In the Celestial Concord, there are seven ranks, each representing an individual's control over their powers and potential. These ranks, from highest to lowest, are Celestial, Transcendent, Ascendant, Vanguard, Resonant, Genesis, and Initiate. The Celestial rank holds the greatest authority and power, and it is a position currently occupied by the President, Daichi Takahara. The second highest rank, Transcendent, is held by the captains of the Celestial Concord, individuals who command respect and are feared for their strength and influence.
When Atsuki first joined the Celestial Concord, he had no idea where he would fall in the rankings. He had always been a powerful individual, but he knew there were countless warriors in the world, each with their own unique abilities and potential. Still, there was something within him—a burning drive to prove himself, to show that he was worthy of standing among the strongest.
The time had come for the official rank announcement, and the results were posted on the large board. Atsuki stood there, his heart racing as his eyes scanned the list. There were countless names, but none mattered to him more than his own. He read the words slowly, a sense of nervous excitement bubbling up inside him.
_________________________________________
Celestial Concord Official Certificate
Personal Details:
Name:Saito Atsuki
Age:21
Height:185 cm
Weight:158 lbs
Gender:Male
Power Information:
Elemental Affinities:Fire, Crystal
Fighter Type:Mage
Classification and Affiliation:
Rank:Ascendant
Dominion:Dominion of Zealstriders
In recognition of his outstanding strength, mastery of elemental magic, and unwavering spirit, Saito Atsuki has been granted the esteemed title of Ascendant under the banner of the Dominion of Zealstriders.
His dedication, potential, and achievements are hereby acknowledged and honored by the leaders of the Celestial Concord.
Approved By:
Raiden Kurogami — Leader of the Dominion of Zealstriders
Daichi Takahara — President of the Celestial Concord
"With relentless zeal and unbreakable will, the path to the stars lies within your grasp."
Issued by the Celestial Concord Council
_____________________________________________
Atsuki stared at the results, his mind racing. Ascendant. It wasn't the highest rank, but it was still a rank many warriors would dream of achieving. It meant that he was just one step below the Captains, the second strongest individuals in the Celestial Concord. His rank represented the mastery of his elemental abilities—fire and crystal—powers that set him apart from many others. In his heart, he knew he had earned this rank, but seeing it in writing, officially, made everything feel real.
A small smile tugged at his lips as he clenched his fists tightly. He looked up at the sky and whispered under his breath, "Hey, old man... Are you watching? I made it."His heart swelled with pride, a deep warmth spreading through his chest. For the first time in a long while, he felt worthy—not just of his powers, but of the dreams his grandfather had once spoken of. The boy who once doubted himself had become a warrior recognized by the world. And this was only the beginning.
A few days later...
The afternoon sun hung lazily over the dense jungle, casting long shadows across the ground. Atsuki sat against the trunk of a wide tree, casually munching on a rice cake after another brutal round of training. His body ached, but there was a relaxed grin on his face.
As he finished the last bite, a voice called out to him.
"There you are!"Aoi jogged into view, stretching her arms with a playful smirk. "How about a quick duel? Nothing serious. Just a warm-up."
Atsuki chuckled, brushing crumbs off his jacket. "Sure, why not?"
They were just about to face off when a sudden gust of wind whipped through the clearing.From the trees, a figure landed heavily on the ground—tall, broad-shouldered, with wild red spiky hair and an ogre mask covering the top half of his face. In each hand, he held a wickedly sharp dagger, their edges gleaming even under the muted sunlight.
Instinctively, Atsuki reached for a nearby wooden sword leaning against the tree and raised it just in time to block a vicious slash aimed directly at his shoulder.
Clang!
The impact sent a shock through Atsuki's arms. He slid back, boots scraping against the dirt.
The stranger straightened up, spinning the daggers expertly between his fingers. His movements were quick, like an assassin.
"So you're the new high ranker, huh?" the man said, his voice low and rough beneath the mask. "Let's see what you've got."
Before Atsuki could respond, flames erupted from the stranger's legs, propelling him forward with explosive speed.In a blink, he was already at Atsuki's side, daggers flashing like shooting stars.
Atsuki barely managed to twist his body, parrying one strike with the wooden blade, then ducking under another. His opponent's attacks were relentless, a furious dance of speed and precision.
Who is this guy?! Atsuki thought, gritting his teeth as he struggled to keep up.
Every move he made was met with overwhelming pressure. The red-haired fighter fought like a wild beast, unpredictable and savage, yet there was control in his madness—a deadly rhythm.
Atsuki unleashed a burst of crystal energy from his free hand, forcing the man to leap back momentarily. He finally gained some breathing room, panting lightly.
But the stranger only laughed.
"You're good... but not good enough," he said, cracking his neck.
Then he grinned under his mask and raised one dagger skyward.
"Gensei!"
The ground trembled slightly, and an immense pressure filled the air, making Atsuki's skin prickle.
In that instant, both fighters charged at each other—Atsuki with his wooden sword blazing with crystal shards, and the red-haired assassin, cloaked in fiery momentum.
Their weapons clashed with a deafening impact, sending shockwaves through the trees.
The jungle held its breath.
The outcome of their clash remained unknown, hanging in the air like an unspoken promise.