The New Black Moon

Jun spent several minutes trying to recover; his blurred gaze looked at his blood-stained hand, and only then did he smile.

"I'm Jun, fourteen years old, and I've survived this Blood Ceremony."

The words Jun had always wanted to say out loud lifted an invisible weight off his shoulders, and just to be sure, he stabbed the hearts of all these competitors.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Few understand the feeling of having always fought alone and won alone; it's what defines being superior.

He had fully adapted to this world, something that few could do.

Knowing he had completed the ceremony, Jun took a rocket from his chest and ignited it.

Boom!

The explosion in the sky lit up the surrounding darkness for a few seconds, signaling to the Haiyue Clan members that there was a winner.

It had never been used ahead of time; there were severe consequences for doing so.

Jun wasn't worried about more competitors hiding. He knew that one of the rules of this blood ceremony was no hiding. Those who hid to avoid being found once the signal was launched would be killed.

…

"Easier than I expected, though with some inconveniences." Jun wandered aimlessly away from the bodies lying on the ground.

It could be said that he was now a free man, someone who could experiment with many things and discover what to obsess over.

He hadn't thought about much while he was here, but now that he had the opportunity to prove he could live in different ways outside this forest, it excited him a bit.

At that moment, Jun heard a lot of noise, and in an instant, numerous figures appeared and stopped at a distance from him.

"Jun of the Asura village, fifteen years ago, the nine Crescent Moons of this era witnessed your victory and accepted your position as the new Black Moon."

Jun showed the utmost respect by kneeling before the great Crescent Moons; despite the pain, he did as expected of him.

"You have twenty years to explore the world; you may wield any power and support any current king. But you are forbidden from revealing the location of the villages or passing on our techniques."

"I'm bleeding out; do you think this is the best time?"

"Did you say something?" asked the man who had been explaining all the rules.

Jun shook his head and said, "I will follow the old traditions, just as all of you once did."

"That's enough." Astaroth walked over to where Jun was and struck him at specific points, causing him to lose consciousness.

When Jun fell unconscious, Astaroth picked him up and began to leave.

"He used those otherworldly weapons."

"Well, I'm sure he wouldn't have used them if everyone hadn't attacked him alone." Astaroth wasn't concerned about this as he walked back to the cabin.

The man walking beside him was named Max. He had no issues with Astaroth, so he said, "He did a good job. I hear they'll soon select who will be assigned to him once he starts his journey."

"Are you referring to the woman from the Shiyuu Clan?"

"Who else?"

"I'd bet they'll fight."

"I can't argue against that bet."

…

That night was one of the longest Jun had ever had. He woke up a week later, fully healed, and looked around in surprise.

"I guess you're fully recovered."

Jun looked at Astaroth, who was sitting not far from him, and asked, "How long did I sleep?"

"A week, less than I expected, but it's more than enough."

"Are you leaving already?" Jun was surprised, wondering what he was supposed to do now.

"You have a thousand gold coins in that sack, food for a week, maps, weapons as requested, and a world to explore. If you're prudent, you won't leave illegitimate children where I'd rather you didn't go. That would save him from Roa's concerns about your children being bastards," said Astaroth, standing by the door.

Jun nodded slightly, still a bit dazed, and asked, "Am I a Crescent Moon now?"

"Outside the village, you are a Black Moon. When you return, you will receive the title of Crescent Moon, though it's basically the same."

"Then, thank you."

"You will be accompanied by the twins. They will be good company; they will be assigned as your guardians during the first months and then return to the village."

"Understood."

"If you work for any kind of king, remember where you come from and who you are."

"Understood, sir."

"Good luck."

And thus, Jun's uncertain journey began, where after many years he hoped to find a more decent way to live.