A low mist clung to the emerald field at the centre of the sanctuary as dawn's light broke through the trees. Cloaked in shades of charcoal and dusk-blue, the sanctuary's children stood assembled. Today would mark the beginning of their first day of training together as one.
Among them, a boy with raven hair and tired eyes scanned the crowd, his brow twitching in disbelief.
"…They are way too much," Hades whispered, his gaze drifting toward the silent figure at his side.
Jin stood still, arms folded, and eyes closed. "You volunteered to teach them," he said without looking. "Don't sound so shocked now."
Hades exhaled sharply. Before him, dozens of students awkwardly postured, stumbling through rudimentary attempts to harness the raw essence of lifeforce. But their forms were shaky, and their control laughable.
This is a mess, he thought.
Despite their potential, discipline had long been abandoned. The masters had provided scrolls, offered themselves for sparring… and still, the children treated it all like a game. They'd rather chase butterflies in the valley or race through the woods than harness and shape their life force. And lately, even Lily had started dragging him into their antics.
But today would be different.
With steady steps, Hades strode into the centre of the field. The crowd parted, and eyes turned.
Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a matchbox.
"Gather around," he said, voice level as the murmurs ceased.
He held up a single match. "As promised, I'll explain the first power more simply."
He struck it as a tiny flame bloomed.
"That is the commandment, the act of enhancing an element using your life force. It's a simple principle. The more potent your inner force, the more obedient the element becomes. Fire and water are the most compatible with our kind. But since there's no lake in sight…"
He twirled his fingers.
The flame danced like a ribbon, wrapping around it in fluid spirals. The children gasped as the fire curved and coiled, not burning, not wild, just alive.
"Don't be fooled," Hades said, snapping the flame out with a pinch. "I'm not controlling the fire. The third layer of the life force acts like a cloak. The flame simply wraps around it."
He opened his palm. "It's no different from aura coating. But instead of layering your force for defence, you blend it with an element, enveloping your outer layer in flame, water, wind, or more."
A hand shot up. "So… like a fire armour?" asked one of the younger pupils, eyes wide with excitement.
Hades gave a curt nod. "Precisely. However, it's easier said than done. Without control, you'll burn yourself before you ever strike your enemy."
A shadow moved forward from the crowd.
The boy who approached was broad-shouldered and composed, his presence dominating the space around him. He bore a massive wooden sword across his back, the red scarf around his neck fluttering like a battle flag. His skin was deep-toned, and his frame far outpaced that of any boy his age.
"The first power is the foundation of warfare," the boy said, voice steady. "Legend says, if you master it, you can summon tempests like the Dragon Lord who once rained pillars of flame from the heavens using nothing but Commandment."
A hush fell.
The children turned toward him with wide eyes and parted lips. He wasn't just another student. His grand form attracts both the girls and boys in the sanctuary. The strong and mighty Harold, once known as Three.
Hades folded his arms and raised a brow. "Thanks for the info, Harold." His voice dropped just a little. "Though I wonder… if you know so much already, why are you here?"
The wind tugged at Harold's scarf, but he didn't answer.
A slender figure stepped forward, her presence quiet yet commanding. The black cloak draped over her shoulders barely concealed her sharp silhouette. A pair of silver-rimmed glasses caught the morning light as she adjusted them with a tap, her short, dark hair barely brushing her nape.
"Hades is correct, it does feel like coating," she said, her voice crisp. "But Commandments aren't as elementary as he made them sound. Each element has a will. Fire is strength. Water gives breath beneath the depths. Stone listens, and the wind... it obeys those who speak with purpose. What matters isn't just raw energy, it's affinity. The stronger your bond with the element, the more naturally it moves with you."
Hades shifted his gaze, lips tightening.
Damn... I completely forgot about that part.
One of the younger girls beamed with wide eyes. "Krissy, you really know the first power inside and out! That's amazing!"
Krissy pushed her glasses up once more, giving the girl a polite nod. "As a swordswoman, understanding our life force is not a luxury, it's survival. The first, second, and third powers aren't just battle tools. They're gifts. To ignore their broader purpose is to waste them."
Then, she stepped forward, closing the distance between her and Hades until only a breath remained. Her eyes narrowed, gaze unwavering, voice dropping to a near whisper. "There's an old tale that says those who conquer their inner storms, who face the darkness within and embrace their truth... awaken powers that defy the laws of life itself."
Her breath ghosted against his lips. "But you, Hades... you were born with such a power. Tell me, how is that even possible?"
Hades' fingers slid toward the hilt at his waist. I know where this is going.
Krissy smiled and quickly clasped his hand. "You've got to show me sometime"
"Huh?"
