[This is chapter 0]
Long before, there existed a planet known as 'New Xebris.' A world shrouded in mysteries so profound that even the stars seemed to whisper its secrets. Hidden truths lie buried in its states, islands, oceans, and clouds—truths so unimaginable that the world would struggle to believe them. Yet, these secrets remain locked away, untouched by time and human curiosity.
New Xebris was once a realm of harmony, guided by the 'Great Xebris', the divine force that watched over all creation. But the true guardian of this world was 'Netra', the 'First Human', a being of unparalleled strength and wisdom. He was the closest to the Great Xebris, a protector chosen by the heavens themselves. Under his watch, New Xebris flourished, a paradise untouched by darkness.
But paradise was not meant to last...
One fateful day, Netra fell. His death marked the end of an era and the beginning of a nightmare. The world he had cherished crumbled into chaos. Destruction, corruption, and crime spread like a plague. The skies darkened, and the oceans roared with fury. The once-thriving lands of New Xebris became a living hell.
The news of Netra's demise shook the world to its core. It was revealed that the '7 Xebrisrosa'—the strongest creatures to walk the earth—had betrayed and slain their protector. With Netra gone, the Xebrisrosa seized power, imposing their iron rule over the shattered remains of New Xebris. Each island, each state, fell under the dominion of kings who served the Xebrisrosa, their reigns marked by fear and oppression.
Two hundred years have passed since that dark day. The age they now live in is known as the 'Fallen Angel Age', an era where hope is scarce, and despair reigns supreme. The demons of the past have risen, and the once-great New Xebris is but a shadow of its former glory.
Yet, amidst the ruins, whispers of rebellion stir. The secrets of New Xebris, buried deep within its lands and skies, may yet hold the key to its salvation. But who will uncover them? And who will dare to challenge the might of the Xebrisrosa?
The story of New Xebris is far from over. The Fallen Angel Age is but a chapter in a tale that spans the cosmos—a tale of betrayal, redemption, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness...
[Story start from here...]
[Whenever the author uses Square bracket, it means he is telling something important.]
The morning sun rose over the horizon, its golden rays spilling across the tranquil beach. Waves lapped gently at the shore, their rhythm steady and calming.
In the midst of this serene scene stood an old man, his gaze fixed intently on the blazing sun. His eyes did not waver, nor did he blink, as if the sun's fierce light held no power over him.
It was as though he were challenging the very heavens themselves.
From behind, a voice broke the silence. "Hey! Old man!"
The old man turned slowly, his weathered face revealing a hint of irritation. It was 'ZERO,' his tone lazy and impatient. "What are you doing there? I'm hungry. Let's go!"
[Zero is a teenager, who lives with his grandfather.]
The old man's expression hardened. "How many times should I tell you?!" he scolded, his voice sharp and commanding.
Zero stumbled back, startled by the sudden intensity. "What?!" he muttered under his breath, his eyes wide with confusion. "What's gotten into him all of a sudden?"
The old man stepped closer, his demeanor shifting to something softer, yet no less firm. "Listen, Zero," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "Don't call me 'old man.' I am your grandfather."
Zero's tension eased. A small smile crept onto his face as he placed a hand on the old man's shoulder. "I know that," he said, his tone light and teasing. But then he averted his gaze, his smile turning mischievous. "But you *are* old… my old man."
The old man sighed, shaking his head. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Zero standing on the beach. The waves continued their gentle dance, and the sun climbed higher into the sky, casting its light over the two figures—one young and carefree, the other aged and wise, bound by a bond that needed no words.
The morning stretched on, quiet and unchanging, yet carrying the weight of unspoken truths and the quiet strength of a grandfather's love.
"Hey! Old man, listen! Where are you going? Are you hurt?" Zero called out, his voice dripping with playful mockery. "O L D M A N," he drawled, elongating each letter as if to emphasize his teasing. "Hey! Listen to me… wait for me, old man!" He continued shouting from behind, but the old man didn't stop.
His steps were steady, his silence unyielding, as though Zero's words were nothing more than the rustle of leaves in the wind.
Together, they made their way to 'Tiron Litlos', the vibrant island city that served as the heart of 'Deil Island.'
This was no ordinary city—it was the seat of power for King Deil, the ruler of the island. The grand palace stood tall in the distance, a symbol of authority and order amidst the bustling life of the streets.
As they entered the city, the atmosphere shifted. The marketplace was alive with energy, a cacophony of voices, laughter, and the clatter of goods. People moved about in a sea of black clothing, each garment marked with a distinctive logo on the back: a circle with a single dot at its center. This was the 'Circle of King', the emblem of loyalty to King Deil's rule.
Zero and the old man navigated through the crowded streets, eventually stopping at a small wooden shop.
The aroma of sizzling food wafted through the air, drawing them inside. They found an empty table and sat down, Zero's face lighting up with excitement.
"Fifteen plates of Menics," the old man ordered, his voice calm but firm.
[Menic, a local delicacy, was a dish crafted with care. Fresh fish, boiled to perfection, was combined with green vegetables and fried in oil until golden. Served on a leaf, it was cut into three pieces and topped with a fiery red paste made from chili—a final touch that gave it its signature spicy kick.]
The order arrived almost instantly, the plates lining the table in a mouthwatering display.
Zero didn't hesitate. He dug in with gusto, his enthusiasm evident in every bite.
The chili burned his tongue, but he didn't care. He kept eating, his pace relentless.
