🗨️ "In the past, there were three sovereign races: the Elves, rulers of the Celestial Lands; the Dwarves, masters of the Depths; and the Humans, lords of the Surface. The Elves were obsessed with harmony, the Dwarves with wealth, and the Humans with domination. That insatiable thirst for control led humanity to commit atrocities, wiping out the other races and conquering both the skies and the underworld."
Kiri, his eyes glowing, asks:
🗨️ "So that's why we always have to run away, Mom?"
🗨️ "Yes, my child. We are descendants of the ancient Elves. That's why we must never open our eyes — it's a racial trait inherited from the old blood. Over time, we lost our pointed ears, but our essence remains as powerful as theirs."
🗨️ "The essence you're talking about… is it that thing you used? That Manipulation?"
🗨️ "Exactly. And one day, you'll be able to use it too."
🗨️ "Really!?"
🗨️ "Of course. We can use our longevity as a source of energy for our abilities — and since we can live for millennia, that's not really a problem."
🗨️ "Whoa! That's so cool!"
Suddenly, blood runs down from the woman's eyes.
🗨️ "You promised. You promised you'd avenge us. You failed!!"
🗨️ "No. No, I will — I will do it..."
🗨️ "Don't lie to me. You're not capable. From the beginning, you were never capable of using Manipulation properly..."
She's cut off — a blade pierces through her head, and the scene shifts into a burning house surrounded by a wide field. The killer of his mother now stood before Kiri, laughing, while he fled in terror. Then... he woke up, gasping, lying on a pile of hay.
He looks to his side — an old, worn-out backpack.
💭 There was nothing in it. But that face… You bastard. That really was you, wasn't it?
Somewhere else, Orfeu also wakes up. He sits up, startled, and looks around.
💭 Huh? A room?
He's in a small stone room, a single bed, a steel door. He walks to it and tries the handle — locked.
💭 Damn. — He pounds on the door. — 🗨️ "Hey! Anyone out there? I want to get out!"
He peers through a small barred window. It's night. The streets outside are crowded.
💭 Where am I? Is this really that same city I was in? And Ayu — where did she go? She vanished right after that Kiri guy showed up...
A loud click at the door. Orfeu immediately turns. The door opens, and a woman enters with two heavily armed guards.
🗨️ "Hey, miss, there must be some mistake here. I — I didn't do anything wrong. That guy attacked me out of nowhere and—"
Before he can finish:
🗨️ "Guy? What are you talking about? There was no one there but you."
🗨️ "What? Then why… why am I here!?"
🗨️ "Isn't it obvious? You're here because of this."
At the door, Ayu appears.
🗨️ "Ayu! You finally showed up — where did you go?"
The woman steps in front of Ayu.
🗨️ "Where did you buy this creature?"
🗨️ "Buy? What are you talking about? I found her on the road and—"
The woman cuts him off.
🗨️ "Don't lie to me. Griffins are rare creatures — there's no way you just found her."
🗨️ "But I'm telling the truth! She was injured and I hel—"
Interrupted again.
🗨️ "Do you take me for a fool? No one deceives Ladia — Commander of the 2nd Division of the Heisen Knights. So you admit you didn't buy her?"
🗨️ "Exactly! Like I said—"
Cutting him off again:
🗨️ "Which means, in truth…" — Ladia draws her sword. 🗨️ "You stole her!"
🗨️ "Wait! Hold on! That's not what I meant!"
At that moment, Ayu leaps in front of Orfeu, growling at Ladia.
🗨️ "What? Why are you protecting this criminal who stole you?"
🗨️ "I already told you, I didn't steal anyone!"
After some time trying to explain what happened:
🗨️ "So that's what happened? Sorry for doubting you. You know… it's strange for such a rare creature to show up out of nowhere. I even thought they were extinct."
Orfeu sighs.
🗨️ "It's fine… if it weren't for you, I'd probably still be lying in the street." — 💭 I'd better not say anything about Kiri… That'd just get me into more trouble. But that thing he used in the fight… Was he controlling shadows?
Ladia smiles.
🗨️ "So, where exactly are we? I remember the city being completely empty when I arrived."