Just then, Harold's booming voice cut in as he strolled over. "You've always been mysterious, Forty-Two. Or should I say... Hades," he said with a grin. "They say your gift doesn't just stir life force. It can summon tempests, birth quakes, and tear open the skies. That's like those super strong fellas I've read about."
Krissy, still holding Hades' hand, gave a soft chuckle. "It is truly something. I've been holed up in the upper gardens too long that I never got a proper look myself," she said, gently tugging him closer. "Tell me... can you wield the second and third powers as well?"
Hades scratched the back of his head, laughing nervously. "Heh… not exactly…"
Harold threw an arm over his shoulder. "Relax! Once we're through with training, we'll be tearing mountains from their roots. Mastering the other two powers? That'll be child's play."
They all laughed, Krissy with delight, Harold with gusto. Hades joined in too, albeit with a faint blush.
Across the field, Lily stood beside Jin, chewing on a roasted corn cob.
Jin observed, his smile not quite touching his eyes. "Well, would you look at that," he said. "Our little Hades is making new friends."
Lily snapped a piece off the corn with a loud crunch, her eyes narrowing. "I'm thrilled for him."
Jin approached the group and, with a polite smile, peeled Harold's arm off Hades' shoulder. "He's not fond of people touching him there," he said sweetly, yet his tone hinted at something else.
Lily stepped forward too, wooden blade in one hand, corn still in the other. She pointed the tip at Krissy without skipping a bite. "Mind letting go of my husband?"
Krissy's eyes widened in shock. "Ah. Sorry!" she yelped, stepping back and yanking Harold along with her.
Hades looked between Lily and Jin, still laughing but visibly confused. "Guys? What's going on?"
The two stood like statues, shadows cast over their faces, crimson glows rising from their eyes.
"Nothing's wrong," they said in perfect unison.
#
The others scattered across the sanctuary grounds, eager to hone their grasp on their elemental commandments. Much to everyone's surprise, the fundamentals came easier than expected—light dancing on palms, winds swirling at will, and stones trembling beneath controlled force.
Hades, too, stepped forward to practice, though his idea teetered on the edge of recklessness. The notion of wrapping his blade in fire felt like a dream born of madness. But that didn't stop him.
He planted his feet, extending his sword with both hands. Slowly, steadily, he focused, channelling his energy into the weapon. His breathing slowed.
The aura stirred, but nothing happened.
A shove from behind broke his concentration.
"You're something else, you know that?" came Jin's teasing voice.
Hades turned, unimpressed. "What now?"
"You seriously thought you could just make a sword burst into flames?" Jin raised a brow. "You do know swords don't have a life force, right? Unless it's some ancient cursed relic or forged in dragon's breath, that's not happening. A more realistic take would be a lightning blade or something"
Hades rolled his eyes. "You're always more interested in forging weapons than fighting with them. Look at the bigger picture. A little oil and maybe a spark, and boom—instant fire blade."
Jin flicked him on the forehead with a laugh. "Now you sound like that corn-obsessed girl you married."
"Don't you dare compare me to her," Hades growled, brushing off his tunic.
Jin doubled over, holding his sides. "Wait, aren't you two still married? Or did she finally feed you poison and call it a divorce? You don't like corn so that's a huge possibility"
But before Hades could retort, the air shifted.
A strange chill slithered down his spine as the winds died and laughter faded in its wake.
Blades were drawn without a single command. The sanctuary stilled as if the very earth held its breath.
Then came the sound.
Creaaaak...
The grand wooden doors slowly parted. No footsteps or shadows. Just a single leaf drifting inward on a currentless breeze.
Everyone stared. The moment the leaf touched the stone floor, a man stood there, appearing like the passing breeze itself.
Hades and Harold observed in silence. It wasn't teleportation. The man had simply moved faster than the eye could track.
He strode forward, a walking contradiction. His hat was oversized, adorned with vibrant, flowing fabrics that danced like wind chimes. Crimson robes flowed down to his ankles, embroidered with swirling floral patterns. And yet, despite his colourful appearance, his mere presence froze everyone in place.
He halted before Hades.
Slowly, he removed his wide-brimmed hat, revealing an aged, weathered face. His white beard cascaded to his chest like a river of snow, and although his scarred eyes remained shut, they bore down on Hades with terrifying clarity.
Hades didn't flinch, not out of pride but...
His fists trembled as he couldn't say a word. Am I afraid?
The energy pouring from this man was so suffocating, it felt more than just raw power, but more like the weight of the heavens pressing down on the boy's lungs.
Off to the side, Lily's expression darkened. Her fist clenched at her side. "Master Luca…" she murmured.
The elder turned toward her, his eyes narrowing just enough to reveal a glimpse of pale irises.
"Ah, and the daughter graces us as well," he said with a chuckle like falling gravel. "The apple truly doesn't fall far from the tree."
