It had been four years since the portal's catastrophic appearance — a disaster that destroyed entire cities. In that chaos, the First Era Awakeners had stood as humanity's last hope.
Ryne slouched in front of his computer, a half-empty bag of chips beside him and a sweating soda on the desk. The screen flickered with the livestream of Khan, the famed Awakener martial artist, as he sparred against a horde of monsters.
Even though Ryne was an Awakener in name, he had yet to manifest any powers. For now, he was just a spectator — eyes wide, chewing lazily, absorbing every move of the legendary fighter.
"Unbelievable… he makes it look so easy," Ryne muttered, his fingers idly tapping the desk. "And everyone keeps hating on him for using old techniques?"
The screen showed Khan dodging, weaving, and countering monsters with precise punches, sweeping kicks, and sharp blocks. Every movement came from martial arts humans had practiced for centuries — boxing jabs, karate strikes, kickboxing combinations — but applied to superhuman threats.
Most spectators on the livestream were yelling, criticizing him for not using flashy, high-tier Awakener powers.
"Why isn't he summoning energy blasts?"
"Why no ultimate techniques?"
"Boring…"
"I'm out of here."
But Ryne could see it. Every punch, kick, and stance had a purpose. Every move was calculated, tested through years of practice, and deadly efficient. While the crowd complained about his lack of flashy power, Khan was surviving — actually winning — against monsters far beyond ordinary human limits.
Khan shifted his focus toward the camera, his expression serious.
"These monsters… they're commanded by a Corruptner."
"What!? A Corruptner? What's that?" a viewer typed frantically.
The livestream's view count had already dropped sharply after Khan's revelation — apparently, people weren't interested in a battle without flashy Awakener powers or skills.
Khan didn't flinch. He explained calmly. "A Corruptner is like an Awakener… but twisted. Instead of receiving a gift, they've become monsters — dragons, goblins, orcs, and more. Their bodies change, but their minds retain human intelligence. They still see humans as enemies, even though they were once human themselves."
He paused, letting the words sink in. "The strongest Corruptners can tear open massive portals in central cities, causing destruction that can wipe out half a country. Only the First Era Awakeners have ever managed to stop them…"
"Hahaha… I even struggle against strategic Corruptners," Khan said, chuckling nervously, eyes still on the monsters. "They use monsters from the portal to their advantage — but I do know their weaknesses!"
The livestream's viewer count had already dropped to just two.
Apparently, most people watching weren't impressed. The First Era Awakeners had fought Corruptners countless times. To them, what Khan was struggling with was ordinary.
"Well, usually tricky Corruptners used trained mobs to lure them into massive traps."
No monsters appeared near Khan. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tattered piece of paper, holding it up to the camera.
"I fought some tricky Corruptners and this is the solution! Hahaha!"
Ryne scratched the back of his head, looking confused as he stared at the paper.
"Ambush attacks… as psychological tactics?..."
As Ryne thought about what had happened to the other Awakeners who died because of Corruptners, he slowly began to understand why.
Ryne breathed heavily in the back of the cargo truck, trying to steady his thoughts. Memories of Khan's livestream flickered through his mind — every punch, every kick, every trap the Corruptners had set. He could still see it all, replaying in vivid detail.
"Why would we trust a top-ranker fraud!? We should follow—"
The vice-leader's angry voice cut through his thoughts, sharp and impatient.
Thran's hand shot up, stopping him mid-shout. His eyes locked on Ryne, concern and doubt mixing in his gaze.
"Are you saying it's true, Ryne? I… I believe you, but…" Thran's voice lowered, cautious. "This road… it only leads to Tallion."
Ryne reached into his bag, pulling it onto his lap. He smirked slightly.
"I do have a plan."
He reached deeper and pulled out a folded map. The paper was worn, creased, and slightly frayed at the edges.
Ryne spread it carefully across his knees. It was the same map Nera had given him.