heavily armored – let out a sigh like thunder. He was Grom, the Sovereign of Earth, known as the roughest and most impatient among them. "So what are we waiting for? Let's attack now! I've been waiting ages to get revenge on that little brat who shattered my clone into pieces!"
"We can't act rashly, Grom," said the fourth figure in a melodious yet commanding voice. She was Aqua, the Sovereign of Water who always favored cunning and manipulation over direct force. "We need a solid plan. You all saw the power he displayed last time, didn't you? He can already perfectly merge light and dark energy. We can't fight him the way we did before – that would only lead to another defeat."
The fifth figure – wearing an orange robe and carrying a long wooden staff – nodded slowly. He was Pyro, the Sovereign of Fire who enjoyed experimenting with various battle tactics. "I agree with Aqua. We need a new approach to face him. Besides, we must remember he isn't alone – there's Mr. Park Hyunwoo, guardian of the Light Sanctuary; there's Lis, who possesses power from her ancestor Astaroth; and many others ready to stand by him."
The sixth figure – small and thin with eyes that seemed to watch everything – smiled wryly. He was Nexus, the Sovereign of Networks, an expert in information and espionage. "Don't worry, I've already begun spreading my information network across the entire city. Everything that happens around Ryu Kim will be closely monitored. We'll know every move he makes before he even thinks about it."
As everyone began discussing and proposing ideas, the seventh figure – who had remained silent in the corner – finally spoke up. He was Void, the Sovereign of Nothingness, regarded as the strongest and most mysterious among them. His voice was soft yet could penetrate the hearts of all who heard it. "We need more than just plans or information. We need something that can defeat the power of Balance itself. And I have an idea how to do it."
All eyes immediately turned to him. Zephyrus stepped closer, his gaze filled with curiosity. "What do you mean, Void? What are you thinking?"
Void only smiled faintly without answering directly. He raised his hands to the air and began drawing intricate patterns with his long, slender fingers. Dark purple light began to emerge from the patterns, forming a blurry yet menacing shape. "We cannot defeat Balance with the same kind of power. We need to create something new – something that can destabilize the balance itself. But to do that, we need time and the right materials."
He then looked at each Sovereign one by one with empty yet purposeful eyes. "Therefore, each of us will have our own task. We'll work separately but remain coordinated. And when the time comes… we'll show the world that the 7 Sovereigns cannot be defeated so easily."
The room fell silent once more, thick with tension. Every Sovereign knew the plan they were about to undertake would not be easy, and the risks were great. But they also knew they had no other choice – for them, honor and power were everything. And they would do whatever it took to reclaim their position as undisputed rulers.
However, none of them realized that behind their seemingly perfect plan, something had been overlooked – something that would change everything and render their scheme completely meaningless. But that is a story for another time, and for now, they focused solely on one thing: ensuring Ryu Kim and everyone he held dear would receive the punishment they deserved for what they had done to them.
[SCENE TWO: RYU'S HOUSE – DAYTIME]
A few days after the incident at school that shook the entire city of Seoul, daily life began returning to normal for Ryu and his family. Even though he was now known as the Balance Keeper, with many people coming to meet him or ask for advice, Ryu did his best to live like an ordinary student – busy with lessons and school assignments.
On a bright day, Ryu was lying on his bed, engrossed in reading a thick book titled "History of World Powers" that he had borrowed from the school library. The book contained information about various supernatural powers that had existed in the world, from ancient times to the present. He was particularly fascinated by the section explaining how light and dark powers could coexist in some cultures, and how they were seen as inseparable parts of the universe.
Ryu read each page carefully, occasionally lifting his eyes to the open window of his room to look out at the backyard – filled with flowers and green trees. Fresh air flowed into the room, carrying the scent of roses growing near the window. He felt deeply calm and peaceful as he read – as if finding answers to all the questions that had been weighing on his mind.
"How long are you going to lie there reading, honey?" his mother's voice – Yoon Mi-young – called from downstairs. "Lunch is ready! Come down quickly before the food gets cold!"
