Author's Note
To clarify the official ranking system used across Tenzu, there are a total of 7 tiers for power ranking and grading. This framework defines both individual power levels and environmental danger threats:
Tier 7: Human
Tier 6: Wolf
Tier 5: Monster
Tier 4: Demon
Tier 3: Dragon
Tier 2: Phoenix
Tier 1: God
Human represents the foundational base tier, while God represents the absolute highest and most terrifying ceiling of power.
Part 1: Fate
The early morning sun cast long shadows across the dusty training grounds.
Leo was intensely training with Ken, their heavy weapons clashing repeatedly in the open courtyard.
Ken and Leo had a fierce fight, the sound of iron echoing off the high stone walls.
However, Ken beat Leo easily, parrying his wild strikes and knocking him off balance without breaking a sweat.
Despite the obvious difference in skill, Leo still didn't gave up on the sparring match.
Gritting his teeth, he unleashed his hidden beast power to bridge the gap.
A giant wolf made of bright yellow energy appeared directly on his back, snarls echoing in the air.
With a loud roar, he lunges at him with incredible speed.
Ken calmly stepped forward and stopped the massive energy wolf with just one hand, holding his ground effortlessly.
Then, to demonstrate true power, he also unleashed his Hidden beast power.
A red giant bird made of pure red energy appeared behind Ken, spreading massive ethereal wings over the courtyard.
Ken eyes glows bright from beneath the dark visor of his helmet.
Then he unleashed a heavy slash with his sword.
That single strike included his Bird's power, cutting through the air with violent force.
It hits hard against Leo's guard.
And Leo smashed directly into the ground, rolling across the dirt in defeat.
Because he was still young and inexperienced, Leo haven't fully mastered to control his hidden beast power yet.
Leo was completely defeated, lying flat on his back while breathing heavily.
"Now he will again tell me to clean clothes as punishment," Leo thought silently, wincing from the impact.
Ken sheathed his weapon and looked down at the boy.
"What you want to do now?" Ken asked, his voice steady.
"Depend on you, master," Leo says while slowly sitting up.
"Then bought some apples from the local market," Ken instructed.
"Let me see how you communicate with other normal people."
"Because before this, you talk like a wild boar whenever you open your mouth."
"Now, after Yumi teach you some proper lessons on manners."
"Now I hope your nature improves a little bit," Ken says.
Leo rubbed the back of his neck and hesitated.
"Okay, I will go when Haruto will come back," Leo replied offhandedly.
Hearing that response, Ken suddenly become angry.
He drew his blade and forcefully put his sword Infront of him, resting the point inches from Leo's face.
Leo become shocked, freezing in place.
"What are you really?" Ken asked, his tone dripping with cold authority.
"What?" Leo says, confused by the sudden aggression.
"Couldn't you do anything without Haruto?" Ken asked sharply.
"I am actu..." Leo says, trying to explain himself before completing his sentence.
"Shut up," Ken cut him off coldly.
"I wanted to know what you are actually as a person."
"What are you without him standing beside you?" Ken asked again.
Leo stared at the gleaming steel, but Leo couldn't answered properly.
Ken lowered the blade slightly, looking down with sharp eyes.
"Let me answer this question for you."
"You and Haruto's relation is more like a pet and a owner," Ken says without hesitation.
"What?" Leo thought, his heart dropping.
"I am sure Haruto saw you merely as a benefit to his own goals."
"Not as a genuine friend."
"I was closely noticing that Haruto treated you like you are just something useful to hold onto."
"Haruto can use you whenever he needs you for a task."
"And when his work is done, then your and Haruto's relation is not more like a friend."
"It's strictly like a Dog and owner," Ken says plainly.
"What do you mean by that?" Leo asked, his hands clenching into fists.
"I mean, make sure you work as your own independent person," Ken advised.
"You might can take a help from others when necessary."
"But make sure that he treated you as your true friend."
"Not as his tool or a pet."
"Otherwise, you are just his pet who always listen to their owner without question."
"Because Haruto is a type of boy who can easily be friend with anybody he meets."
"But he will only treat you as your true friend when you could prove to him that you are actually worthy of being his friend."
"He considered me as a friend because I am worthy in his vision."
"But you?"
"You still have to prove yourself to him," Ken says, turning his back.
"Okay... master," Leo says quietly.
Then he leaves the training ground alone.
While walking through the stone pathways of the castle.
Leo was thinking deeply about those harsh words.
"Is that really true?"
"Haruto doesn't recognise me as his true friend?"
"He considered me as a pet dog this whole time?"
"I don't think so..."
"Haruto never treated me like this openly."
