Narrator
In a quiet, ordinary world… secrets hide beneath the dust of forgotten villages.
No one truly understands the stones… nor the strange halos that form around them.
Only a few know one truth:
Power is never given.
Power is taken.
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Scene One — The Village of Shanito
Valen — (Inner Monologue)
I was born in a forgotten village called Shanito.
My father—Tsukoshi—was the village's hero and its undefeated protector.
I lived with my uncle because school was closer to his house.
But on that day… when I was only eight…
I met my father for the very first time.
The door creaked open—
and he entered with a smile so bright it felt like it hid many untold stories.
Tsukoshi
Come here, son! Into your hero father's arms!
So? How's school? Are you at the top?
Valen
Yeah! I got really good grades!
Nali (Mother)
But not first place…
Valen
Mom! Don't expose me like that!
My father laughed and knelt down so his eyes met mine.
In that moment, the world paused… just to listen.
Tsukoshi
Forget the grades. I have something important to tell you… something very important.
Valen — (Inner Monologue)
I didn't know why…
but my chest tightened.
As if my heart understood something before I did.
Before he could speak—
BOOOOOOM!!!
An explosion rattled the house. The walls trembled.
Voice Outside
ATTAAAAACK!! Tashita warriors are invading!!
My father stood instantly, gripping his sword, his hand tightening on my shoulder.
Tsukoshi
I'm going out.
But listen carefully—
do not leave this house no matter what happens.
Even if you hear my voice…
even if I call your name myself…
don't come out.
Valen
But the secret—what is it?!
Tsukoshi
Later… Be strong, Valen.
He rushed outside.
I ran to the window.
And then I saw it—
something I would never forget.
A red glow… bleeding out of his hand.
Not fire.
Not blood.
Something else. Something unknown.
Before I could understand it, a man in a black cloak appeared behind him—
swift, silent, merciless.
A single strike.
A blade through my father's chest.
Valen
DADDDDDDDDD!!!
I burst through the door despite his warning, falling beside him as his blood hit the soil.
Tsukoshi (gasping)
L… listen…
The stones… the power… the secret of… this worl—
Before he could finish,
a second blade pierced through his back.
The man in black ended his life without hesitation.
My father collapsed.
And with him—
my childhood.
Valen
DAAAAAAD!!!
I'll kill you…
I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU!!
My scream broke until my voice disappeared…
and then darkness swallowed me.
Tashita Soldier
Sir… what do we do with the kid?
Black-Cloaked Leader (disdainful)
Leave him.
He's just trash.
They walked away.
The village burned.
And a child cried alone in the ashes.
Then—
Footsteps.
A new voice.
Unknown Man
No… I'll take him.
Cloaked Leader
Fine.
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