Volume 0: Beyond the Break – Auxiliary Edition

Prologue: The Fall of the Ryu Family

The Ryu family once stood as the most powerful martial clan in the Murim World, known for their mastery of the Dragon Ascendant Arts—a legendary martial technique believed to grant control over life and death itself. Their influence extended throughout the entire realm, with even kings and emperors acknowledging their dominance.

However, all of that changed in a single, devastating event. The skies darkened, and the Ryu family, once the pride of the martial world, vanished overnight. Some claimed they had fallen to a rival faction, others said they had angered the gods. But no one knew the truth. What remained were whispers of their strength and the mystery of their disappearance.

Now, the Ryu family is but a forgotten myth, spoken of only in hushed tones. The once-great dynasty has faded into obscurity, leaving behind only fragmented stories of their greatness.

It is into this world, where the name "Ryu" has been relegated to legend, that a young boy named Jihwan Ryu will awaken. Covered in scars and bruises, with no memory of how he came to be in a new body in this strange world, Jihwan's journey to uncover the truth of his family's legacy will begin.

1. Character Profiles

Jihwan Ryu (Before and After the Transition)

Modern Jihwan (Before Murim World)

Appearance: Jihwan is a fragile 16-year-old, frail in both body and spirit. His glasses rest awkwardly on his small, pale face, and his black hair is a mess from neglect. His thin frame and slouched posture make him appear weak, a reflection of the bullying and social isolation he endures at school. His eyes are a dull brown, hiding the pain of someone who has been overlooked by those meant to care for him.

Personality: Jihwan is introverted and filled with self-doubt. Though he craves the power to stand up for himself, his fear of confrontation paralyzes him. He escapes into books and video games, dreaming of worlds where strength can overcome weakness.

Mental State: Trapped by the expectations of his wealthy, but indifferent parents, Jihwan feels insignificant in his world of luxury. He is torn between resentment toward those who bully him and a deep-seated longing for power.

2. Jihwan at 5 (In the Murim World)

Appearance: In his new body, Jihwan is a five-year-old with a bruised and scarred frame. His skin is pale and his hands are small, calloused from hardship. His once-black hair is now a striking purple, and his brown eyes have become a vivid, unnatural red. His entire body bears the marks of suffering, from his scarred arms to his shaky legs. He looks like a child who has known nothing but struggle.

Personality: Despite his frail new body, there's a newfound fire in Jihwan. He feels a strange power within him, though it's buried under layers of fear and confusion. His journey in the Murim World will force him to confront his deepest insecurities.

Supporting Characters

Old Man Ho—The Guardian

Appearance: Ho is a rugged, weathered warrior who walks with a long staff. His hair and beard are gray, both tied back loosely. He has only one working eye, the other covered by a faded bandage. His robes are plain and worn, and his posture, though aged, hints at a powerful martial artist beneath the surface.

Personality: Ho is jaded and practical, often coming across as cold. He has seen many rise and fall in the Murim World, and holds little trust in others. Despite his gruff demeanor, he has a soft spot for those who show resilience and heart, which is why he begins to mentor Jihwan.

Baek Seorin—The Mysterious Prodigy

Appearance: Seorin is tall and graceful, her long black hair streaked with silver. Her pale skin contrasts with the dark robes she wears, and her eyes are cold and calculating. Seorin carries two swords crossed behind her back, their designs intricate and ancient. She moves with the poise of someone who has mastered not only martial arts but the art of presence.

Personality: Seorin is distant, preferring solitude to social interactions. She is a prodigy, having mastered her clan's martial techniques at an impossibly young age. Despite her cold exterior, she is curious about Jihwan and his strange origins.

The Ryu Clan's Legacy

The Dragon Ascendant Arts: The secret technique of the Ryu Clan, said to control life and death. Only the true heir of the Ryu family can unlock its full potential, but the path to mastery is shrouded in mystery. It is rumored that this technique may hold the key to the Ryu family's return to power—or lead to their ultimate downfall.

World-Building and LoreThe Murim World

The Murim World is a vast, divided land, ruled by various martial clans, sects, and factions. Each region has its own unique martial culture. The East is dominated by scholarly warriors who balance intellect with combat, while the West is ruled by brutal warlords who prize strength above all else.

