In the subterranean training hall of their high-rise complex, two young men faced each other—black-haired, sharp-eyed, and both radiating a simmering determination. The air crackled with tension.
Clad in combat suits, they simultaneously dropped into a fighting stance.
"I'll restrain myself so you won't cry later," Daniel said with a smirk.
Kael Vireon clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed. "Just come at me already."
What followed couldn't be called a spar. It was more of a one-sided thrashing.
—
Thirty minutes later, Kael felt like a human ragdoll. Purple bruises adorned his cheeks, and his black hair clung to his sweat-soaked forehead. Every part of his body screamed in protest.
"As a Vireon, chaos will follow you like a shadow," Daniel said, standing over him with folded arms. "Learn to use it. Especially when you enter the Primordial Domain. The territory's protection barrier lasts only ten days. Use that time to its fullest."
He pulled out a small crystal vial from his War Rune's spatial fold. Uncorking it, he handed it to Kael.
The younger brother downed the red elixir. Warmth spread through his limbs. The soreness ebbed slightly.
'That's the real stuff,' Kael thought, eying the empty vial.
Daniel, meanwhile, was on a roll. "Time flows differently in the Domain—two hours there equals one here. Don't screw up your return date. If you die inside, your soul gets trapped—no resurrection, no do-over."
"Yeah, yeah…" Kael murmured, rubbing his sore shoulder. "Can we eat now?"
Daniel grinned. "I brought food from Jenny's Diner."
Kael was on his feet before Daniel could finish.
—
They devoured enough food to feed a squad, then Kael retreated to his room, where he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
But when dawn crept in through the windows, Kael was already awake.
The back of his right hand itched—and glowed.
A sphere-shaped glyph, barely the size of a marble, shimmered just under the skin. It was his War Rune.
Today marked his 18th birthday. The binding had taken root.
Now, all that remained was to step into the Primordial Domain and complete the connection. The Rune pulsed softly, as though beckoning him.
Kael showered, donned his combat suit, and descended the stairs. He ate ravenously—only to notice, mid-bite, that space beside him had begun to ripple and tear.
A radiant Gate to the Domain yawned open.
"Oi! What the hell are you doing so early?!"
Kael flinched. Daniel's voice came from behind, groggy and annoyed. His older brother looked half-dead from sleep.
"Do tschou wansth somsething?" Kael asked, mouth stuffed with croissant. He held one out as a peace offering.
Daniel groaned. "You reckless punk…I thought you rushed into the Domain like an idiot."
He grabbed the croissant and bit into it, scowling.
Kael grinned, bouncing on his toes with excitement.
Daniel's expression softened. 'Same as I was...'
He flipped his hand. A glowing sword materialized in midair—thin, silver, and glistening with runic etchings.
Kael's eyes widened. "Is that… an Artifact?!"
It was his first time seeing one up close.
"It's called Tigerfang," Daniel said. "Five-star Tier-0 Artifact. I found it in the market and it reminded me of you."
He offered the hilt to Kael.
"If you can bind it to your Rune, it's yours."
Kael's heart nearly exploded. "Wha– Are you serious?!"
Artifacts were not only rare—they were expensive beyond belief. To gift one casually was insane.
Had Daniel sold part of his territory? Bartered away favors?
Kael clutched the sword carefully, unsure what to feel.
'Danny… what the hell did you give up for this?'
The only thing he knew for sure: he would not waste this opportunity.
Not now. Not ever.