For centuries, the Augeis Vesperion world was held together by an unsteady balance, a fragile peace woven from the ambitions, fears, and aspirations of four great domains. These realms—Mortal, Corporeal, Mythical, and Ethereal—stood at the four corners of existence, separated not just by land and sea but by the very nature of their beings. Though different in power, magic, and ideology, they coexisted under an agreement forged by the Supreme Emperors of each domain, forming the Eternal Council. To maintain peace, they erected the Astral Gates—vast, mystical barriers that safeguarded their worlds from one another while preserving a delicate unity in principle.

The Four Domains

Mortal Domain (West) – The Weavers of Fate

The weakest in terms of power yet the most gifted in intellect, the Mortal Domain is home to humans and ordinary animals. Though physically weaker than their counterparts, mortals compensate through ingenuity, strategy, and an unyielding will to survive. Some rare individuals possess Soul Energy—an enigmatic force that transcends natural limitations—but awakening such abilities is an anomaly, often dismissed as legend rather than truth. Yet, in a world where power reigns supreme, even whispers of Soul Energy are enough to stoke fear and wonder.

Corporeal Domain (South) – The Living Mystique

A land pulsating with raw magic, the Corporeal Domain is inhabited by mystical creatures—talking beasts, sentient beings, and elemental spirits. Here, the very air hums with enchantment, and life itself bends to the arcane. Yet, for all its wonder, the domain is shackled by primal instincts. Their boundless magic is both their greatest strength and their deepest curse, for it treads a fine line between wisdom and chaos.

Mythical Domain (North) – The Masters of Power

Where intellect and might intertwine, the Mythical Domain houses legendary warriors, sorcerers, and celestial beings. It is a kingdom where magic is honed into an art of war, and battle is both science and spectacle. Feared and revered, the Mythical Domain has long stood as a force of balance between the realms—until it chose seclusion, retreating into isolation as the world began to unravel.

Ethereal Domain (East) – The Abyss Unleashed

Darkness festers in the Ethereal Domain, where cruelty is law and power is absolute. This forsaken realm is home to the undead, cursed entities, and nightmarish beings beyond mortal comprehension. Here, mercy is a weakness, and only the strong endure. Feared by all, the Ethereal Domain thrives on war, subjugation, and the ever-burning hunger to dominate the other realms.

The Fall of the Eternal Council

For generations, the Eternal Council ensured stability, with each Supreme Emperor honoring the unspoken truce. Yet, harmony is a fleeting illusion in a world divided by ambition. The assassination of the Corporeal Supreme Emperor shattered the delicate order, sending ripples of chaos across the land. The crime, seemingly orchestrated by an unknown faction, was a masterstroke of manipulation—an intricate ploy where those in power played the role of puppets and puppet masters alike.

In truth, the murder was no mere act of aggression. It was a calculated move by leaders who sought to expand their rule, to break the barriers, and to claim dominion over all domains. The once-sacred Astral Gates, erected to maintain peace, were torn down, and with them, the world spiraled into an abyss of war and destruction.

Now, as trust crumbles and alliances shift like sand in the wind, the realms stand on the precipice of devastation. The struggle for supremacy has begun, and in this broken world, only the strongest shall rise from the ashes.

Thirty Years Later: A World in Ashes

Three decades have passed, yet the embers of war refuse to die. The realms continue to fracture under the weight of power struggles, betrayal, and unchecked ambition. The Mortal Domain, once the cradle of innovation, has become the most oppressed—enslaved beneath the iron grip of the Ethereal Domain. In the aftermath of war, hybrid species have emerged—some born of love, others the result of forced unions, cursed to walk the world as reminders of bloodstained history.

The Mythical Domain, once a beacon of balance, has withdrawn entirely, shutting its gates to the world and abandoning the battlefield to fate. The Corporeal Domain, burning with vengeance for its fallen emperor, has cast aside diplomacy, declaring war on any who dare stand in its way.

