The child sat alone, staring at the lifeless body before him. His mind echoed with a single thought:
"Why... did this happen to me?"
In this world, four dominant races exist, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:
- *Gods*: The supreme beings, reigning over all. Their combat power is unmatched, their presence overwhelming.
- *Demons*: A close second to the gods, demons possess terrifying "barres," shields of energy that are nearly impenetrable.
- *Elves*: Though physically weaker, elves are the most agile of all the races, moving with unmatched speed and precision.
- *Humans*: The weakest race. Despite their unique power system known as "Tricks," which grants them unpredictable abilities, they are still far inferior to the other races.
These races inhabit separate worlds, each of infinite size, within a transfinite space called 'Grageros,' whose origins remain a mystery.
The *Leaderboards* have existed since the dawn of time, ranking every being at birth based on their combat power through an unknown process called "Barritation." Each race has its own leaderboard, but the most coveted is the global leaderboard, where all beings are ranked against each other.
Factions, groups formed by beings of the same or different races, have their own leaderboards as well. Every century, a faction war determines the global rankings, the results of which hold immense power and influence. The system updates automatically, as if governed by a mysterious, unseen force.
"Why... me? What did I do... to deserve... this hell?"
"Wake up, Komaru. Oi, wake up quickly. Don'cha wanna get the number one spot on the leaderboards?"
"YES, SIR!"
"Hmph, you gotta train well then."
"Of course, Shinunaki-sensei."
Komaru jolted awake, drenched in sweat. "That dream again... Why do I keep dreaming about my past?"
"Did you say something, Komaru?"
"No, sensei. It's just that..."
"You dreamed about your past again, didn't you?" Shinunaki's voice softened, a rare kindness in his usually stern demeanor.
"Yes," Komaru admitted, looking away.
"Don't let it weigh you down too much. You want to win the faction war, right?"
"Yes, sir." Komaru nodded, trying to shake off the lingering sadness.
It was a blistering day, the sun rising high, making the air thick and the ground unbearably hot.
"Come on, Komaru. Get to the training ground quickly."
"I'm coming, sensei."
Out in the humidity stood a tall, scarred man with a muscular build, his eyes sharp with years of battle experience. Shinunaki-sensei was ready, as always.
"I'm here, sensei."
Another figure appeared—a small, young boy with innocent brown eyes and smooth white skin, smiling despite the harsh heat. Today was the day Komaru would finally face his sensei in a real fight.
"Alright, Komaru. Today, we fight for real. Your task is simple: land a single hit on me. No Tricks, just your own skill."
"-Finally, I get to fight sensei for real.-"
"Yes, sensei."
"Begin."
Shinunaki stood calm, muscles relaxed, his face betraying no emotion as he took his fighting stance.
"Go ahead, Komaru. Show me what you've learned."
Komaru clenched his fists and launched himself at his sensei, aiming straight for his chest. But with effortless grace, Shinunaki caught Komaru's fist and deflected it with ease.
"You'll need more than that, pal. Brute strength alone won't help you. Remember, your mind is your greatest weapon."
"-My mind, huh... Ah. I get it-"
A slight grin formed on Komaru's face. Suddenly, he dropped low and swept his leg across the floor, catching Shinunaki off guard and making him stumble.
"There, sensei. I hit you. It's my victory."
"Hmph. You just got lucky, kid."
"Now, now, sensei. Your excellent, young, handsome student has managed to beat you. No need to be embarrassed."
"Hahaha. Well, you've beaten me, Komaru. Let's head back inside. I need to talk to you about something important."
"Something important... I wonder what it is."
"Komaru," Shinunaki began as they walked back, "today is the day you join the prestigious Grannis Academy and form your own faction. I've taught you everything I can. Although your Trick isn't the most extraordinary, it's still formidable. Don't get disheartened and continue your journey."
"Sensei... Thank you. Thank you so much. You've been... like a father to me." Tears welled up in Komaru's eyes, falling like crystals.
"It's a sunny day today, Komaru. You liar. It's not raining."
It wasn't raining, but seeing the young boy cry so sincerely, Shinunaki softened.
"I guess... it is raining today, huh?" he said, wiping away Komaru's tears.
Komaru composed himself, wiping his tears and waving goodbye to his sensei.
"Don't forget to choose strong teammates for your faction."
"Of course, sensei."
"And for the final time, do not die, son."
'Son.' A simple word, but one that meant the world to Komaru. He tightened his chest, holding back more tears, and headed towards the academy.
"Just you wait, sensei. I will definitely become the strongest being."
This is the story of Komaru, the protagonist who seeks to become the strongest in all the worlds. Will he succeed?
*Lie Counter -1*