Gravyor
Orphaned at the age of seven, Gravyor was placed in an orphanage until he turned seventeen, after his parents were murdered.
The horrors he witnessed—especially the suffering of children of all ages—forged within him an absolute rule:
— Anyone who harms a child,regardless of gender,age, or origin,must prepare to receive my visit when they least expect it.
This rule became his compass,the red line he never crossed.
Merciless toward those who shatter innocence,he is ready to do anything to protect them,even if it means plunging into the darkest shadow.
In the thick darkness of a shadowy corridor, Gravyor towered over a helpless figure.
With one firm hand, he gripped a scumbag—another candidate, or perhaps just a worthless human—by the throat, lifting him off the ground with unsettling ease.
His cold gaze, sharp as a blade,left no room for mercy.
His other hand brandished a short, curved dagger engraved with ancient runes,glowing with an eerie light.
Without hesitation, he drove the blade beneath his prey's jaw,lifting it with a precise and fatal motion,piercing the skull to the top with a sinister crack.
A guttural whisper rose behind him.
The Guide, leaning against a wall, let out an almost pleased groan.
— Interesting...I didn't expect to find anyone worthy—except Kael.
Gravyor frowned, surprised.
— Kael? Who's that? he asked, curiosity piqued.
The Guide smiled, a cold gleam in his eyes.
— I respect few individuals... and Kael is one of them.
Curious, Gravyor asked in a low, steady voice:
— Tell me about this Kael.What makes you esteem him so highly?
The Guide smiled again.
— Kael...He's one of the rare ones who understands that true strength isn't just raw power,but the will to fight for something greater than oneself.Respected—even by me.You're part of that now.
—I'm not quite sure what it truly means to be respected by you,we don't know each other and you've come out of nowhere.You understand, right?
Otherwise, even though you've sparked my curiosity,tell me what you want from me.Because I imagine it's you who summoned me,not this trash lying on the floor.
— Oh?What makes you think that?I'm curious.
— It's quite simple.
If you'd been with him, there would have been two possibilities:first, trying to help him;second, taking advantage of his death to claim what belonged to him.
But at the same time, you would have had to eliminate the witnesses.The second option is what you've shown me from the start.
It looked like a performance.The beginning of a grand event.
You resembled more a predator savoring the sight of another hunting its prey.It was almost frightening, haha.
— Admirable!You're even more impressive than I thought.
I look forward to seeing what you accomplish,if you stay alive, that is.
— Uh... by the way,are you going to tell me why you're here?
— Oh, oh.You have a sharp tongue.
Don't confuse my respect for your abilities with the respect I have for your species,because being pathetic,you disgust me.
At that moment,those words alone—powerful, filled with unleashed cosmic gravity—pinned Gravyor to the ground.
As if gravity around him had multiplied.
Gravyor looked at him with a frustrated smile,trying to lift his head toward him,and said sarcastically:
— Done playing?I've got better things to do.
I still have work,so either kill me or free me,but it's about time you made a choice!
The Guide burst out laughing.A strange, sadistic laugh.
Filled with malice,desire...and a barely contained murderous impulse.
— Magnificent.No, splendid!
A specimen like you in this inferior species...that already makes two.
I'm looking forward to it.Really looking forward.
Know who I amand why respect is due to me, Gravyor.
At that precise moment,Gravyor was shocked.
The fact that this person called him by his name,instead of "inferior" or "insect,"clearly showed him the respect he now had.
In return,Gravyor did the same,and spoke respectfully.
— I'm listening,he said calmly,his gaze sharp and attentive.
— Good.I like that look.
I am the Guide,assigned by the Cosmic Axis to this world to tutor you.
My first mission is to bring to the Cosmic Axisthe potential Conquerors,marked to pass the trialgranting access to the Axis itself.
And before you ask:you have no choice.
Gravyor felt the pressure of gravity slowly lift.But his mind remained alert.
He fixed his gaze on the Guide,seeking to unravel the mysteries of this beingwho, despite his obvious cruelty,showed him rare respect.
The Guide smiled enigmatically,his eyes shining with a cold glow.
— The Axis is much more than a mere place or entity.
It is a primordial force.A convergence point of willsand destinies.
Those who succeed in its trialsgain far more than mere power:
they become an integral part of cosmic balance.
Gravyor frowned,his mind on high alert.
— These trials...what do they expect from us?
— Raw strength.Intelligence.Resilience.
But above all: willpower.
Many failbecause they refuse to surpass themselves,or because they are unable to facewhat they truly are.
The Guide stepped closer to Gravyor,his piercing gaze slicing through the darkness.
— You, for example...
You carry a burden.An anger.
But also a rare loyalty.
That will be your greatest weapon...and your greatest weakness.
Gravyor clenched his fists.A new spark in his eyes.
— I have never fled my demons.I will face them,no matter the cost.
A solemn silence.
A tacit promise between two warrior souls.
Curious, Gravyor resumed,in a firm and steady voice:
— So tell me.
How do you intend to make us face this trial?Where is this Axis you speak of?What kind of trial awaits us?
The Guide burst out in a deep, almost mocking laugh.
— You're eager, Gravyor.
But know that the Axis does not reveal its secrets hastily.
Things will come to you,in their time.
When you are ready.You will know then,without needing anyone to explain.
— Patienceis a weapon as powerful as steel.And in this trial,it will often be your best ally.
The Guide stepped back,his gaze still fixed on Gravyor,as if challenging his resolve.
— For now,what you must do...
Is survive what lies before you.
Everything else will come.In due time.
He paused.Then stepped forward again.
— Before you set out to face your trial,one last treatment is necessary.
With a slow gesture,he placed his gloved hand on Gravyor's wounded arm.
A dark, undulating light,almost alive,escaped,enveloping the wound.
Gravyor's eyes widened.Shocked.
— What is... ?It's the first time I've seen such magic.
The Guide gave a cold smile.
— This is no ordinary magic.It's Magia.
A power that heals,but leaves a mark.
You will have to learn to master it.
As the wound quickly closed,a dimensional rift suddenly opened in the air.
It tore spacelike a fragile veil.
The Guide fixed Gravyorwith intensity.
— The time has come.
With a sure movement,he grabbed Gravyor by the armand pulled him toward the rift.
One last look.A silent promise.
Then they vanished together,into the flickering lightof the dimensional passage.