Year 2100
In the shadowed aftermath of a ruined world, where magic intertwines with the remnants of technology, stands Hiro, the epitome of resilience and strength. The plain of promise was once a serene field adorned with vibrant flowers and gentle grass, where Hiro first encountered the gentle Iota, the love of his life, the landscape now lies in ruin. The air is thick with the acrid scent of burning metal and ozone, a stark contrast to the sweet fragrance of blossoms that once filled this place. The sky, once a canvas of soft blues and whites, now roils with dark, thunderous clouds, casting a gloomy pall over the land.
The ground, once a lush carpet of green, is now a cracked and barren wasteland, scarred by the ravages of countless battles. Jagged rocks and twisted remnants of ancient technology jut out from the earth, remnants of a world that has long since fallen into chaos. Ghostly remnants of the old field linger in the form of withered flowers and scorched tree stumps, standing as silent witnesses to the devastation wrought by the Dragon God.
Amidst this desolation stands Hiro, the last of his kind, known as the Blade Sage. Standing at a staggering level of 300, his once bright eyes now hardened by countless struggles, his long, dark gray hair flowing through his eyes, a testament to the many battles he has endured. He faces the entity that embodies the apex of destruction—the Dragon God. The deity, seated on a throne forged from the twisted remains of ancient trees and corroded metal, towers above Hiro. Its eyes, glowing with a cold, malevolent light, scan the battlefield with an air of supremacy.
A chuckle of respect escapes the Dragon God, a deep, resonant sound that reverberates through the desolate expanse, acknowledging Hiro's audacity and strength. “Admirable, Hiro,” the Dragon God's voice echoes, a solemn bass that resonates with the gravitas of eons passed. “To stand before me, the zenith of all beings, and having defeated all four of my generals,. You’ve earned some respect. Not many have made it this far. And to be no less than 93 years old.”
Hiro, whose appearance marked by battles untold and the weight of a thousand sorrows, locks eyes with the deity. The contrast between his aged, battle-worn visage and the youthful determination in his gaze speaks volumes about his enduring spirit. “Why?” he asks, his voice a tempest of anguish and defiance. “Why? Why? Why?!?” he screams. “Why would you seek to destroy this world? A world filled with beautiful life?”
The Dragon God’s reply is as cold as the void between stars. “For power. For entertainment,” it declares, an unsettling tranquility in its admission. “Such is the whim of beings like myself.”
As the last echo of the Dragon God’s words fades into the void, the stark contrast between the past beauty of this place and its current desolation becomes a poignant backdrop to the confrontation. The ruined field, once a symbol of hope and new beginnings, now stands as a testament to the destructive power of the Dragon God and the enduring resilience of Hiro, who fights to reclaim the world’s lost beauty.
Hiro summoned the might of his soul skill. Shadows erupted around him, forming a dark, swirling mass that coalesced into an army. Out stepped the four dragon generals he had vanquished: Tidal, the Water Dragon, with scales like the deep ocean and eyes of liquid sapphire; Tempest, the Wind Dragon, with wings that shimmered like storm clouds and a voice like a howling gale; Terra, the Earth Dragon, with a body of solid rock and a gaze as steady as the mountains; and Inferno, the Fire Dragon, with scales of molten lava and eyes that burned with eternal flames. Alongside them, a legion of dragons emerged—ten high dragons, one hundred mid dragons, and five hundred lesser dragons, all bound to Hiro’s will.
Although formidable, the shadow forms of the generals were a pale echo of their former selves. Tidal’s waves were less turbulent, Tempest’s winds less ferocious, Terra’s movements slower, and Inferno’s flames dimmer.
With a gesture, Hiro commanded his shadow army forward. Tidal surged ahead, waves of water forming a tidal wave that crashed towards the Dragon God. Tempest soared high, winds swirling around him, creating tornadoes that tore through the battlefield. Terra stomped forward, the ground shaking with each step, pillars of rock rising to strike. Inferno roared, unleashing a torrent of flames that scorched the air.
The Dragon God, unfazed, extended a hand, and the air around him shimmered with raw power. A barrier of shimmering energy formed, deflecting Tidal’s waves and dissipating Tempest’s tornadoes. Terra’s pillars shattered against the barrier, and Inferno’s flames were absorbed into the god’s aura.
Hiro, undeterred, drew his sword, its blade shimmering with the essence of his soul skill. With a cry of defiance, he lunged at the Dragon God, his strikes swift and precise. Each swing of his blade was accompanied by the roars of his dragon legion, their breath weapons lighting up the battlefield in a cascade of elemental fury.