"But if he truly treated me like this in his mind..."
"Then what should I do then?"
Meanwhile, the scene shifted to Ryuk on another side of the grounds.
Ryuk was training in intense sword practice with Saptyle.
Ryuk train a lot under the sun until his muscles burned and he got completely tired.
He gave up his stance and lied flat on the ground, sweat soaking his shirt.
"You already tired?" Saptyle says, looking down at his student.
"Yeah, master..." Ryuk says, catching his breath.
"Okay, take some rest for now."
"But before I leave, I want to tell something important to you."
"Something I was thinking about regarding that boy in brown hair," Saptyle says, wiping his own blade.
"Oh, his name is Haruto," Ryuk says, looking up.
"Then I want to say that you are far too much relying on Haruto," Saptyle stated firmly.
"Actually, whenever you have to take any major decision around Haruto."
"You never actually take any decision properly on your own."
"Haruto help you a lot, certainly."
"And even I noticed that in any type of conversation or situation."
"Haruto always stole the highlights effortlessly."
"I am feeling that both you and Leo are too much relying on him for everything."
"You and Leo both need Haruto to shine in the light."
"But you need to be your own specific person."
"You can be the exact same person where Haruto is right now standing and holding all the control."
"I hope you understand this and improve yourself," Saptyle says softly.
Saptyle then leaves the quiet clearing, leaving Ryuk alone.
Ryuk was thinking deeply then, staring up at the passing clouds.
"Is that true?"
"Am I truly relying on Haruto too much?"
"Does I feel fear to make a real decision on my own?"
"Am I really the only person who just walks in Haruto's shadow?"
Ryuk then remember the distant memory from chapter 16.
He vividly remembers a strange man calling Haruto the savior and watcher of this world.
Ryuk now wonders with growing anxiety.
"Who Haruto truly is?"
"And what I am truly for Haruto in his grand plan?"
"Does me and Haruto's friendship was just a simple coincidence, or something else entirely?"
The scene shifted back to Haruto in the central district.
Haruto visited the grand cathedral once again.
And he meeta with Rebecca inside the quiet sanctuary.
They both prayed side by side in the church for a few moments.
Then Haruto asked Rebecca to go out with him for the afternoon.
But Rebecca hesitated, saying she have some church work left to finish.
Haruto still request a lot, using a soft tone and a warm expression.
Then Rebecca finally agreed to put her broom away.
They left the holy grounds and went into the bustling bazaar.
Haruto brought 2 cold Biaj Fruit juices for 3 Reo and 50 Peny from a roadside stand.
They both enjoyed the sweet juice as they strolled.
They were walking through the busy streets, casually talking with each other about minor things.
Haruto then brought a horse ride for them from a stable master.
Rebecca had never ride on a horse in her entire life.
But Haruto gently helped her in horse riding, holding the reins steady.
They both ride on a same horse for 1 full hour, exploring the city borders.
Rebecca enjoyed the freedom a lot.
As she spent most of her time confined in the quiet church.
Haruto and Rebecca then went to a popular clothing shop.
Where they saw many fine items for wearing displayed on racks.
There, Rebecca liked a beautiful pendant sitting in a glass case.
And Haruto immediately bought that for her without hesitation.
She tried to stop Haruto, saying it was too expensive.
But Haruto still bought it for her anyway, handing her the velvet box.
And Rebecca looked at him, thoughting to herself.
"As he is handsome, but also he is very kind to me..."
Then both Haruto and Rebecca goes to the many beautiful scenic places around the capital area.
One of them was a breathtaking, high mountain overlook.
Rebecca was thoroughly amazed with that stunning view of the kingdom.
And then, while coming back down, Haruto and Rebecca saw a poor homeless man lying on the cold ground.
It was the exact same broken guy from chapter 33.
He was heavily dranked, smelling of cheap alcohol.
He was also crying quietly in the alleyway.
Haruto stepped forward and talked with that man.
And he knows that old man's tragic story through a brief conversation.
And standing behind him, Rebecca felt very sad for his miserable state.
Haruto then went to a nearby stall and brought some warm clothes for that person.
And he directly gave him 50 Reo for his future living expenses.
Haruto looked into his eyes and told that old man to live the rest of his life happily.
And he urged him to do some honest work soon, because he couldn't live forever with only 50 Reo.
Though it was enough for some months if the old man spends it wisely.
The old man felt very good, tears spilling over his cheeks.
And he tightly hugged Haruto while crying hysterically in gratitude.
Then that old man leaves the place, bowing repeatedly.
Rebecca turned to Haruto and asked why he gave the old man that much money.
Haruto replied smoothly with a gentle sigh.
