Since we are born, our fate is determined; That’s what we are made to believe in.

Money…Power…Fate…These are the things that really matter – this world was not forged for all. The strong feed upon the weak, that’s all there is to it.

But one day this world will come to an end.

Behind the darkness, a little demon opens his eyes. This demon is a light grey creature, that only comes up to three feet in height. He has a rounded head that is a tad too big for his bode, with three spiked formations on it and a stitched scar on his left side. Additionally it has a white armband on both arms and a circle hole on the middle of his chest, outlined by a white layer.

-Hi everyone, don’t be afraid and gather around. My name is… well it doesn’t really matter, you will soon forget it anyway; But let me tell you a story, I’m good at telling stories. It’s not like it’s a fiction story, it’s actually more like a biography; And I think it’s really cool, it involves all the cool stuff you want in a good story: some cool characters, special powers, mystery, some OP old geezers, interesting antagonists, dazzling fights, some neat plot twists, with a little bit of betrayal, character’s development, and a plot. A nice plot. Well slow sometimes, but you get the picture. – declares the little demon, with a malicious smile.

- I think I can do some past-present situation shit, right? It will be more entertaining, I think. But first let’s set the big picture of this world. It’s not really complicated, but there are some points you have to keep in mind. – says the demon reaching for an old TV, turning it on.

“The old story says it all started with the gods. They reigned over all the other living beings, without defiance: it was the natural course. Out of mercy, the gods decided to give some of their essence to humans, trying to have humanity achieve new heights. The emerging super-humans were the result; these new powers came with some sort of drawbacks: their bodies could not handle the god’s essence, which would be known as Essentia.

The abilities that were obtained differed from individual to individual. There were some who could control an element like fire, but their insides would burnout when manifesting their power; there were others that gain a mutation type ability, only to be consumed by their new savage instincts and retain the appearance of them; there were cases of giantism, be it total or partial that would result on break bones when returning to normal.

The new abilities open the door to new wars between humans for power and the gods intervened; however, the gods would not resist the mankind’s numbers, not with the powers that were given. The gods, beings that were never defied, would meet their end… Soon, a new society would be ruled by power, influence, and fear.

It was the beginning of a new age. The world hierarchy would be brand new and the war for its power was just the beginning. Madness, conspiracies were consuming those that seat on the throne. The darkness lurks around each and every one, when given the taste of power. This was the fate of those controlling the world, the leader of the Nation.”

- A nice intro, am I right? There is much more to it, but we’ll get there. – remarks the demon turning off the TV – To cut story short: the gods found human race was too weak and tried to fix that giving out some of their pretentious ‘god essence’ to them. Such a really good idea, so well thought…hihihihi- mocks the demon.

- Surely the humans would use the powers to make a prosper era and would not give in to their greed… wha?! The humans betrayed the gods’ expectations?? No way!!

The demon shakes his head – What the hell did the gods expect? Of course, they would do that. Thanks a lot gods, you lead to this world’s order breakdown and to never ending wars for power and territories. Nice one, you fuckers!

The darkness starts to crack, revealing parts of a white room.

-This story is about how this dystopian world was shattered. Don’t blink, or you may miss it. – proclaims the demon with a malicious smile as he turns back on the odd TV. The image starts static again, but slowly begins to form a clear picture.

*****

It’s nighttime. In Thartan city, an unusual shadow sneaks into a wrecked house. The man is cautious of his surroundings as he arrives to the corner room in his dark grey cloak. It’s dark, and as the man travels across the decaying room and broken glass, he reaches his destination. The man invokes some Essentia on his hand and its light illuminates the area, exposing a child covered in sheets.

-I finally found you – whispers the man as he stooped – I’ll do what I can.

The man unveils the sheets, revealing a little girl, who’s sweating and trembling. The hooded man rolls up his sleeves and chants: “Blood Breath: Init”.

Red shapes of energy start to emanate from his arm, wrapping around the girl. As soon as engulfs her chest, a light aura appears surrounding her; She wakes up in excruciating pain, gasping, and squirming as she could.

