Chapter 2: The Great Ethereal Forest
Narrator:
As the wind whispered through the towering trees of the Great Ethereal Forest, the soft glow of sunlight filtered through the lush canopy above. The forest exuded a sense of peace and mystery, a place untouched by time. Juno and Kenshi gazed in awe at their surroundings, enchanted by the elegance of the towering elven structures seamlessly integrated into the forest landscape.
Juno:
"High Elves?" he asked, his voice betraying his curiosity as he took in the ethereal beauty of the place.
Grand Elf Haruko:
"Indeed," Haruko replied with a wise, gentle smile. His long silver hair shimmered like starlight. "I am Grand Haruko, the eldest among the elves, keeper of stories that span the ages. Please, sit down and rest, young ones."
Just as Juno and Kenshi prepared to sit, a sudden shift in the air brought with it a powerful presence.
Grand Haruko (raising his voice):
"The King of the Elves approaches! Show your respect to King Arashi!" The grand elf's voice echoed through the hall as all those present bowed their heads.
Narrator:
A tall, regal figure entered the chamber, draped in royal elven robes. His eyes gleamed with wisdom and authority. This was King Arashi, ruler of the High Elves, and his very presence demanded respect. The elves bowed deeply, offering thanks for his many deeds. His appearance, though gentle, bore the scars of countless battles waged in defense of his kingdom.
Grand Haruko:
"Your Majesty, I have someone I would like to introduce. These young ones have recently attracted the attention of the Shadow Demons."
Kenshi (alarmed):
"Shadow Demons? You mean... you know who's been chasing us?" Kenshi's eyes widened in shock as his grip tightened around his weapon.
King Arashi (nodding gravely):
"Yes. They are our ancient enemies—dark servants of Shadow Lord Kuro... and my brother."
Juno (surprised):
"Your brother?"
King Arashi (sighing):
"Yes... My brother was once a beacon of power, destined to bring balance to this world. But his hunger for more consumed him. Now, he is the feared Elemental Lord, and his strength surpasses my own. Long ago, he attempted to destroy this very kingdom, and though we fought, it was only through the intervention of Class S heroes that we survived."
Kenshi (intrigued):
"Class S heroes?"
King Arashi:
"Indeed. These are warriors who possess the bloodline of the gods themselves. Their elemental powers are formidable, rivaling even those of deities. However, even their strength is not enough to match the Shadow Lord."
Juno (confused):
"But why are they after us?"
King Arashi:
"They pursue you because you bear an active bloodline—a gift from the gods. The Shadow Lord seeks to capture these bloodlines and bend them to his will, creating an army of terrifying power."
Juno (growing anxious):
"So... the Shadow Lord is weak, then? Why else would he need our bloodlines?"
King Arashi (sternly):
"No, young one. The Shadow Lord is far from weak. His power is unmatched, a force of terror. Even his name alone strikes fear into the hearts of the bravest warriors. He seeks your bloodlines to enhance his strength, to make his army unstoppable. For you see, he prepares for something far greater."
Kenshi (uneasily):
"And what is that?"
Grand Haruko (gravely):
"There is a prophecy written in the oldest of our texts, penned by King Azrael, the first ruler of the elves. It foretells that one who bears an unparalleled bloodline will rise to defeat the Shadow Lord. We have searched far and wide for this person."
Juno (thoughtful):
"But aren't the Class S heroes strong enough?"
King Arashi (shaking his head):
"They are strong, yes, their bloodlines akin to the gods of the elements themselves. But even they are not enough to match the power of the Shadow Lord. The prophecy speaks of someone beyond them."
Kenshi (curious):
"What exactly are these bloodlines?"
Grand Haruko (stepping forward):
"Allow me to explain..."
Explaining the Bloodlines
Grand Haruko explained the different bloodline ranks:
BLOODLINE SYSTEM
Rank C: Weakest, basic elemental abilities.
Rank B: Strong enough to protect a kingdom.
Rank A: Powerful, can fight hundreds of enemies.
Rank S: Extremely powerful, potential to ascend to Rank SS.
Rank SS: Ancient gods of the elements.
Rank SSS: The Shadow Lord himself, unmatched in power.
---
Grand Haruko gestured to the ornate walls, each inscribed with ancient elven runes.
"Bloodlines are gifts passed down from the gods to mortals. But not all bloodlines are created equal. Each carries a different rank of power."
---
Rank C
The weakest of the bloodlines. These bearers can wield basic elemental abilities—enough to defend themselves against a lower-level Shadow Demon, but no more.
Rank B
Mid-tier bloodlines, strong enough to protect a kingdom but not enough to change the tides of a war.
Rank A
These bloodlines are formidable, allowing their bearers to battle over a hundred enemies with ease. They hold dominion over the battlefield.
Rank S
Ah, now this is where things get interesting. The gods rarely bestow Rank S bloodlines. These bearers have the potential to ascend to greater power, possibly reaching the legendary Rank SS. But for that, one must undergo intense training... or challenge another Rank S in a duel to the death. (Haruko's voice grew heavy as the gravity of his words sank in.)
Juno (in awe):
"A duel to the death...?"
Grand Haruko (nodding):
"Yes, young one. Only by slaying another Rank S bloodline bearer can you ascend. It is not a task to be taken lightly."
Rank SS
These are the Ancient Gods of the elements—beings of immense power that shaped the very fabric of reality. And finally...
Rank SSS
*The Shadow Lord himself. His power is unrivaled, his cruelty unmatched. He has no equal. Many gods have tried to defeat him... and all have failed."
---
King Arashi (sighing deeply):
"That is why we cannot rely on the Class S heroes alone. The Shadow Lord's forces already include Rank SS and SSS beings. The balance is tipped in their favor."
Kenshi (determined):
"Then we must grow stronger."
King Arashi:
"Yes... but first, you must know your own bloodline. Would you like to see what power lies within you?"
Narrator:
With a solemn nod, Kenshi and Juno followed King Arashi and Grand Haruko to the Circle of Gods, a grand chamber adorned with towering statues of the elemental deities.
Statues of Kaminari, God of Thunder; Hinokami, God of Fire; Mizuhanari, God of Water; and Kazekami, God of Wind, stood proudly, their weapons glowing with untold power.
At the center of the chamber lay a glowing circle etched into the floor, pulsating with the power of the gods.
Grand Haruko:
"Kenshi, step into the circle."
Narrator:
As Kenshi entered the circle, the chamber seemed to tremble. A powerful gust of wind erupted from his body, swirling violently around him like a hurricane. The air crackled with the sound of thunder, and lightning flashed across the room.
Grand Haruko (awe-struck):
"Bloodline: Susanoo-no-Mikoto
Rank: S
Element: Storm and Thunder
Weapon: Totsuka Sword
Class: Legendary"
King Arashi (impressed):
"Incredible... Such power at such a young age. You are destined for greatness, Kenshi."
Grand Haruko (smiling):
"Well done, Kenshi. You have earned your bloodline and the legendary weapon that comes with it. Treasure this gift, for few are ever so blessed."
Narrator:
The room was abuzz with awe as Kenshi stepped down from the circle, clutching the Totsuka Sword. The air hummed with the energy of his newfound power.
Warrior 1 (whispering):
"His power... it's beyond anything we've seen."
Warrior 2 (jealous):
"And to think... he could ascend to Rank SS one day."
Grand Haruko (gesturing):
"Now, Juno... it is your turn. Step into the circle."
Narrator:
With his heart racing, Juno slowly approached the Circle of Gods...
End of Chapter 2