Ashen blinked against the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. His mind raced, struggling to make sense of what had just happened. Two men clung to him tightly, their grip firm and unwavering.
"B-Both of you…" he finally managed, exhaling sharply. "Can you please let me go first?"
"Yes, Boss Ashen," they said in unison, stepping back and helping him to his feet.
As Ashen stood, he took a careful look at them. Their expressions were serious, loyal, yet there was a spark of relief in their eyes. These faces… this is really Aetherion, he thought. The world I built… but it feels real.
"By the way, Boss Ashen," Kaizen said, tilting his head, curiosity shining in his sharp eyes. "Why are you still so quiet?"
Ashen studied the older twin first. Kaizen… combat specialist, precise, always alert. Quick to act, loyal to the bone. If I need someone to hold the front line, it's him.
Then he glanced at the younger twin. Kairo… tactical and support specialist. Calm, analytical, clever. The perfect balance to Kaizen's intensity. Both of them… far stronger than I expected, yet here they are, acting like they're babysitting me.
Ashen straightened, trying to steady himself. "Both of you… can I ask something?"
"Of course, Boss Ashen," they answered immediately.
"The truth is… I don't know what I'm doing here," he admitted, voice low but steady. "Do you two… know what happened?"
The brothers exchanged glances. Kaizen spoke first. "That's what we're curious about too, Boss Ashen. When we woke up, we were lying in this forest. Everything else… we don't remember."
Kairo added, his tone calm but firm. "And the first thing that came to our minds… was you. Boss Ashen. We had to find you."
Ashen's chest tightened. A thought flickered quietly in his mind. I see… so we're the same here. They don't know why they're in this world either.
"I see…" Ashen said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"By the way… do you two know why you exist?" he asked again, his voice steady but curious.
Kaizen straightened immediately. "Of course, Boss Ashen. We exist because you created us," he said confidently.
"Why do you ask, Boss Ashen?" Kairo added, frowning in confusion.
"That's because… I have something important to tell both of you," Ashen said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Their expressions brightened, eyes sparkling as they waited expectantly for him to speak.
Ashen took a deep breath. "The truth is… my power… it's sealed."
Both Kaizen and Kairo froze, shock written all over their faces.
"What?" they said almost in unison.
"B-Boss Ashen… w-what are you talking about?" Kaizen stammered, disbelief cracking his voice.
"I said… my power is sealed," Ashen repeated firmly. "But don't worry. If I hunt monsters, my power will return to its original state."
For a moment, the two remained frozen, trying to process everything. Then, slowly, they straightened their posture and began approaching him.
Ashen's brow furrowed. "W-what are you two doing?" he asked, stepping back slightly.
And then, without warning, both Kaizen and Kairo clung to him tightly in a sudden, brotherly embrace. Ashen froze, caught off guard.
"It must be hard for you, Boss Ashen," Kaizen said, his voice cracking slightly, almost like he was holding back emotion.
"Don't worry, Boss Ashen. We'll help you regain your power," Kairo added, his tone equally serious and resolute.
Ashen's mind raced. These two… I don't remember making them like this. Why are they so clingy?
Then, slowly, he realized what was happening. Something was pressing against him on both sides.
"Oi! Both of you! Could you… stop doing that?" Ashen barked, clearly irritated. "Why are you touching me like that?!"
Kaizen blinked, a hint of guilt in his eyes. "W-We're sorry, Boss Ashen. We… we're just comforting you."
He shoved them gently, grumbling. "I said stop! I only need to hunt monsters to get my power back. That's all."
Kairo finally stepped back, crossing his arms, still serious but giving him space. Kaizen mirrored him, smirking faintly.
Ashen exhaled sharply, shaking his head. Ridiculous… but fine. At least they're loyal. That counts for something.
"All right… why don't we start moving?" Ashen said, flexing his fingers as he scanned the forest.
If I kill monsters and burn them… he thought, I can extract it to fire essence. The idea made his chest tighten with anticipation. That will let me create Flame Soldiers… and get stronger.
The three of them moved carefully through the dense trees. Ashen glanced at his companions, curiosity tugging at him.
"By the way… your powers… are they still the same?" he asked.
Kaizen smirked confidently. "Of course, Boss Ashen. We're already at max level. Level 150 each."
Kairo nodded, arms crossed. "Nothing has changed on our end. We're fully capable, Boss Ashen."
Ashen's lips curved into a small, satisfied grin. That would be good, he thought. Perfect backup for my hunt.
He turned to Kaizen, voice sharp but calm. "Kaizen… can you kill a large monster and bring the corpse to me?"
"Of course, Boss Ashen," Kaizen replied immediately, drawing his sword and vanishing into the trees with practiced ease.
Kairo glanced at Ashen, curiosity sparkling in his eyes. "By the way, Boss Ashen… what exactly are you going to do with the monster corpse?"
Ashen explained matter-of-factly, "I'm absorbing its core to get fire essence. With that, I can create Flame Soldiers."
Kairo's eyes lit up. "Ah… I see, Boss Ashen!" he said excitedly.
"And even if I don't hunt," Ashen continued, "I can still level up as long as you two kill monsters."
