The world of Harmonics was both wondrous and terrifying. To ordinary citizens, Harmonics were protectors, saviors, and symbols of hope, yet they also inspired fear. They were individuals born with extraordinary Talents—abilities that defied the natural order. Fire, ice, lightning, gravity, and even the manipulation of time itself were theirs to command. However, what truly set Harmonics apart was the concept of stages.
A Talent's power was not fixed; it grew exponentially with the user's mastery. This evolution was marked by stages—ten in total.
Stage 1 was basic, almost mundane. It was the spark of a Talent's potential, often limited to simple tricks: a flame the size of a candle, a slight increase in speed, or the barest glimpse into future possibilities. By Stage 3, a Harmonic could hold their own in combat, shaping their Talent into something tangible and dangerous. Stage 5 marked the beginning of true power, where a Harmonic could reshape the environment or defeat entire squads of untrained individuals.
But those who reached Stage 10 became legends—walking calamities. A Stage 10 Harmonic could decimate armies, topple governments, or even rewrite the natural laws of the world. They were no longer just individuals; they were forces of nature. Few ever reached this peak, and those who did often became symbols of hope or dread, depending on how they chose to wield their power.
To maintain order, the Harmonic Agency was established. Founded in the wake of the First Rogue Crisis—a cataclysmic event that nearly destroyed an entire continent—it was tasked with regulating Harmonics and protecting humanity.
Its headquarters, the Celestial Spire, was an architectural and technological marvel. The skyscraper, built with Harmonic-enhanced materials, stood as a beacon in the heart of the capital city. It was said to be unassailable, its walls imbued with ancient runes and reinforced by the abilities of dozens of S-Class Harmonics. Inside, the Agency maintained a meticulous record of every registered Harmonic and conducted rigorous training programs to ensure they remained under control.
Among its most powerful assets were the S-Class Harmonics. These individuals represented the pinnacle of strength, mastery, and authority. Their names were known worldwide, their exploits celebrated and feared in equal measure. But even among the elite, whispers of unease had begun to spread—fueled by a rising threat.
Sae Rin walked through the gleaming corridors of the Celestial Spire, her soft footsteps muffled by the pristine floors. Despite her delicate appearance, her very presence commanded attention. She was dressed in a sleek black coat that flared slightly as she moved, her hair tied into a neat braid that fell over her shoulder.
A silver badge gleamed on her chest, marking her as one of the Agency's highest-ranked operatives.
[Sae Rin]
[S-Class Harmonic]
[Talent: Construct – The ability to create anything out of thin air, limited only by imagination and focus.]
[Stage: 10]
She stopped before a set of colossal golden doors. With a flick of her wrist, the intricate mechanisms within the doors began to shift. They parted silently, revealing a circular chamber filled with the energy of gathered powerhouses. This room, known as the Sanctuary, was reserved for the Agency's most critical discussions.
Inside, a handful of S-Class Harmonics were already gathered, each exuding an aura of dominance.
"Ah, Sae Rin," greeted a tall man leaning casually against a pillar. He was clad in combat gear, his dark eyes sharp and calculating.
[Jeong Han]
[S-Class Harmonic]
[Talent: Gravity – Manipulate gravitational forces to crush enemies or bend space.]
[Stage: 9]
"Fashionably late, as usual," he teased, though there was a note of respect in his tone.
"I prefer to arrive when the discussion is meaningful," Sae Rin replied smoothly, taking her seat.
At the head of the table sat an older man with streaks of silver in his hair and a scar running down his cheek. He radiated authority, his piercing gaze sweeping over the group.
[Director Kang]
[Former S-Class Harmonic]
[Talent: Unknown (Retired)]
"The situation is escalating," Director Kang began, his voice heavy. "Rogue Harmonics are becoming bolder, more organized. Last week's attack in Banya District was no coincidence."
A woman with fiery red hair, her armor glowing faintly with heat, leaned forward.
[Hyeon Ji]
[S-Class Harmonic]
[Talent: Pyrokinetic – Absolute mastery over fire.]
[Stage: 10]
"They're not acting alone," Hyeon Ji said. "There's coordination. Someone—or something—is pulling the strings."
Jeong Han frowned. "Do we have any leads?"
Kang hesitated, then placed a file on the table. It bore a single name:
"The First Rogue."
The room fell silent. Even Sae Rin's usually composed expression flickered with unease.
"The First Rogue," Kang repeated, "was the origin of everything—the first known Harmonic to ever go rogue. We thought they were long gone, but there are signs they may still be influencing the chaos."
"But that was centuries ago," Sae Rin said. "Are you suggesting they survived this long? Or is this someone continuing their legacy?"
Kang's grim expression gave nothing away. "That's what we need to find out. And fast."
Elsewhere, far removed from the political tension of the Agency, Jin Seo stood amidst a battlefield of blood and carnage. His dagger was gripped tightly in his trembling hand, its edge slick with the ichor of the beast he had just slain.
Before him lay the lifeless body of a three-headed monster, its grotesque forms sprawled across the rocky terrain. Its fangs still glistened, and its claws had left deep gashes in the ground.
Jin panted, his body screaming in protest. Every fiber of his being felt on the verge of collapse, but he had done it.
[System Notification]
[Trial Completed.]
[Ascension Progress: 27%.]
[Skill Upgrade: Dash – Lv5.]
[New Skill Unlocked: Blade Burst – Concentrate an immense burst of energy into your weapon, dealing 40% damage to a single target.]
Jin fell to his knees, the weight of exhaustion pressing down on him. The world around him began to dissolve, the trial realm fading into a cascade of light and shadows.
Jin stumbled into his apartment, barely making it to his bed before collapsing. His body felt heavy, his breathing labored. Every trial pushed him closer to his limits, yet each victory brought him closer to something greater.
His phone chimed, pulling his attention. He reached for it, his fingers shaking.
[Bank Notification]
[₩20,000,000 has been credited to your account.]
[Current Balance: ₩90,003,000.]
Jin stared at the message, the absurd amount of money making his head spin.
"All this money," he murmured, letting the phone fall onto his chest. "Can I even spend it all alone?"
Out of habit, he began scrolling through his notifications. One headline immediately caught his eye:
[Tae Joon and his team defeat Mega Monster Pack in Dongyeon District!]
The comments were filled with praise:
"Tae Joon is a true hero!"
"He's unstoppable! So cool!"
"Marry me, Tae Joon!"
Jin's grip on the phone tightened. His jaw clenched as the familiar surge of frustration rose within him. He threw the phone onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Finally, he dragged himself to the bathroom. Standing before the mirror, he studied his reflection. The man staring back at him was no longer the weak, miserable Jin Seo from just weeks ago. His muscles were more defined, his eyes sharper, his presence more commanding.
"I have to get stronger," he whispered, his voice firm with resolve.