Long ago, two thousand years in the past, a war broke out that became etched into the annals of history. This was a war where all the kingdoms of the world united against a single kingdom, infamous for its tyranny and might. Known as the "Blood War," it painted the streets, rivers, cities, and even the seas red with the blood of countless fallen.
After a long and brutal struggle, the allied kingdoms emerged victorious. To preserve the world’s peace, five kingdoms were established as the "Five Great Kingdoms." These were: Anastasia, Elvan, Ugrulia, Great Nest, and Varsian.
Shinta is the ultimate power of the world. Upon birth, every individual is granted a random ability drawn from the essence of Shinta. They have the opportunity to join academies to become warriors serving their kingdom. Through dedication and strength, they can climb the ranks to become one of the elite High Warriors—or surpass all others to claim the title of Sacred warrior.
Seven-year-old twin brothers, Sai and Leo, sit together, deep in conversation.
Leo: Damn it, how can he mock us just because we don’t have much money?
Sai: He says we’re weak.
Leo: He has no right to say that.
Sai: Why can’t discrimination just disappear?
Leo: Why don’t we make it disappear ourselves?
Sai: How?
Leo: If one of us becomes the Sacred Warrior, we’ll be the strongest. Everyone will admire us, and we’ll use that position to end discrimination.
Sai: But people like us—poor—
Leo: Shut up!
Even if we’re villagers or weak, nothing is impossible. We can do it, Sai!
Sai (smiling): You’re right.
7:00 AM
The alarm rings.
Sai: Leo... Leo... LEO!!!
Leo slowly opens his eyes.
Leo: Yeah, yeah, what do you want, Sai?
Sai: Wake up, you idiot! It’s seven in the morning. We have to go to school!
Leo: Fine, just get out of my room.
Leo gets up and prepares himself. After breakfast, they leave for school.
Sai: Leo.
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Leo: What?
Sai: Once we’re tested, do you think we’ll be accepted into an academy?
Leo: Of course. All those months of training won’t go to waste. Don’t be scared.
Sai: You’re right. Fear kills the fun.
Leo (smiling): Let’s keep moving.
Sai: Got it.
When they arrive at school, they meet their friend.
Sai: There’s Kaino! Kaino, how are you?
Kaino: Oh, Sai and Leo! I’m good.
Leo: You’re taking the academy test too, right?
Kaino: Of course. Life’s boring without a bit of excitement.
The three of them pick up their test cards.
Leo: Kaino, see you in a month at the test.
Kaino: Yeah, see you there!
Kaino heads home, but Leo and Sai decide to stop at the bookstore first.
Leo: Hello, sir. We’re here to buy some books for the Shinta Academy written test.
Shopkeeper: Sure. Ten gold coins and twenty silver for each, or fifty gold and one hundred silver for the whole set.
Leo: I know. Just give me the books.
Sai: Don’t be so rude, Leo.
Leo: Whatever.
After that day, Leo and Sai began studying and training diligently, preparing for the academy test scheduled for two months later. Days flew by as they worked tirelessly, and finally, the awaited day arrived—the test day.
Sai: So, it’s finally here.
Leo: No time to waste. Let’s get there quickly.
Sai: Do you think we’ll fail?
Leo: Absolutely not.
On their way, Leo speaks up.
You know our parents only want us to join the academy and succeed for the money.
Sai: I know that.
Leo: And you’re okay with it?
Sai: It’ll help me achieve my goal.
Leo: I’m strong enough. I don’t need anyone to help me achieve mine.
Sai: You don’t know what we’ll learn at the academy.
Leo: Beginner stuff, probably.
Sai: Yeah...
Upon arriving at the testing site:
Sai: So, this is the place for the test...
The academy director steps forward and begins speaking.
Director: Welcome to the Academy Entrance Test. Today, we will evaluate your abilities to see what you’re truly capable of. In five minutes, we will begin calling your names.
Leo: Sai, do you really think the test will be difficult?
Sai: It’s possible.
After five minutes...
Director: Alright, everyone, let’s begin!
Time passes as names are called. Eventually, it’s Leo’s turn.
Director: Leo Vitalite, please step forward.
Leo walks confidently towards the testing room, his determination evident as he enters.
While the director Yarasou and Naero observe Leo’s performance, tension fills the air.
Naero: Director Yarasou…
Director Yarasou: Yes?
Naero: Do you see the aura surrounding that boy?
Director Yarasou: Of course. His potential is exceptional. I doubt he even needs to be tested. Leo, my boy, demonstrate your skill on this training dummy.
Leo: Understood.
Leo pulls out his wooden sword, gripping it with confidence.
Leo: Director, how many strikes am I allowed?
Director Yarasou: Three strikes.
Leo (thinking): That should be more than enough.
With speed and precision, Leo charges at the dummy, landing three rapid strikes. At first, nothing seems to happen.
Director Yarasou (thinking): Perhaps we overestimated hi—
Suddenly, the dummy collapses to the ground, completely destroyed.
Director Yarasou (thinking): He obliterated it in just three hits! No one has ever managed that before. And it didn’t even fall instantly; the delay was caused by the shock reverberating through it. What a remarkable young man...
Director Yarasou: Well done, Leo. You may leave now.
Leo: Alright.
Leo (thinking): This is supposed to be a test? Really? Are you kidding me? This isn’t a children’s game…
The testing continues, and soon it’s time for the written exam.
Leo: What are these questions? Seriously? I’m doomed…
Finally, the results are about to be announced.
Sai: Leo, the results will be displayed in a minute.
Leo: Yeah, I know.
Sai: What rank do you think you’ll get?
Leo: First.
Sai: Even on the written test?
Leo: Shut up…
Sai chuckles softly.
Sai: Look, the results are showing.
Leo: Yeah…
The announcer's voice fills the room as everyone looks up at the results screen.
Announcer: The top three rankings in the practical exam are as follows!
Announcer:
First place: Kinto Shinga!
Second place: Leo Vitalite!
Third place: Sai Vitalite!
Announcer: The top three rankings in the written exam are as follows!
Announcer:
First place: Sai Vitalite!
Second place: Kinto Shinga!
Third place: Mary Litary!
Sai turns to Leo with a wide smile.
Sai: You got second place, Leo! Congratulations!
Leo (with a hint of gloom): Second…? How did I end up second… I was supposed to be first. And in the written exam… 53rd place?!
Sai: It’s alright! At least you passed.
Leo (sighing): I guess…
The announcer interrupts their conversation with an unexpected announcement.
Announcer: Attention, everyone! There is something none of you were aware of until now. The top three winners will be advancing to the Shinta Global Academy! Limitless Academy!
Leo’s eyes widen in disbelief.
Leo: What?!