"What? Really?" Kairo asked, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.
"Yeah," Ashen answered, shrugging lightly. Of course I know about that… after all, I'm the creator of this game.
A faint system notice appeared before his eyes, flickering like a holographic overlay:
SYSTEM NOTICE: Kaizen has slain a Forest Troll.
Experience Gained: 400 XP
Level Up: Ashen has reached Level 3
EXP: 150/200
Ashen smiled, feeling the familiar rush of progress. The numbers on his mental interface climbed steadily. Even sealed, the thrill of growth was undeniable.
A while later, Kaizen reappeared, dragging a massive Forest Troll behind him. Its claws scraped the forest floor, leaving deep grooves in the dirt.
"Nice work, Kaizen," Ashen said, his tone approving.
"No problem, Master," Kaizen replied, resting his hands on the corpse.
Ashen's eyes glimmered. All right… now it's time to get the fire essence and create my first Flame Soldier.
Ashen stepped toward the massive corpse lying on the forest floor.
A Forest Troll.
The creature's body was enormous, nearly three meters tall, with thick skin like tree bark. Even dead, it still looked intimidating.
Kaizen dropped the troll beside him.
"Mission complete, Boss Ashen."
Ashen nodded slightly and raised his hand toward the corpse.
A faint crimson glow formed around his fingers.
Then—
A sphere of energy tore out from the troll's chest and floated into his palm.
The monster core.
Without hesitation, Ashen clenched his fist.
Flames ignited.
The core burned instantly, turning into particles of red light that flowed into his body.
A system window appeared.
[ Flame Soldier Command ]
Capacity: 0 / 3
Fire Essence: +50
Ashen smiled in satisfaction.
Good… just like I planned.
A moment later, he extended his hand forward.
"Alright… let's try making my first soldier."
Crimson particles gathered on the ground.
Ash rose into the air like smoke, slowly forming a humanoid shape.
Armor appeared.
A sword formed in its hand.
Small flames flickered across its body.
Then the figure knelt before him.
A new window appeared.
Name: Ash Soldier
Level: 2
HP: 60
ATK: 6
DEF: 4
Skill: Fire Sword Attack
Basic Attack: Small Flame Burst
Ashen nodded in approval.
Nice… since I'm only Level 3, this is the best I can create for now.
But this is already a good start.
"Amazing, Boss Ashen!" Kairo said with shining eyes.
"As expected of you, Boss Ashen," Kaizen added proudly.
Ashen crossed his arms, trying to look calm.
Inside, however—
He was excited.
This was the first step.
The beginning of his army.
The Ash Soldier stood silently beside him, flames flickering across its body like living embers.
The forest was quiet.
Too quiet.
Leaves rustled softly as the wind passed through the tall trees. Sunlight barely reached the ground, blocked by thick branches above.
Ashen walked at the front.
Behind him were Kaizen, Kairo… and his newly created Ash Soldier.
The soldier moved stiffly, but its presence was undeniable. Small flames flickered along its armor with every step.
Suddenly—
Crack.
A branch snapped somewhere ahead.
Kaizen immediately stopped walking.
"…Boss."
Ashen narrowed his eyes.
From the bushes, several small green figures slowly emerged.
Ugly faces.
Sharp teeth.
Crude weapons.
Goblins.
Five of them.
The creatures hissed when they saw the group.
"Kiiiik—!"
Without warning, they charged.
Ashen didn't move.
Instead, he spoke calmly.
"Ash Soldier."
The soldier stepped forward instantly.
"Attack."
The goblins rushed in wildly, swinging clubs and rusty blades.
The Ash Soldier raised its sword.
Flames ignited.
Then—
Slash!
One goblin was cut down instantly, its body falling to the ground.
Another jumped from the side, but the soldier punched forward.
A small burst of fire exploded from its hand.
Boom!
The goblin flew backward.
Ashen watched carefully.
So this is the combat ability…
Not bad.
A third goblin tried to attack from behind—
—but Kaizen moved.
In a blur, he appeared beside it.
Slash.
The goblin split into two before it even realized what happened.
The remaining goblins froze in fear.
Kairo smiled gently.
They tried.
They failed.
A second later, both goblins collapsed.
Silence returned to the forest.
Then—
System windows appeared in front of Ashen.
[ You have defeated Goblin ×5 ]
EXP Gained: +45
[ Level Up! ]
Level: 3 → 4
HP Restored.
[ Fire Essence Obtained ]
Total Fire Essence: +28
Ashen blinked in surprise.
Leveling is fast…
Of course.
Because Kaizen and Kairo are killing too.
He exhaled slowly, feeling strength flowing through his body.
Power.
Real power.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"This is good."
Kaizen walked back toward him.
"Boss, should we continue hunting?"
Kairo nodded excitedly.
"There are stronger monsters deeper in the forest."
Ashen looked ahead into the dark trees.
His eyes sharpened.
"Yes."
He raised his hand slightly.
"Let's hunt."
Behind him, the Ash Soldier's flames burned brighter.
The army had begun moving.
And this…
Was only the beginning.