As the realms teeter on the brink of annihilation, a question looms like a storm on the horizon:

Who will rise from the ashes of Augeis Vesperion?

Scene 1: The Border Village

The air in the village is thick with the scent of damp earth and burning torches. It is the final line before the vast wilderness beyond, a place where the unknown looms just beyond the treeline. Fortress Guardians stand tall at the perimeter, their heavy armor gleaming under the dimming sky, ever watchful of the threats that lurk beyond the Mortal Domain’s borders. Each step they take is measured, their discipline unwavering, embodying the very essence of duty and sacrifice.

A young boy, Xero Xharks, stands at the village square, his eyes locked onto the patrolling Fortress Guardians with unwavering admiration. His heart pounds in his chest, filled with longing.

Xero: "Cloud, look at them! The way they move, the way they stand—it’s like they fear nothing! I want to be like them someday."

Beside him, Cloud Beulah, his best friend and the son of Commander Axl Beulah, smirks, crossing his arms as he watches his friend’s excitement. Cloud has grown up surrounded by warriors, but even he cannot deny the allure of the Fortress Guardians’ sheer presence.

Cloud: "You’ve got the spirit, Xero, but spirit alone won’t make you a Guardian. You need strength, discipline, and training. My father says battle isn’t just about power—it’s about knowing when to strike."

Xero clenches his fists, determination flaring in his golden eyes.

Xero: "That’s why I train every day, Cloud! I won’t be weak like they think Mutahumans are! I’ll prove them wrong. I’ll prove that I belong."

Cloud chuckles, clapping a hand on Xero’s shoulder.

Cloud: "Then you better be ready. My father said something big is coming. The Ethereal forces have been making moves along the borders again. If war breaks out, you and I might not have a choice but to fight."

As if fate itself had been listening, a thunderous explosion erupts from the eastern side of the village. The ground trembles as the shockwave knocks over market stalls and sends villagers scrambling for shelter.

A second explosion follows, and the night is instantly consumed by chaos.

Screams pierce the air. The sky darkens with smoke as fire engulfs homes. Fortress Guardians rush to the perimeter, their swords and spears drawn, shouting orders as monstrous shadows emerge from beyond the borders.

Xero’s heart pounds as he grips his wooden training sword, his breath coming in short gasps. His entire body tenses, not with fear, but with resolve.

Xero: "This is it. The moment I’ve been waiting for."

Cloud swallows hard, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his dagger.

Cloud: ("He’s not ready… but neither am I. And yet, we have no choice but to fight.")

Without hesitation, the two boys rush toward the unfolding battle, oblivious to the darkness that awaits them.

Scene 2: The Last Stand

The once peaceful village is now a war zone.

Flames rise into the night sky, casting eerie shadows over the bloodstained streets. Fortress Guardians fight with everything they have, but the Ethereal forces—beings clad in jagged, obsidian armor, their soulless eyes burning with dark energy—push forward without mercy. Their strikes are swift, their magic ruthless.

At the center of the battlefield, Commander Axl Beulah, his battle-worn armor dented and smeared with blood, stands alongside Lieutenant Orin Velst and Lieutenant Darius Greaves. Their breaths are labored, their bodies battered, yet they remain standing, defiant.

Axl: "Orin… can you still fight?"

Orin stumbles but steadies himself, gripping his sword tightly. Though his legs threaten to give out, his will does not waver.

Orin: "Barely… but we have to hold them off. The villagers need time to escape."

Axl follows Orin’s gaze, his chest tightening when he spots Cloud and Xero fighting side by side. The sight is both a source of pride and dread.

Cloud: "Father!"

Axl turns to his son, his face pale, sweat and blood dripping from his brow. He grits his teeth, forcing himself to stand between Cloud and the advancing enemies.

Axl: "Cloud… you need to run."

Cloud shakes his head violently.

Cloud: "No! We can still fight—together!"

