Millions of years ago, the world fell under the banner of a single man during an era where injustice and corruption spread like a plague. It was said that his power was unmatched; some even claimed he wasn't human at all. He subjugated the mightiest armies and men, placing them under his command, and his tyranny lasted for long centuries. He was known as King Abandon.
His army reached a distant planet called "Vaismont," inhabited by a race known as the High-Ones, distinguished by extraordinary traits: pale white skin and glowing blue or green eyes. That planet was invaded, and all its inhabitants—young and old, men and women alike—were enslaved. Among the enslaved were five children who would change the course of history.
Those five escaped King Abandon's rule, then struggled and fought to tear down the tyrant's banner. Through their efforts, research, and discoveries, they found something considered the greatest invention in history. However, due to a flaw in its creation, every living being became capable of using this discovery for free.
Then came the day of battle: King Abandon's army against the Five, and under their banner stood a massive rebel force called "The Expedition Army." Unexpectedly, King Abandon quickly mastered the use of that discovery, forcing the Five into a desperate and fierce struggle against him—a battle they won only with extreme difficulty.
After a crushing conflict immortalized by history, filled with combat and sacrifices that claimed the lives of millions, the Expedition Army finally succeeded in toppling the tyrant's banner. It is said that King Abandon, having lost all hope of victory, chose to flee—not to save himself, but to die upon his throne, leaning on his sword, bidding farewell to his centuries of glory with a death befitting a king.
As for the five who achieved that victory, they were later dubbed "The Founders," for they had created the great invention now known as Aura. The leader of the Founders was granted an additional, sublime title that could be inherited through mysterious means: "The Void Sovereign." Their generation was named "The Void World."
The story passed through generations and gradually became distorted until reaching an accurate account became nearly impossible—which is why this generation is called the Void World. People split into two groups: those who believe this tale is true and that the Aura they possess is merely a discovery, and those who believe Aura is a part of the body that never leaves it except upon death—a spiritual energy.
Although this is the story everyone knows, Takeshi told Orfin much deeper details about it—details that made the bedtime version parents tell their children seem more significant than it appeared. While there were common details between the popular lore and Takeshi's account—such as the name "The Expedition Army" and the title "Void Sovereign"—Takeshi's version refuted some points, supported others, and delved deeper into the rest.
After hearing Takeshi's account, Orfin's mouth hung open in sheer shock; he never expected to hear such details in his life, and strangely, they came from a seventeen-year-old youth living alone.
After Takeshi finished speaking, he said to Orfin: "That is everything I know about Aura. I don't even know if I possess it currently, and as for how to use it, I am ignorant."
Takeshi concluded his talk on everything he knew about the Aura, leaving Orfin in a daze. After moments of silence, Orfin replied: "That is incredible. You truly know much about Aura, but... may I ask how you learned all that?"
Takeshi raised his hand, pointing toward a blue book lying on the ground, and said: "From that book."
Without thinking, Orfin moved toward it and knelt to pick it up, but Takeshi interrupted him: "Wait! You still haven't answered my question!"
Orfin didn't respond; he picked up the book, ignoring Takeshi. The title of the book was The First Generation. Orfin opened it amidst Takeshi's shouting: "Hey!! Are you ignoring me, you bastard?!"
His shouting and anger were cut short by a single word from Orfin. "Takeshi—"
Hearing Orfin call him by his name, Takeshi froze in his place. Takeshi had never told him his name, nor did the book contain any reference to it. But what shocked Takeshi more was what Orfin said next: "I know that you are the Pest everyone fears in this forest, the reason people avoid its center."
Takeshi's brow furrowed and he began to sweat. He knit his brows, stepping forward with heavy strides, and said in a hoarse voice: "You... how did you know—"
Orfin stood up, holding the book in his left hand and drawing his sword with his right. His face took on an expression of absolute seriousness as he said: "It is simple and clear. I was able to deduce that you are the Calamity for several reasons: First: Your presence here in the first place—in a spot that everyone who knows the legend fears to approach. But that alone is not enough. Second: Your reaction when I mentioned the word 'Pest' earlier; you attacked me without provocation—or perhaps your excuse is that you thought I meant you. As for the last: I passed a carriage carrying a gang, and they were chatting about burning a cabin, a theft, and a dead child..."
They both cast a quick, desperate glance toward the boy whose body and face had been mangled by that cursed, hungry beast. Orfin coughed and continued: "All these reasons confirm that you are the world's Pest, Takeshi."
Takeshi couldn't speak; his haste had exposed him to old Orfin. He had relied on Orfin's intelligence—and his realization that Takeshi was the Pest he sought—due to the impulsive actions he had taken.
Takeshi clenched his fist, thinking to himself: 'Damn it, I'm in trouble! If my luck holds today, this old man will be honest... but if he's lying, there is no other choice but this...'
Takeshi raised his fists quickly, staring at Orfin with infinite sharpness. At the same time, Orfin showed a quick reaction despite his age, raising his sword high, but he pointed it toward the corpse of the beast he had sliced moments ago, saying: "I can split you in half as I did just now!"
Despite Takeshi's hesitation and his knowledge that he was no match for Orfin in strength or experience, Takeshi replied while pointing to the Revarge creature he had crushed: "And I can shatter your head as I did to it!"
They exchanged glares for moments that felt like years to Takeshi—until Orfin broke the silence with a booming laugh: "Hahaha!! Look at your hesitant face! Boy, do not fear; I meant every word I said to you earlier!"
Takeshi stood frozen, his mouth falling open: "Huh?"
Orfin sat on a pot beside the dead bull in the mud, then continued: "I am serious about everything I said, Takeshi. Trust me."
Takeshi said nothing; he merely stared into Orfin's eyes, which shone with honesty and goodwill. Orfin clasped his hands, then said seriously, maintaining his constant smile: "Fine, I will tell you the story that made me pursue the goal I long for."
A faint light appeared on the eastern horizon; the sun returned to announce a new day. As the light reached Takeshi and Orfin, their stomachs growled with hunger.
Orfin shouted jokingly: "First and foremost, why don't you grill that bull for us?!"