In a far corner of the universe with a developing solar system lies a young planet that appears as a simple ball of rock and magma. However, this young planet is like none other as the wisps of consciousness form. A consciousness no more than the faintest of emotions and intelligence seemingly sparks to life as a new being of curiosity over its existence and surroundings. The planet contains a newborn's bubbling excitement and curiosity, and it spends countless years observing its molten skin and empty cosmos.

'Pretty...'

It watched the stars with wonder and curiosity and noticed the distant lights seemed to shift as its body spun and moved around a giant ball of fire. Two smaller and similar beings rotated around it instead of around the ball of fire. Excitedly, the planet thought the two beings were like itself and tried to reach out to them.

'You... are same?' The Planet projected. 'Why... no... talk?'

Disappointed, the planet focused back on the lava covering its body as it slowly flowed and solidified, changing the desolate landscape into a higher desolate landscape. The thick flowing lava had a certain beauty, with no life to show its destructive power. The bubbling oceans of lava swallowed the small objects that collided with the planet, never to be seen again. These objects vary vastly in size and number; however, they appeared quite frequently and even seemed to change their direction as if they wanted to join the planet. The lava on its surface cooled as its inner layers remained as familiar lava.

Over eons, the planet's consciousness develops, and it is capable of more complex thought. Its excitement and curiosity turned to boredom and, eventually, misery.

It's a pitiful existence born from an unknown cause, with no family or friends in an oppressive environment. With nothing new, the planet lacks any mental stimulus and unknowingly falls into a low-energy state, almost like sleep, to escape its boredom and misery. Following a vast unknown period, its consciousness stirs from its hibernation as it feels something it has never known: change.

'Something... different?'

With a new sensation stirring its near-dead curiosity and feeling refreshed from hibernation, it eagerly searches for this new sensation. The young planet instantly found the latest changes on its body by slightly focusing. While the planet was in a hibernation-like state, a few changes occurred, a couple of examples being the changed gas layer as its atmosphere developed and oceans now covering most of its skin. The oceans stretched far and wide with various depths and appeared beautiful, especially at different times. With the development of the atmosphere came a new phenomenon: weather. The phenomenon seemed magical and constantly changed without warning. The weather could turn the ocean from a peaceful landscape into towering waves, and the young planet loved all of it. However, The most exciting change was the small things in its new oceans that moved, unlike anything it had ever experienced.

'Like me? But different?'

The planet's curiosity was roused, and they spent several years observing the new primitive life spreading through its oceans.

'Keeps... changing?'

However, all things must come to an end, and its curiosity was soon replaced by boredom yet again. The planet would then repeat several hibernation cycles, waking to find more complex life forms or entirely different forms of life before falling back into a depressing hibernation. The most noticeable change through these several hibernation cycles was the life that now seemed to be found everywhere, from the depths of the oceans to across its landmasses and into the earth. After a few more hibernation cycles, the planet's curiosity peaked when it discovered the most exciting lifeforms, unlike any it had seen before. While these lifeforms were numerous across its landmasses, they didn't seem capable of existing in the ocean or in the earth. These creatures contained great diversity, and the young planet was enthralled by their unique behavior and cultures that diverged from each other.

These life forms contained many unique characteristics the planet couldn't understand most. They made a wide variety of different sounds to communicate with each other. However, the sounds of the same lifeforms in various locations could be completely different. While weak, they could emerge victorious against stronger creatures using tools made from sticks and stones. Instead of staying out in the open or caves, they preferred to make their dens amongst each other. They wore the bodies of plants or the skin of other beasts after they ate their flesh. The young planet's curiosity reignited in a newfound passion and watched these new lifeforms for the next few decades.

God? Is that what I am?

After spending a vast period watching these life forms, it could learn their dozens of different sounds, which it now knows as language. Another thing it learned was its name, or rather, the several different names that other languages and cultures refer to nature or the planet they reside on. Of the several dozen names, the planet seemed most fond of Saevel.

'Saevel... I like it.'

Saevel has watched them create, destroy, give life, and take it away. Saevel will never get bored of watching this mysterious race that they now call the Gwain. However, they started to crave something more.

'I want to talk to them.'

Saevel wasn't satisfied with just watching them for all eternity; it wanted to interact with them, but it didn't know how, at least not yet. Ever since the first lifeforms appeared, they have released an unknown energy, and over the eons, the amount collected has been tremendous. Saevel is connected to this energy but doesn't understand its nature or what it's for, but it may be the solution it's looking for.

Saevel imagined the four arms of a Gwain manipulating the energy like they have clay. Saevel only required a minimal amount of this energy as it was easier to manipulate. Manipulating this unknown energy came surprisingly easy to Saevel, and soon, it took the shape of a typical female Gwain. Saevel felt that it wasn't enough, and soon, the construct became even more detailed and life-like as Saevel learned it could change the construct's finer details at will. Shortly, Saevel had an incredibly detailed construct that looked no different than a living Gwain, but they could not help but feel like something was missing.

