There was once a team called Emberwood, composed of legendary heroes such as Orion, the Hammer of Emberwood, known for his incredible durability, and his ability to withstand powerful attacks while delivering devastating blows. Another was Diana, one of the team's frontline forces, along with many others.
They were all led by a man named Elian, the true strength of the entire team. His power, called God Hand, was a versatile ability that could change the flow of battle, whether for attack or defence. The team—and even those who witnessed him
respected him deeply.
Like many legendary heroes, they did not meet a good end.
They faced a great shadow dragon, Gorvathra, which had broken free after being released by a man in a black cloak—at least, according to those who once guarded its seal. Every member of Emberwood was injured. Orion could barely stand, his hammer trembling in his hand.
"Damn it… Gorvathra isn't going down. It's not even weakened by our attacks. If only the heroes who once sealed it were still alive."
Orion spoke through the pain, struggling to lift his hammer and charge forward, but Elian held him back. The entire team looked at him with worry as he was the most injured of them all.
"I'll hold Gorvathra back. Stay behind me and charge your abilities. We're getting out of this alive."
Diana placed her hand on Elian's shoulder, trying to stop him from going alone, but he simply smiled at her. She hesitated, then nodded. Without another word, she understood his plan and stepped back.
Elian rushed toward the dragon, his fist charged with the power of God Hand. His plan was to stun it long enough for the team to unleash a full attack.
But when his fist struck Gorvathra's chest—its very core—
…it didn't move at all.
Shocked, Elian was struck by a blast powerful enough to shatter mountains, sending him flying. As he struggled to stay conscious, his vision faded.
When he opened his eyes again, everything around him burned with Gorvathra's magic. His eyes widened as he saw the fallen members of Emberwood. He rushed to them one by one, finding no response. His heart pounded harder with each step until he reached Diana, her shield still raised, protecting them even in death.
Elian's vision blurred as he collapsed to his knees, lifting Diana into his arms and breaking down. Suddenly, he felt a faint touch against his cheek—it was Diana. He gripped her hand tightly.
"I-I'm sorry, Captain… my abilities failed to protect them in the end…"
"N-no… stay with me, please! Don't die in my arms, Diana… I'm begging you!"
Tears streamed down his face as Diana gently wiped them away. She struggled to speak.
"I… I love you, Elian. Don't blame yourself for our deaths. You're the greatest captain… strong and versatile in every way…"
"P-please don't go… Diana—"
She smiled softly and drew her final breath in his arms. Elian held her tightly, haunted by the words he never got to say.
In the distance, Gorvathra roared.
Elian slowly stood, his eyes burning with a terrifying resolve. He charged at the dragon, his fist glowing with God Hand, as the beast unleashed a deadly beam.
"DAMN YOU, GORVATHRA!"
His fist struck the dragon's head, and in that moment, a portal opened beneath it.
Chains shot out, wrapping around Gorvathra's neck and dragging it into the void. The roar faded as it was sealed once more.
Elian landed among the fallen Emberwood. One by one, he carried his comrades and buried them with his own hands.
"Rest now… my friends."
A blazing flower bloomed above their graves, their names etched in stone. Afterwards, He sealed his power within a dark mountain and walked away, burdened by a guilt that would never fade.
.
.
.
Many decades later, a traveller named Iscarn Vale, carrying a book of legends passed down through his family, arrived at a small blacksmith's shop. He wants to get his sword sharpened, but... No one could prepare him for who he is about to meet.