THE KINGDOM OF NARA

A century ago, in the Kingdom of Nara, where social status was denoted by everyone's last name—Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond. All these clans resided within the Kingdom of Nara, with the lower ranks inhabiting the outer villages and the higher ranks dwelling within the inner walls. Typically, individuals of higher ranks would marry within their own social tier, yet occasional exceptions occurred where higher ranks married lower ranks. The choice of the child's last name would then be left to their discretion. While most chose to adopt the higher-ranked last name, there was one exception— Runica Sliver who is an individual raised by his single mother. At the age of 4, Runica commenced his sword training under the guidance of his uncle, Drais Platinum(30). Engaging in sparring sessions with wooden swords became a regular occurrence for Runica, often taking place near the farm where his mother worked. As the years passed, Runica continued his training alongside Drais(39), reaching the age of 13.

During one of their training sessions, Drais inquired about Runica's decision not to adopt his father's last name. In response, Runica disclosed that his father's intentions were solely driven by lust for his mother, considering him nothing more than a regrettable outcome. Runica revealed that his father had never visited them and explained that his mother once said his father's absence was to protect his reputation, steering clear of their lives. Understanding the complexities of the situation, Drais acknowledged that the Diamond family is the only family rightful to claim the throne, unless chosen otherwise by the King. He sympathized with Runica's father, acknowledging the societal pressures that would accompany having a son who refused to carry the family name, a choice that would undoubtedly attract criticism from higher ranks. That maybe if Runica would of taken his father's last name then maybe he'll even show his face. 

Runica responds, asserting that he doesn't require his father's surname to achieve greatness as a Nara. He goes on to reveal that Drais is only here because of his father, not out of genuine kindness. Runica discloses that he overheard in the inner bars that Drais lost a bet to his father, a wager stipulating that the loser would be tasked with training their overlooked, forgotten, and less capable sons. Drais, amused, acknowledges the revelation and admits to the seemingly foolish bet. However, he also notes that it provided him with an opportunity to connect with his neglected offspring. Runica's father, aware of Drais's affinity for family, strategically kept him outside the inner walls, reducing his chances of ascending through the ranks. In response, Runica stands, brandishing his wooden sword, and challenges Drais to a genuine duel. He declares that his father's mistake child will ultimately be the greatest Nara alive.

Drais chuckles once again, pointing out that Runica lacks a genuine sword for a proper duel and is still a year too young to summon his spirit armor. Observing the intensity in Runica's eyes, Drais comments on his seriousness. In response, Runica asserts that he doesn't need such advantages to emerge victorious in this duel. Undeterred, Drais rises and conjures his magic sword, acknowledging the genuine warrior spirit in Runica's eyes. As Drais releases his magical aura, it propels Runica backward, causing him to slide across the grass field. Quick on his feet, Runica thrusts his wooden sword into the mud, raising a flurry of mud to obstruct Drais's view. However, Drais effortlessly clears the mud with his magic, revealing Runica charging in with a swing of his wooden sword.

 Drais easily blocks the attack and it results in the wooden sword breaking in half. Drais remarks that Runica still has a considerable way ahead of him before becoming a great Nara. Before he can complete his sentence, Drais notices magic emanating from Runica's body. Suddenly, Runica summons a big substantial butcher blade, exerting all his strength to deliver a powerful swing. Drais manages to barely block in time, but the force sends him sliding back into the mud. Struggling to lift the sword from the ground, Runica finds it too heavy for his strength. Drais examines the butcher blade closely and accuses Runica of theft, claiming it was intended as a gift for his neglected son. Engrossed in his accussing, Drais forgets about the ongoing duel, Runica takes his chance and releases the sword to delivers a punch directly to Drais's nose. In that moment, Runica notices a shift in Drais's eyes, suggesting imminent retaliation. Drais appears ready to strike Runica but their attention is abruptly diverted as they both hear a voice – the voice of Drais's son, Magnis Bronze(15).