After several hours, Saevel fused some more unknown energy into the construct. Suddenly, the construct's heart began to beat, and its chest rose as it took its first breath. As the new being was given life, Saevel lost the ability to manipulate it further.

"Agh!"

The new life form fell into the ocean as Saevel performed this experiment just above the middle of the sea. Saevel could only watch as their first creation drowned immediately after giving it life. Saevel pitied the newborn life that was immediately lost, but it has witnessed great tragedies and miracles and knows death is just a part of life.

'I made... life.'

Saevel was soon excited, seeing the unlimited possibilities before its eyes. With this creation energy, it may be able to take a more proactive role in its body's life. The days when it could do nothing but passively watch would become distant memories, but Savel still has much to learn.

Significant changes have occurred over the next year. New species now cover the planet, disrupting ecosystems with their abrupt appearance. Only when the Dwain race faced near extinction did Saevel feel they may have gone too far. The creatures Saevel created were quite diverse, some of which were much more powerful than the Dwain, even with their weapons and tactics.

'The Dwain... They're all dying.'

Saevel never meant for the Dwain to go extinct, and they need to do something before it's too late. Saevel thought long on and hard about how to allow the Dwain to survive their predicament. Saevel concluded that the best scenario for the Dwain was a method to become stronger than their race would generally be able to. Saevel used their experience of manipulating creation energy to create a different type of energy. Creating this energy is quite efficient, as using 1 unit of creation energy created 1000 units of what Saevel calls Clayton: Clayeon, an energy-like clay allowing for the Dwain to be molded into something better. Saevel distributed this energy throughout the world, hoping the Dwain would be capable of using Ki to become stronger. However, Saevel didn't anticipate that the creatures they created within the last year would become stronger almost immediately, and it appeared that creatures made from creation energy were more attuned to Clayeon than other species. While things may seem worse for the Dwain, it did give Saevel an idea to turn things around.

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'The Dwain need a hero'

After much trial and error, the High Dwain prototype was completed. In the wilderness near one of the few remaining Dwain settlements, the prototype opened its eyes for the first time. It looked like a Dwain but two feet taller than average, with a large muscular physique containing three sets of arms instead of the traditional two. Saevel tried to infuse specific knowledge and an instinct to protect the Dwain, but infusing creations with expertise has never been done before, and only time will show the results.

"Where am I?" The high Dwain asked. He clenched all six fists and attempted to stand, only to lose balance like a newborn deer and raise his arms against a tree for balance. However, he moved his arms with too much force and blew the tree away before falling in the opposite direction.

"Wha!" He exclaimed in surprise and fell to his knees.

"I blew that tree away! What am I? Do you know what I am?" The high Dwain asked as it met Saevel's sight as he managed to stand up.

For a moment, Saevel didn't realize what the High Dwain was referring to.

'You! You mean me?!' Saevel exclaimed in shock. This goes beyond any result Saevel thought possible and could be the key to its dream.

"See? No, it's more like I can feel your presence. It's everywhere, but I feel like some of it is watching me?" the High Dwain questioned.

'Is it from the massive amount of creation energy that went into his creation?'

"Creation energy? Creation? Did you make me?"

"Anyway, do you know what I am?" The High Dwain asked.

'You heard me? Well... you're... my firstborn, first High Dwain, and hopefully savior of the Dwain alongside your future siblings.'

"So you're my mother then? A high Dwain, I see... do I have a name?"

'Mother... Yes, I'm your mother. Your name is... Aire.'

"Aire. I like it. The Dwain, they're facing extinction?"

'That's right. I made you in their image, but you are better in every way.'

"Is that why I have three sets of arms?"

'Yes, one of the unique advantages of the Dwain was their two sets of arms. I increased that advantage with another set of arms, hoping to give you greater strength.'

"I see... I need to help them."

The sound of a battle horn sounded out through the forest, followed by the sounds of a fierce battle.

"The demons are attacking. I have to help."

'Wait, let me gift you weapons and armor.'

Using generous amounts of creation energy, Saevel created a large shield that could be held with three arms, three swords, and flexible leather-like armor.

"I hope it suits you, but we have no more time. The armor may look like leather, but it's stronger than anything the Dwain could make."

"Thank you, mother."

"I... wish you luck, my son."

Aire put on his armor and grabbed his large shield with all three left hands and his swords with his right.

"This is heavy," Aire said with a frown.

"It may be heavy now, but your incredible strength will continue to grow."

"You're talking about Clayeon?"

'Yes, I'm hoping Clayeon will be able to make you stronger and the Dwain strong enough to someday survive on their own.'

"I see, I'm going now."

'May you emerge victorious, my son.'

Aire took quivering steps toward the sound of battle, and with each step, his legs grew more stable, more powerful. Soon, each step propelled Aire forward with incredible momentum, and he burst out of the forest into a giant battle of demons and Gwain.