🗨️ "You're in Heisen Village. We're a community of nocturnal habits."
🗨️ "Nocturnal habits?"
🗨️ "Exactly. It's part of our culture. The village was founded by a dwarf who wanted a peaceful settlement during the old war. Even after the other races were wiped out, the town kept the customs of its original leaders — and dwarves are a race that sleeps during the day and stays up at night."
🗨️ "Wow… I didn't know places like this existed outside my village."
Ladia chuckles softly.
🗨️ "What? Why are you laughing?"
🗨️ "Oh, nothing. Anyway — I think you should go."
🗨️ "You're right. I should—"
Before he can finish, his stomach growls loudly.
🗨️ "Huh? Oh! Sorry… I haven't eaten or drunk anything since yesterday."
🗨️ "Is that so? Then let me make it up to you with a meal."
🗨️ "There's no need, I can manage."
Orfeu reaches for his backpack — nothing.
🗨️ "Huh? Where is it? Where's my bag?"
🗨️ "Sorry, I didn't find any bag when I brought you in. That's just one more reason for me to offer you something to eat. And besides, I can't let someone go hungry — especially after almost arresting them for nothing. Also, you're pretty dirty. We've got a bath here in the base. You can wash up while we prepare your meal."
Orpheus looked at Ayu, and they both shrugged. A few minutes later, Orpheus was in the bath.
💭 That guy... he was strong — stronger than I could have imagined. It's likely that if Ladia hadn't shown up, I wouldn't even be here. I need to properly thank her.
After the bath, Orpheus went to the kitchen and saw Ayu with wet feathers.
🗨️ "Looks like they treated you well too, Ayu."
Ayu flew onto Orpheus's shoulder and rubbed against him. Orpheus laughed.
🗨️ "Hey, easy there, Ayu. You're soaked."
Ladia, watching the scene, chuckled.
🗨️ "You two are really close. Sorry again for doubting you."
🗨️ "Don't worry. Actually, you're the one who saved me."
Ladia didn't understand but let it go. Through the other door, three more people entered.
🗨️ "Who's the guest?" Asked a girl with long black hair, wearing loose red robes.
🗨️ "Everyone, this is Orpheus. Orpheus, these are Naari, Viltron, and Nila. They're also part of the 2nd Division of the Heisen Knights."
🗨️ "Nice to meet you all."
🗨️ "The pleasure's ours!" They replied in unison.
Viltron, a man in heavy leather armor, said: 🗨️ "So... what's he doing here?"
🗨️ "I kind of almost arrested him by mistake, so I decided to make it up with a bath and a meal."
Nila, a blonde woman also wearing loose red robes, responded: 🗨️ "You did what?!"
Orpheus looked at Ladia.
🗨️ "Why do those two wear red robes and he doesn't?"
🗨️ "They're Mages."
🗨️ "Mages? Hmm... I think I've heard about that before." — 💭 What Kiri used... could that have been magic? — 🗨️ "Have you ever heard of Shadow Manipulation?"
Nila flinched.
🗨️ "What?! Shadow Manipulation? That was the ancient Elven form of Manipulation. Why do you ask?"
🗨️ "I think I saw someone use it."
🗨️ "Impossible. The elves were wiped out thousands of years ago, during the war against the humans. Didn't you know that?"
🗨️ "I did... but I don't even know what Manipulation is."
Everyone in the room was shocked. Ladia stared at Orpheus.
🗨️ "What do you mean you don't know what Manipulation is? Where are you from, kid?"
Nila interrupted.
🗨️ "Manipulation is the most used form of power in the world! The entire kingdom of Gaarah uses it!"
🗨️ "Well, no one in my village ever used that."
🗨️ "Seriously? You're pretty weird, kid," Naari said.
Ladia leaned on the table.
🗨️ "Anyway, shall we eat?"
Everyone sat down. During the meal, they laughed and shared stories of their missions as Heisen Knights. Orpheus grew pensive.
