CHAPTER 1
In a world immersed in darkness, the legend said that every hundred years, twelve heroes would rise to bring light and restore balance. These chosen ones carried ancient powers, but also a cruel destiny: to face Spade, the Emperor of Darkness.
[19 years ago]
The birth of the chosen children was marked by signs: the night sky briefly brightened, lightning streaked across the horizon, and the earth trembled slightly. Midwives and elders in the villages noticed unusual marks on the newborns. Some had a subtle glow in their eyes; others carried a mark in the form of an ancient symbol.
Despite the signs, the world remained silent for years, waiting for the days when the prophecy would come true.
[12 years ago]
In the small village of Valien, three children ran through the dusty streets. Brayan was the most adventurous, always leading dangerous games. Yakuza, of humble origin and son of a former soldier, carried with him an early determination. Kalli was the calmest, always diffusing arguments and taking care of the two like an older sister.
That afternoon, the trio was excited. A rare event was about to happen in the village: royal soldiers would give a lecture on military life.
— They say the captain is a war hero! — exclaimed Yakuza, his eyes sparkling.
— You just want to impress him. I bet you'll ask to train with him! — teased Brayan.
— What if I do? One day, I'll protect the kingdom!
Kalli laughed as she tried to keep up with the two, who ran ahead.
— You know this is just a show, right? They want to recruit. I'm not letting you join so early!
— Oh, Kalli, stop being so serious. One day, you'll understand that we need adventures. Who wants to live like this forever?
— I want to live with you, and that's adventure enough.
They laughed together, their voices echoing through the village.
[Present day]
The years passed, and the trio grew, but life changed for them all. Brayan worked as an assistant in the local forge, sweating under the heat of the furnaces. Yakuza trained daily, trying to surpass the more experienced warriors of the village. Kalli divided her time between caring for her grandfather and helping with the harvest.
For Brayan, however, something lingered. He felt that Kalli was more than just a friend. After much hesitation, he decided to open his heart.
That morning, he found her carrying baskets of fruit back to her house.
— Hey, Kalli, can you stop for a second?
— Sure, what's up? — she smiled, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
— I… was thinking we could go to the baths tonight. I need a break, and so do you.
She laughed.
— You're always making up excuses to get out, Brayan. But okay, I'll go. I just need to check on Grandpa.
— Alright. I'll see you there.
As she walked away, he sighed, trying to contain his anxiety.
In another part of the village, the once-admired captain of the fifth battalion was unrecognizable. His days of glory had ended, and now he wandered through taverns, lost in alcohol and self-loathing.
That night, with his mind clouded by drink, he stumbled out of a tavern after a fight.
— You're all a bunch of ungrateful bastards! I've fought more wars than you can count! And what do I get in return? Nothing!
With a knife hidden in his belt, he wandered the dark streets, muttering to himself. When he saw Kalli and Brayan talking, his attention was drawn like a hungry predator.
The streets were silent as Kalli and Brayan walked toward the baths. The faint light of the moon illuminated the path, and they laughed about old stories from their childhood games.
Suddenly, the captain appeared from a dark alley, his eyes bloodshot with rage and madness.
— Give me everything you have! Now!
Kalli grabbed Brayan's arm, trying to pull back, but the captain approached with the knife in hand.
— Hurry, or I'll make you both bleed right here!
Brayan hesitated, handing over the coins and the small amulet he wore around his neck.
— Here. We don't want trouble. Just leave.
The captain laughed, a bitter and disturbing laugh.
— Trouble? You are the trouble with this world… arrogant kids. I should…
Before he finished, Brayan lunged at him, trying to disarm him.
— NO, BRAYAN! — screamed Kalli, trying to hold him back.
The captain was faster. With a precise move, he struck Brayan in the arm, causing him to fall to the ground, crying out in pain.
— Idiot! Want to be a hero? You'll die like one.
As the captain raised the knife for the final blow, Kalli, driven by desperation, threw herself in front.
The blade pierced her chest.
The world seemed to stop. Brayan screamed, crawling to her as the blood soaked his clothes.
— Kalli, no… Please, stay with me!
— Brayan… take care of my grandfather… — she whispered, before closing her eyes.
The captain, shocked by what he had done, fled into the shadows, leaving Brayan alone with Kalli's lifeless body.
When Yakuza learned of the event, something inside him broke. He found Brayan at Kalli's house, holding her bloodied amulet.
— They won't do anything, Yakuza. The guards… they say they can't arrest the captain.
— They don't want to, Brayan. This world is rotten. And if they won't bring justice, then I will.
The two decided to act on their own.
Days later, they tracked the captain to an abandoned shack by the cliffside.
The shack was dark, with only a flickering candle illuminating the space. The captain, completely drunk, glared at them with disdain.
— You? Came here to die too?
Without answering, Yakuza charged. The fight was fierce. The captain, even in his deplorable state, was skilled. He struck Yakuza, who fell near the edge of the cliff.
When Brayan tried to help, the captain shoved him, knocking him down.
At that moment, an intense light emanated from Yakuza. He felt an uncontrollable force within him, and golden wings erupted from his back. A glowing katana appeared in his hand.
— I won't lose anyone else!
Flying, he saved Brayan in the last instant and, with a single strike, decapitated the captain.
Back in the village, Yakuza knew something greater was coming. He carried two sacred items, something never seen before in the stories of the chosen heroes.
— It's time to seek answers.
After the battle with the captain and the awakening of Yakuza's power, the two friends gathered at Kalli's house, silent and marked by their loss.
— This isn't over. — Yakuza said, holding Kalli's amulet. — The world is sinking into darkness, and I can't stand by.
Brayan looked at him, still trying to hold back tears.
— So, what will we do?
Yakuza raised the glowing katana that had appeared during the fight, his eyes determined.
— We'll seek justice, and it starts now.
The two left the village of Valien, determined to face evil, not knowing they were about to encounter a new challenge.
The journey of the two friends had only just begun.