His gaze returned to Hades. "And you… you must be the devil child."
Hades felt it then—the thick, suffocating aura of darkness that swirled around Luca like a second skin. Every fibre of his being screamed at him to run.
Who is this man? And how did he get in without anyone noticing?
"Hades, look out!" Lily cried.
A glint of steel flashed.
Instinct took over. Hades bent backwards, barely evading a real sword lunging for his throat. But before he could recover, Luca spun the blade in a flash and drove the hilt deep into Hades' gut.
Thud!
The impact sent him crashing into the ground with a sickening crack. His shirt was torn to shreds in the assault, leaving only his trousers intact as he lay groaning.
Master Luca slowly sheathed his blade, his calm expression never shifting. "A pity," he said, glaring down at Hades. "You'll need more than fire and bravado, I'll try to spark that today."
Luca turned slowly, his gaze flickering over the stunned faces of the students before settling on the boy sprawled in the dirt. "Seems your master's postponed your training far too long," he whispered, picking up a nearby branch. "Let's see what the Devil's chosen is truly made of."
Hades' vision swam for a moment. One strike... just one? He spat blood from the corner of his mouth and forced himself upright, his hand curling tightly around his wooden sword's hilt.
That strike, I didn't even see it land. And yet, the sheer precision of it had reduced my upper garments to shreds. He didn't just strike... he carved through my aura like paper.
"I accept your challenge, stranger," Hades said, lifting his sword and pointing its trembling tip at Luca. "But if I win… you'll tell me why you're here, and how you got past the sanctuary's guards."
Luca tilted his head, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "You've grown bold, boy. Drawing your blade on your elders now, are we? Oh, my bad, I did attack you first."
He twirled the branch in his fingers. "Very well. Show me what that cursed gift of yours can do. Who knows, perhaps you'll even impress me."
Hades smirked. "I don't need to impress you, just beat you with my own power."
He bolted forward. His feet kicked up dust as he launched himself, blade arcing toward Luca with deadly intent.
But then, a flash of grey.
In an instant, Hades was hurled backwards, his body slamming into the earth with a loud thud. His sword clattered to the side. Pain screamed through his ribs. What…?
He blinked. Luca hadn't even moved. He still stood where he was, calmly twirling the branch like a toy.
"I feel like I'm being too rough on you," Luca whispered, grabbing the branch tighter. "But precautions are necessary when fighting the devil"
Hades' eyes trembled. That was no longer ordinary speed, something he had only read about and found impossible to learn. The Second Power- Parallel Space.
From the side, Lily narrowed her eyes, her fists clenched. Why is he here? she thought. He left... Years ago, so why now?
Luca strolled forward, the branch now resting lazily on his shoulder. "You're still conscious? Hmm. Perhaps your gift is more useful than I gave it credit for. You said you weren't going to use it, though."
Hades gritted his teeth. If I hadn't activated it for just a moment… I'd be unconscious.
"Come on, Hades!" one of the students shouted from the sidelines. "You've got this!"
A chorus of support followed, but Lily and Jin remained still. Silent. Their expressions were uneasy.
Because they knew who Luca truly was. Lily's father had told her everything about the sanctuary and its secret history, and Jin had heard about him from the bladesmiths who he frequently visits.
Luca, the man who had once stood at the peak of the sanctuary's instructors. The one who changed the tradition by earning a name directly from Sensei, forcing the system to name all future instructors. A genius yet a monster. A man whose training killed more students than it saved. Ruthless, but undeniably brilliant.
He kicked Hades' sword back toward him, the blade sliding through the dust to rest beside its master. "Pick it up," he said. "A swordsman without his blade is a man without a soul. Unless you wish to surrender that too?"
Hades growled low in his throat, ignoring the protests of his battered body. He picked up his sword, rising to one knee, his glare burning.
Luca grinned. "That's the look. That fire. Let's see if it means anything or if it's just your arrogance."
Hades charged once more, a battle cry erupting from deep within as he thrust his blade for Luca's head.
Then—
"Enough!"
A voice cracked through the sanctuary like thunder, silencing everything.
The students froze, turning to the upper levels.
Sensei emerged with Sakura by his side. His eyes were like piercing steel, cutting through the tension in a single glance.
"You've grown insolent, Luca," Sakura said, stepping forward. "Challenging students without first paying respects to Sensei? Has your trip taught you nothing but disrespect?"
Luca dropped instantly to his knees, bowing deeply before Sensei. "Forgive me, Master. My curiosity got the better of me. I simply wished to challenge the boy without the third layer… the one said to awaken during conflict."
His eyes opened fully, vibrant green, crackling with energy.
"The Gift of Wrath."
Sensei's expression was stoic, but his sigh was heavy. "Come. We will speak privately."