A deep, guttural laugh cuts through the battlefield as a towering Ethereal Commander steps forward, his jagged armor pulsating with dark energy. He drags his blade along the ground, leaving trails of black fire in his wake.

Ethereal Commander: "Enough of this. The Mortal Domain’s defenders are spent. Surrender now, and perhaps we will make your deaths swift."

Axl exhales, planting his sword into the ground to steady himself.

Axl: "As long as I stand, you will not take my son."

Darius lets out a pained chuckle, barely holding himself up.

Darius: "The boy's got fire, Axl. Just like you used to."

Axl: "That fire will burn out if he stays here. Cloud, listen to me—this is not your fight."

Before Cloud can argue, the Ethereal Commander moves in a blur, his blade slashing deep across Axl’s torso. The impact sends Axl staggering. Blood pours from the wound, but he refuses to fall.

Cloud screams in horror, charging forward with his dagger, but Darius grabs him, forcing him back.

Darius: "Cloud! Don’t waste the chance your father is giving you!"

Axl, his vision dimming, forces a weak smile.

Axl: "Live, my son. Live… and become stronger."

With the last of his strength, he slams his sword into the ground, creating a shockwave that erects a wall of debris between Cloud and the enemy.

The last thing Cloud sees before Darius pulls him away is his father collapsing to his knees, still gripping his sword.

And then— silence.

Scene 3: The Capture

Cloud and Xero, their lungs burning, their bodies aching, sprint through the ruins of the village. But before they can reach safety, shadows descend upon them.

Dark figures, members of the notorious Black Cloak Raiders, move like wraiths, overwhelming the boys with their sheer numbers. Despite their desperate struggle, the young warriors are easily subdued. Their cries are muffled, their weapons knocked from their hands as the ruthless raiders tighten their grip.

Commander Axl Beulah watches in horror as his son and Xero are dragged away. Unable to move, he collapses to the ground, his vision blurring.

Axl:("Cloud… Xero… I have failed you both…")

Just as hope seems lost, a deafening metallic roar shatters the battlefield. A squad of six Protohumans—Mechanically enhanced warriors of the Lethal Troops, an independent guild under the Vanguards Association—descends upon the battlefield with unmatched precision.

Mechan "the Foul Circuit" Pavlov, their leader, bellows a battle cry.

Mechan Pavlov: "Lethal Troops, engage! Don't let them escape with those kids!"

A brutal clash erupts. Mechan and his team move like titans, their enhanced bodies tearing through the Black Cloak ranks with ferocity. Anna the Forgeborn, her arms blazing with ethereal flames, conjures an array of weapons mid-battle, unleashing a storm of bullets and blades upon the enemy. Beside her, Viktor the Iron Fist smashes through foes with seismic punches, his metallic arms cracking armor like brittle glass.

For a moment, the tide seems to turn in favor of the Lethal Troops. The Black Cloak falter, their formation breaking under the relentless assault. Xero and Cloud are momentarily freed, but the battle is far from over.

Then, the tide shifts.

A Black Cloak Captain steps forward, his dark aura seething with unholy energy. With a flick of his wrist, he summons a spear of cursed fire and hurls it at Viktor. The impact pierces straight through his chest, the flames eating away at his cybernetic enhancements. He stumbles, coughing blood, before collapsing lifelessly onto the ground.

Anna screams in rage, conjuring a massive railgun from pure energy and firing directly at the Captain, the blast disintegrating everything in its path. But in the chaos, another assassin strikes. Blaize, the Shadow Reaper, a high-ranking Black Cloak operative, appears behind Rael the Swift, another member of the Lethal Troops. Before Rael can react, Blaize’s twin daggers plunge into his back. Rael gasps, his enhanced reflexes failing him in his final moments before he falls beside Viktor.

Two Lethal Troops, gone in an instant.

