In this world, everything will ultimately meet its conclusion, including nightmares, sorrow, and misery. No one believes this more fervently than the young Shun Eukanorn Xshasi.
Under the divine rule of the kingdom of Lordrixis, citizens are graced with a unique weapon automatically summoned on their 14th birthday. These weapons, known as "ethereal arms," possess specialized appearances and abilities. The strength and value of one's ethereal arm essentially dictate one's societal class, ensuring that no single family will ever perpetually rule the kingdom.
Ethereal arms are categorized from least to most powerful into classes: Instrument, Mortal, Blessed, Ascended, and Complete. Even the most common and feeble Instrument class ethereal arm can provide a stable life within the kingdom.
Despite the hardships he has endured, Shun stands as a singular exception. On his 14th birthday, nothing appeared.
Unlike every other citizen in Lordrixis, Shun is devoid of an ethereal arm.
Reflecting on his past, Shun's life has been fraught with misfortune and misery. Barely surviving in a world without the support of any relatives, hunger and pain have always been his only companions.
Naively, he believed that the gods would bestow upon him a superior ethereal arm when the time came, transforming his life.
But for one who subsists purely on a glimmer of hope, nothing is more devastating than seeing it shattered.
"I've had enough—enough pain, enough dismay, enough living," Shun thinks as he ties the rope to the ceiling, ready to conclude his life. No one could blame him; his life has been nothing but hell, especially when everyone else around him lives in heaven.
Just as Shun places his neck into the noose, a rough and harsh knock interrupts his thoughts and actions.
"Time to go to work, miserable loser," Alex shouts as he opens the door to Shun's house. Such is Shun's life—even his attempt at suicide can be interrupted.
Under normal circumstances, having no money to pay for the rent of his house, Shun would obey Alex's command and go to work. But this time, Alex's interruption fills Shun with profound fury.
"Get out of my sight, Alex. I'm taking today off, no matter what you say."
This sudden and unexpected rebellion surprises Alex. He senses something different within Shun, something that has always been there but never discovered.
However, knowing he is on the judicial side, Alex firmly replies, "Then get enough money to pay the rent, loser."
"And if I don't?"
"Then get out of my house."
"And if I don't?"
"I'll throw you out."
"I'll kill you."
A shiver runs down Alex's spine. Today is Shun's 14th birthday. He knows Shun isn't acting out of mere anger; he is deadly serious. In the realm of Lordrixis, all disputes are settled through duels. The loser must obey the winner, highlighting the importance of a potent ethereal arm. Worst of all, minors are protected by law to the extent that even murder is forgiven.
Alex knows Shun isn't bluffing about killing him. Shun would stab a dagger into his head the moment he lets his guard down, and Shun would walk free the next day, unharmed and proud.
"Madman," Alex murmurs as he slams the door shut.
Dumbfounded, Shun sits speechless on his bed. He never expected dealing with Alex to be this easy.
He never expected life to be this easy.
In the end, Shun has nothing left to lose. With all the disappointments he has faced in this world, he couldn't care less about reputation, relationships, or even his life.
"What's the worst they can do? Kill me?"