Chapter 1 – The Mark of Fate
In this world, every newborn child is born with a birthmark on their forehead.
This mark represents their future destiny.
The mark is always a sword-shaped symbol, and it appears in five different forms.
First: Zenha
Zenha means that the child is born without any sword mark at all.
Such a child is considered impure and cursed, and the moment this is discovered, the newborn is immediately executed.
Second: Zenghi
In Zenghi, only one-fourth of the sword mark develops on the forehead.
Users of this mark possess very limited abilities and contracts with their swords.
They are promoted to Grade C.
Third: Zerai
In Zerai, half of the sword mark develops on the forehead.
These users can utilize a normal amount of abilities and contracts with their swords.
They are promoted to Grade B.
Fourth: Zenli
Zenli is one of the most powerful sword marks.
Users of this mark can apply their abilities and contracts to both large and small things without restriction.
However, they have one limitation:
They can only be controlled by users of the Zenghuyan sword mark.
Zenli users are promoted to Grade A.
Final: Zenghuyan
Zenghuyan is the strongest sword mark of all.
No one has authority over them.
The Zenghuyan are divided into 17 people, forming a group of the most powerful sword mark users in existence.
They rule over the entire world.
All grades, rules, and laws exist under their supervision.
Sakiro:
"Dad, which sword mark do you think my future brother or sister will have?"
Luiro:
"Son, our entire lineage has always carried the Zerai sword mark.
There's no doubt—your brother or sister will also have a Zerai mark."
Luiro:
"But son, I don't see these sword marks as blessings.
I see them as a curse."
"Because of these marks, there is so much discrimination in human society.
Because of them, I'm forced to fight people with Zenghi marks."
"This is a generational war.
If I stop and talk about equality, we'll all be wiped out—
because everyone already believes we're conspiring to unite and kill them."
Sakiro:
"I don't really understand what you're saying, Dad."
Luiro:
"Oh… my mistake. I forgot—you're only eleven years old."
Zerai Hemorian :
"Congratulations, Mr. Zerai. You've been blessed with a daughter."
Luiro:
"Really? That's wonderful! May I go inside?"
Zerai Hemorian:
"But… your daughter has no sword mark on her forehead."
Luiro:
"Are you sure? No… this can't be happening."
Luiro immediately rushes inside.
Luiro:
"Shina… is the doctor telling the truth?
Does our daughter really have no mark?"
Shina:
"Yes… which means we must—"
Just then, Sakiro runs inside.
Sakiro:
"Mother, what happened? Is my sister okay?"
Seeing Sakiro's face, Shina looks as though she's on the verge of breaking down.
But she forces herself to stay composed.
Shina:
"Yes, my child. Everything is fine.
I'll be out of here soon and introduce you to your sister."
Luiro takes Sakiro outside.
Luiro:
"Come on. It's time to go home.
I'll drop you off first."
Sakiro:
"But Dad—"
Luiro drops Sakiro at home and then returns to Hemora.
Luiro:
"Shina… what should we do?"
Shina:
"I… I don't want to kill her." (crying)
Luiro doesn't cry, but inside, his heart shatters like glass.
Since childhood, the Zerai clan had taught him what it means to be a "strong man"
—and the terror of a child born without a mark.
Shina:
"Can't we hide her?
Why aren't you saying anything?"
Luiro:
"If we try to save her, our entire family—no, our entire clan—will be in danger."
Shina:
"You're right… I need to be harsh.
We must end this, or the consequences will fall not just on us, but on countless innocents."
Luiro:
"We'll hand her over to the Hemorians.
They'll end it peacefully—without bloodshed."
Shina:
"…Alright."
Shina looks at her daughter one last time.
Her eyes reveal everything—the weight of losing her child.
Her tears have completely dried out.
Elsewhere, night has fallen.
Sakiro lies alone on his bed, lost in thought.
Sakiro:
"Why did Dad look so scared?
Did something go wrong?"
Suddenly, a loud noise echoes—
as if something is violently striking the wall.
After a few moments, the wall shatters.
What Sakiro sees next leaves his eyes wide open in terror.
Sakiro:
"A… a Soul Eater!" (terrified)