Faithless_reader

The Stone Mask is an action-packed dark fantasy set in a world where strength rules and the weak are crushed.

Katsu Blazewood, a rising Ranker with fire-based abilities, dreams of climbing the ranks and proving his worth. Under the guidance of the ruthless Simon Shepard, he faces deadly trials, powerful adversaries, and the harsh truth of what it means to be a Ranker. But when the government launches a brutal invasion in search of a legendary artifact—the Stone Mask—Katsu is thrust into a war far greater than himself.

The Stone Mask is said to hold unimaginable power, a relic from a forgotten era that could reshape the balance of the world. But as Katsu uncovers the dark secrets behind it, he begins to question everything: Who truly controls the Rankers? What does it mean to wield power? And most of all—what will he become if he survives?

The Stone Mask

The battle was not a battle at all.

Caleb Be, the Y-7 Ranker, was laughing hysterically as he punched, kicked, and crushed Katsu with relentless force.

"HAHAHA! IS THIS IT?!" Caleb roared, his stone-covered fists slamming into Katsu's stomach, forcing spit and blood to shoot from his mouth.

Katsu gasped for air, his vision blurring as Caleb grabbed him by the neck and smashed his head into the ground.

"COME ON! WHERE'S THAT FIRE OF YOURS?!" Caleb stomped on his back, causing Katsu's body to twitch violently from the pain.

Not because he didn't have the strength. But because he was still lost in thought.

Why does he have to kill to rank up?

Is that what it means to be a Ranker?

His thoughts swirled in his mind, paralyzing him as Caleb grabbed him by the hair and dragged him across the rubble, his body scraping against the shattered remains of a building.

"PATHETIC!" Caleb swung his leg, kicking Katsu in the ribs so hard that Katsu was sent flying into a streetlamp, bending it in half on impact.

Caleb walked over slowly, shaking his head in disappointment.

He grabbed Katsu by the face and slammed him into a building. The structure collapsed, burying Katsu under the rubble.

A sudden surge of heat erupted from the debris.

The rubble melted away instantly, reduced to ash.

Standing in the middle of the destruction was Katsu.

His eyes, once filled with doubt, were now covered in roaring flames. His body radiated an intense heat that made the air shimmer around him.

His mind was sinking into darkness.

He raised his hand, and six spears of fire appeared in the air beside him.

For the first time, fear crept into his heart.

"HA! YOU THINK THAT'LL WORK ON ME?!" Caleb laughed, his arms turning to stone as he prepared to block the attack.

One of the spears pierced straight through his hand.

The flames had burned through his stone-like skin effortlessly.

He quickly dodged the remaining spears, his mind racing.

How did Katsu suddenly get stronger?

Katsu stood there, expressionless, his mind still sinking deeper into darkness.

More flaming spears conjured around Katsu as his thoughts spiraled deeper.

His conscience was almost completely swallowed by the dark.

Caleb, still shaken, clenched his fists.

"…Tch. What the hell did you just turn into?"

Inside the ruins of the Rankers Guild, the aftermath of the massacre was clear.

The once majestic guild hall was in ruins, bloodstains painting the shattered walls and furniture.

Amidst the destruction, one area remained untouched—a small couch in the corner.

Sitting there, casually sipping tea, was Shania Kusaka.

Her expression was calm, her posture graceful, as if she was enjoying a quiet afternoon despite the horror surrounding her.

Shania looked up to see Akiko Shepard walking toward her.

Akiko glanced at the destruction, then at Shania.

Shania took another slow sip of her tea. Then, she nodded.

For a moment, the two women simply sipped their tea in silence, as if they had all the time in the world.

But inside this small, untouched corner—

It was just two people enjoying tea.

Chapter 25: Ember City Massacre - Part 7