💭 That guy could use Dark Manipulation. That means he's an elf? Could he be connected to the dragon that attacked my village? I have to be careful. He seemed to mistake me for someone else. I can't use Ayu's power for long... I don't even know how to use Manipulation. I'm not even good with a sword—and Kiri stole the only one I had. That bastard.
Ayu looked at Orpheus with concern. Ladia did too.
🗨️ "You're not enjoying yourself, Orpheus?"
🗨️ "It's not that... I... I have to go. I've got things to do."
Orpheus got up and said goodbye to the group. Ladia followed him. Once outside the base:
🗨️ "You don't seem to know where you're going, and you don't have any resources. Are you sure you want to leave? You're still young — you shouldn't throw your life away. You can stay with us if you want. Helping those in need is part of our duty."
🗨️ "I... I can't stay. I have something I need to do."
🗨️ "Then I hope you're making the right choice."
Orpheus turned to leave. At that moment, Ayu jumped from his shoulder, grabbed a stick from the ground, and handed it to him. Orpheus took the stick.
🗨️ "What's this for?"
Suddenly, Ayu's eyes glowed blue — and an explosion rocked the village square. Ladia and Orpheus ran toward it. Ladia tapped her watch, sending a signal to all Heisen Knights, who immediately began rushing toward her.
When Orpheus and Ladia arrived, the smoke was still settling. Through it, a tall man with horns on his head emerged. Ladia stepped back in shock.
🗨️ "What? Impossible... someone from the Dragonkin race?"
🗨️ "Dragonkin?" Orpheus asked.
Ladia didn't respond. She called out:
🗨️ "Hey, you! Are you really one of the Ancient Hybrid Race? The Dragonkin? An artificial race requiring extreme compatibility to even be born? That's... impossible!"
Orpheus, confused and scared:
💭 Dragonkin? A rare race? Could he know something about the Dragon King? Or the one that attacked my village?! I can't let him escape!
Orpheus readied his sword.
💭 Wait... what? A sword? How? Kiri stole mine. — 🗨️ "Ayu? Ayu, are you there?!"
The sword in his hand glowed blue, as if answering.
💭 Wait. This sword... it's the one I used against Kiri! That means— 🗨️ "Ayu! You're a genius!" — 💭 She knew I couldn't handle her power. So instead of creating a sword from my energy, she used the stick's matter. Since it's not alive, it won't get drained. — Orpheus took a deep breath. — Still, the stick has to be in my hand, I feel it draining my energy. Of course! Ayu is connected to me. She can only lend her power through me. That means the energy flowing isn't mine—it's hers.
🗨️ "Orpheus! Snap out of it!" Ladia shouted.
Orpheus realized the situation. The man rushed toward him.
💭 He's slow. Could I...?
Orpheus sidestepped and slashed the man's arm clean off.
💭 This sword... I see! Even if Ayu's energy isn't meant for me, it still passes through me. So I can absorb a little when needed. This will be super useful. Thanks, Ayu!
As Orpheus thought, the man formed hand signs and shouted:
🗨️ "Blood Manipulation!"
His blood rushed back into his body, reconstructing the arm.
🗨️ "Whew... that was close. Hey kid, be careful with that thing. Children shouldn't play with..."
Orpheus absorbed more of Ayu's power, dashing like a hawk. Before the man noticed, his other arm was gone. Ladia watched in awe.
🗨️ "Whoa... who is this kid?"
Orpheus, feeling confident, didn't notice the punch to his stomach. It launched him across the square.
🗨️ "You underestimated me, boy," said the man, regenerating his other arm.
Ladia observed:
💭 What?! He used Manipulation without signs or incantations? He's dangerous. But... — 🗨️ "Why am I just standing here?!"
Ladia drew her sword and charged. The man grabbed her blade with his bare hand. Blood dripped from his palm. Ladia gasped:
🗨️ "He's insane?! Grabbing a blade with his hand?!"
Suddenly, his blood floated and shot like a spear through her shoulder.
🗨️ "Ugh!"
Ladia dropped her sword. The man punched her in the ribs, sending her flying.
🗨️ "Alright... now let's deal with that boy."
He approached Orpheus, who seemed unconscious.
🗨️ "Huh? Dead from one hit? Guess he was all talk."
