A strange silence fell after those words—a silence unlike any that had come before...
Everyone began to imagine it...Who could possibly master such a technique…??!
"Wait—!!!" one of the soldiers suddenly spoke up."What technique are we even talking about???"
Another soldier followed quickly,"Yes, Sir (Vail)… what exactly are the "Nine Arts of Flame"???And why do they sound so dangerous?!?"
(Vail) took a deep breath.Then, in his usual calm voice, he spoke.
"Very well. I have explained this before to some of you…but now, I will explain it to everyone...
First, we all know that the fire element is the most widespread of all elements.In fact, nearly seventy percent of elemental wielders possess fire.
And we also know that at advanced levels of mastery,a fire wielder can develop immunity to ordinary flames.
Because of that, ancient warriors sought to create techniques capable of piercing that immunity...
The origin of these techniques lies in what is known as" the First Flame"—a flame that can devour even fire itself.
That is why it can harm those who are immune to ordinary fire."
He paused briefly.
"The Nine Arts of Flame are structured as a circle divided into two halves,with "nine techniques" inscribed within it.
On the right side, lie the four fundamental arts."
{The Fundamental Arts}
1. Whirling FlameA flame that twists and lashes in multiple directions, like a living whip.Once unleashed, escape is nearly impossible.
2. Blazing WillA piercing flame attack that ignores obstacles, continues its trajectory,and strikes its target no matter what stands in its way...This… is the technique that struck me earlier...
3. Ignited BodyOne chosen limb is engulfed in flame,allowing fiery punches and kicks at will...
4. Dragon's BlazeA powerful flame shaped like a dragon,burning everything around it without mercy...
{ The Enhanced Arts}
"The left side of the circle contains enhanced versions of the fundamental arts.Each mirrors one from the right—for example, 4 corresponds to 6, 1 corresponds to 9, and so on."
6. Demonic FlameOne of the strongest—and most difficult—arts to wield.The flame takes the shape of your enemy's emotions toward you:their hatred, fear, or obsession...It burns them relentlessly...However… it drains the user's strength at an alarming rate...
7. Total CombustionThe entire body ignites in First Flame...Every strike, movement, even a simple gesture,is imbued with that flame...But the user's body temperature rises rapidly—making this technique extremely dangerous...
8. Promised FlameA devastating flame that attacks everything without discrimination...Its behavior depends entirely on the user's will...If that will is weak…the flame will burn everything...Including its wielder...
9. Flame VortexUnlike Whirling Flame, this technique forms a spiraling infernothat drags everything toward its center,where it is incinerated by its own unique fire.
{ The Forbidden Core}
He hesitated… then continued.
"And at the very center of the circle lies a special art.A forbidden one.Only a handful have ever mastered it."
"The Fifth Art—Miniature Sun."
A murmur spread through the camp.
"It allows the user to summon a small sun itself.Its heat is absolute.Its danger… beyond measure."
(Raym) interrupted, shocked."Dangerous?!!But didn't I see you preparing to use it against Number Four??!"
All eyes turned to (Vail)...Among them were (Arvela) and (Daniel)...
For the first time, (Vail) looked… slightly embarrassed.
"Well—let's just say I lost my composure for a moment.But… everything turned out fine. For now..."
Camp Uproar
The entire camp erupted.
"Teach me, Sir (Vail)!!!""No, teach me!!!""I'm strong—teach me first!!!"
(Daniel) shouted loudly,"Enough!!! Calm yourselves!!!"
"Something like this requires long, intense training...It cannot be learned overnight."
"We will teach you—eventually."
"But for now, prepare yourselves...The Vice Commander has something important to announce tomorrow morning."
He paused...
"Perhaps it concerns the Commander himself.I've heard he may return from his mission soon."
"…Or perhaps that arrogant First Division Commander, (Aldous)."
"…Or even the other Vice Commander—(Sephar)."
(Arvela) spoke softly,"Yes… they've been absent for quite some time.They must have returned by now."...
The scene shifted.
The atmosphere was unnaturally dark,even though the sun still shone overhead.
Violent winds howled.Branches cracked and snapped under invisible pressure.
A man stood there, wearing the same strange robe as the figures seen before.He faced another person standing at a distance—their appearance hidden,only a barely audible voice emerging.
The robed man spoke:
"You there…I want no impurities.What we are about to do is sacred.Are you certain…that he is the proper vessel?"
A low laugh echoed from the unseen figure.
"Heh… heh… heh…"
"I assure you.It is him. Without question."
"Our goal is now within reach."
"Soon…we will return them to their former glory."
"The first masters of the land…the true rulers of this world."