Ryu was slightly startled, having been so focused on his reading. He gently closed the book and set it on his desk, which was covered with textbooks and notes. He then got up from his bed and followed his mother's voice downstairs.
When he reached the dining room, the aroma of delicious food immediately hit his nose. On the large dining table lay a variety of dishes – from spicy kimchi and savory grilled meat to warm chicken soup and fluffy white rice. His father, Mikael, was already seated at the table reading the newspaper, while his mother was setting out plates and spoons at Ryu's place.
"Ah, you finally came down," Mi-young said with a warm smile as she saw Ryu enter the room. "You always lose track of time when you're reading. You need to eat regularly to keep your body healthy and strong."
Ryu smiled sheepishly and sat down at his seat. "Sorry Mom, I just really love this book". There's so much interesting information about the powers that have existed in the world. There's even a section that talks about how our ancestors might have been related to the Balance Keepers back then."
Mikael put down his newspaper and looked at his son with a smile. "It's good that you want to learn about the history of powers, but don't forget about other important things too, Ryu. You're still a student who has a responsibility to complete your education. The exam next week is really important too, isn't it?"
"Yes Dad, I know," replied Ryu as he served rice and various dishes onto his plate. "I'm already studying for it too. Lis will be coming here this afternoon to study with me. She said she's still confused about the math and physics material."
Mi-young smiled happily when she heard this. "Oh that's great! You two can help each other out. You've always been close since way back, even since Lis moved to live next door to us. You know her mom often says that Lis feels more comfortable here than at her own home?"
Ryu nodded as he chewed his food. "Yes Mom, I know. Sometimes we even eat together with their family too. Lis's dad is also really kind to me – he often tells stories about their home country and its culture."
Mikael nodded slowly. "Alright then, the important thing is that you can respect and help each other. That's the most important thing in any relationship, whether it's friendship or family."
They then continued eating quietly while chatting about various things – from news about the new park being built near their house, to plans for the year-end holiday that they might take together with Lis's family. Ryu really enjoyed moments like this, where he could just be a normal kid without having to think about his responsibilities as the Balance Keeper.
After finishing their meal, Ryu helped his mom clear the table and wash the dishes. Meanwhile, Mikael went back to the living room to continue reading his newspaper while drinking warm tea that Mi-young had prepared. After finishing cleaning the kitchen, Ryu went back to his room to get his textbooks and prepare the study table in the living room – he even swept the floor a little and arranged the chairs to make them more comfortable for studying with Lis.
About an hour later, a soft knock was heard at the front door. Mi-young immediately got up from her chair to open it, and Lis appeared wearing a light blue t-shirt and comfortable jeans. Her long reddish hair was left loose and she was carrying a backpack full of books, notes, and stationery.
"Hi Aunt Mi-young! Good afternoon!" said Lis with a bright smile that always made the atmosphere warmer. "I came on time, right? You said we could study with Ryu in the living room?"
"Of course, Lis!" replied Mi-young with a warm smile. "Come on in first. I just made fruit ice with fresh fruits. Later you and Ryu can drink it while studying. Let me bring it to the living room for you."
"No need to trouble yourself, Aunt – I can help carry it," said Lis politely, but Mi-young had already gone straight to the kitchen to get the bowl of fruit ice that was ready.
Lis then went into the living room where Ryu was waiting with a neat study table – textbooks were arranged neatly, pens and pencils were ready, and there were even calculators and extra notebooks. When he saw Lis coming, Ryu immediately stood up with a smile.
"Hi Lis! You're here. Have you eaten yet? If not, you can eat first with the fruit ice my mom made – it's really delicious."
"I already ate rice and side dishes at home, thank you Ryu," replied Lis as she put her bag on the chair next to him. "But I'll have the fruit ice though – we'll definitely get thirsty while studying. Oh right, which material have you started studying? I'm still really confused about the trigonometric functions chapter in math and the laws of motion chapter in physics."
Ryu smiled and pulled his chair closer to the table. "Don't worry Lis, we can start with the easiest parts first. I also made special notes for the material you said was difficult. Just sit down first – I'll get the fruit ice that Mom's bringing."
