The Unseen Protector

Embers of Resolve

After dinner, Roy retreated to his room, seeking solace after the day's revelations. He sat at his desk, processing the weight of his newfound powers.

"Mimi, can you help me plan out how I can train and better harness my power?" Roy asked.

"Pi pi! Sure, Roy. It's best to start by focusing on your fire techniques. Cultivating your fire power will protect you best—remember, the best defense is a good offense. I suggest beginning with a basic technique inspired by the Fire Lion. Let's call it 'Lion's Blaze,'" Mimi replied.

She paused for a moment before continuing, "To perform Lion's Blaze, first, find a stable stance with your feet firmly planted. Close your eyes and take a deep breath—focus on the fierce energy that burns within you, just like the heart of a lion. As you exhale, visualize that energy forming a vibrant, controlled flame emanating from your chest. Your goal is to channel that fire into a protective shield that surrounds you, or into a concentrated burst when you need to strike. Remember, steady breath control is key. With consistent practice, you'll be able to extend the flame further and refine your control, ensuring that you can both defend yourself and launch a powerful offense."

"Thanks for the guidance," Roy responded, determination lighting his eyes.

Roy began his training in earnest. Concentrating intently, he initiated a cultivation exercise. Slowly, a shield of brilliant fire enveloped his body until every inch was cloaked in flames—so intense that his features were almost lost in the blaze. At first, his control was shaky; he could only sustain the shield for a few fleeting seconds. Yet, after three hours of relentless practice, Roy managed to hold it steadily for a full minute.

Feeling both the burn of exertion and the thrill of progress, he shifted to a calming breathing technique to restore his focus. As sleep beckoned, he whispered, "Good night, Mimi."

"Pi pi, good night!" Mimi replied with a playful giggle as she dodged his gentle attempt to tousle her simulated hair.

Roy drifted off to sleep, comforted by Mimi's constant presence. Yet, as his dreams returned, so did the haunting nightmare. This time, amid the familiar terror, a mysterious location emerged—a subtle beacon calling out to him. In the fleeting images, he could just make out slight directions, as if the nightmare itself was guiding him somewhere new.

Shadows of Destiny

After a restless night filled with the remnants of haunting dreams, Roy awoke with the mysterious location still vivid in his mind—a subtle guide he vowed to follow someday. Today, however, demanded his full attention. It was his last history test, and although all his previous exams had gone exceptionally well, this one carried an inexplicable familiarity, as if history itself had happened only yesterday.

At school, the corridors buzzed with nervous energy as Roy made his way to the exam hall. He settled into his seat, his thoughts drifting between the crisp pages of his textbook and the elusive directions from his nightmare—a call that beckoned him toward an unknown destiny.

From behind him, a familiar voice broke the silence.

"Brother Roy, Bro Roy, wait for me!" called John, his best friend, as he hurried over.

"Are you prepared?" John asked, catching his breath and flashing a reassuring smile.

"Yeah, I'll be able to pass," Roy replied, trying to mask the lingering uncertainty stirred by the night's visions.

John chuckled. "How are you kidding? You're going to top the class. Oh, and look—here comes Sara, the most beautiful in the school!"

Roy's cheeks warmed at the mention of Sara. John continued with a teasing lilt, "I remember, she's your crush too, right? When are you going to ask her out?"

Roy fell silent, a small, wistful smile tugging at his lips as he stole a glance at Sara, who sat quietly, exuding an air of calm confidence.

As the test began, Roy let out a quiet breath, steadying himself. The words on the paper blurred for a moment before sharpening into focus. It wasn't just an exam—it felt like a key, unlocking fragments of history that shaped the world he lived in.

He picked up his pen and began writing.

Q1: How was the world before and after the disaster?

Roy's mind drifted back to everything he had learned. Before the disaster, the world thrived. Advancements in AI and robotics had reached unprecedented levels, revolutionizing society. Scientists pushed the boundaries of innovation, creating a future where machines coexisted seamlessly with humans.

