Noa blinked his eyes open to find four figures standing over him. Beside Amity and Nagumo stood two unfamiliar faces—Felix and Lxn.
The moment Noa's vision cleared, instinct took over. He lunged at Amity.
Without even shifting his stance, Amity caught the strike and shoved Noa backward. Dust scattered as Noa skidded across the ground.
"Finally awake, I see," Amity said calmly. "At least introduce yourself before attacking again. I am Amity, Leader of Elysium."
"I'm Nagumo," the scout beside him added with a grin. "Basically Amity's punching bag."
Amity sighed. "Did you really have to lead with that?"
The other two stepped forward.
"I am Felix," said the stern-looking man. "War Commander of the Elysian Army."
Beside him, the calm-eyed figure spoke next. "Lxn. Third-in-Command of the nation."
Amity's gaze returned to Noa. "Your turn."
"I'm Noa."
"Noa," Amity repeated, a faint smile forming. "Interesting."
"What's so interesting about it?" Noa muttered.
"You arrived at exactly the right time," Amity replied vaguely. "Come. I'll show you the grounds."
—
The Tour of the Camp
Amity led Noa through the sprawling military camp.
First were the training grounds—a dusty arena where masters drilled recruits relentlessly. Blades clashed, fists collided, and orders echoed through the air.
"I doubt you'll need much training from them," Amity said.
"I see."
Next came a loud wooden structure reeking of ale and laughter.
"The bar," Amity explained. "Where soldiers unwind after war. It's run by Cameron—our most energetic member. Drinks all day and does absolutely no work."
"What a bum," Noa said flatly.
Amity laughed. "Exactly."
They stopped near the command tents, where a woman stood reviewing reports.
"Viviette," Amity said. "Fourth-in-Command."
"Nice to meet you," she said. "Your name?"
"Noa."
"…Interesting," she murmured.
—
The Strategist's Tent
Finally, Amity led him into a quieter section of the camp. Inside a secluded tent, a man sat at a desk, deeply focused on a manuscript.
"This is Midnight," Amity said. "Second-in-Command of Elysium."
Midnight looked up, sharp eyes assessing Noa. "Nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Noa replied, sensing a shift in the air.
Midnight turned to Amity. "Leave us for a few minutes. I'd like to speak with our guest in private."
"Sure! Have a fun chat," Amity said, already walking away.
"Hey—where are you going? Wait," Noa whispered, reaching out, but Amity was gone.
Midnight gestured to a seat. "Relax. This won't take long."
Noa sat, arms crossed. "About what?"
"About you joining my team."
"Team?"
"Each of the three primary leaders commands a unit," Midnight explained. "Amity leads the Order of the Lord. Lxn commands the Lavender Regents. I lead the Dukes."
"And why should I care?" Noa asked.
"Because my unit is built for future prodigies like you," Midnight said calmly. "Defeating twenty of our men bare-handed was impressive."
"That alone isn't enough."
Midnight smiled faintly. "Then let's speak plainly. One thousand gold coins."
Noa's eyes widened. "You serious?"
"I am."
Noa didn't hesitate. "Fine. Deal."
"Excellent," Midnight said. "I expect to see you in our uniform."
Noa stood. "One more thing. If Elysium is so powerful, why tents? Why not the capital?"
Midnight's expression darkened. "Because we are mobilized for war."
"…Against who?"
"The Ryujin."
The name hit Noa like a hammer.
"…Those bastards," he whispered. "They killed my father."
"I'm sorry," Midnight said quietly.
"When do we move?"
"In three days."
"I can't wait."
Noa stormed out, rage boiling beneath his skin.
On the training grounds, two figures sparred—Lunnaux and Thar. Steel rang as their weapons clashed. Then Lunnaux noticed Noa and lowered her blade.
"Hold it, Thar," she snapped, pointing at Noa. "Step aside. I want a piece of this shit."
Noa raised his empty hands.
"Still mad about losing?"
"I wasn't serious before."
"That's on you."
"Shut up and fight!"
She attacked.
Her weapon flashed violently, slashing again and again. Noa moved with tight, controlled steps, slipping inside her range every time. He never reached for a weapon—only fists.
He struck.
A heavy punch drove into her stomach. Lunnaux collapsed to her knees, blood spilling from her mouth.
"Get up," Noa said coldly. "You're disappointing."
She forced herself up, rage consuming her. She tried copying Lord Amity's technique—but her strength failed her.
Noa stepped inside her guard.
An elbow cracked into her ribs.
A knee followed.
One final kick sent her flying out of the ring.
Silence.
"I'll fight next," Noa said, turning to Thar.
"No," Lunnaux screamed. "This isn't over!"
"You lost," Thar said firmly.
Noa turned away. "I'm getting a drink."
Thar hesitated, then followed.
The bar was loud—wooden tables scarred with old blades, laughter clashing with the smell of alcohol. A man with wild hair wiped a mug behind the counter.
"Hey," the bartender said, squinting at Noa. "Aren't you a little young?"
Noa leaned an elbow on the counter. "Just pour."
The man barked a laugh. "Ha! You remind me of myself. Name's Cameron."
Thar snorted. "Just like you."
Cameron slid two mugs across. "I started at eight."
Noa stared. "Eight?"
"Family gives you reasons," Cameron said, shrugging.
They drank.
After a moment, Thar spoke quietly. "You're from Leinam Village."
Noa's eyes shifted. "How do you know?"
"The flower scar on your neck. Carved when boys turn five."
Noa's jaw tightened. "You know a lot."
"I'm from there too," Thar said. "Or was. I refused to become an assassin. They tried to execute me."
Noa looked up.
"Amity saved me," Thar continued. "Killed everyone—except two. He spared the least cruel."
"Then why did it continue?" Noa asked.
"The two wanted power. They forced children to make more children. Brothers. Sisters."
Noa's fingers curled around the mug.
"They became village heads," Thar said. "When their children killed them, it started again. Power kept recycling."
Noa swallowed. "My parents never told me."
"They wanted to protect you."
Silence hung between them.
A soldier burst through the door. "Everyone! The leaderboard's been updated!"
The bar erupted. Chairs scraped. Soldiers rushed outside.
Noa frowned. "What's the big deal?"
"Elysium's leaderboard," Thar said. "Only monsters make it."
Cameron grabbed a towel. "Come on. Let's see if fate's got taste."
They stepped into the open square.
A massive board towered above the crowd, names etched in glowing script.
The list shimmered—then changed.
Gasps rippled outward.
Noa's eyes locked onto the bottom entry.
No. 12 — Noa (Prodigy)
The murmurs turned sharp.
"Who the hell is that?"
"Prodigy?"
"New blood?"
Lunnaux stood at the edge of the crowd, staring at the board, fists shaking.
Cameron whistled. "First day and already ranked."
Thar exhaled slowly. "That doesn't happen."
Noa said nothing.
Somewhere above the camp, Midnight closed his book.
"Interesting," he murmured.
Far beyond Elysium's borders, a Ryujin scout felt a chill crawl up his spine.
And in three days, war would answer why.