Chapter one
In the realm of Tenebrous, eight continents sprawled across the land, each bearing a distinct name and essence. The White Continent of Elyria, where Blaze was born, was a land of pristine beauty and moderate magical energies. Elyria was home to several tiered cities, each with its unique culture and magical affinities.
Blaze hailed from the city of Cryoak, a Tier Four metropolis on the outskirts of Elyria. Cryoak was a bustling hub of commerce and innovation, where the inhabitants possessed a moderate level of magical prowess. However, Blaze was an anomaly among his peers. He was born without a mystical core, a rare condition that rendered him unable to harness the magical energies that flowed through the city.
The people of Cryoak saw Blaze as an outcast, a young man who didn't belong in their world. They whispered among themselves, calling him a "Zero," a derogatory term for those born without magical abilities. The scorn and ridicule weighed heavily on Blaze's shoulders, but he refused to let it define him.
Blaze's guardian, Father Arin, a kind-hearted priest who owned the local church, had taken him under his wing. Father Arin encouraged Blaze to focus on his physical training, helping him develop a strong body that would serve as a counterbalance to his magical weakness.
Blaze's dedication to his training earned him the nickname "Training Maniac." He spent every waking moment honing his physical skills, pushing his body to the extreme. His regimen was brutal, but Blaze was driven by a fierce determination to prove himself, to show the world that he was more than just a Zero.
Blaze's days blended together in a haze of sweat, pain, and exhaustion. His training regimen was brutal, with each session pushing his body to the extreme. He woke up every morning at 4:00 AM, before the sun rose over the horizon, and began his training.
First, he'd start with a 10-kilometer run through the outskirts of Cryoak, his feet pounding against the cold, damp earth. The run was a warm-up, designed to get his blood pumping and his muscles ready for the ordeal ahead.
After his run, Blaze would return to the church, where Father Arin had set up a makeshift training area. The room was sparse, with stone walls, a wooden floor, and a single window that let in a sliver of light. Blaze's training equipment consisted of rusty weights, a wooden punching board, and a collection of makeshift weapons crafted from scraps of metal and wood.
Blaze's training sessions were divided into three parts. The first part focused on strength training, where he'd lift weights, perform bodyweight exercises, and engage in intense physical labor. He'd spend hours hauling heavy rocks, chopping wood, and performing other physically demanding tasks designed to build his endurance.
The second part of his training focused on martial arts. Blaze had learned various fighting styles from Father Arin, who had studied the ancient art of combat. Blaze would spend hours practicing his techniques, honing his reflexes, and perfecting his movements. He'd spar with Father Arin, who would push him to his limits, testing his skills and his resolve.
The third and final part of Blaze's training was the most grueling. He'd engage in what Father Arin called "pain training." This involved subjecting himself to intense physical pain, designed to build his tolerance and his mental toughness. Blaze would endure hours of intense physical discomfort, from holding his breath underwater to withstanding scorching temperatures.
Blaze's training sessions lasted for hours, often stretching deep into the night. He'd train for 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, with only a single day of rest. His body was a canvas of bruises, cuts, and scars, a testament to his unwavering dedication.
Despite the pain and the exhaustion, Blaze found solace in his training. It was his escape, his sanctuary, and his passion. He'd push himself to the limit, ignoring the voice of reason that screamed at him to stop. Blaze's training had become an all-consuming force, driving him forward with a fierce determination.
As the years passed, Blaze's hard work began to pay off. His body become stronger , honed from years of intense physical training. He'd grown taller, stronger, and faster, his reflexes razor-sharp, and his mind focused.
But despite his physical prowess, Blaze couldn't shake off the feeling of inadequacy. He was, after all, a Zero, a young man born without magical abilities in a world where magic was the ultimate measure of a person's worth. Blaze's training had become a way for him to prove himself, to show the world that he was more than just a Zero.
As Blaze's 17th name-day approached, he felt an insatiable hunger to prove himself, to demonstrate that he was worthy of respect and admiration. Little did he know, his life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would set him on a path of discovery, danger, and destiny.