The Port City of the Kingdom of ___
Today, like every day, the port city was bustling with crowds. Being the primary trade hub, all the kingdom's food and clothing came through this city. But beneath its lively surface, it was corrupted to the core.
Craezent Watch had discovered a clue—Umbra Manus was using this port as a channel to transport sacred items from other continents. In response, the Sea Emperor was sent there.
---
Main Road of the City
Some pirates were bullying the poor and weak, stealing their money.One of the pirates sneered, grabbing the woman by the arm.
Pirate: "Give me your money 🤑 or I might hurt you."
The woman trembled, clutching her child.
Child: "No! My mom won't give you any money!"
SLAP! The pirate struck the boy across the face, making him stumble to the ground.
Pirate: "Damn brat! Don't you know not to interrupt grown-ups' conversations?"
He looked at the woman again, grinning maliciously.
Pirate: "Your kid's got no manners... but I could give you a better one."
The woman started crying, holding her son tightly.
Child (shouting): "You damn pirate! Go away from my mother!"
The pirate's grin twisted into rage.
Pirate: "You little fucker, now I'm pissed. Where's my sword? …Ah, found it."
He drew his blade, eyes blazing with fury.
Pirate: "Now you're doomed, runt."
S.
Suddenly, a mysterious figure appeared, cloaked in an old black robe. His presence was calm but commanding as he stepped forward.
Mysterious Figure: "That's enough. Leave them alone."
The pirate turned, scoffing.
Pirate: "Huh? Who the hell are you supposed to be? A priest? Back off, old man."
The figure didn't flinch.
Mysterious Figure: "You've crossed a line. Walk away while you still can."
The pirate laughed, turning to his crewmates.
Pirate: "Hey boys, this guy thinks he's a hero or something! Let's teach him what happens to heroes in this town!"
The pirate turned back to the figure, mocking.
Pirate: "Didn't you hear me? I said back off!"
But the figure reached up slowly and removed his robe.
Beneath it, he wore the traditional ocean-blue battle garments of the Sea Clan, worn by only one kind of person—an Emperor. At his side was a weathered sword.
The pirates hesitated.
Pirate Leader (narrowing his eyes): "Wait... is that…?"
The sword shimmered, shifting shape as magical ripples ran across its blade. In a flash, it extended and transformed into a majestic trident.
Pirate Leader (staggering back): "T-The Trident of Trinity?!"
The figure took one step forward.
Figure: "You were warned."
He lunged and impaled the pirate who had attacked the boy. Water gushed violently from the wound, exploding from the man's back like a tidal burst. The pirate dropped, lifeless.
Figure: "You messed with the wrong guy."
The pirate leader stepped forward, his voice rising with rage.
Pirate Leader: "You bastard… let's see what kind of 'wrong guy' you really are!"
He shouted to his crew.
Pirate Leader: "Get him!!"
The remaining pirates charged at the figure. But they didn't stand a chance.
With swift, fluid movements like crashing waves, the man spun his trident, releasing blasts of water that crushed bone and shattered steel. Each movement was precise, deadly—like the sea in a storm.
One by one, the pirates fell.
Silence returned.
The man knelt beside the child, who was staring wide-eyed in awe.
Man: "You were brave. Most grown men wouldn't have stood their ground."
The boy blinked, wiping his tears.
Boy: "I just… I didn't want him to hurt my mom…"
Man (smiling): "That's exactly why you have the heart of a hero."
He pulled a sealed letter from his robes and handed it to the child.
Man: "This is an admission letter to Craezent Academy. Take it. Go there… and learn how to become the kind of hero this world needs."
The child clutched the letter with both hands.
Boy: "R-Really...? I can become a hero...?"
Man (nodding): "Yes. The path won't be easy. But if your heart stays strong—you'll make it."
The boy's mother sobbed with joy, hugging her son tightly.
Mother: "Thank you… thank you so much…"
The man gave them one last look, his eyes calm but firm.
Man: "This city needs change.
A Few Hours Later
A Few Hours Later
The Sea Emperor—Thalvion—wandered through the winding streets of the port city, looking mildly frustrated.
Thalvion (grumbling): "Damn it… I lost again. Where's the hotel?!"
He looked around, squinting at the alleys and identical signs.
Thalvion: "Wait a second… isn't this the place I started from?! …I'm doomed."
He sighed dramatically, putting his hands on his hips.
Thalvion: "What should I do now? Sleep on the street? Ugh…"
Suddenly, a familiar voice spoke behind him.
Boy: "Um, mister… can I ask what you're looking for?"
Thalvion turned and blinked. It was the same brave kid from earlier.
Thalvion: "Oh! The brave kid! You didn't leave?"
Boy (smiling): "No, I was helping my mom. You look a bit lost."
Thalvion: "You could say that. I've been trying to find a hotel for hours."
Boy: "Well… if you don't mind, you can stay at our inn."
Thalvion: "Ohh, you have an inn? That's perfect. Lead the way!"
The boy cheerfully guided him through the streets to a modest yet well-known mid-level inn. The signboard was old but clean, and the place had a warm, homely vibe.
At the door, the innkeeper, a tall, sturdy man with tired eyes, stepped out. Upon seeing Thalvion, he bowed deeply.
Innkeeper (kneeling): "Thank you, sir… for saving my wife and child."
Thalvion (awkwardly): "No, no, please! Stand up! It was just… my duty."
Inside, the boy led him to the finest room in the inn. Thalvion handed him 15 gold coins.
Thalvion: "Please… just give me a room worth this. I don't have more money for anything luxurious."
The boy chuckled but said nothing. What Thalvion didn't know was that 15 gold was way more than enough for even the best room in the inn.
Boy (grinning): "Alright then. This way, sir!"
He opened the door to a beautifully decorated room with soft bedding, a private bath, and a balcony view of the sea.
Thalvion (confused): "Wait… this looks really nice."
Boy: "Well… it's what you paid for!"
Thalvion (raising an eyebrow): "Hmm… suspicious generosity."
Boy: "I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything. Gotta help Mom!"
Thalvion: "You're a good kid."
The boy smiled and ran off.
Thalvion locked the door, sighed in relief, and waved his hand. A shimmering barrier sealed the room from outside detection.
He sat down at the desk, resting his trident beside him.
Thalvion (serious now): "Alright… time to make a plan. If Kael's right, the Umbra Manus hideout should be here somewhere. And I'll be ready."