Tidal: With a voice as fluid as water, Tidal commanded waves to rise and crash. “Feel the depth of the ocean’s wrath!” he bellowed, sending spirals of water crashing towards the Dragon God, aiming to drown the deity in a relentless surge. But the waves lacked their former ferocity, barely making the Dragon God flinch.
Tempest: Laughing wildly, Tempest darted through the air, creating vortexes that sucked in debris and energy alike. “Can you withstand the fury of the storm?” he challenged, his winds slicing through the Dragon God’s defenses, seeking weak points with unerring precision. Yet, the winds were weaker, barely cutting through the air.
Terra: Steadfast and silent, Terra moved with deliberate force. “The earth shall rise against you,” he intoned, his voice a rumble of stone, as massive boulders and earthen spikes erupted from the ground, hammering the Dragon God’s shield with unyielding power. However, the strikes were slow, easy for the Dragon God to deflect.
Inferno: With a roar that shook the heavens, Inferno unleashed a barrage of fire. “Burn in the flames of eternity!” he declared, his flames coiling and twisting, forming fiery dragons that lunged at the Dragon God, their heat intense enough to melt stone. But the flames were dimmer, their heat barely singing the god’s aura.
The Dragon God countered with waves of destructive energy, each pulse strong enough to level mountains. The high dragons engaged, their claws and fangs meeting the god’s power head-on, their combined might creating a storm of energy and fire. The mid and lesser dragons supported from the flanks, their breath weapons and claws striking at the Dragon God’s defenses.
Hiro’s shadow generals, though pushed back, continued their assault. Tidal’s waves, Tempest’s winds, Terra’s rocks, and Inferno’s flames—all channeled through Hiro’s strikes, breaking through the divine barrier, though with diminishing returns.
Amidst the chaos, the Dragon God’s eyes glowed with a menacing light. “You amuse me, Hiro. But now, witness true power!” With a sweep of his hand, the Dragon God unleashed a torrent of god-rank abilities:
Celestial Dominion: The skies darkened, and a vortex of celestial energy formed above, raining down beams of destructive light. Each beam pierced through the ranks of dragons, disintegrating lesser dragons and wounding the high and mid dragons.
Abyssal Grasp: Shadows darker than night reached up from the ground, ensnaring the legs of Terra and the mid dragons, pulling them down with a force that could shatter mountains.
Temporal Rift: Time itself seemed to warp around Tempest, slowing his movements and disrupting the flow of his winds, leaving him vulnerable to the Dragon God’s next assault.
Infernal Wrath: Flames darker than the deepest abyss erupted around Inferno, countering his fiery dragons with an intensity that even his molten scales could barely withstand.
Hiro, seeing his generals and dragons falter. His soul skill, Consume, flared with unprecedented power. He could feel the essence of the Dragon God’s generals within him, their strength and skills merging with his own. His blade, now imbued with their combined power, glowed with a divine light.
With a roar, Hiro unleashed his full potential. Shadows swirled around him, his sword striking with the force of a thousand battles. The Dragon God’s defenses faltered under the relentless onslaught. Tidal’s waves, Tempest’s winds, Terra’s rocks, and Inferno’s flames—all channeled through Hiro’s strikes, breaking through the divine barrier, though barely scratching its surface.
The Dragon God, for the first time, showed a flicker of concern but knew nothing would happen to him. With a mighty roar, it unleashed a cataclysmic blast of energy, aiming to obliterate Hiro and his army in one final strike. But Hiro was ready. Drawing upon the last reserves of his strength, he raised his sword high, the blade being fluidized by the energy of his friends, family, and even his love, Iota, and channeled it into a single, decisive strike.
The battlefield erupted in a blinding light as Hiro’s sword met the Dragon God’s blast. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the world holding its breath as the two forces clashed.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
----------------------------------------
In the year 2015, on the vast expanse known as the Plain of Promise, young Hiro embarked on a mission to train with his wooden sword and to pick flowers for his mother. The plain, adorned with lush grass and vibrant blooms, stretched towards mountains on the horizon, creating a serene tapestry of natural beauty perfect for finding flowers and training. The air was filled with the gentle hum of nature's symphony, a blend of bird songs, and the rustling of leaves in the soft breeze.
As Hiro wandered through this idyllic setting, practicing his sword swings and stances, he noticed a girl playing alone among the flowers with a small robot. Her presence, a blend of solitude and grace, drew him closer. She had strikingly long pink hair, flowing like a cascade of petals, adding a touch of enchantment to the scene. She had also worn a necklace with a single wing on it. The robot, an intricate creation, moved with surprising fluidity, almost as if it were alive.