Luca nodded, placing his hat gently atop his head once more. "Another time, then." With a final glance at Hades, he turned and followed Sensei without another word.
Hades collapsed to one knee, gasping. His vision swirled, and his muscles trembled.
Lily rushed to his side, but he waved her off, still catching his breath.
"You knew him?" he asked hoarsely.
Lily nodded. "He was once a friend of my father… and the most terrifying instructor this sanctuary has ever known."
The students gathered, shouting praise and admiration, but their voices felt distant to him.
The Gift of Wrath… Hades thought.
He stood, silent, and walked toward the sanctuary's inner halls, ignoring the other children who called out to him.
#
Luca knelt low, his forehead brushing the chilled stone floor of the candlelit chamber. The soft flicker of the flames danced against the ivory petals that adorned the walls—white roses, like whispers of forgotten memories.
"I have returned, Master," he murmured, voice barely audible beneath the hum of silence.
Sensei reclined in his chair. His fingers tapped gently against the armrest, his gaze distant, lifted toward the high ceiling as if counting stars no one could see.
"The boy," Luca said, lifting his eyes, "the one who bears a gift without origin… I've learned more."
Sensei didn't look at him. "And so… you chose to duel him?"
Luca stiffened. The breath in the room changed—colder, thinner.
Sensei's voice was soft, almost kind, but Luca could feel it, beneath that calm exterior, roared the dormant fury of a man who had once stood alone against the Nine Realms in their age of war. One who had felled kings without lifting a blade but a single command. One whose wrath had reshaped mountains and changed the very map of the realms.
"I—I sought only knowledge," Luca said quickly, his forehead striking the stone again. "Forgive me, Master. The boy's abilities are unlike anything I have seen. His gift… it should not exist. A gift without a name is unheard of. But there is a place—"
Sensei's gaze finally dropped from the heavens to the man before him. "What place?"
"The Realm of the Departed," Luca whispered. "A forgotten temple there, buried in the breath of silence. A woman dwells there. A disciple. She… showed me the truth."
He trembled, sweat trailing down his cheek. "I saw the name of his gift. I saw the horror it conceals. She called it Wrath. And not just his… There are five others—gifts born from the celestials themselves, from tales the forbidden scrolls dare not speak aloud. The same power we thought was lost to time, the one similar to that of our master-"
Sensei's fingers froze mid-tap. "And what did you see?"
Luca inhaled deeply, grounding his voice. "She led me beneath the temple, stripped me bare, and submerged me in sacred water. In that darkness, I saw visions… no, prophecies. Giants taller reaching the heavens and their terror rooted in the underworld, their eyes molten with rage, their skin carved from the bones of mountains. They tore through worlds, tearing reality apart with every step. The skies bled, the seas wept, and a sickness unlike any mortal plague consumed life."
He closed his eyes. "That is what slumbers in the boy. That is the nature of Wrath."
A ghost of a smile graced Sensei's lips. "To think... Forty-Second's Gift would be of such divine catastrophe," he murmured. "That woman is a disciple correct?"
Luca raised his head slowly. "A former disciple. Her sins were cleansed. Now reborn as a priestess in the temple."
Sensei let out a quiet breath. "So she has finished the walk."
Luca nodded. "Yes, Master."
The room fell silent again, save for the soft crackling of candles. Sensei's eyes drifted across the white roses once more.
"How long do you intend to stay?" he asked without looking back.
"I came only to deliver this message," Luca replied. "A letter could not hold the weight of what I witnessed."
"Hmph." The old man leaned back further in his chair. "Old friends have been visiting lately. Stay a while. Assist the instructors. An old man like me would be glad to see you shaping pupils once again."
Luca bowed low. "Then for you, Master, I shall stay, and raise your finest warrior yet."
Sensei's eyes narrowed slightly, his hand gently brushing over the petals of the nearest rose. "Your words bring peace, Luca… but this revelation changes everything. Five angels fell from the divine flame long ago. And one of them… may be among us now."
Luca's gaze lifted, shaken. "You… don't seem troubled. Even knowing what the boy is capable of. That his destiny is to end all things... and still, you smile."
Sensei chuckled, deep and soft. "Troubled? No. This isn't the first child I've raised with the world resting on their shoulders. Some brought ruin, others hope. Perhaps this one will bring both."
He picked one of the rose petals. "One of those children visited me earlier today."
Luca raised a brow. "Her?"
Sensei chuckled, his fingers brushing the single petal. "A girl who has never known restraint," he murmured. Then turned slightly. "By the way, Luca…"
"Yes, Master?"
"I've decided," Sensei said, eyes aglow with quiet resolve. "We begin the children's training tomorrow. Be prepared, things are now different"
Again, he felt pathetic.