-IT HURTS, IT HURTS!!! – screamed the red hair girl.

-I’m sorry, it’s the only way I can save you. Hold on, little miss. – the man takes a deep breath – “Blood Breath: Bond”.

The aura around the girl intensifies and manifests physically, as it blows away anything near. The man remains in the same spot, carrying on with his plan while his hood gets overthrown, showing an aged man with a russet grey beard. Soon, the aura’s color would darken, and this fact didn’t escape to her visitor.

- “RELEASE”

Just like it began, it was over; the Essentia covering the room would dissipate, leaving almost no trace of it. The man stands up and trembling due to the aftereffects, but the girl seems to have settled down. A burning crest is seen shining on the child’s chest, the proof of the ritual conclusion.

-It’s done. I’ll leave the future to you. I hope that we can meet again. – declares the cloak man as he prepares to vanish. 

*****

A cloaked figure emerges from a dark Essentia teleport on the Warrant Central roof. From there it can be seen all Thartan city, from the old cathedral to the big mansion. The cloak man takes a dagger from his coat and slits his hand without hesitation. Blood starts to flow, pouring down at the roof.

- “Blood Breath: Seeker”

The blood drops that were shed by the man resonate with each other and started to establish some kind of connection. After a few moments, the blood forms a symbol, a characteristic shield creed. The man makes a forced smile, while emanating some Essentia on his right hand to stop the bleeding.

-It had to be there, huh? This is going to be a pain in the ass. I hope this really works out. M, it’s almost do…

Breaking his self-speech, the man notices that has someone on his trail, and is getting close. As a wanted man, he leaves as fast as he can.

5 minutes later, an eight cell team arrive to the roof. It’s Thartan City’s Special Task Force, led by Charles “Sly” Solomon, a veteran commander that is feared for his cunning mind and his flawless control over his Essentia ability: Soft Flow. Charles can be recognized for his eccentric outfit, a red and blue brightly colored motley, and his stylish moustache.

-He’s gone, huh? – observes Solomon, while rubbing one of his moustache tips.

The men make a quick search of the area, finding out the blood symbol splattered on the roof. It was clear it was that man’s ability trademark.

-Sir, take a look at this.

«…Really? Asmund, Luther? »  

-Contact Holtz, he will be thrilled with the news. Who knew this was going to happen… - says Solomon, as he strokes his moustache – I can’t believe that he’s going to Asmund after everything… one of the most wanted man alive diving into the belly of the beast. What kind of nutjob would do this?

-Sir, should we trace and follow him?

-No, even if we could trace him, we could not deal with them alone. This mission was to monitor his actions, and we didn’t deliver. But he’s going out of town, so our job is done. Time to wrap this up. Destroy any traces left by Darkmore.

-Yes sir.

«He’s just a shadow of his past self, but nevertheless he’s still the former Oath Legion number two and the Red Prophet. This is becoming once again truly bothersome, but it doesn’t concern me anymore. What a relief that I won’t be the one to take on that monster. » - thinks commander Solomon, smirking. 

*****

The old TV turns off all of a sudden. Without a second thought, he simply stares, with his malicious full white eyes, with some conflict expression.

-Well, I think I have to give you some info about Asmund first… - says the demon while dressing a cap and a university cloak – It’s time for school guys!

A map appears, where is engraved the title Jarwen.

-Let’s start right away, shall we? Asmund is known as the slum city of Jarwen Country, one of the big five countries on Crimson Continent. The city is oppressed just like any Nation territory, ruled by fear and iron fist. Anyone who defies the Nation will be reduced to ashes, and I’m afraid there is no exceptions. Even though it’s like that, Asmund’s nights entertainment is known throughout the whole continent, contributing to be one of the most profitable cities. You can do all kind of stuff there, there’s so much incredible cultural things: robberies, murders, illegal gambles, the red-light district…oh the red-light district… - the demon kinkily smiles - I should have enjoy it while I could. But I’m starting to lose focus, so let’s get back to that old man quest, shall we?