Overcoming his initial hesitation, Hiro approached her, curiosity and kindness in his heart. “Hi there,” Hiro began, his voice gentle and inviting. “Do you know where I can find the best flower around here?”
The girl, who had been shy all her life, felt an unusual sense of ease in Hiro’s presence. Her usual reserve melted away as she looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the calmness of the field around them. “Follow me,” she said softly, leading Hiro to a patch of flowers. She pointed to a rose, its petals a deep red, glistening with morning dew.
To Hiro, it seemed like just an ordinary rose, but he trusted the girl’s judgment. He carefully picked the rose and hurried back home, excited to present it to his mother. Her eyes lit up with joy when she saw the flower, and her smile was a testament to her delight. “It’s beautiful, Hiro. Thank you,” she said, placing the rose in a vase by the window.
The next day, eager to thank the girl, Hiro returned to the field. He practiced his sword swings as he walked, the wooden blade slicing through the air with precision. He found her sitting beneath an ancient tree, its branches adorned with delicate pink petals that matched her hair, cascading gently to the ground around her. The scene was almost magical, like a painting coming to life.
“Thank you for helping me yesterday,” Hiro said, his gratitude evident in his voice.
“It was no big deal,” she replied with a shy smile.
Hiro glanced around, searching for another flower to pick. “I’d like to bring my mother another flower. Which one should I pick today?”
The girl walked over to a cluster of lilacs, their soft purple hues blending harmoniously with the green of the field. She picked one and handed it to Hiro, her eyes reflecting a serene confidence. “Try this one,” she suggested.
Hiro accepted the lilac and rushed home, eager to see his mother’s reaction. As expected, she was thrilled, placing the lilac beside the rose in the same vase. The two flowers complemented each other perfectly, a symbol of Hiro’s blossoming friendship with the mysterious girl.
Determined to learn more about his new friend, Hiro returned to the field the following day. He continued his sword training as he walked, the rhythmic movements of his practice bringing him a sense of calm and focus. The girl was there, once again sitting beneath the old tree, lost in her own world of thoughts and dreams.
“Can I join you today?” Hiro asked, his voice full of genuine curiosity.
The girl looked up with a hint of surprise in her eyes, but she nodded with a small smile. “Sure,” she said.
Hiro settled down beside her, and they began to talk. The girl, whose name he learned was Iota, shared her love for the natural beauty around them. She spoke of how she felt connected to the flowers, how each bloom had a story and a spirit. Hiro listened, fascinated by her gentle wisdom and the way she saw the world.
As they spent more time together, Hiro noticed that Iota had a unique talent. She was naturally adept at building and commanding small robots, which she crafted with meticulous attention to detail. One day, he saw her playing with a simple, animal-like robot that moved with surprising fluidity.
“You made that?” Hiro asked, astonished.
Iota nodded, a shy smile on her face. “Yes, I love making robots. It’s like bringing a part of me to life.”
Hiro was intrigued. “Can you show me how you do it?”
Over the next few days, Iota began to share her passion for robotics with Hiro. She showed him how to piece together simple mechanisms, explaining each component with patience and enthusiasm. Hiro, though initially clumsy, quickly grew fascinated by the process and started contributing ideas. In between their robotics sessions, Hiro continued to practice with his wooden sword, sometimes showing Iota his moves, which she watched with interest.
A couple of weeks later, Iota had an ambitious idea. “What if we build a robot together?” she suggested. “Something bigger, something we can both control and even pilot in together.”
Hiro’s eyes lit up with excitement. “That sounds amazing! What should it look like?”
Iota thought for a moment. “How about we make it the size of an average adult, around six feet tall? It can have features from different animals, like agility from a cheetah and strength from a bear.”
Hiro nodded eagerly. “And maybe we can give it wings, like a bird, so it can glide!”
They began to sketch out their ideas, combining Hiro’s imaginative concepts with Iota’s technical expertise. Over the next few months, they gathered materials and worked tirelessly on their project. Each day after their usual routine of picking flowers, talking under the old tree, and practicing with his wooden sword, they would dedicate hours to building their robot.
As the seasons changed, their robot slowly took shape. It was an impressive feat, standing at six feet tall, with a sleek, animal-like design. They integrated agility, strength, and the ability to glide short distances. The robot became a symbol of their friendship and teamwork, a testament to what they could achieve together.
One day, as they were working on incorporating the animal traits of a cheetah, bear, and bird into the robot, Iota grew increasingly frustrated. She had been trying for four months to integrate these traits into a single robot but had only managed to incorporate one trait per robot.
“Why won’t this work?!” Iota exclaimed in exasperation, her hands trembling as she fumbled with the components.