"He is a old man, and his lifespan is very short for now."
"So I just wanted him to live happily for whatever time he has left."
Rebecca was completely surprised by Haruto's incredible kindness.
And she shows a soft, genuine smile, her heart warming toward him.
Then Haruto and Rebecca went directly into the deep slums of the capital area.
And Haruto brought a massive supply of fresh bread for the hungry slum peoples.
He spent a total of 100 Reo at the bakery.
Rebecca again got shocked by his selflessness.
She and Haruto both spread the breads between the starving slums people, handing them out one by one.
In the evening, the sun began to drop below the horizon.
It was a magnificent sunset, painting the sky in deep shades of gold and purple.
Haruto turned to her and asked her about how she felt about the day.
Rebecca looked at him with a bright, radiant smile and said.
"Thanks for today, Haruto."
"You are really kind for everyone you meet."
Haruto smiled back at her gently, but internally, his thoughts were ice cold.
"For now..." Haruto thought to himself as the light faded.
Then the scene shifted abruptly to the dark night time in the outer mountain ranges.
Valker and two of his senior teammates were walking through the dark mountain path on patrol.
The others were also accomplished Senior Scholars from the cathedral.
They are talking casually with each other as they walked.
And making light jokes with each other to pass the time.
One of them laughed and says.
"Maybe there is no real danger today after all."
The other teammate smirked and says.
"Because we are far too strong for any rogue threats to handle us."
Then Valker and two of them started to laugh together in confidence.
Then, without warning, they suddenly felt a heavy, suffocating presence looming over the rocks.
They immediately ready themselves for fight, drawing their focus.
Then three mysterious people wrapped in heavy cloaks attack at them from the shadows.
Cloak 1 charged forward and attack at teammate 1.
It instantly creates a thick stone wall using a quick ritual to block his path.
The other two cloaked figures attack at Valker and teammate 2.
They both spread out to fight with Cloak 2 and Cloak 3.
Cloak 2 performed a giant fireball ritual at them, launching a mass of roaring flame.
Valker calmly absorbed the fireball by using an absorbing ritual circle, dispersing the heat into nothing.
Teammate 2 counter-attacked with a giant stone rock ritual, launching a boulder forward.
Cloak 3 managed to dodge that heavy projectile by leaping aside.
All the other hand.
Cloak 1 started to fight with teammate 1 using a sharp sword.
Teammate 1 swiftly dodged every sword attack with practiced footwork.
And he counters it with a powerful light beam attack fired from his hand.
The beam pierced through the darkness, and Cloak 1 was instantly defeated.
Meanwhile, Valker use a sleeping ritual, casting a hazy mist that make Cloak 2 fall asleep instantly.
And then, with a brutal follow-up, Valker ripped out his head before he could wake up.
Then teammate 2 destroyed Cloak 3's body with a massive giant rock, completely crushing the body against the mountain face.
The Cloak 3 also lost the battle, falling lifeless.
"They are actually not that weak, to be fair," Teammate 2 says, catching his breath.
"Yeah, but the thing is, we are just too strong for basic ambushes," Teammate 1 boasted.
"Yeah, judging by their ritual speed, they would be at least Monster ranked," Valker noted.
Then suddenly, the atmosphere around them turned ice cold.
Valker and his both teammates felt a another, unimaginably powerful presence crush down upon the area.
A cold sweat broke out on Teammate 2's neck.
"Valker... we should leave immediately. This enemy is even more powerful than us!" Teammate 2 warned frantically.
"How powerful could it possibly be?" Valker asked, stepping into a defensive stance.
"At least Dragon rank!" Teammate 1 shouted, his eyes wide.
"Then he is almost in our exact rank," Valker argued, preparing his focus.
"But... but it felt completely different from anything I've sensed before!" Teammate 2 yelled.
Then, out of the thick fog, that terrifying person appears wearing a ragged cloak.
Exposed on his neck, there was a bright Red Sloth Tattoo glowing faintly.
That distinct mark means it's officially a Sin Commander—the Sloth Commander himself.
Everyone in the team understand the reality of the situation.
Now they were deeply worried, because a Sin Commander is known to be absurdly powerful.
The Sloth Commander held a massive, double-headed giant axe in his grip.
Then he runs fast toward them.
He moved so fast that he nearly vanished from that place entirely, breaking the sound barrier.
Everyone prepared themselves for impact.
In a split second, he comes right behind the back side of Valker.
And he displays a creepy, unnatural smile, swinging his giant axe fast toward Valker's neck.
But Teammate 1 barely saves Valker in time by creating a dense stone wall between them.
