Kia stood in his backyard, the crisp morning air filled with the scent of blooming flowers as he focused on mastering the second level of the Ice and Snow Saber. His parents had adapted well to their new neighborhood, and his brother was thriving. The thought of his brother's progress brought a smile to Kia's face - the doctor he'd found was a godsend, and with glasses, his brother's world had opened up, especially with his coding classes.
"One day, I'll make sure this city is safe for you," Kia whispered to himself.
As he trained, Kia's thoughts turned to the city's plaignt - the last stronghold of humans. The monsters had been kept at bay, but for how long? Warriors like him had to ensure this peace wasn't fleeting.
"The second stage of Ice and Snow Saber... it's hard," Kia muttered, frustration creeping in. "I have to strike faster to release its chilling effect."
Determined, Kia decided to spar in City 0201. Maybe a change of scenery and some real action would help him crack it.
Kia walked into the Fire Hammer Squad HQ, the buzz of activity and the smell of gear filling the air. Captain Jin looked up from his map, his expression serious. "Kia, I got a mission for you. County 0201, alone."
Kia's eyes lit up. "Send me, Captain." He explained his reasons, "I'm on a breakthrough verge in my saber skills, and monsters are getting rampant each day. I want to help."
Captain Jin's expression was skeptical, but Kia's determination won him over. "Alright, Kia. Be careful, though. Spirit Masters are good, but-"
Kia cut him off, "Captain, I can do this."
Captain Jin nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Okay, then. Gear up and head to the military base to collect your permit."
Kia nodded, his Battle clothes and saber at the ready. As he turned to leave.
Kia arrived at the military base, the imposing structure marking the city's border. High walls, security checkpoints, and heavy guns stationed on the turrets - it was clear this was a place that wouldn't let anything in... or out, without a fight.
At the reception, a military officer eyed Kia from behind the counter. "You're going to County 0201 alone?" he asked, his tone skeptical.
Kia nodded, his expression firm. "Yes."
The officer raised an eyebrow. "Only you? It's dangerous out there."
Kia's gaze hardened, his eyes flashing with determination. The officer, seemingly used to this reaction, shrugged and handed Kia a permit - an iron-plated ID card. "If you can kill monsters and collect trophies - like ears - you'll get rewards from the army. Try to get back before dark."
Kia took the permit, tucked it away, and left the base. He stood on top of a 6-story ruined building, the wind whipping his hair as he surveyed the desolate landscape stretching before him.
"Here we go," he muttered, a mix of anticipation and focus burning within him.
He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his Ice and Snow Saber on his back. County 0201 was waiting.
Kia stormed through the beast-infested streets, his Ice and Snow Saber slicing through the creatures with merciless precision. In a jiffy, he'd racked up 210 kills, and he wasn't slowing down. At the base, the receptionist's eyes widened as Kia dropped off his loot - a pile of beast ears.
"210, you beast!" the receptionist exclaimed. Kia just nodded, already turning to leave.
By his third trip, the receptionist had a grin on his face. "Your name's spreading, kid. They've given you a nickname: Ice Sword Killer."
As Kia walked, his long blonde hair flowed behind him, his aura icy and intense. Female warriors watched, mesmerized by his strength and chiseled features.
He'd earned his place as the youngest warrior in the base, and respect was coming his way. But Kia was far from satisfied. "My saber skills still aren't leveling up," he muttered, dispatching a Siber Tooth Tiger.
His phone blared an emergency report: "Beast tide approaching County 0201!"
Kia's gut tightened. He turned to leave, but it was too late. The beasts were closing in.
Just then, Luo Xin dropped from the sky, his saber flashing with icy precision. Beasts fell, sliced and frozen in place.
Kia's eyes widened. "You... you're War God Luo Xin!"
As Luo Xin's blade danced, slicing through the beast tide, the air itself seemed to freeze. Ice crystals formed, spreading like wildfire, and the beasts fell, frozen in place. The sky darkened, and an icy aura settled over County 0201. Kia's eyes widened as he watched Luo Xin move - it was as if the War God was one with the ice and snow.
"Is this... the true form of Ice and Snow Saber?" Kia breathed.
Luo Xin didn't look back, but his voice was clear. "Let's go!"
They sprinted through the streets, Luo Xin's helmet's comms crackling to life. He contacted the military base, his voice urgent. A voice responded, relaying the dire situation: the beast tide was a precursor to the Rat Surge. The base was evacuating, but they needed time.
"How long?" Luo Xin demanded.
"Five minutes, sir. The Rat Surge will hit the base."
"And the military?"
"Ten minutes out, sir. But-"
Luo Xin's jaw clenched. "If someone holds the Rat Surge for five minutes, the base will be safe. The tide will stop."
The voice on the other end hesitated. "Yes, sir, but your safety-"
Luo Xin cut the call, his expression grim. "Looks like it's time to die with the Rat beasts."
The beasts closed in, a sea of snarling fury. A helicopter swooped in, trying to evacuate them. Luo Xin shoved Kia in, his voice cold. "Kia, watch. This is how Saber skills work."
As the helicopter lifted off, Kia shouted, "Mr. Luo Xin!"
Luo Xin stood, his saber flashing in the fading light. He fought, a whirlwind of ice and steel, cutting down beast after beast. The Rat Surge hit, a tidal wave of monsters, and Luo Xin disappeared beneath the horde.
The news announced: "The beast tide has been stopped, but at a heavy cost. We lost a War God... Luo Xin."