Hiro watched her with concern, pausing his sword practice. “Maybe we should take a break?” he suggested gently, but Iota seemed not to hear him.
She kept trying and trying, but it was no use. The more she tried, the more frustrated she became. Her usually calm demeanor shattered, and she transformed into a completely different person. Two red horns grew on the top of her forehead.
Hiro was initially lured by the sight of her horns but quickly snapped out of it. He rushed over to try to calm her down. “Iota, please, it’s okay! We can figure this out together.”
Iota, realizing she had exposed her true self, panicked and tried to run away. “No, I can't let you see me like this!” She cried, tears welling up in her eyes.
Hiro caught her arm gently but firmly. “Iota, wait! Don’t run away. I don’t care about your horns or what you think you need to hide. You’re my friend, and we can work through this together.”
Iota stopped struggling and looked at Hiro, her eyes wide with fear and uncertainty. “But... but I’m different... I’m a monster. What if you don’t want to be friends with me anymore?”
Hiro shook his head. “Iota, I don’t care about what you look like or if you are a monster or any secrets you have. You’re still the same person who helped me pick flowers, who shared your passion for robots with me. That’s what matters.”
Tears streamed down Iota’s face as she realized Hiro’s words were sincere. She nodded slowly, her horns retracting as she calmed down. “Thank you, Hiro. I was so scared you would reject me.”
Hiro smiled warmly. “Never. Now, let’s get back to work. We’ll figure this out together.”
Reinvigorated by Hiro’s support, Iota and Hiro went back to the drawing board. They analyzed the components and brainstormed new ways to integrate the animal traits. Hiro suggested using a modular approach, where each trait could be added or removed as needed.
“What if we make interchangeable parts?” Hiro proposed. “That way, we can switch between agility, strength, and gliding depending on what we need at the moment.”
Iota’s eyes lit up with excitement. “That’s brilliant! Why didn’t I think of that?”
They immediately set to work, designing and building the modular components. With renewed energy and determination, they made significant progress. The robot began to take on a more versatile and adaptable form. The cheetah’s agility, the bear’s strength, and the bird’s gliding ability could now be seamlessly integrated and swapped out.
As the seasons changed, their robot slowly took shape. It was an impressive feat, standing at six feet tall, with a sleek, animal-like design. They integrated agility, strength, and the ability to glide short distances. The robot became a symbol of their friendship and teamwork, a testament to what they could achieve together.
One week before their first meeting, Iota decided it was time to show Hiro the near-completed robot. She led him to a secluded spot where they had been working in secret.
“I have something to show you,” she said, her eyes shining with excitement.
Hiro followed her, his curiosity piqued. When they arrived, he gasped at the sight of the robot. It stood tall and majestic, a marvel of their combined efforts.
“It’s incredible!” Hiro exclaimed. “I can’t believe we made this together.”
Iota beamed with pride. “There’s still a bit more to do, but I wanted you to see it now. We’ve come so far.”
Hiro, brimming with excitement, asked, “What should we name it?”
Iota thought for a moment, looking around the field. She didn't have a single idea initially, but her eyes caught sight of the ancient tree in full bloom, its petals creating a beautiful scene. Inspired, she said on a whim, “Blossom.”
Hiro fell in love with the name instantly. “Blossom it is,” he declared, feeling that the name perfectly captured the essence of their creation and their journey together.
On the anniversary of when they first met, in the morning of the day Iota took Hiro to the ancient tree where they always sat beneath, Iota revealed a secret. “This tree,” she said, running her fingers along the rough bark, “is special. It’s said to grant wishes if you truly believe in its magic.”
Hiro looked up at the tree, its pink petals fluttering gently in the breeze. “Have you made a wish?”
Iota nodded, her eyes shining with a mix of hope and mystery. “I have. But I can’t tell you what it is, or it won’t come true.”
Inspired by her words, Hiro closed his eyes and made a wish of his own, silently hoping for both of them to be together forever.
Hiro handed Iota a rose, its delicate petals a symbol of gratitude and everlasting love. “This is for you,” he said, his voice soft but sincere. “Thank you for being my friend.”
Iota took the rose, her heart swelling with warmth. “Thank you, Hiro. For everything.”
Their friendship, nurtured in the heart of nature, had blossomed into something beautiful and enduring, a testament to the magic of simple connections and the beauty of shared moments. And as they stood together in the field, surrounded by the flowers that had become their silent witnesses, they knew that no matter what the future held, their bond would remain unbroken.
But unknown to Hiro and Iota, they would only see each other one last time, until Iota truly needed help.