Mechan roars in fury, tearing through enemy lines, but he is overwhelmed. The Black Cloak unleash a barrage of dark magic-infused arrows. Mechan takes the brunt of it, his reinforced exoskeleton shielding the others but failing to protect himself fully. He drops to a knee, his Mechanical limbs sparking, blood trickling down his brow.

Auron the Sentinel, another Lethal Troop, tries to drag Mechan away, but an Ethereal Warlock incinerates his right arm with a hellfire curse. He screams in agony, falling back, unable to continue the fight. Eira, the last standing member besides Anna, loses an eye to a surprise attack from an elite Black Cloak sniper. Wounded and broken, both Auron and Eira collapse, rendered useless for battle.

Anna, despite her injuries, fights on with wild desperation. She manages to push Cloud and Xero away from the battlefield, creating weapons from thin air to hold the enemy back. But her power catches the attention of the Black Cloak’s leader.

Black Cloak Commander: "Enough! The Forgeborn… she’s too valuable to waste. Take her."

A surge of shadow binds Anna’s limbs, locking her magic in place. She struggles, but the spell is too strong. As Cloud and

Xero watch in horror, she is dragged into the abyss, her last defiant scream echoing across the battlefield.

The Black Cloak forces, satisfied with their prize, begin their retreat. With Anna captured, Viktor and Rael dead, and Mechan, Auron, and Eira left crippled, the Lethal Troops lie in ruins.

The battlefield is silent save for the crackling flames and the labored breaths of the survivors.

Mechan, bleeding out but still unbroken, slams his fist into the ground, his voice hoarse but filled with fury.

Mechan:"They… took Anna… Damn it all…"

Cloud, his hands shaking, grips his dagger tighter. Xero stands beside him, fists clenched, tears in his golden eyes.

Xero: "We… we couldn’t save her…"

Cloud exhales sharply, his voice barely above a whisper.

Cloud:"Then we get stronger… and we take her back."

As the embers die, the weight of loss and war settles upon them all.

Scene 4: Reinforcements and Reckoning

As the dust settles, reinforcements arrive from Visceral City, the nearest stronghold to the Border Village. The Fortress Guardians, led by Captain Aldric Voss, march in with unwavering authority. Their gleaming armor and disciplined formation bring a sense of order to the chaos.

Immediately, the Fortress Guardians set to work reconstructing the broken walls of the fortress, sealing breaches and fortifying defenses. Meanwhile, Xero, Cloud, Mechan, and the remaining warriors tend to their wounds, while the fallen are gathered and honored with solemn rites led by the Fortress Guardians.

Auron and Eira, too wounded to continue the fight, are declared unfit for battle for at least a year. As Captain Aldric Voss assesses their dire condition, he turns to Mechan with a proposal.

Captain Aldric Voss:"These two are strong, but they won’t recover here. We will take them back to our base and ensure their healing. Furthermore, I will personally endorse them to the Royal Guardian General for recruitment. Their potential must not be wasted."

Mechan, understanding the necessity of the offer, nods in agreement.

Mechan:"It’s what’s best for them. Take care of them, Captain." Voss then turns his gaze to Mechan, sensing his strength and leadership.

Captain Aldric Voss:"You, too, would be a valuable asset to the Fortress Guardians. I extend the same offer to you. Join us."

Mechan, though honored, firmly declines.

Mechan: "My place is with the Lethal Troops. We still have unfinished business."

Meanwhile, Agent Sylas Dorne of the Vanguards Association arrives to report on the battle’s aftermath. He documents the catastrophic losses and declares the Lethal Troops in contravention of the Association’s rules.

Agent Sylas Dorne:"Your squad was not yet authorized for full combat without a licensed Vanguard guild present. Your preliminary license was granted only three months ago. This engagement was a violation. Effective immediately, the Lethal Troops are suspended."

Mechan clenches his fists in fury, refusing to accept the decision, but the undeniable truth remains—this battle was a disaster. They had acted too soon, and the price was severe.