Then, everything changed.

A mysterious virus—or perhaps something far more sinister—swept across the world, altering the very essence of life. Humans and animals began to evolve, awakening elemental powers never seen before. Civilization, as it once was, crumbled under the weight of its own transformation.

Survival became the new priority. Over the past decade, fortified shelters were established, acting as the last safe havens for humanity. These enclosed cities protected those who could afford to live within their walls, while those left outside faced chaos.

Roy paused for a second before continuing his answer.

Outside the shelters, lawlessness rules. Survivors form gangs, fighting for resources, power, and dominance. Some have adapted, thriving in the ruins of the old world, while others have become little more than scavengers.

Roy finished his response and moved on to the next question.

Q2: What are the Four Great Nations, and why are they considered the strongest?

Roy smirked. This one was easy.

The Four Great Nations emerged as the strongest forces after the disaster, each possessing unique elemental strengths and powerful leaders. They were:

India – Home to the most advanced combat training academies and elemental research centers. Known for its warriors and strategic prowess, it housed many elite shelters, including Shelter 7, where Roy lived.

America – A technological powerhouse, known for integrating AI weaponry with elemental abilities. Their military was nearly unmatched.

China – Masters of cultivation techniques and ancient elemental arts. Many of the world's strongest elementalists hailed from here.

Russia – Ruthless and highly disciplined, specializing in harsh-environment survival and brute-force warfare. Their warriors were legends in battle.

As he wrote, Roy couldn't help but wonder—what truly made these nations the strongest? Was it their military might, or something deeper, something hidden?

He quickly answered the remaining questions before the sharp ring of the bell signaled the end of the exam.

A Confession Interrupted

As the students gathered their things and began leaving, Roy hesitated. His heart pounded—not from the test, but from what he was about to do.

He had been waiting for this moment.

For years, Sara had been the one to initiate conversations, always approaching him when she needed help or had something to discuss. But today, he wanted to change that.

In thirty days, we leave for military training. There's no guarantee we'll be assigned to the same camp.

This might be his last chance.

Roy took a deep breath and followed her through the school corridors, his hands clenched into fists as he tried to steady himself. Step by step, he closed the distance between them.

Just say it. Just tell her.

But before he could reach her, a deafening alarm rang throughout the shelter.

The color drained from his face.

A beast break.

The school, located near the east gate of the shelter, had been strategically built to house powerful students who could defend the gate in case of emergencies. But a beast break meant that the defenses had already failed—something had breached the walls.

Chaos erupted around him. Students and teachers alike mobilized, their elemental powers activating in preparation for battle. But Roy's attention was fixed on only one thing—

Sara.

She stood frozen in shock as a monstrous Flying Fire Lion tore through the breach and soared into the shelter. Its molten eyes locked onto her.

Roy's blood ran cold. It's going to attack her.

Before he could think, before he could even call her name, the beast launched a blazing fireball straight at her.

Time seemed to slow.

Roy's body moved on instinct.

Wind surged around him as he unleashed everything—all of his power, all of his speed. He activated FlameWing, his mech armor snapping into place, encasing his limbs in a protective layer of metal and fire. His face disappeared behind the shifting red glow of his helmet.

To the others, he was nothing but a red blur.

The fireball screamed through the air, closing the distance between the beast and Sara in mere seconds.

But before it could reach her—

Roy was already there.

He threw himself in front of her, his arms crossed as the flames collided against his body. Heat scorched his suit, sending ripples of pain through him, but he gritted his teeth and held firm.

The attack pushed him back, his feet skidding against the concrete as the force threatened to knock him off balance.

This was the first time he had taken a direct hit from a beast.

And the Fire Lion wasn't just any beast—it had a second elemental core.

Roy clenched his fists. He had only just awakened his powers. He was nowhere near strong enough to take on something like this.

But he didn't care.

He couldn't step back.

Because if he did—

Sara would die.