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

Katsu's feet touched solid ground.

The inside of the beast wasn't filled with water anymore—it was a massive cavernous space, lined with decayed bones, rotting remains, and corpses of creatures that had been swallowed before him.

The air was thick, damp, and reeking of death.

Around him, among the remains, things were stirring.

Massive creatures, some as big as houses, began rising from the piles of bones.

Some were skeletal, missing patches of flesh. Others had thick hide, multiple glowing eyes, and jagged claws.

But all of them had one thing in common.

Katsu ignited his flames, his entire body glowing like a torch in the darkness.

A monstrous centipede-like creature lunged at him first, its razor-sharp mandibles snapping.

He dodged left, spun in midair, and thrust his palm forward.

A spear of fire shot from his hand, piercing clean through the creature's head.

The centipede let out a distorted screech before collapsing into burning remains.

But there was no time to celebrate.

A hulking beast with four arms, jagged horns, and glowing red eyes charged next.

It swung a massive claw at Katsu—

He barely ducked in time, the wind pressure sending debris flying.

Katsu leaped back, only for two more beasts to attack from the sides.

He crossed his arms, flames spiraling around him.

A massive explosion of fire erupted from his body, sending multiple creatures flying.

But as the smoke cleared, he realized—

Some were as strong as him. A few… were even stronger.

He wouldn't have it any other way.

The battle was brutal, gory, and relentless.

Flame Balls rained down like meteors.

Flame Spears impaled monsters left and right.

Flame Bursts cleared waves of enemies.

But the more he fought, the more kept coming.

And worse—his flames weren't burning as hot as before.

Simon leaned against a rock, calmly watching the ocean.

He sighed, pulling out a small communication device.

With a lazy flick, he answered. "Yeah?"

A voice came through. Cold. Familiar.

"West of Spring Vile Street. I'm waiting there."

He grumbled, stuffing the device away, then stood up.

He stretched his arms and turned, walking away from the ocean.

Before Katsu got back, he had something to take care of.

Chapter 11: The Battle Within