In the emerald-choked heart of a sprawling island roughly 10,000 square kilometers wide, a small figure moved like a ghost through the underbrush.
Nex crouched low, his breathing shallow and silent, eyes locked on the Vethorn Rabbit. The creature was deceptively adorable — the size of a large dog, with snow-white fur that shimmered innocently. Beneath that cute face, however, hid rows of razor teeth capable of shearing through iron and claws that could disembowel a grown man in one swipe.
The five-year-old boy had become one with the forest. Mud and crushed leaves camouflaged his skin, and his heartbeat slowed to match the rhythm of the wild. He waited. One heartbeat. Two.
The moment the Vethorn lowered its head to nibble a glowing mushroom, Nex drew his bow — crafted from the spine of a dead predator — and released an arrow tipped with one of the creature's own teeth.
Twang.
The rabbit sensed the killing intent a fraction too late. The arrow slammed into its hind leg with a wet crack, spraying violet blood across the ferns.
"Fuck!" Nex hissed between clenched teeth. "Stop running, you two-faced little shit! There goes four days of food…"
A high-pitched "SQUEAK—SHRRKKK!" echoed as the beast stumbled straight into the hidden thorn pit lined with claws from its own kind. The trap snapped shut with brutal efficiency.
Nex allowed himself a cold, fleeting smile. "Darwin was wrong. It's not the strongest who survive. It's the one who plans better."
He dragged the still-twitching carcass out of the pit and slung the heavy beast over his small shoulder, then made his way back through the dense jungle toward his hidden cave.
The entrance was unmistakable once you knew where to look: a perfectly circular crimson glow, like a bleeding wound in reality. A crude wooden gate blocked a narrow side passage. Nex slipped through.
Inside, the red radiance painted the walls in hellish hues. Most people would have felt terror. Nex felt strangely comforted.
Two hundred meters deeper, the tunnel opened into a vast underground training hall. In the center stood the Puppet — a wooden construct twice his height, broadsword already raised. The moment Nex stepped into the circle, it exploded forward with terrifying speed and precision.
"Hey, old man! At least let me—"
A wooden sword slammed into his side.
"—grab my sword! Ouch! Damn it!"
Nex rolled across the ground, cursing, but his eyes burned with defiance. He fought with pure efficiency — dodging by centimeters, parrying with reinforced fists, and using claw strikes he had stolen from both the Puppet and the beasts he hunted.
Feint. Misdirection. Chaotic rhythm. Thirty years of accumulated beatings distilled into deception. Finally, his palm strike landed like thunder. Cracks spider-webbed across the Puppet's body before it collapsed into glowing ash.
Nex stood panting, staring at the remains of his only teacher. For the first time in years, a pang of sorrow pierced his chest. He bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Master."
When he straightened, the ashes had already scattered like dying fireflies.
Three doors stood at the far end of the hall. Nex chose the leftmost one.
It opened into an enormous cavern lake glowing with soft turquoise light. At its center rested the massive skeleton of an ancient dragon, radiating pure mana. Nex stripped and stepped into the healing waters. The liquid embraced him like silk, soothing every bruise.
He closed his eyes and focused inward. A faint violet light bloomed between his eyebrows — his Third Eye Chakra slowly awakening.
Thirty Years Ago
In a crowded refugee shelter, a five-year-old boy sat apart from the others, legs crossed in perfect meditation.
Beep! Beep!
A black screen with crimson text appeared only in his mind.
You have unlocked 25% of the Third Eye Chakra.
Congratulations! You have met the conditions to access the Third Eye Manual.
Notifications flooded his vision.
Photographic Memory acquired.
Mind Eye (Upgradable) granted.
Blessing of Om received.
Nex calmly read through the messages, his young face unnaturally composed.
He selected a commencement word.
"Status."
Status
Name: Nexar Luke
Race: Human (Bloodline: None)
Level: 1
HP: 50/50
Strength: 9
Agility: 6
Reflex: 7
Skills:
Mind Eye (SS) – View information on nearly anything. (Upgradable)
Photographic Memory (B)
Trap Formation (C)
A 12-year-old refugee named James wandered closer, sneering down at Nex's small crouched figure.
"Tch, look at this freak still trying to meditate even now," James mocked loudly, ensuring the others could hear. "Hey, Nex! Why the hell do you keep doing that stupid shit? You think sitting there with your eyes closed is gonna save you? It's pointless, man. Totally useless."
James let out a cruel laugh and kicked a small pebble at Nex's leg.
"You're already five and still the weakest piece of trash here. Just accept it — you're only good for guessing where the beasts will walk. Stop acting like you're special, you creepy little mute."
Nex opened his eyes, letting visible fear wash over his face — the mask he had perfected.
Humans showed their truest, ugliest nature in times like these. And in this new hierarchy born from chaos, the weak were easy targets. Nex had learned to suppress his emotions and act accordingly.
"Helps me sleep better," he lied softly, his voice small and trembling.
James snorted. "Weirdo. We're going scavenging. Get your bag and come."
The group needed Nex for his trap-hunting instincts. He stood up obediently.
"Yes, sir."
As the desperate group of children moved out into the dangerous world, Nex's eyes gleamed with quiet, burning ambition.
The game had only just begun.