CHAPTER ONE: CRISIS
The sound of footsteps echoed softly across the churchyard of Marsh Village, breaking the early morning calm. Dew still clung to the grass, and the tall trees swayed gently in the breeze surrounding the old stone church."Zepthon! Bearen!" Nun Sofia called out, her voice firm yet caring. "Where are you boys hiding?""Over here, Madam Sofia!" came Zepthon's reply.Following the sound, Nun Sofia rounded a large tree near the church and found the two boys crouched behind it. Zepthon looked up with a bright smile, while Bearen's face was twisted in irritation."What are you two doing back here?" Nun Sofia asked, resting her hands on her hips."Madam Sofia," Zepthon said eagerly, "Bearen just invented a new game."Nun Sofia bent forward to get a closer look, curiosity softening her expression."Oh? Let me see. That's quite clever, Bear"
"Shut it!" Bearen snapped sharply.The words struck the air like a slap."Bearen," Zepthon said quickly, startled, "be nice. You shouldn't talk to her like""Shut up!" Bearen shouted again, his voice filled with anger.Silence followed."That's enough," Nun Sofia said, her tone suddenly cold and commanding. "Go to your room immediately and think about what you've done.""Whatever," Bearen muttered before storming off, his footsteps growing distant.Nun Sofia watched him disappear, worry etched deeply across her face."That child…" she murmured. "If he doesn't learn to control his anger, I fear what he may become."She turned back to Zepthon. "Please take care of your brother, okay?""I will, Madam Sofia," Zepthon replied softly.
After a moment of hesitation, he added, "Since Bearen isn't here… would you mind playing the game with me?"Nun Sofia smiled faintly. "I don't know how to play.""No worries," Zepthon said. "I'll teach you."And so, beneath the shade of the tree, they played together unaware that Bearen, still burning with rage, had wandered deep into the forest."I hate them," Bearen shouted as he pushed through thick branches. "Especially that Nun… acting like she's all righteous."His anger slowly drained him of strength. Eventually, exhaustion claimed him, and he collapsed onto the forest floor, surrounded by darkness and unseen dangers.Not far away, two figures stood hidden among the trees."We need to kidnap all the children for this to work," one said in a low, cruel voice."Yes, boss," the other replied."Get out of my sight."
As the second man vanished, the first smirked."Finally… the time has come to taste the sweet nectar of liberation.
"THE NEXT DAY
Morning arrived not with birdsong, but with screams.Fire engulfed Marsh Village."Everybody run!" an old man shouted as villagers fled in panic.Inside the burning church, smoke filled the air. Zepthon clung to Nun Sofia, his body trembling."What are we going to do?" he asked, his voice shaking."Don't worry," she said, forcing calm into her tone. "Everything will be fine… wait." Her eyes widened. "Where is Bearen?""I thought he was with you," Zepthon replied.The building groaned as flames devoured its wooden beams.
Outside the village, Bearen stirred awake. As he stumbled toward the outskirts, his heart stopped."What… what happened?" His eyes locked onto the burning church. "No… no!"He ran.Inside, Zepthon saw shadows moving through the smoke."I see someone!"They shouted for help only to realize too late their mistake.Two strangers stepped forward."Take the kid," the leader ordered.As one reached for Zepthon, a voice roared through the flames."Leave him alone!"Bearen charged forward but in a flash, he was struck down, his body crashing to the floor.
Nun Sofia stepped forward, desperation fueling her voice as she began chanting."Oh great Mother of Earth, Gaia bind my enemies with your vines! PRISON VINE!"Vines burst from the ground, wrapping tightly around one of the men."Tch. We don't have time for this," the leader sneered."Steel Blade."A flash of silver cut through the smoke.Silence followed.Nun Sofia fell.Zepthon screamed but fear drove him to run. He fled the village, into the forest, until his legs gave out. Beneath a tree, he collapsed, tears streaming down his face.I swear… I'll make them pay.Exhaustion took him.
THREE DAYS LATER
Zepthon awoke in a strange place."You're finally awake," a man said."Where am I?" Zepthon asked weakly. "How long was I out?""Three days.""Three days?!" His heart raced. "My brother where is Bearen?"The man's expression darkened. "The organization that destroyed your village is called the Dark Rifles. They took him."Zepthon clenched his fists. "I'll save him.""You'll need power," the man replied. "Magic what we call Phantom Energy.""Then teach me," Zepthon said without hesitation.The man nodded. "Rest for now. Your training begins tomorrow."
Zepthon exhaled. "I never got your name.""Call me Sensei Kurenk."As Zepthon closed his eyes, one thought burned brighter than the rest.I will get stronger… no matter the cost.