Training Hall – Sector Louxis, Maru Military Academy
The clash of metal against metal echoed through the hall, but it was Sam Archeon's voice that hit hardest.
Sam Archeon [TIER-2 PHASE 1]
"What the hell are you doing?! You can't even dodge that, dumbass!"
His words reverberated through the high-tech training chamber, amplified by frustration. He stood with arms crossed, eyes drilling into Rio like a disappointed drill sergeant.
Rio staggered back, breathing hard, bruises blooming across his arms. He didn't speak.
Misa Lunarian [TIER-2 PHASE 2]
"Back off, Sam. He's trying."
Misa stepped forward, placing herself between them. There was a calm authority in her voice, one that could still the air itself. Her presence carried a kind of softness that felt rare in a world built on strength and hierarchy.
To Rio, she was more than a teammate. She was the one who still believed in him.
(Even for her… I have to get stronger. I can't keep falling behind like this.)
Arthur Mavi [TIER-2 PHASE 3]
On the far side of the room, Arthur Mavi leaned against the wall, arms folded as he watched the exchange with a heavy sigh.
"He's just… normal. Like someone who wandered in from the civilian district."
There was no venom in his tone, only resignation.
"I really thought he'd be the one to help rebuild the Mavi Kingdom. Like his brother is doing."
The words stung more than Rio expected. He lowered his gaze, fists clenching at his sides.
Why is he strong, and I'm not? We were born of the same blood. The same family. So why…
Master Jordan Carle [TIER-3]
"Again," came a sharp command.
Rio raised his weapon and charged forward, eyes locked on Master Jordan Carle. But the older man barely flinched. He parried effortlessly, his movements so fluid they mocked Rio's effort.
"More power. More courage, Ryunn! You didn't even scratch me."
Rio shouted and pushed harder, muscles burning, vision blurring. But then—one misstep.
The world tilted.
Then, darkness.
He hit the ground.
(Pathetic… I'm so damn pathetic.)
---
Later – Ryunn Villa, Private Quarters
The silence of his room wrapped around him like armor, but it couldn't muffle the storm in his head.
Mary Ryunn [Military Tech – TIER-5]
"You don't have to push yourself this hard, Rio," his mother said quietly from the doorway. Her voice was gentle, but there was steel beneath it.
Rio didn't look up.
"I know, Mom. But I can't just lie around like a Gungati," he snapped, referencing the famously sluggish half-beast of Maru. "I should be training. Upgrading my military units. Testing new loadouts. If I'm not evolving, what the hell's the point?"
Mary sighed. There was no use arguing when he got like this. She just watched as he grabbed his jacket and stormed out.
---
5:56 PM – Susagi District, Eastern Residence Zone
The evening sky over Susagi was bathed in golden pink, the air tinged with the soft glow of descending twilight. Rio walked alone through quiet streets, each step slower than the last.
He stopped at a familiar door, knocking gently.
"Misa," he called, trying to sound casual. "Hey... how are you? Let's go to the beach—remember your promise?"
The door opened. Misa stood there, hesitant.
Misa:
"Oh, Rio… I'm really sorry. I completely forgot."
She paused, unsure. "Maybe the day after tomorrow? Or… another time?"
Rio blinked. "Why not today? I even set up a little performance... for you."
Her gaze faltered.
"My PHASE Ascension Training starts tomorrow. There are final calibrations and internal scans I have to finish tonight. After that… it'll be nonstop."
Rio stood still for a moment, then gave a small nod and a crooked smile.
"Cool. No problem. I'm not sad or anything… Just thought I'd surprise you."
He turned before she could reply.
---
Ryunn Villa – Rooftop, Later
The wind was colder up on the terris, the rooftop where the stars first came into view. Rio sat on the edge, jacket fluttering behind him like a banner of defiance.
He didn't flinch when the door slammed below. His brother's voice followed, sharp and scornful.
Rio's Brother:
"You're such a damn mystery. Weak. Weird. It's honestly getting embarrassing."
But Rio didn't answer. He simply stared into the distance, where the twin moons of Maru were rising.
(Why wait?
Why sit here while others evolve? While Misa ascends, while my brother expands his legacy?
Earth… That's where they're hiding something. Neilzhar nearly died trying to conquer it. Even Supreme Saints covet that place.)
TIERCRAFT—ancient artifacts capable of enhancing one's power beyond the boundaries of logic and science. They had to be there. And if not… then something even more dangerous was.
He opened his comm-link.
"Orisia," he said sharply. "Tell Marcus to prepare the RYUNN GODWAR SUIT. Stealth-mode only. And if he breathes a word to anyone… he's finished."
The wind stirred harder now, pulling at his clothes, whispering across his skin.
For the first time in a long while, Rio wasn't afraid.
Just... determined.
And beneath it all—there it was.
The Burden of being weak that ignited a spark.