Magnis interjects, cautioning Runica against using his sword during training, as he had previously conveyed that his father would disapprove. Drais then comments that the sword in question is Magnis's soul-forged weapon and expresses curiosity about how Runica managed to summon Magnis's soul weapon. In response to the question, Runica admits uncertainty. Magnis elaborates, stating that they made a pact, allowing Runica occasional use of his soul weapon but they were just joking. Drais, after contemplating for a moment, declares it impossible for one Nara to summon another Nara's soul weapon. He then turns to Runica, suggesting that he might be unique, possibly the first Nara capable of calling upon another Nara's weapon. Drais, intrigued by the situation, decides to test the theory. He takes out his own soul weapon and makes a vow with Runica. Despite Runica's focused attempts, he can only summon Magnis's butcher sword, which he promptly drops due to its considerable weight. Perplexed, Drais takes a moment to reflect and remarks on the numerous surprises of the day. He declares that training from this point onward will be more challenging than usual and questions Runica about his aspirations once he reaches the age of 14 and prepares to venture into the inner kingdom. In response, Runica asserts his goal to become the first Nara to surpass everyone without relying on his father's assistance.

Months pass, Magnis joins Runica and Drais in their daytime training sessions. However, during the nights, Runica and Magnis engage in rigorous workout sessions to enhance their muscle mass. Magnis incorporates his soul weapon into their routine, using it as a makeshift dumbbell, and tosses it to Runica, who also employs it for their workouts. As time progresses, Runica reaches the age of 14, both he and Magnis eagerly await the culmination of their efforts. In the grass field, anticipation fills the air as Magnis expresses excitement to what Runica's soul armor would look like. Drais, accompanied by Runica's mother, Runa(38), gathers to observe the summoning of Runica's soul armor. Guiding Runica, Drais instructs him to concentrate, closing his eyes and urging him to envision himself in a spiritual void within. He encourages Runica to reach towards it in his imagination. Absorbing these words, Runica's surroundings transform into a magical realm. Opening his eyes, Runica hovers across the void, extending towards a distant light.

Drais's voice resonates through the realm, guiding Runica to call out to his soul armor. As Runica approaches the radiant light, he shouts for his soul to bestow power upon him. The light surrounding him coalesces into a luminous ball on his palm. The luminous ball then erupts in a burst of rainbows, with myriad colors enveloping Runica's body. His surroundings revert to normal, leaving everyone astounded by the immense magical energy enveloping him. Drais instructs Runica to maintain his hold onto this magic, emphasizing that his armor will gradually take shape. The magical energy surrounding Runica fuses with his body, forming a slowly evolving magical armor. However, to everyone's surprise, the armor begins to change into a diamond armo. In a burst of frustration, Runica vociferates that this isn't what he desired. More magic emanates from him, and the glow intensifies as he starts tearing off the diamond armor. Determined to have a different kind of armor, Runica gazes at his mother, and the magic transforms his diamond armor into a shimmering silver counterpart.

Everyone is shocked by this unprecedented display of a Nara altering their soul armor. Runica examines his new armor and declares it satisfactory. Magnis expresses his excitement with a hug, while Drais and Runa praise Runica for his unique achievement. Runa, in a gesture of support, mentions that although Runica's father may not be present to provide him with a proper soul weapon, but she will gladly fulfill that role in his stead. Drais proceeds to clarify that the formation of a soul weapon typically involves one of the child's parents assisting in bringing forth the weapon within their soul. Generally, the stronger parent would assist, but in Runica's case, his mother, Runa, will be the one to help him. Placing her hand on Runica's chest, Runa initiates the process, and his chest begins to emit a glow. However, to her surprise, despite her efforts, Runa is unable to create a soul weapon for her son. In response, Runica reassures her, expressing that he's okay with using Magnis's soul weapon if necessary, acknowledging that he is truly starting his journey from the bottom. Undeterred, Runa summons her silver magic staff, declaring that she will not allow Runica to embark on his journey without a soul weapon of his own. Drais cautions her, noting that he had attempted this before without success. Nonetheless, Runica places his hand on Runa's silver magic staff, and an abundance of magic fills his eyes. Magnis interjects, noting that a similar occurrence happened when they made a pact for his weapon years ago. Suddenly, magic bursts forth from Runica's eyes, revealing many magic clouds and seven stones. One of the stones lights up as the color platinum, followed by another stone that lights up in silver. In an astonishing turn of events, the silver magic staff materializes in Runica's hands.