As the Fortress Guardians take Auron and Eira away, and the fate of the Lethal Troops hangs in the balance, Mechan and his remaining comrades are left to face the consequences of their reckless ambition.

Scene 1: The Strengthening Border

(The scene opens with the heavy presence of Guardians along the fortified Border. Armed soldiers patrol the perimeter, their steel armor gleaming under the morning sun. The air is tense, but there is an unyielding determination among them. In a secluded spot, Xero and Cloud stand, observing the soldiers as they march.)

Cloud: (clenching his fists) I should be out there... I should be fighting alongside them.

Xero: (placing a hand on Cloud's shoulder) I know how much you want to fight, Cloud, but you’re not ready yet. We need training, experience. That’s why I have a better idea.

Cloud: (turning to Xero, curious) What do you mean?

Xero: Let’s form a guild. If we can’t join the Guardians, we’ll build our own strength and register with the Vanguards Association. We can help protect the land in our own way.

Cloud: (hesitant, but intrigued) A guild...?

Xero: Think about it. If we become recognized, we’ll have the resources, the influence, and the strength to make a real difference.

Cloud: (his eyes burning with newfound resolve) I like the sound of that... But there’s a problem. Your mother—Lily—she won’t let you go that easily.

Xero: (smirking) I know. But that’s why I have my charm to convince her.

(They exchange determined nods and head toward Lily’s house.)

Scene 2: Lily’s Dilemma

(Flashback Scene)(Lily stands near the fireplace, holding a small trinket in her hands. Her thoughts drift to the past... to the night she first held baby Xero in her arms.)

[Flashback Begins](One night in Lily's house\, dimly lit. A tall man came out of nowhere wearing in dark tactical gear hands Lily a baby wrapped in soft cloth.)

Xero’s Father: Lily... I have no right to ask this of you, but I need you to protect him. He is my son, but I can never be the father he deserves.

Lily: (eyes widening, tears threatening to fall) You want me to raise him...? Why? Why must you always shoulder everything alone?!

Xero’s Father: (looking away, pain in his eyes) You already know the answer to that. My duty comes before all else. But I trust you. You are the only one I trust.

(Lily clutches the baby tightly and nods, despite the aching in her heart. She watches as he vanishes into the shadows, never to be seen again.)

[Flashback Fades](Tears roll down Lily’s cheeks as she looks at Xero\, now grown and standing before her with determination in his eyes.)

Xero: Mother, please. Let me do this.

Lily: (voice shaking) You’re still young, my boy. The world is dangerous. I lost too much before—I can’t lose you, too.

Xero: (firmly) That’s why I need to go. So that others don’t have to lose their loved ones. This is my dream—to uphold unity and freedom.

Lola Lilian: (exchanging a glance with Lily, then sighing) He has his father’s spirit...

(Lily closes her eyes for a long moment before finally nodding.)

Lily: (softly) "Then prove to me that you’re ready. If you want to go, you must show me your determination. No recklessness, no shortcuts. Train hard, and if I see that you're truly prepared, I will give you my blessing."

(Xero trains relentlessly for three days, pushing himself to his limits. He hones his skills, refines his strategy, and proves his resilience. Finally, seeing his unwavering dedication, Lily’s heart aches with pride and worry. With a deep breath, she nods, accepting his resolve. A tearful but proud moment follows as they begin gathering supplies for Xero’s journey.)

Scene 3: The Missing Piece

(Xero and Cloud are inside Xero’s small but cozy room, seated at a wooden table with scattered papers, maps, and an official Vanguard Association pamphlet. A small lantern flickers, casting shadows on the walls as they plan their future.)

Cloud: (leaning forward, gripping the edges of the table) I still can’t believe we’re doing this, Xero. Forming our own guild... It’s insane.

Xero: (grinning, crossing his arms) That’s the best part, isn’t it? We’re not just joining the Guardians and following orders. We’ll have our own banner, our own rules, and our own way of protecting people.