By the time the old man looked up, Zero had already devoured ten plates. His face was flushed, his eyes watering from the heat of the chili, but he showed no signs of stopping...
The old man watched him quietly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Despite their bickering, there was a bond between them—one that needed no words.
The Circle of King loomed over the city, a reminder of the power that governed their lives. But for now, in this small wooden shop, all that mattered was the food, the laughter, and the quiet understanding between a father and his son.
The peaceful atmosphere of the wooden shop shattered in an instant.
A man stumbled inside, his body battered and broken.
Blood seeped from a deep wound in his stomach, his hand pressed desperately against it in a futile attempt to stem the flow.
His face was swollen, bruised, and twisted in pain. With a ragged gasp, he collapsed to the ground, panting and grunting, his strength fading with every labored breath.
Before anyone could react, a group of soldiers stormed into the shop.
Their attire was striking—armor reminiscent of gladiators, with a distinct logo emblazoned on their backs: a circle with two dots inside.
This was the mark of their allegiance, a symbol that carried weight and authority in Tiron Litlos.
Without a word, the soldiers seized the injured man.
There was no respect, no mercy in their actions.
They dragged him out of the shop and threw him onto the hard ground outside.
The crowd, which had begun to gather, watched in silence as the soldiers drove spears into the man's hands, pinning him to the earth.
His agonized cries echoed through the marketplace, but no one stepped forward to help.
Zero, who had been observing the scene with an unsettling calm, suddenly moved toward the soldiers.
His expression was unreadable, but there was a fire in his eyes. The old man reached out, gripping Zero's arm to hold him back.
Yet, despite the restraint, Zero's legs kept moving, as if driven by an invisible force.
It was then that Zero realized something strange—his body wasn't moving forward...
He looked down and saw his feet suspended in the air, walking in place as though the ground itself refused to let him advance.
The old man's grip was firm, his silent warning clear: "Do not interfere."
The soldiers continued their brutal display, their faces cold and unfeeling. The helpless man's cries grew weaker, his struggles fading as the crowd watched in eerie silence. No one dared to intervene.
The Circle of King loomed over the city, a reminder of the power that governed their lives—and the consequences of defiance.
Zero's fists clenched, his frustration palpable.
But the old man's grip remained unyielding, a silent anchor in the chaos.
The marketplace, once filled with noise and laughter, now bore witness to a grim spectacle—a stark reminder of the world they lived in, where justice was often drowned in silence.
The Circle of Two Dots had spoken, and the people of Tiron Litlos could only watch.
One of the soldiers stepped forward, his voice booming across the marketplace. "This man has broken the sacred rule of King Deil! And our king never forgives those who defy his laws." The soldier's eyes scanned the crowd, his tone heavy with authority.
"He has done something unthinkable—he has removed the mark we wear as our pride, the 'Circle of King.'
A murmur rippled through the crowd as people exchanged uneasy glances.
The soldiers yanked the spears from the man's hands, revealing a deep, gruesome wound on his stomach. The soldier pointed to it, his voice cold and unyielding.
"He has carved the *Circle of King* from his flesh. The punishment for such an act is beheading."
The crowd fell silent as the soldiers prepared for the execution. The man's hands were bound, and his head was forced onto a wooden block. A soldier raised his sword, the blade glinting in the sunlight. But just as the executioner steadied his grip, the man began to laugh...
"Hahahahahaha!"
It was a deep, unrestrained laugh, one that echoed through the marketplace.
The crowd froze, their shock palpable. Even the soldiers hesitated, their confidence wavering.
"Hey! Garbage, stop it!" the soldier barked, his voice trembling with frustration. "Stop laughing! Do you hear me?!"
"Hahahahahaha!" But the man didn't stop. His laughter grew louder, more defiant. The soldier, enraged, punched him in the face. "I said stop laughing!"
Still, the man didn't flinch. His laughter continued, unbroken...
Desperate to silence him, a soldier struck the man's head with the rod of his spear. The laughter stopped abruptly.
For a moment, everyone thought he had lost consciousness. But then, the man lifted his head. Blood trickled from his nose, and tears welled in his eyes. YET HIS VOICE WAS STEADY, FILLED WITH A STRANGE!!!
"THERE'S NO USE FOR ME TO LIVE NOW!" his words cutting through the silence.
"This life I've been given… it's not A LIFE!!!"/ Living in this hell is worse than death. ALL OF YOU—everyone in this world—have nothing. This existence is MEANINGLESS. WORTHLESS!!!"
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Those who call the ''Circle of King' their pride… are COWARDS... It's not a mark of pride. It's a *SLAVE MARK!"
His voice rose, trembling with emotion. "And from this moment, I am NO ONE'S SLAVE! I am free! THE FREEST PERSON IN THE WORLD!!!"
His words echoed through the marketplace, sending a chill through the crowd. People stood frozen, their eyes wide with disbelief.
The soldiers, too, seemed momentarily paralyzed by the man's defiance.
But the silence didn't last. The soldier raised his sword and, with a swift, merciless strike, beheaded the man...
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The head fell to the ground, and the crowd remained motionless, the weight of the man's words lingering in the air. The 'Circle of King' loomed over them all, a symbol of power and control.
But for a brief moment, one man had shattered its illusion, leaving behind a haunting truth that no one could ignore.
The marketplace, once filled with noise and life, now stood in eerie silence—a silence that spoke louder than any words...
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[The story will be continued in the next chapter.. the mystery is about to open.]