In a world inhabited by strange creatures, powerful wizards, and brave warriors, there exists a kingdom where the fate of its inhabitants is determined by their social status. This is the Kingdom of Lauren.
In the Kingdom of Lauren, society is divided into three ranks, each subdivided into ten sectors:
1. Nobles: The most privileged, who enjoy great luxury and power. The nobility is organized into ten sectors, where Sector 1 represents the highest rank and Sector 10 the lowest within the elite.
2. Adventurers: This group undertakes various missions, from monster hunting to infrastructure construction. Adventurers are also divided into ten sectors, reflecting their skill and prestige within the adventurer class. Sector 1 is for the most prestigious, while Sector 10 is for the most novice.
3. Outcasts: The lowest in the hierarchy, subjected to extremely hard labor. Like the nobles and adventurers, the outcasts are organized into ten sectors, with Sector 1 being the lowest and Sector 10 the highest among the outcasts.
The power of souls plays a crucial role in this kingdom. Every human possesses a soul that can reincarnate and accumulate skills from its past lives, which influences their social status and abilities.
Sector 3 - Smithy
Aric works in his father's smithy, Garka. Aric is a 17-year-old, standing at 1.67 meters, with brown hair and blue eyes. His face is marked by a scar on his eyebrow, a result of his work with sharp tools. His passion for blacksmithing is reflected in his determination and the intensity with which he works.
Garka is a large and strong man, with an imposing figure that reflects years of hard work in the smithy. His skin is marked by numerous scars and burns, witnesses of his arduous work with fire and metal. His large, calloused hands are proof of a life of constant effort. His grave expression and unkempt beard accentuate his rugged appearance.
Aric strikes metals with fierce determination. Sweat drips down his forehead as he shapes a sword, the roar of the anvil his only companion.
Aric: "I'm tired of making these swords! Dad, I promise you I'm ready for this month's tournament. We're going to escape this life of slavery!"
Garka, with a worried expression, approaches.
Garka: "Aric, you should focus on making a good sword, not on fighting to entertain the nobles. Remember, it's a battle to the death. You have no chance of winning. You're going to die."
Aric, without stopping his work, turns to his father.
Aric: "I'll prove that I'm not just another outcast. I'll get us out of this endless slavery!" He runs off.
Garka: "Where are you going? You haven't finished your work yet."
Endless Junkyard
Aric arrives at the Endless Junkyard, a vast expanse of scrap and waste. His eyes light up at the sight of materials that could be useful for his battle.
Aric: "I have to prove what I'm capable of. My soul has only had one previous bearer, who learned some magic. With my knowledge of smithing and these materials, I'm ready."
A farmer approaches as Aric examines the materials.
Farmer: "Oh, it's Aric. Hey, Aric. Tell your father that an adventurer was here looking for him."
Aric: "Yeah, I'll tell him when I see him. (Oh, that adventurer already came to pick up his armor. But it was for next week. Umm, it doesn't matter. I'll go sign up for the tournament and use these materials.)"
Sector 3 - Coliseum
Aric arrives at the Coliseum, a giant amphitheater where the outcasts fight to improve their status. The arena is full of fighters and spectators, eager for the monthly tournament.
Receptionist: "Hello, young man, are you here to sign up for the tournament?"
Aric, with determination in his eyes: "Yes, my name is Aric and I'm 17 years old."
Receptionist: "Perfect. Please tell us your profession, and everything will be set."
Aric: "I'm a blacksmith."
Receptionist: "Perfect. Everything is set. Enter the Coliseum, and you'll be assigned the necessary equipment and a number."
Inside the Coliseum
Aric observes the fighters with a mix of respect and challenge. Some seem formidable, but he remains confident in his abilities.
Sector 8 - Eldrick's Combat
Meanwhile, in Sector 8, Eldrick, a 15-year-old with white hair and red eyes, prepares for his fight. His skill with water is impressive, and his mother has given him some advice.
Eldrick: "Mom, I can control water perfectly. I'll win this tournament."
Eldrick's Mother: "I trust you, son. But remember, life is tough, and you'll need more than just one element to survive."
Eldrick enters the Coliseum, facing Khat the Colossus, a fearsome fighter with a massive axe.
Eldrick's Combat
Eldrick vs. Khat the Colossus:
Khat charges with a fierce lunge, but Eldrick predicts the attack, pushing himself back with a gust of wind. Then, he uses ice to make the ground slippery, hindering Khat's movement. Despite a devastating counterattack from Khat, Eldrick covers himself with a barrier of earth and counters with a powerful water strike, easily winning the battle.
Fight 1: Aric vs. Reth
Aric's first opponent is Reth, a strong but clumsy fighter. Aric creates swords with his magic and controls them in the air, keeping Reth on the defensive. The swords relentlessly rain down on Reth, exhausting his energy. Finally, Aric defeats him with a powerful final blow from a handmade sword.
Fight 2: Aric vs. Lena
Lena, an expert in lightning magic, strikes first with a thunderous barrage. Aric, using his agile movements and the protection of his armor, closes in on Lena and defeats her with a precise slash to the neck.
Rest Before the Final Fight
Aric, exhausted but determined, reflects on his abilities as he observes his rivals.
Aric: "Everyone here is very strong. I'm lucky to have been training my whole life in the smithy. My soul has been an invaluable tool. It's time for the final battle."
Final Fight: Aric vs. Brogar
The final fight is against Brogar, an imposing opponent with great physical strength. Aric uses all his magic to create powerful armor from the scrap in the Endless Junkyard, withstanding Brogar's brutal blows. Although Aric is injured, he doesn't give up. He creates swords that emerge from the ground, damaging Brogar and opening an opportunity. With a final move, Aric defeats him with a gigantic magical sword.
The adventurers and nobles watch in awe. A noble approaches Aric.
Orna is an elegant and intelligent noble, 26 years old. His hair is long and blue, and his bearing is impeccable, standing out among the nobility. He carries himself with confidence and wisdom, reflected in his way of speaking and acting.
Orna: "Are you the warrior Aric? I saw your fight, and it was impressive. I wanted to congratulate you and give you this badge. Before becoming an adventurer, you'll have two years of training in the Coliseum. Good luck."
Aric: "Thank you! I won't let you down. I'll become the most powerful guardian that ever existed."
Meanwhile, at the Throne
King Lauren is a 72-year-old man with long silver hair due to his advanced age.
Soldier: "King Lauren, a crystal has been sighted nearby."
King Lauren: "Finally, my most desired goal is within reach. Head toward the crystal and prepare the strongest adventurers and nobles for battle."
End of Chapter 1