The axe shattered the stone instantly.
Teammate 1 screamed at both of them to leave the mountain and report back.
But Valker and teammate 2 doesn't agreed to abandon their comrade.
Teammate 2 uses a powerful rock pillar ritual that summons massive stone spires capable of crushing anyone in its path.
But the Sloth Commander easily dodge it with terrifying agility.
Valker counters immediately with a high-level flame blast ritual.
A massive explosion of fire happens, engulfing the area in heat.
Taking advantage of the smoke, Teammate 1 uses a deep mud ritual.
The ground liquified and successfully traps the Sloth Commander's feet in place.
Seeing him immobilized, Valker started to prepare a high-tier Dragon ritual.
A technique that can completely destroy a huge area upon impact.
And its sheer destruction is massive.
But to successfully cast this advanced ritual, Valker need a little time to complete the formulation.
As Teammate 1 was actively maintaining the mud ritual to trap the Sloth Commander, he couldn't help with defense now.
Then teammate 2 steps in and uses a heavy rock cage ritual to further stuck Sloth Commander's movement, locking his torso in solid stone.
With the target secured, Valker started to cast the absolute ritual.
The technique is called Rising Thunder.
Then he uses his energy to deploy a massive ritual circle.
And a giant, glowing ritual circle appears directly over the sky above the mountain.
Then he started to cast its final incantation.
The high sky quickly covered with thick, heavy misty clouds.
And heavy, blinding rain started to fall in torrents.
It creates a massive, howling storm in seconds.
And the pressure generated by the technique was so intense that it destroyed their entire mountain's trees and flattened many areas of surrounding land.
But suddenly, the Sloth Commander flexed his muscles and completely destroyed the heavy stone trapped around him.
Seeing him break free just before the strike.
Teammate 2 instantly uses an Iron Skin Ritual on himself, turning his whole body as hard as dense steel.
Then he ran forward and hugged the Sloth Commander tightly from behind so he couldn't escape the target zone.
The Sloth Commander tried to shake him off, but couldn't able to escape the iron grip in time.
Valker hesitated, worried about his teammate that he could die in the blast.
But Teammate 2 gritted his teeth and yelled out.
"Believe in me! I will survive this!"
Valker took a deep breath, pushing away his doubts.
Then, many dense clouds gathered into a single localized point in the heavens.
And a massive, catastrophic thunder attack launched directly down at that targeted spot.
A massive explosion and blinding white flash happens, tearing the night apart.
After the blinding flash slowly goes out.
It shows that the massive explosion creates a giant, smoking hole in the side of that mountain.
And then Valker looked around desperately, worried about his teammate and where he is.
And he eventually find him laying near the edge of the crater.
He was severely damaged by the shockwave of that lightning attack, but he somehow survived.
Then, before Teammate 2 could say a single word of relief.
A silver blur flashed.
His two arms got cut completely off his shoulders.
And his stomach burst open in an instant.
And his internal organs started to fall directly onto the cold ground.
Valker become utterly shocked, staring at that horrific scene in horror.
He was entirely speechless, his vocal cords frozen.
Then, with a sickening crunch, Teammate 2's head got beheaded clean off his neck.
Through the clearing dust, we saw the Sloth Commander standing tall with his blood-dripping axe.
And he casually killed Teammate 2 like an insect, and its lifeless body fall heavily on the ground.
The Sloth Commander had managed to dodge the core of the lightning strike somehow, but he was still damaged heavily by that attack, his clothes singed and bleeding.
He looked at Valker and actually admired his skill, saying that it was a really good attack for a human.
Seeing his friend slaughtered, Teammate 1 attacks in a desperate rage.
But before he could even react or swing his weapon.
His arm and leg got cut off in a fraction of a second.
He fall hard onto the wet ground, pooling in his own blood.
He desperately tries to speak or cast a final spell.
But before he could utter a word, the Sloth Commander beheaded him cold-bloodedly.
And then he callously crushed his severed head beneath his heavy feet.
Valker, watching his entire squad dismantled in seconds, become completely traumatized.
Then he also attacked in blind anger, charging forward with a spell.
But out of sudden, a wide, sharp wooden vine stabs violently straight through Valker's chest.
He was bleeding heavily from his mouth and torso.
And his legs gave out as he eventually fall onto the cold ground, gasping for air.
The Sloth Commander sheathed his axe and simply turned around.
He leaves the bloody place, carelessly leaving Valker to slowly bleed out and die in the mud.
Then the Sloth Commander paused at the cliff edge, looking down at the distant lights of the Fate Kingdom's Capital Area with a creepy, wide smile.
"Now... the real entertainment just begin."