Cloud: (lowering his gaze, clenching his fists) Yeah... I want to protect others. I don’t want anyone else to lose their family like I did...

Xero: (softens his voice, placing a reassuring hand on Cloud’s shoulder) I know, Cloud. That’s why we need to do this right.

(Cloud exhales deeply, nodding. Xero then reaches for the pamphlet and starts reading aloud.)

Xero: (reading) "To register a guild with the Vanguard Association, a minimum of three members is required..."

(Silence fills the room for a moment as the words sink in. Xero and Cloud exchange glances.)

Cloud: (groaning, rubbing his temples) You’ve got to be kidding me... We’re missing one person?

Xero: (scoffs, tossing the pamphlet onto the table) Looks like it. We need another member or we won’t even get past the front desk.

Cloud: (muttering, tapping his fingers on the table) Do you have anyone in mind?

Xero: (leaning back, thinking hard) Not really… It’s not like we have a list of warriors waiting to join us.

(Cloud lets out a deep sigh, pushing back from the table.)

Cloud: Well, that’s that, then. Guess we’ll just sit here and do nothing—

Xero: (suddenly snapping his fingers, eyes lighting up) Wait! Mechan!

Cloud: (blinking, confused) Mechan? You mean that reckless guy who took a beating during the catastrophe? What about him?

(Xero leans forward, recalling the battle where he saw Mechan fight. Despite being injured, the man refused to back down, defending a group of villagers with sheer determination. His spirit was undeniable.)

Xero: (grinning) He’s still in the Border Village clinic, right? Today’s the day he gets discharged! What if we recruit him?

Cloud: (raising an eyebrow, skeptical) You’re serious? We barely even know the guy. What if he’s not interested?

Xero: (grabbing his sword sheath and slinging it over his back) There’s only one way to find out. Come on!

Scene 4: The Chase Begins

(The streets are busy as people rebuild their homes after the catastrophe. Vendors set up small stalls, selling fresh fruits and supplies. The clinic is a small, white-walled building with a wooden sign above the door. Xero and Cloud push the door open, stepping inside.)

(Inside, the smell of herbs and antiseptic fills the air. A few patients rest in their beds, some wrapped in bandages. A young nurse, Paula, is stacking medical supplies when she notices Xero and Cloud entering.)

Paula: (adjusting her glasses, surprised) “Oh! You two are here for Mechan?”

Xero: (nodding, a bit out of breath from running) “Yeah! Where is he?”

Paula: (smiling slightly, pointing toward the door) “You just missed him. He left about ten minutes ago—said he was heading to the Vanguard Association Satellite Office.”

Xero: (grinning) That means he’s heading to Freaky Town.

Cloud: (jaw dropping, groaning) “Are you serious? We were this close?”

Xero: (chuckling, rubbing the back of his head) “Well, at least that means he’s interested in the Vanguards. If he’s going there, we might still have a chance to recruit him.”

Paula: (tilting her head, curious) “Wait… are you guys forming a guild?”

Xero: (grinning) “Yep! And we need a third member.”

Paula: (smiling warmly) “Well, if anyone is crazy enough to join something like that, it’s definitely Mechan. He’s been talking non-stop about revenge and adventure while he was recovering.”

Cloud: (grinning slightly) “Then we better hurry before he registers somewhere else.”

(Without wasting another second, Xero and Cloud dash out of the clinic and make their way toward Lily’s house to grab their travel bags before setting off on their journey.)

Xero:(laughing nervously at the size of the bag) Mother... I think you packed for a year-long war.

Lily:(smirking) I just want you to be prepared.

(A heartfelt farewell follows. Lily hugs Xero tightly, whispering a silent prayer for his safety. Lola Lilian pats his head, masking her worry with a warm smile.)

Lily: Go chase your dream, Xero. But promise me... stay safe.

Xero:(grinning) Always.

(With that, Xero and Cloud set out on their journey, their first destination: Freaky Town, where their guild's destiny awaits.)