The Grand Fall

Sho stood still, lost in thought. How was he supposed to carry both of his friends to the guard office? More importantly, where even was the guard office?

He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself.

"I can't give up now."

Determined, he bent down, attempting to lift them both. But they were too heavy. His body lacked the strength, and unlike others, he had never learned martial arts. The burden of the recent events weighed heavily on his heart. Everything that had happened was too much for him to handle, yet he tried his best, pushing himself to his limit. However, reality struck him—he was powerless.

Suddenly, a voice called out from behind him.

"Come with me."

Sho turned swiftly to see a man dressed in the city guard's uniform. Before he could even ask for help, the man muttered in a low voice:

"Takt."

In an instant, Armin and Louis's bodies lifted into the air as if weightless. Sho's eyes widened in shock—this wasn't ordinary magic but an advanced combat technique.

"Follow me to the guard office."

Sho walked behind him, his mind racing with questions. How did that man do that? Sho had never been able to use energy techniques. In fact, he had never even been given the chance to try, as his energy channels were completely blocked since birth. This meant he couldn't perform breathing techniques, the fundamental skill that allowed martial artists to merge their energy with their combat styles. For Sho, it had always been an unreachable dream.

As they walked, the city began to unfold before his eyes—Athenos, the city of dreams. A place where anyone could achieve greatness… if they had power.

Athenos was built upon three main landmarks:

The Grand Gate, the massive entrance separating the outside world from the city. The City Borders, home to the legendary beast Drafteil, the eternal guardian. The Inner Districts, where luxurious buildings, lively streets, and diverse communities flourished—giving Athenos its title, "The City of Happiness."

But in Athenos, happiness was not bought with money—it was seized through power. Power dictated authority, and authority gave one the right to demand whatever they pleased.

Sho was captivated by the city. Races and factions that were once sworn enemies now coexisted here. It was as if he was witnessing the impossible—a world unified after centuries of war. His heart pounded with excitement, and for the first time, he felt a sense of pride knowing that his parents worked in Athenos' guard force.

Before long, they arrived at the guard office. Louis and Armin were taken to a treatment room, where a special healing plant was wrapped around their bones, restoring them not only to their original state but making them even stronger than before.

Sho was astounded. Everything in this world—whether the beasts, the plants, or martial techniques—was shrouded in mystery and power. And he couldn't help but feel thrilled by it.

As night fell, Louis and Armin regained consciousness. They had no recollection of what had happened, so Sho explained everything. Their initial fear soon turned into relief as Sho reassured them.

"We can leave now and enjoy the festival."

As they descended the stairs, Sho spotted one of the guards and approached him.

"Do you know where the Defense Guard Office is?"

The guard frowned. "Why do you ask?"

Sho replied with confidence, "My parents work there."

The guard raised an eyebrow, his demeanor shifting. After a brief pause, he said, "Take the right path straight ahead, then turn left. At the end, you'll find a long staircase—go past it, and you'll find the office."

Sho thanked him before continuing forward with his friends.

Meanwhile, deep within the Great Mong Residence, three men sat together. Their very names were enough to send shockwaves through the kingdom. These were no ordinary guests; they had been personally invited by the royal family for the festival.

One of them scowled, his voice filled with frustration.

"Is this how they treat their guests?!"

This was Danjo, the leader of the Beast Sect. His muscular frame radiated a primal aura, his mere presence exuding suffocating pressure.

Before anyone could respond, another voice cut through the tension.

"Stop spouting nonsense, Danjo."

It was Taijo, the master of Wudang Sect, a man of measured composure yet undeniable strength.

Danjo sneered. "You've grown arrogant, Taijo. Or should I say, Master of Wudang?"

Taijo ignored the provocation and instead turned to the third man, his voice neutral.

"What do you think, Lord Tang?"

The third man was Tang, leader of the Poison Clan—a faction that ruled the Central Plains with their deadly assassins and unrivaled speed, placing them on equal footing with the greatest sects. Tang responded coldly,

"I see no reason to stir up unnecessary trouble. Their delay in greeting us does not equate to an insult. Unless, of course, you feel so insecure about your own reputation that you need constant validation, Danjo."

His words struck deep. Danjo's expression twisted with fury as he launched himself forward, his burning energy-infused fist roaring towards Tang like a wild beast.

But Tang was not so easily bested. In a flash, his hands moved, revealing deadly hidden daggers, their edges pulsing with concentrated energy, ready to counter Danjo's overwhelming attack.

Yet—

"Mind if I join in?"

Before the clash could unfold, a new presence appeared between them.

In an instant, the mysterious figure caught Danjo's destructive fist in his right hand and stopped Tang's lethal daggers with his left.

He stood there, calm and collected, as if their attacks were nothing. Then, with a smirk filled with confidence, arrogance, and authority, he spoke:

"Playing in the wrong place… could cost you your lives."