🗨️ "Hey!" shouted a male voice.
It was Viltron—but different. He wore a gray armor exposing most of his body. A monstrous mouth was on his stomach.
🗨️ "Looks like this new Companion suits me."
The man stared:
🗨️ "Ugh, disgusting. A contract with a Lesser Glutton?"
He lunged to punch Viltron, but the stomach-mouth shifted to his face and ate the man's hand.
🗨️ "Huh? You ate my hand? Got it."
Suddenly, Viltron collapsed with a stomachache, vomiting blood. The blood slithered back to the man, restoring his hand.
🗨️ "Whew, a second later and he would've digested it. Who knows what might've happened."
He puffed his chest:
🗨️ "Anyway, I'm Lorius! Envoy of the Dragon King, here to kill you all!" — He raised his hands, noticing a missing finger. — "What? Where's my finger?"
He saw Viltron holding it.
🗨️ "Looking for this, jerk?"
Viltron swallowed it and pulled a knife.
🗨️ "See this? Now it's a fair fight."
He cut his shoulder, floating Lorius's blood.
🗨️ "Your power's interesting, but now... it's mine!"
🗨️ "You bastard! How dare you steal my power!"
Lorius rushed Viltron, but someone stopped him.
🗨️ "Simon Says: Don't Move!"
Nila jumped in front.
🗨️ "Like it? That's my power: Master's Command!"
🗨️ "What?! That's not Manipulation! How does natural power like that exist?!"
🗨️ "Idiot. Simon Says: Shut up. Huh? What—"
Nila shuddered. Lorius glared.
🗨️ "Fool... you used a magic artifact? Most artifacts today were made by the Ancient Dragons—useless on Dragonkin. And I'm half-dragon."
🗨️ "Damn you!"
Lorius punched her abdomen, knocking her out. Then—
🗨️ "Blood Manipulation!"
Viltron's blood struck Lorius.
🗨️ "Bastard! You'll pay!"
Lorius rose:
🗨️ "Can't use Blood Manipulation anymore since you stole it. Now I won't hold back!"
He beat Viltron unconscious with blinding speed. Then he felt another presence.
Naari stood with her staff trembling.
🗨️ "D-don't move! O-or else..."
🗨️ "Or else what? Attack? Go ahead. Do it."
Naari launched a fireball—Lorius vanished and reappeared. The fireball hit a house behind, obliterating it.
🗨️ "That was it?"
Naari trembled and cried.
🗨️ "Aww, poor thing. Don't worry—you'll join them!"
He punched her chest. She dropped instantly.
Ladia stood up, battle-ready:
🗨️ "You bastard! I'll kill you!"
🗨️ "Really? You? That's funny." — Lorius appeared in a flash. — "You annoyed me the most."
He punched through her torso. Ladia vomited blood, eyes dimming.
🗨️ "Gross!"
He finished her with a blow to the head, destroying it.
🗨️ "What a show! Brilliant! I'm amazing!"
Stones shifted.
🗨️ "Huh? Someone survived?"
Orpheus rose.
🗨️ "Ugh, my head... what happened?" — Then he remembered. — "Huh?! The dragon man, where is—"
He saw the carnage. Everyone was down. Ladia's mutilated body lay on the ground.
🗨️ "What... what? No. Guys. GUYS!"
🗨️ "Ah, you're alive. Knew you were tough."
🗨️ "What happened?!"
🗨️ "Well, as you see—they were weak. They died. That's it."
🗨️ "That's it?! You bastard! How dare you?!"
Ayu, terrified, fled from the stick. Orpheus lowered his head. His eyes lost their light.
🗨️ "Aw, upset over them? They were weak. Not worth your tears. You lived. You're strong!"
Looking at Orpheus again:
🗨️ "Wait... that aura! This is good... hehe."
Lorius laughed. Orpheus glared, eyes glowing red. He growled like a demon hound. The aura formed two horns. A black tail appeared. Lorius recognized it:
🗨️ "That form... could it be? YES! The true form of a Half-Dragon! So you're the one I was looking for, Orpheus?!"
To be continued...