When Mi-young entered the living room with a bowl of fruit ice filled with cold, fresh pieces of watermelon, melon, grapes, and pineapple, they immediately started studying. Ryu explained the math material in a very simple and easy-to-understand way – he used examples from everyday life like how the height of a tree can be calculated using trigonometric formulas, or how to calculate the distance traveled by a vehicle using the laws of motion.
"Wow you're really good at explaining things, Ryu," said Lis with a happy smile after successfully solving several problems that had confused her earlier. "Before this I always thought math was really hard, but after you explain it like this it becomes easy."
Ryu smiled shyly and scratched his head. "That's because you're willing to try and focus on studying, Lis. If you're willing to put in the effort, you'll definitely understand. Now let's try discussing the physics material. The laws of motion chapter is actually quite easy once you understand the basic concepts first."
They then continued studying very seriously. Sometimes they paused briefly to joke around or talk about trivial things like TV shows they had just watched or funny stories from their friends at school. Their study atmosphere was really enjoyable and not at all stressful.
After studying for a few hours, they decided to take a short break. Lis was looking through the history book on the table while eating pieces of grapes from the fruit ice bowl, while Ryu was drinking water and looking out the living room window which was starting to get dark as evening approached.
Suddenly, Ryu felt a gentle vibration coming from his room – a very distinctive vibration from the Aethel katana he had placed in the corner of his room. The vibration grew stronger and clearer, as if there was something very important he needed to know right away.
Ryu immediately stood up from his seat with a slightly serious expression. Lis also noticed right away and stood up quickly. "What's wrong, Ryu? You look like you're feeling unwell or something's wrong?"
Ryu shook his head slowly and pointed towards his room. "I think there's something my sword wants to tell me, Lis. Astaroth who's inside it usually only gives a signal if something's important or if there's danger. Just wait here for a moment – I'll be right back."
He then went to his room quickly and took the Aethel katana that had been there since he came home from school. When he held its cold, sturdy handle, a soft yet clear voice began to be heard in his mind – Astaroth's voice that only he could hear through a special ability called "Whisper of Voice".
"Master, it seems something is wrong," said Astaroth's voice in a very serious and attentive tone. "I just felt a very familiar energy vibration – energy from the 7 Sovereigns. It seems they are not dead like we thought. They are still out there, hiding and definitely planning something bad for you and your loved ones."
Ryu felt his heart beating fast when he heard this. His eyes immediately became sharp and he looked at his sword with a gaze full of tension and determination. He had thought all his problems were over after defeating their clones at school, but it turned out the story was not over at all.
"Are you absolutely sure, Astaroth?" asked Ryu in a low but clear voice that only the two of them could hear. "We were sure we had managed to destroy all of them back then, weren't we?"
"I would never say something I'm not sure about, Master," replied Astaroth in a voice full of confidence. "Their energy is still very strong and I can feel that they are gathering even more strength. They are hiding somewhere far from here, but I can feel that they already know everything about you – maybe even more than you think."
Ryu fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. He knew Astaroth would never lie to him – everything he said was always true and reliable. But he also didn't want to worry Lis and his family with this news. As he was thinking about how to handle the situation, suddenly the entire room became very cold and the air began to feel very heavy.
Before Ryu could do anything, dark purple light began to emerge from the Aethel sword and envelop his entire body. A low rumbling sound was heard from all directions, and in the blink of an eye, Ryu found himself in a completely unfamiliar place – an empty dimension filled with faint starlight and very strong energy fields. In the distance, Astaroth's large and majestic figure appeared in his true form – no longer just a spirit residing in the sword, but as a being with a very strong and impressive physical body.
"Master Ryu," said Astaroth in a voice that rumbled like thunder yet remained gentle and full of respect. "I apologize for having to bring you here so suddenly. But there is something very important I must share with you – something that will change everything about who you really are and what you must do to protect this world from the danger that is to come..."
END OF CHAPTER 11