Chapter 1: The beginning

"The strongest warrior delivered a letter to Chairman Gangu, revealing the enemy's plan. The chairman immediately understood the gravity of the situation and ordered preparations for a great war," the teacher recited.

Fourteen-year-old Arek listened with curiosity. Something about the story intrigued him, and he couldn't hold back his questions. "Why was there a war? Who was the strongest warrior?"

The teacher smiled, as if expecting the question. "This happened three thousand years ago," he explained. "And yet, the strongest one is still alive. He remains the master of the Japanese military."

Arek's eyes widened in disbelief. "Still alive?"

Ignoring his reaction, the teacher continued. "The war was between two great empires—the Japanese Empire and the British Empire. At that time, half the world was under Japan's rule, and the other half belonged to Britain."

"But why did the war happen in the first place?" Arek pressed.

"War," the teacher said, his voice steady, "was the beginning of peace. Many people were unhappy with the way things were. They sought freedom, and to achieve it, they decided that one empire had to fall."

Before Arek could ask another question, a sudden, deafening rumble filled the air. The sky darkened as storm clouds churned above. Lightning slashed through the heavens, illuminating the world in eerie flashes. A great storm had arrived.

Arek swallowed hard, his heartbeat quickening.

"Was this the beginning of war?"