Chapter 1: The Arrival in the new world

The day seemed to be wrapped in a layer of apparent normalcy, where urban life unfolded in its most routine and mechanical form. The streets were bustling with constant activity: people were walking hurriedly, immersed in trivial conversations or glued to the screens of their phones, looking for some distraction that would allow them to evade the monotony of their existences. In the cafes, some allowed themselves a moment of pause, sharing a coffee that tried to drown out the boredom of their days. Others, more fortunate, enjoyed a meal in restaurants that, despite their apparent luxury, only managed to make up for the deep dissatisfaction gnawing at their soul.

Among the passers-by, some faces revealed a more arduous struggle: those who lived on the streets, turned into invisible shadows for the society that had turned its back on them. For them, the day was a constant battle for survival, facing the indifferent cold of the world around them. In a brutal contrast, others lived off crime, feeding their ambition in a society where justice was a mere illusion, where inequality marked the dividing line between the haves and the have-nots.

However, above all those lives that were intertwined in an endless cycle of routine and despair, a bright building stood, a monolith that reflected the coldness and power of those who inhabited it. At the top of that structure, from an office that seemed to touch the sky, a man was observing everything with a penetrating, almost contemptuous gaze. That man was none other than the CEO of the powerful Renault company, a figure enveloped in an aura of coldness and maturity that few could match.

From the top of his empire, that man, Benjamin Novikov, contemplated the people in the streets with a mixture of curiosity and detachment. For him, human beings were little more than pawns on a vast chess board, figures who had not yet found their true opportunity in life. Every individual he saw, whether it was an executive in a suit or a beggar on the sidewalk, reminded him how ephemeral and fragile human existence was when money and power were stripped away.

The urban landscape that unfolded before him seemed a reflection of the harsh reality that few dared to face: inequality was the norm, and equality, a chimera that existed only in the dreams of idealists. The lives that unfolded at his feet were, for him, palpable examples of the abysmal differences that separated one from another, differences forged by effort, luck or the total lack of both. Benjamin, immersed in his thoughts, understood better than anyone that true human nature was not that of equal beings, but that of individuals who, from the moment of their birth, faced a fate marked by circumstances.

Many considered him a privileged man, someone whom money and power had elevated above others. And yet, Benjamin did not see himself as a superior figure. When people asked him what he thought about others, they expected an answer from him that reaffirmed his status, perhaps a subtle mockery or an affirmation of his greatness. But Benjamin always answered with a frankness that puzzled those who listened to him

"Are human beings really the same? We talk about equality all the time. Someone once said that heaven has not created any man superior or inferior to another man. But the quote doesn't end there: we are the same at birth, but then differences arise. This is a result of academic efforts or the total lack of them. However it is interpreted, humans are capable of thinking for ourselves. Equality is probably just a false concept, but inequality will always be a difficult topic to accept. Anyone is like me; the only thing that makes me different is my money and my power, but without all that, I'm just another human."

From that moment, he was known as the wisest man on the planet, someone who understood and wanted to improve the lives of others, even if he did not need it. All this he read in his newspaper, which he put aside on his desk, while he turned his gaze towards the city through the window. She raised her hand, letting the blue flame power, characteristic of the Star Flame Clan, manifest in her. This name originated with the creators of the clan, who believed that the flame had its bluish color because it came from outer space and that it possessed special properties that made it superior to others. A mistake they discovered when they were defeated by the Crimson Flame, something that every member of the clan has in mind. Although the heirs of the four founding kingdoms do not think alike, they all have the purpose of preventing a new unnecessary war for power from breaking out.

The Eternal Flames' greatest enemy are the lost Heirs of the Flaming Flame, a group that has taken control of North and Central America, using military force and their influence as a world superpower. However, they have decided not to touch South America, since this is still the territory of the Crimson Clan, something that the Blue Flames, who are only invited in the territory of the Crimson Clan, are also clear about. This friendly relationship between clans has given rise to the Eternal Flame Alliance, which unites Europe, Asia and South America into a single coalition to maintain world peace.

The man's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of two young men in the room.

One of them was the CEO's eldest son, named Leon, a tall young man with long hair and a somewhat feminine face, but that did not detract from his imposing presence and characteristic smile.

Leon: Hi, Dad. How have you been? I hope we're not bothering you or interrupting anything important.

Leon was accompanied by his younger brother, Alexander, the heir to his father's company and bearer of the blue flame. Alexander was a tall, portly young man with short hair, who always showed a serious and gloomy air, although in reality he was polite, attentive, and considerate with people, especially with his father, whom he saw as a leader and an indisputable example to follow.

