kaidoakario

Once every 10,000 years, the heavens open, and the Mortal Realm is cast into turmoil. The Great Reset begins—a cosmic reckoning where empires fall, beasts awaken, and only the strongest carve their names into eternity. For those who survive, the path to the Astral Realm and the right to claim divinity awaits.

Raikai, a warrior forged in storms, wields the power of the Celestial Iron Body Cultivation, his flesh tempered into living steel. His Death Arms—twin scythes bound by chains—dance like a mythological dragon, crackling with lightning, capturing and tearing apart those who stand in his way.

Beside him stands Shinryu, swift and precise, blessed by the Celestial Tiger. His Death Arms, a pair of white leather gloves with retractable claws, strike with divine speed—every slash a whisper of the heavens’ fury.

Together, they ascend the path of blood and power, bound by brotherhood yet tested by fate. Their bond is their greatest strength, but in a world where the Death Arms grow with their wielders—feeding on their victories and failures—power often demands a terrible price.

As the 10,000-year Reset begins, ancient titans stir, forgotten sects rise from the shadows, and primordial beasts long thought extinct awaken. The heavens will bear witness as Raikai and Shinryu defy the gods—or die trying.

In an age where flesh is reforged into iron and weapons evolve alongside the soul—two brothers will challenge destiny itself!

imperial celestial

The three days spent in the Azure Dragon Clan's stronghold passed in a blur of training, discussions, and unexpected camaraderie.

Xue Mor sat on a high ledge overlooking the sparring grounds, her arms crossed, watching Raikai and Shinryu trade blows for the hundredth time. Lightning clashed against golden claws, the air crackling with their growing power.

She smirked. "You know, it's actually hilarious."

Raikai, dodging a swipe from Shinryu, snorted. "What is?"

"That you two had never met before now." She leaned forward, amusement dancing in her crimson eyes. "I've known both of you since childhood, yet somehow, you never crossed paths until now."

Shinryu flicked his claws back, stepping away from the fight. "Our clans rarely mingle outside of formal events," he said, rolling his shoulders.

Raikai shrugged. "And I never cared for formal events." He cracked his knuckles, grinning. "I prefer battle to politics."

Xue Mor laughed. "And yet, look at you now—dragged into both."

Raikai grumbled under his breath but didn't deny it. Shinryu simply smiled faintly, the small curve of his lips betraying his amusement.

Despite their differences, the three of them fit together strangely well—a perfect balance between fire, lightning, and steel.

Meanwhile, on a Mountain Peak…

Under the vast night sky, two figures sat atop a towering mountain, the world stretched beneath them like an endless sea.

Shin Rai and Torra Zhen sat on large stone seats, a jug of aged celestial wine between them. The faint hum of spiritual energy crackled in the air, the remnants of a brief spar that ended moments ago.

Shin Rai took a deep swig from his cup, exhaling in satisfaction. "Ahhh, nothing like a good drink after a good fight."

Torra Zhen chuckled, pouring himself another round. "I was starting to think you'd gotten soft, Shin Rai."

The Azure Dragon Clan leader snorted. "Soft? I should make you fight Raikai next. Then we'll see who's soft."

Torra laughed, his deep voice echoing through the mountains.

For a moment, the weight of the Great Collapse seemed distant—just two old warriors sharing a drink, laughing at the madness of the world.

Then, as the laughter faded, Torra Zhen swirled his drink, his golden eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Your son has potential."

Shin Rai smirked. "So does yours."

Torra nodded, taking a slow sip. "And the girl?"

Shin Rai leaned back, his eyes thoughtful. "She's a perfect balance for them. Fierce, but calculated. She doesn't chase power recklessly like Raikai or hold himself back like Shinryu."

Torra's gaze flickered. "That balance is rare." He set his cup down, the stone beneath it cracking slightly. "And necessary."

The two patriarchs exchanged a knowing look.

If their sons were to survive the unknown world that awaited them, they needed her.

Shin Rai raised his cup, smirking. "To the next generation."

Torra Zhen clinked his cup against Shin Rai's, his voice carrying a rare warmth. "To the monsters we've raised."

They drank deep, the cold mountain winds howling around them.

Back at the sparring grounds…

As the three of them sat beneath the night sky, Xue Mor stretched with a satisfied sigh. "Well, I accomplished my mission."

Shinryu nodded. "And earned our respect in the process."

Raikai grinned. "Not bad, for a Phoenix."

Xue Mor smirked. "Careful, Raikai. Stick with me too long, and you might actually start liking politics."

Raikai mock-shuddered. "Heavens forbid."

The three laughed, their bonds strengthening under the weight of battles fought and battles yet to come.

The unknown world awaited. And they would face it together.

Bonds Forged in Battle