Humans are now divided into the awakened and the dormant—the powerless ones.
Champions are responsible for both defense and offense, and thus they are highly respected. They gain fame, power, and wealth in exchange for their unwavering service.
A social hierarchy has formed. Those with power stand at the top, while the pitiful and powerless remain at the bottom. Life is cruel, yet at the same time, it feels just.
Champions created their own Clans to further solidify their power and social standing. They groom their successors to the fullest, providing everything needed to reach greater heights.
The great invasion happened 50 years ago. He was still not born during that time. It is called the Darkest Era.
Zephyr life was miserable. His parents didn't live a lavish life, a simple life... but everything turned hell after the human territory they live was invaded by the Fallens.
His parents died protecting him and his younger brother, yet everything was just a fleeting attempt. His younger brother was taken by some mysterious entity. He was 7 years old at that time while his brother was 5 years old....
Now, at 17 years old, he is forced to undergo the Trial.
He wants to find his brother,the only family he has left....Clenching his teeth in frustration at his own powerlessness.
The desire to tear apart those who killed his parents still rages deep within his heart.
Maybe it is just wishful thinking that his brother is still alive, but Zephyr is willing to search for him no matter what.
"Grr…" Zephyr's stomach growled. He was starving. After the forced Ascent, he had faced the most dreadful and hellish experiences, making him forget everything except survival.
"I don't have any food…" Zephyr mumbled. He was extremely poor—no food, no water, and a half-destroyed room. A typical life for an outskirt rat.
"I need to go out, I guess." He stood up, feeling weak, but he had no choice.
"Heh, so we're going out, Zep?" Maw said while floating like a ball. Yet the ball can also be described as a cute ball, well really it is kinda cute.
"Huh? Zep?" Zephyr asked.
"Why not? Zephyr is too long. This mighty king is too lazy to say your full name," Maw said proudly.
Zephyr's face twitched. Why did he have the feeling that this Wisp was too easygoing,yet some part of him says that Maw is really dangerous. The facade it shows, maybe an easy going Wisp but a bloodcurdling hidden deep inside.
"Yeah, suit yourself." He was too tired to argue.
He opened a small box. Inside were a few copper coins—his only money—and he planned to use them to buy some food.
If you ask where he got the money… well, it was hard-earned—from stealing!!!
He opened the crumbling door.The wind blew.
Nothing had changed. It was just another typical day in the outskirts—polluted air, people sleeping in every corner, and destroyed surroundings. A place that could be called hell for anyone forced to live there.
Zephyr walked slowly toward the ragged marketplace.
Outskirt residents continued striving to survive no matter how harsh their situation was.
Some might ask, why live in such a hellish place? But this is human nature no matter the circumstances, people always find a way to endure.
"Heh, nothing has really changed. The nature of beings, is commendable…" Maw muttered softly.
After walking for about 15 minutes, they arrived at the marketplace.
People were everywhere, calling out to attract customers. Stalls displaying various goods lined the area. Zephyr continued walking until he reached the food section.
He approached a bread stall.
"Hey, young man, buy something from me," a skinny old man said.
"How much is this?" Zephyr asked, pointing at a piece of bread with mold.
"Two copper coins per piece, young man."
"So expensive. Some stalls sell the same bread for only one copper."
The old man's face twitched. This boy is too much!
"Then why not buy from them?" the old man said, annoyed.
"Okay." Zephyr turned and began to walk away.
"Hey! Wait!" the old man shouted. The desperation in his eyes is burning.
"What?" Zephyr glanced back.
"Alright, alright, you win. One copper per piece," the old man said with a defeated expression. He had failed to scam Zephyr.
"You should have said that earlier," Zephyr replied, though internally he was laughing. 'Heh, old man, you can't rip me off. I almost died stealing this money!!!'
Zephyr bought three pieces of bread—just enough to fill his stomach.
He was truly broke. He only had 10 copper coins, and after spending 3 coppers , he was left with 7 coppers for later use.
The current currency system consisted of copper, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum.
1 bronze = 100 copper
1 silver = 100 bronze
1 gold = 100 silver
1 platinum = 100 gold
An outskirt rat like him could barely even touch silver coins in their lifetime. That was how brutal the hierarchy was.
"Now, I'll probably head to the inner part so I can gain some privileges. I also want to register as a Wisp Holder," he said while walking and finishing his bread.
Even though Zephyr and Maw were not yet bonded, the chances of forming a bond were quite high.
The human domain was divided into four parts:
Outskirts – The outermost layer of the domain, filled with pollution, waste, and decay. Fallen creatures frequently invade this area. Some awakened individuals help with subjugation, but most turn a blind eye. They do not care about the lives of "rats." Due to limited territory, food supply is scarce, making survival extremely difficult, why risk your life, let them die.
Inner Border – A much better place compared to the outskirts. People live more stable lives, own homes, and have access to basic privileges. Workers, small business owners, and professionals with modest skills reside here.
Inner Core – A place people from the Border dream of reaching let alone those from the outskirts. Clean air, strong protection, and social freedom exist here. Politicians, businessmen, and individuals of higher status reside in this area, along with minor clans and council members.
Main Core – The domain of Champions and powerful Clans. High-ranked Wisp Holders also reside here. In this place, they can do almost anything they desire. A paradise for people like Zephyr… or at least, what he dreams it to be.