 Alexander was a tall, portly young man with short hair, who always showed a serious and gloomy air, although in reality he was polite, attentive, and considerate to people, especially to his father, whom he saw as a leader and an example...

Alexander: Good morning, Father. I'm sorry to barge in like this, but we have something important to tell you.

These words made the man, who until then had his back to his children, turn around to look at them. His name was Benjamin Novikov, a Spanish name inherited from his mother, born in Argentina, coming from a Spanish noble caste. Benjamin had kept his father's surname, Alexei Novikov, former CEO and founder of the company, as well as original founder of the Blue Flame Clan.

Benjamin was a tall man, with a prominent musculature, short dark white hair characteristic of his lineage, something that sometimes manifested itself in the heirs of the blue flame, although not in all, because not everyone possessed the physical limiter that the blue flame entails. His face showed combat scars, the result of his arduous training as heir to the eternal clan, with the obligation to be one of the strongest, just like his father was. All this gave him a cold and imposing look, denoting respect and concern for his children, whom he stared at so that they would not notice, while he slightly changed his countenance and asked firmly:

 All this gave him a cold and imposing look, denoting respect and concern for his children, whom he stared at so that they would not notice, while he slightly changed his countenance and asked firmly:

Benjamin: What is the matter that they have come to see me without informing me? It must be something very important, or else they wouldn't be here.

Both brothers looked at their father with very different expressions. Leon kept a defiant smile on his face, a smile that seemed to challenge not only his father's authority but also the world itself. It was an expression that Benjamin knew well, a mixture of youthful pride and boldness, a sign that his eldest son was ready to face any challenge that life presented to him. On the other hand, Alexander, always more serious and reserved, kept his posture upright and his countenance solemn, showing the respect he felt towards his father and towards the weight of the information they were about to share.

Leon: The founder of the Crimson Clan passed away this morning, of old age. We have just received this information from the same members of your organization.

These words echoed in the office, enveloping the space in a dense and emotionally charged silence. Benjamin was perplexed. His normally serene and calculating eyes widened in a rare show of surprise, before his hand slammed into the desk in a certain blow, slightly cracking the solid wooden surface. The action was as sudden as it was violent, and the room seemed to shake with the force of the impact. However, it was not only anger that had motivated that movement; there was something deeper, a shadow of sadness and loss that was reflected in his voice when he finally spoke.

Benjamin: Is this information confirmed...?

His tone was firm, cold, a voice that could have made any man's morale falter. But for those who knew him well, like his children, that steadfastness hid a deeper pain, a regret that struggled to stay hidden behind the mask of authority that Benjamin always wore. It wasn't just the news of death that infuriated him, but the reality of the inevitable, the fact that, for all his power and control, there were things in life he simply couldn't avoid.

Leon and Alexander looked at each other, surprised by their father's reaction. Although they had expected some shock, they did not imagine that it would affect him so deeply. It was Alexander who, with his usual seriousness, broke the silence that had settled in the office.

Alexander: Yes, this information is confirmed. We have photos to prove it.

Without saying more, Alexander opened his sack and took out a small set of photos, carefully placing them on the desk in front of his father. The images showed the lifeless body of the founder of the Crimson Clan, a woman who, even in death, maintained a serene expression, almost as if she were at peace. His face, despite the time and wrinkles, still retained an imposing dignity, a sign of the power and grace that had defined his life. The photos also showed the funeral, a solemn and full of respect event, where the members of his clan paid tribute to him. But there was one photo in particular that caught Benjamin's attention, an image that stood out for its simplicity and for what it suggested.

In the picture, a young man with dark hair and a sad countenance stood next to the coffin, his solitary figure contrasting with the gloomy surroundings. He was the only one who had stayed until the end, the only one who stayed there after everyone else had retired. Benjamin fixed his gaze on that image, a mixture of curiosity and concern running through his mind as he asked the next question.

Benjamin: Who is this guy in the picture and what is his relationship with the founder?

The question hung suspended in the air for a moment before both brothers exchanged a meaningful glance. After a few seconds of silence, Alexander took the photo, held it between his fingers and moved closer to his father.

Alexander: Our information tells us that this person is his only heir, the last heir of the Crimson Flame, his grandson, Adam.

The name echoed in Benjamin's mind, provoking a reaction visible on his face. Elated, he took a step forward, moving closer to his children with a seriousness that reflected the gravity of the situation.