The Gwain pelted the dozen feline demons with burning arrows from the top of a large stone wall, most of which could not pierce their bodies. The demons roared in annoyance at the arrows, jumping at the wall to reach the top before being repelled with spears and large rocks. The Gwain are repelling the demons for now, but they seem incapable of killing or even landing significant injuries.

Aire rushed the feline demons with significant momentum, a couple of which turned to meet him. Aire came to a stop and raised his shield to block the sharp claws of the demon. The shield was unmarked, but a great force threatened to push him off his feet. Aire held his ground and retaliated with his three swords. The demon screeched in pain and anger as three long wounds were left on its side. The other demon facing Aire tried to surround him on both sides, forcing Aire to retreat and keep both demons in his sight.

As Aire gained distance, another volley of burning arrows pelted the two demons, and they roared in annoyance. As they were distracted, Aire charged the closest demon and impaled its torso with all three swords. The demon screamed in pain before collapsing to the ground, and Aire pulled out his swords and raised his shield to meet the other furious demon—unfortunately, the death cry of the demon attached to the other demons trying to climb the wall.

The other nine furious demons approached Aire as he battled the other demon, and the soldiers on the wall continued to launch burning arrows. Aire noticed the other demons rapidly approaching and attacked the first demon aggressively. Before the enormous demon reached him, Aire lethally injured the first demon. The injured demon howled in pain and collapsed as the Alpha demon swung his large claws at Aire. Aire blocked with his shield and countered with his swords. The Alpha demon proved more formidable than the previous two and cleanly dodged Aires' attack.

The Alpha demon continued to attack Aire aggressively as the other demons surrounded him. Aire couldn't make enough distance to prevent being surrounded by showing his back to the Alpha demon, which had already proved to be a deadly opponent. The burning arrows soon stopped, either due to the far distance or fear of hitting him. For several minutes Aire couldn't afford to retaliate, barely holding on enough to prevent any crippling or lethal injuries. Even with his large shield and three swords, there were too many attacks to defend from, and Aire accumulated injury after injury. Aire can only hold on thanks to his immense strength and endurance.

Saevel watched with grim realization that Aire may not be able to survive, at least not without abandoning the battlefield. The Alpha demon contained a murderous glint in its eye as it knew Aire couldn't hold out for much longer before reinforcements finally arrived. Before Aire knew it, the demons surrounding him were surrounded by waves of soldiers covered in armor. In the front, the soldiers carried thick metal shields; behind them were soldiers carrying spears. As the soldiers attacked the demons, the pressure on Aire reduced significantly, and it felt like he could finally breathe again.

The Alpha demon turned its head to roar furiously at the soldiers, who managed to pierce its side with a spear. Aire noticed the opening and furiously exploded with strength, nearly decapitating the Alpha as its body collapsed.

After the soldiers managed to wear down and kill the demons, Aire collapsed to a knee. Although his armor was in perfect condition, his body was covered in wounds from big to small. The demons proved extremely bloodthirsty as they fought until their last, never attempting to run.

Soon, one Gwain approached him with two others slightly behind him. The Dwain in the front looked at Aire with confused gratitude, and the Dwain behind him looked on with apprehension.

"Hello, great warrior; I'm General Bauer of Cobb City. We thank you for our assistance; who knows how the battle would have gone if you had not shown up."

"I'm Aire, and no thanks are needed, General; it's what I must do."

"No need for humility, son. However, I must ask, even if sounding rude, what are you? We've never heard of a warrior with your strength or unique physique."

"My mother called me a High Dwain, and I was created to save the Dwain."

"You're a High Dwain? What is Dwain? Who is your mother?" The general asked with confusion.

"Dwain is what Mother called your race, and I was based on the Dwain but made to be stronger. I don't know how to explain Mother, but she has no physical body and the power of creation. Even now she watches over us."

"Oh my, the gods truly have not forgotten us! Come child, no, warrior Aire, and let's clean you up before we celebrate your victory and arrival!"

Saevel watched Aires' battle with great anticipation and fear. When Aire called her mother, she came to find herself feeling a fondness for the child. Is this what it's like to have a child?

Aire walked through the town beside General Bauer and his two bodyguards. Aire looked curiously at the city; the adults looked anxious, and the children looked curiously at the six-armed visitor.

"Are those small ones children?"

"Children?" General Bauer asked with confusion. "Of course, have you never seen a child before?"

"No, you are the first person I've talked to besides Mother. The others seem nervous."

"I'm sure they are. If not for you distracting the demons so we could surround them, it may be their last day among the living. It took a lot of manpower to prevent the demons from scaling the walls. If I had many soldiers meet the demons head-on, they would be at a high disadvantage, but the demons might ignore them and force their way onto the wall regardless."

"Surely it wasn't that bad."

"No, it was. I did not expect to kill those demons. If you didn't show up, we could only pray the demons would give up and leave. Usually, the only way we could kill a large group of monsters like that would require a lot of sacrifices." The general said with a sad tone.

"I see..."