PART 1: AN EXTRAORDINARY BIRTH
Fifteen years ago, in a small remote village deep in the interior of Sabah, Malaysia—where dense forests still embraced everything—a baby boy was born in the dead of night. The moment he emerged from his mother's womb, the entire village was awakened by a faint blue light that spilled out from the birthing room.
The baby's hair was already white like snow, and his eyes were blue like a clear sky—something the villagers had never seen before.
Some villagers felt fear, believing the child to be cursed. But his father—Mikael Arion—and his mother—Elena Arion—saw him only as a blessing. Mikael held the newborn gently, his eyes filled with love.
Mikael:
"We will name him Ryu. Ryu Arion. He will become someone great."
During his infancy, Ryu would often wake up on his own, and a faint blue light would appear around his small body. Mikael and Elena knew their child was not ordinary, but they never told anyone. They simply did their best to protect him, living a quiet life in a village far away from the city.
PART 2: DAYS OF BULLYING
When Ryu turned seven, he began attending the village school. However, his unusual white hair and blue eyes made him a target for bullying. The other children called him "the cursed child," "the white ghost," and often stole his belongings or hit him when the teacher wasn't looking.
One day, after coming home from school with torn clothes and a bruised face, Ryu cried in his mother's arms.
Ryu (crying):
"Mom… why am I different? Why do they like hurting me?"
Elena (holding him tightly):
"You're not different, my dear. You're just special. Everyone who is great has always been different from others."
Mikael stood beside them, his expression serious. He knew that only strength could protect Ryu. From that day on, he decided to teach Ryu how to wield a katana—the martial art he had learned from his own father.
PART 3: SECRET KATANA TRAINING
Every morning before sunrise, Mikael and Ryu would head into the forest behind their house. There, among the towering trees, Mikael taught Ryu the fundamentals of katana combat.
Mikael:
"Ryu, this katana isn't just a weapon to hurt others. It is your companion. You must care for it, respect it, and only use it to protect yourself and the people you love."
Ryu trained diligently. Despite his young age, his hands were strong and his movements smooth. Every time he practiced, he felt an energy flowing from his body into the katana—though he didn't understand what it was. Mikael watched with a faint smile, knowing that Ryu's power was beginning to awaken, even if very slowly.
Years passed, and the training continued. Ryu grew stronger, but also quieter. He avoided talking to others, afraid of being bullied again. The only people he trusted and loved were his parents.
PART 4: THE REASON FOR MOVING TO KOREA
When Ryu turned sixteen, something unexpected happened. A group of mages from a major city discovered their village, having heard rumors about a boy with white hair and blue eyes. They wanted to capture Ryu to study his power.
Mikael and Elena learned of the plan. They knew the village was no longer safe for Ryu. Therefore, they decided to move to South Korea—a distant place where no one knew about him.
On the night before their departure, Mikael called Ryu into the yard. He held an old katana sheath in his hands.
Mikael:
"Ryu, this is the katana passed down from our ancestors. Take it with you to Korea. It will protect you. Remember, your power lies within yourself—you only need to find a way to awaken it."
Ryu nodded, gripping the katana sheath tightly. He didn't know what awaited him in Korea, but he was ready to face it. Together with his parents, he left the small village that had been his home for so long—heading toward a new world filled with secrets and challenges.
EPILOGUE
That is the story of Ryu Arion's childhood—a boy who was different, constantly bullied, yet carried extraordinary power within himself. Everything he experienced—sadness, hardship, and katana training—shaped him into the person he is today: a calm, quiet student, ready to uncover the hidden secrets of the power sleeping inside him.
END OF AUXILIARY VOLUME 1