Benjamin: Where are you located? We must get him to safety so that no one can attack him until he is ready to defend himself.

The determination in his voice was palpable. It wasn't just a matter of duty; there was a promise implicit in his words, a promise that went beyond protection, a promise to carry on the legacy of someone who had meant so much to him. The brothers had anticipated this reaction, and had taken steps to ensure Adam's well-being before informing their father.

They explained to her that, before the founder's death, they had received a communication from her herself. In that message, the woman asked them to take care of her grandson in some way, to train him and teach him what is necessary to survive in this new world. Realizing the importance of this mission, Leon and Alexander had worked together to create an institute in the center of the country. A place where they would invite the youngest members of the clans of each Flame, as well as the new groups emerging in this new era. The idea was not only to train these young people, but also to provide them with an environment where they could learn to wield the power they had inherited, where veterans could teach rookies, and, incidentally, where they could capture those who had committed crimes in their respective clans.

In addition, they saw in this initiative an opportunity to form bonds with other clans, such as the one of the Flaming Flame, thus strengthening the alliances that they so needed in these uncertain times. Hearing all this, Benjamin nodded slowly, processing the information with the same thoroughness with which he had approached so many other decisions in his life. He accepted his sons' plan, understanding that it was the most sensible path, and asked them to leave to continue with the preparations, making sure that everything was ready before the arrival of the young heir of the Crimson Flame.

When his children retired, Benjamin was left alone in his office, the silence falling on him like a heavy blanket. She walked over to her desk, where the photos were still scattered, and took one in particular - an image of the much younger founder of the Crimson Flame in her glory days. He looked at the photo with sadness, a sadness that came not only from the recent loss, but also from the memories he had shared with that woman. His normally steady and confident hands trembled slightly as he stroked the picture frame, feeling a surge of emotions that he had kept buried for a long time.

Benjamin turned to a wall at the back of his office, a wall that, in his presence, slid to one side, revealing a hidden room. He entered that room, a private shrine known only to him, where the most powerful weapons of the Blue Clan were guarded, along with the crimson greatsword, a symbol of the alliance and mutual respect between the clans. In one corner, there was a photo that captured a moment from her youth: the founder of the Crimson Flame, still young and full of life, teaching her how to use her flames, an image she had always treasured.

In that shrine, surrounded by memories and symbols of a glorious past, Benjamin, the cold and hard man who rarely showed emotion, finally let down his defenses. Bitter and melancholy-filled tears rolled down his cheeks as he regretted not being able to say goodbye to her in her last moments. He knew that his reaction was more than just sadness; it was the pain of someone who had lost the only person he had ever felt like a mother, someone who had given him love and warmth in a world that had always been cold and cruel to him.

In that moment of vulnerability, Benjamin felt a warm presence behind him. The silhouette of a woman, a spectral figure radiating the only maternal warmth she had ever known in her life. His own mother had not survived childbirth, and although she had held him for a brief moment before she died, she had never felt a mother's embrace. It was his father who raised him, a strong and stern man who prepared him for the lonely and full of challenges life that awaited him as the leader of the Blue Clan.

But everything changed the day he met the founder of the Crimson Flame. He was fourteen years old, a cold and distant young man who did not know the meaning of love or tenderness. It was she who, with her strong and determined temperament, came into his life and hit him, literally, on the head when she saw that his father was incorrectly training him in flame control. He scolded her for being so reckless, reminding her of Grandfather for his lack of care, and from that day, she became his mentor.

Benjamin wiped his tears and took the big crimson sword, watching as the blue and crimson flames danced around his hand. Although the maternal presence behind him had faded, it left a void he knew he could never fill. However, he understood that he could not afford to dwell on the past. She had made a decision: she would train her mentor's grandson and teach him to use his power in the same way she had done with him.

With his voice full of emotion, barely a whisper, he made a promise that would resonate in the silence of the sanctuary.

Benjamin: I will protect him, I promise. You can rest in peace. I won't let them hurt him. I promise I will train him like you trained me. Rest, teacher...

His words were a solemn oath, a promise that he sealed with the same determination that she had instilled in him. Sword in hand, Benjamin left the sanctuary and returned to his office. He put the sword down on his desk, a silent but powerful decision to move on, to do what was necessary to honor the memory of the woman who had meant so much to him.

Although the pain was still there, buried deep in his heart, there was also an iron will, a will to make sure that his legacy, and that of the Crimson Flame, would not be extinguished in the darkness of these uncertain times.

