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In this vast existence, millions of planets reside, spread among the universe like grains of sand scattered within a deep black ocean. Intelligent life teems on several of these thriving rocks, living blissfully ignorant of people other than their own. Day by day, they blindly amble and bluster through their short lives, wasting their efforts on insignificant empires and petty wars. They do not – cannot – realize the horrifying truth of their very being and the danger that threatens the entirety of existence. This is a writing woven from the gatherings of daring tales and veiled whispers of these truths; a combined record of the events beyond the scope of common mortal knowledge. One may even consider this the chronicle of the portended Realm Wars; a story of the warriors and leaders that bravely trudged the treacherous path of destiny. Every legend has a champion, be it a man or a woman, who gathers enough courage from within to rise up against the seemingly impossible odds set before them. The battles of ascension prove the intent of these heroes, as they fight not for themselves, but the welfare of others. This legend is no different. On a small, technologically undeveloped world in a solar system not unlike that of the Earth, people from across the land gathered to witness a rare tournament held in the Kingdom of Wryth. This contest pits fighter teams of up to four warriors against each other in elimination style bouts. The strong teams survive and claw their way towards the summit as the weak teams fail and often die in their vain attempts to attain gold and glory. It is known as the Tournament under the Gods, presumably named after an event originally sanctioned by ancient gods. The brave are drawn with the allure of fame and riches while the cowardly scamper from the imminent prospect of death. The fights are fierce, the fighters are fiercer, and no one but the greatest can emerge victorious. Four teams battled fiercely to earn their places in the semi-finals. These exceptional teams, each with separate, furtive motives, prepare to fight for their individual causes. Some are garish and some are reserved, but each is ready to sacrifice whatever may be necessary to grant their wishes. From the harsh country of Rahjir to the far east, a band of four crafty rogues dubbing themselves the Desert Falcons pursue their goal for gold. With traps and cunning at their arsenal, they aspire to return as giants to a land where capital is the greatest power. A proud man with lengthy, silver hair and a woman of striking beauty join together to form the devastating duo known simply as Legend. Some rumors speak of the two as mercenaries hired by the ominous Judgment Committee, participating solely to guard the vast fortune at stake. Others murmur about a darker plot of the pair. Regardless, their true intentions remain a mystery. Fanatical members of a sect, christening themselves as the Sacred Beasts, join the fray in an attempt to affirm the absolution of their religion. Clad in flashy costumes resembling the early gods and spouting sermons at their opponents, they impress as a quartet of loons. However, their finely honed techniques often wipe the bemused smirk off a foe’s face. Lastly noted but certainly not last in terms of skill, three warriors together form the group known as the Scarlet Lions. Having liberated a kingdom from a tyrannical warlord, they are already lauded for renowned deeds. Whether this was truly an act of heroism or simply coincides with a private purpose is a subject of debate, but nevertheless, they have many admirers and much support. In spite of these facts, their fight is not for fortune or fame, but for definite measurement of their strength. And so, the four combatant teams prepare themselves mentally and physically for the upcoming conflicts. But not all is what it seems, as deception hides behind innocent faces. Truths may emerge; dark truths that would better be left buried. One man of the Scarlet Lions unknowingly starts a journey; adventures far greater and far more dangerous than any faced by mortals await him. The catalyst of the Realm Wars draws ever closer… |