Faithless_reader

In a world where strength determines status, Katsu Blazewood dreams of climbing the ranks and proving himself as a powerful fighter. With his fire abilities, he steps into the dangerous world of rankers—warriors who battle for prestige, wealth, and survival. But just as his journey begins, he’s nearly robbed by bandits, only to be saved by Simon Shepard—a ridiculously strong fighter with no elemental powers but enough brute force to flatten mountains.

Simon sees potential in Katsu but quickly realizes the rookie is reckless, cocky, and in desperate need of guidance. As Katsu fights to rise through the ranks, Simon begrudgingly takes him under his wing, helping him navigate rival rankers, deadly creatures, and the ever-growing threats lurking in the wild forest.

With each battle, Katsu gathers allies, faces unexpected enemies, and discovers that power isn’t just about flames and brute strength—it’s about strategy, determination, and a bit of luck. But as stronger foes emerge and hidden forces begin to move, Katsu will need more than just fire to survive.

His journey has just begun, and the road to the top is anything but easy.

The Stone Mask

The forest stretched endlessly around them, the scent of damp earth and leaves filling the air. Katsu walked beside Simon, sneaking occasional glances at him. Something had been bugging him ever since they started traveling together.

"So…" Katsu finally said. "What's your deal?"

Simon raised an eyebrow. "Gonna need you to be more specific, hothead."

Katsu rolled his eyes. "You're obviously strong. Really strong. And you didn't just help me out of the kindness of your heart, did you?"

Simon smirked. "Maybe I have a soft spot for weaklings."

Katsu glared. "Do you want me to set your hair on fire?"

Simon laughed. "Alright, alright. You're right. I've got a goal. A big one."

Simon stopped walking, his usual carefree expression shifting into something… more serious. "I need strong people. The strongest I can find."

Katsu crossed his arms. "For what?"

Simon glanced up at the sky, as if choosing his words carefully. "To get the Stone Mask."

Simon met his gaze. "An artifact. The artifact. The thing that started all of this—our world, reality itself."

Katsu stared. "…Okay, now you have to be messing with me."

Katsu scratched his head. "Alright, let's pretend I believe you. Why do you need it?"

Simon's smirk returned, but this time, it felt different. Less playful. More… calculated. "Because it's the key to everything."

Simon nodded. "Power. Truth. Maybe even fate itself. The only problem?" He glanced at Katsu. "I can't get it alone."

Katsu frowned. "And you think I can help?"

Simon shrugged. "You've got potential."

Katsu huffed. "Well, you almost sound convincing—"

A sharp sound echoed through the trees. Both of them turned just as a voice called out.

"Well, well. If it isn't the fastest man alive and his little firecracker."

From the shadows of the trees, figures emerged. Five of them, each carrying weapons—swords, axes, and even a spear. Their leader, a tall man with a scar running across his cheek, stepped forward, twirling a dagger between his fingers.

Simon sighed. "And here I thought we'd have a quiet walk."

Katsu grinned, flames sparking at his hands. "Guess it's time for some warm-ups."

Simon smirked. "Don't embarrass yourself, puppy."

The leader of the group grinned. "Oh, don't worry. You'll both be too dead to feel embarrassed."

Chapter 3: The Stone Mask and Uninvited Guests