After several days of traveling, Adam finally arrived in Cordoba, a place unknown to him, where uncertainty weighed on his shoulders. Without a clear destination or a place to call home, he wandered around the station until his gaze fell on a man who was waiting for him. The man, whose figure was imposing and mysterious, wore a mask that hid his features, and held a sign with Adam's name written on it. The choice of costume was not accidental; Benjamin had decided to hide his identity to protect both Adam and himself. The nature of his life, full of enemies and dangers, did not allow unnecessary risks.

As Adam approached, with the curiosity and innocence typical of his age, his bright yellow eyes, almost like the sun, narrowed slightly as he observed the masked man. Something inside her told her that she could trust him, even if the situation seemed strange to her. There was something familiar about that presence, something that reminded her of her grandmother, although she couldn't pinpoint what it was.

Adam: Hello... Do you know me? Or maybe you're a friend of my grandmother's?

Benjamin was silent for a moment, his heart turning over at the sight of those eyes so similar to his teacher's. Adam's face, so young and inexperienced, reflected a younger version of the woman who had taught him everything he knew. For an instant, the memories overwhelmed him, taking him back to the days when his teacher's smile lit up his world. But he quickly came back to reality, remembering the promise he had made.

Benjamin: Yes, I am an old friend of your grandmother. She asked me to take care of you while you attend the school that they have opened in this province.

Adam flashed a relieved smile. I had been worried, not knowing where to go or how to survive in such a distant and strange place. The fact that someone introduced himself as a friend of his grandmother, willing to take care of him, brought him a sense of peace that he had not felt since her death. For such a naive and hopeful young man, this meeting meant that he was not completely alone in the world.

Adam's naivety was evident; he did not know the dangers that surrounded him nor did he yet understand the cruelty of the life that awaited him. Her life, until that moment, had been protected by her grandmother, a refuge of love and security that had now vanished. But Benjamin, observing that innocent smile, knew that his mission would not be easy. Protecting Adam meant not only keeping him safe from the enemies that were stalking him, but also preparing him for an unforgiving world, where naivety could be his undoing.

Benjamin, although serious and reserved, decided at that moment that he would be a mentor to Adam, guiding him along the path that his grandmother had laid out. But he also knew that there was a delicacy to that task, one that would require time and patience. As they walked together, Benjamin felt the weight of his promise and the responsibility he now had on his shoulders. Adam, for his part, still did not understand the magnitude of the journey he was about to undertake, but his heart, full of gratitude and hope, made him fully trust this stranger who had arrived to help him.

At that moment, in a remote place and shrouded in shadows, a gloomy aura permeated the air like an invisible poison. The darkness seemed to devour everything around him, and in the center of that abyss, a blood-stained throne was the seat of a figure whose face remained hidden in the gloom. A disturbing smile crossed her face as she received the news that had just arrived: the founder of the Crimson Clan had died. This information, which was leaked in an inopportune way, had reached the ears of the worst possible recipient - the heir of the flaming flame.

???: So he died, huh...? What a pity... But you say his heir is alive then...

The figure raised his hand slowly, moving it with a macabre grace that demonstrated absolute control over the flaming flames that surrounded him. The deep red fire reflected the intensity of his desire and the darkness of his intentions. His voice, charged with a sinister and power-hungry tone, echoed in the atmosphere.

???: We should go and meet him, don't you think? Hehehehehe... But I think it's too early...

At that instant, one of his subordinates handed him an invitation sent by the heirs of the blue flame. It was a proposal to enroll the young and veterans of his clan in the newly created school of the flame, a place intended for the formation and training of new clan members. As he read it, a smile formed on the figure's face, widening with a mixture of interest and malice.

???: Interesting... Send all those they consider suitable, both newly arrived rookies and veterans. I want this to be an opportunity to show the other clans who is the most powerful... and also to get information about the evolution of the heir of the Crimson flame...

With that order, the fate of many was sealed. Adam's quiet days were coming to an end. Now, he had to face a new reality in a school where the intentions and powers of each clan would intersect in a delicate and dangerous balance. The ingenuity and kindness that had defined Adam until now would be put to the test in a hostile environment full of secrets. Could he keep his smile steady in the face of the cruelty that fate had in store for him? Would he be able to adapt and survive in a world where the struggle for power was the norm?

This story was just beginning, and Adam's path would be sculpted by the events that were about to unfold. What awaited him was not only a physical challenge, but a test of his spirit, where each choice would bring him closer to the man he was destined to be.