Finally comprehending Runica's unique abilities, Drais realizes that he possesses the extraordinary power to call upon seven different soul weapons, each representing a distinct clan. Runica has already acquired Magnis's platinum butcher sword and his mother's silver magical staff. Runa suggests that this may be connected to her family tree, as her lineage comprises individuals from all the clans. She reveals that Runica's father was the last to fill in the spot, making their family tree a convergence of all the clans. Drais expresses pride in having to train such a remarkable Nara that'll only come once in a lifetime, acknowledging that Runica's journey is commencing. Suddenly, a loud celebration echoes from the inner kingdom, and as the mailman delivers newspapers, Runa and Drais are shocked to see Runica's father, Gaica Diamond, gracing the front page as the new Diamond King. Magnis joyfully points out that Runica is now a prince, but Runica remains unfazed, asserting that this revelation doesn't alter their path. He declares that their journey will not commence within the walls of the inner kingdom but will start from the roots of the true Naras. Drais, surprised, remarks on Runica's extensive knowledge of history. Runa, filled with pride, embraces her son, bidding him farewell and expressing confidence that he will become the greatest Nara alive.

Drais leads Runica and Magnis out of the Nara Kingdom for a day's journey towards the distant mountains. As they traverse a forest path, Magnis queries the destination of their journey. Drais responds by suggesting that if Magnis had delved deeper into Nara history, he might have already known. He then elaborates that Runica is on a quest to discover the essence of a true Nara, alluding to the Draconic Clan, the original Nara clan that gave rise to the other clans. Abruptly, Drais senses a multitude of eyes observing them and urges the group to halt, preparing for an imminent battle. They summon their soul armor and soul weapons just as numerous masked bandits emerge from the forest, encircling them. The bandits demand the surrender of their soul armors and weapons if they want to live. Drais questions to how outsiders infiltrated Nara lands, in the midst of the confrontation, a bronze knife is hurled at Drais, he quickly deflects it into a tree. The bandit leader then magically teleports onto the knife, revealing himself as Belfar Bronze. He claims responsibility for bringing his bandits here, asserting that they are his family. Drais condemns Belfar as a disgrace to all Naras for bringing in outsiders into the lands of Nara. 

Belfar retorts, asserting that Drais shouldn't hastily judge him, as he too has a complex backstory, though it's not something he's inclined to share with those he's about to rob. He commands his men to attack. Drais promptly summons his magic shield and charges in, skillfully blocking incoming attacks with his shield and countering with his sword. Magnis swings his hefty butcher blade, sending numerous bandits sprawling to the ground and crashing into trees. Runica employs his magic staff, successfully incapacitating one of the bandits. However, Magnis notices Runica's unorthodox use of the magic staff and points out that it's not the intended way to wield it. Runica explains that he didn't have sufficient time to learn proper magic casting, so this is the best he can manage. The skirmish continues as the bandit numbers swell. Belfar announces his intent to target the weakest one in the group, setting his sights on Runica. He hurls his knife at Runica's chest, causing him to slide backward. Runica observes the knife cracking his armor, only for it to teleport back to Belfar's hand. Belfar repeats the process, throwing and teleporting the knife, while Runica barely blocks some of the attacks.

The armor encasing Runica's body continues to fracture under the relentless barrage of knife attacks. Deflecting a thrown knife that flips upwards, Belfar teleports to the airborne blade and descends, clashing with Runica. He questions why a Nara mage lacking control over magic is venturing so far. Belfar kicks Runica away, simultaneously hurling his knife at him. Runica narrowly parries the blade, anticipating the next throw, only to realize that Belfar hasn't summoned back his knife. Suddenly, another bandit, now in possession of Belfar's bronze knife, throws it into Runica's back. The blade pierces through Runica's armor, causing blood to spill. Belfar swiftly advances, and as Runica swings his magical staff, Belfar teleports behind him, retrieves his knife from Runica's back, and as Runica turns around and swings his weapon, Belfar counters with a brutal upward kick to his face. Runica attempts another swing, but Belfar adeptly dodges and retaliates by driving the knife into Runica's chest, resulting in a splatter of blood. Belfar then releases magic from his hands, propelling the knife deeper into Runica and sending him crashing into a tree. Coughing out blood, Runica grimaces as the knife lodged in his chest teleports back to Belfar. Drais engages in a fierce clash with Belfar, while Magnis screams Runica's name in concern. Runica's vision blurs, and amidst the chaos, he witnesses numerous magical explosions reverberating throughout the forest, prompting many bandits to flee. In his fading consciousness, Runica observes a young girl adorned in dragon armor descending before him. Casting her magic, she tends to Runica's wound just as his vision succumbs to darkness.