Factions

1. Heavenly Sky Sect (Formerly Heavenly Sect)

Description: One of the most revered factions in the Murim world, focused on cultivating heavenly qi techniques that emphasize balance and harmony with nature and the universe.

Powers: Mastery over celestial qi, using light and spiritual techniques to heal, defend, and enhance their martial arts. They are known for their connection to natural forces and their ability to control elements like wind and light.

Qualities: They embody honor, peace, and maintaining balance in the realm.

2. Demonic Abyss Sect (Formerly Demonic Sect)

Description: Feared by many, this sect delves into dark and forbidden arts, focusing on using demonic qi to overpower their opponents. Their teachings revolve around dominance and control.

Powers: Command of dark qi, forbidden techniques, and deadly martial arts that exploit fear and pain. They can drain life force from their enemies and are rumored to have mastered the art of necromancy.

Qualities: Ruthlessness, power-hungry, and unyielding in their pursuit of control over the Murim world.

3. Ryu Family

Description: Once the most powerful martial clan, the Ryu family was revered across the realm before a mysterious incident led to their downfall. Now, they are considered a myth, with their secrets lost to time.

Powers: Known for their mastery of qi manipulation and powerful martial techniques, the Ryu family once had the strongest warriors capable of controlling multiple elements.

Qualities: Honor, legacy, and mystery.

4. Shadow Lotus Syndicate

Description: An underground group of assassins and rogues. They operate in the shadows, often hired for covert missions involving assassination, sabotage, or espionage.

Powers: Stealth, agility, and forbidden martial arts. They use dark qi to manipulate shadows and conceal themselves. Members are also trained in the art of poisoning and silent takedowns.

Qualities: Secrecy, deception, and ruthlessness.

5. Iron Fist Clan

Description: Known for their brute strength and physical prowess, the Iron Fist Clan believes that raw power and relentless force are the keys to victory. Their martial techniques focus on hand-to-hand combat.

Powers: Qi enhancement for physical strength, durability, and their signature "Iron Fist" technique that can shatter mountains.

Qualities: Strength, endurance, and dominance through sheer force.

6. Silver Moon Academy

Description: An elite academy that trains the brightest and most talented young martial artists in the Murim world. They believe in cultivating talent and intellect alongside martial prowess.

Powers: Qi control with a focus on speed and precision. They use refined techniques that emphasize quick strikes, defense, and flexibility.

Qualities: Intelligence, strategy, and excellence.

7. Fire Phoenix Sect

Description: This sect is known for their control over fire qi and their affinity with the mythical phoenix. Their martial arts revolve around the element of fire and rebirth.

Powers: Pyrokinesis and the ability to manipulate flames. Their most powerful members are rumored to harness the mythical power of the phoenix for rebirth in battle.

Qualities: Passion, resilience, and power through destruction and regeneration

8. Eternal River Alliance

Description: A group of independent warriors and martial artists who have banded together for mutual protection. They travel across the realm, learning new techniques and preserving the old traditions of the Murim world.

Powers: A mix of martial arts from various factions, often specializing in water-based techniques and flexibility in combat.

Qualities: Adaptability, unity, and resourcefulness.

9. Fallen Serpent Cult

Description: A fanatical group worshiping an ancient serpent deity. They believe in chaos and destruction, practicing dangerous rituals to harness snake-like agility and poison-based techniques.

Powers: Poison qi manipulation, deadly strikes infused with venom, and the ability to summon snakes in combat.

Qualities: Chaos, fanaticism, and unpredictability.

1. Maps and Diagrams

Murim World Map

The Murim World is divided into regions, each ruled by different martial powers. Gyeongcheon Village, where Jihwan begins his journey, is a small settlement located at the border between the Eastern Plains and the treacherous Southern Desert. This strategic location makes it a hub for traders and martial artists alike.

2. Power System – Qi Techniques and Martial Arts

Qi is the energy that flows through all living things, and in the Murim World, it can be harnessed through martial training. There are different types of Qi manipulation, including elemental control, healing, and enhancement of physical abilities. The Ryu family's Dragon Ascendant Arts are the most feared of all techniques, but the path to mastering it is treacherous.

Bonus Scene: The Awakening

Jihwan awakens in his scarred, five-year-old body, staggering out of the cave where he found himself. As he ventures into Gyeongcheon Village, he watches the martial artists training in the village square. Despite his physical weakness, a strange warmth pulses within him, hinting at the latent power locked deep inside.