Serve To Survive

***

The Monarch - 13, a gun crafted 600 years ago, was designed solely for Chiharu. Renowned for its unique capabilities, this legendary weapon was more than just a firearm; it symbolized unparalleled power. Its deep connection to Chiharu added an air of mystique, elevating it to near-mythical status in history.

The Monarch - 13, a gun crafted by Chiharu himself, was forged from ingredients nearly impossible to obtain. Its handle, made from the leather of a mythical beast, provided a grip like no other.

The top was fashioned from the scales of a powerful dragon, gleaming with an otherworldly sheen. Finally, the bones that formed its structure came from the remains of Kilrum, a creature of legendary ferocity.

This exquisite weapon not only embodied Chiharu's skill but also the rich history of its extraordinary materials, making it a true masterpiece.

The operation of the Monarch - 13 is elegantly simple yet highly effective. The amount of pressure applied to the grip directly influences the force of each shot. With a unique mechanism, the gun amplifies the grip pressure tenfold, translating even the slightest tension into extraordinary power.

While it can fire any type of bullet, its standard ammunition is pure mana, allowing for devastating energy projectiles. This innovative design ensures that the weapon is as versatile as it is powerful, capable of adapting to the wielder's strength and intent.

The Monarch - 13 is further enhanced by advanced nanomachines, allowing it to shift between two distinct forms: base form and stealth form. In addition to its adaptability, the gun features tracking capabilities that enable its bullets to home in on targets.

However, this tracking only lasts for two seconds before the mana bullet or regular round completely disappears. This makes each shot a calculated risk, as the wielder must quickly assess their aim and timing to maximize the weapon's potential.

***

Haruo pointed the Monarch - 13 at Kilian, gripping the handle as tightly as he could. He focused his aim on Kilian's head, his heart racing as he prepared to act. Before pulling the trigger, he inserted a magazine, the smooth click echoing in the tense silence. With the weapon loaded and ready, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for what came next.

The gun then began to glow with a swirling blue and dark aura, mirroring Kilian's own energy. Sensing the shift in tension, Ena decided to join in, channeling her power to create as many blood projectiles as she could.

Each projectile formed and pointed at Kilian, ready to strike at a moment's notice. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, the air thick with the weight of their intent.

Haruo pulled the trigger with a speed that was almost imperceptible to him. At that moment, Ena launched her own projectiles at Kilian. Instead of dodging, Kilian sprinted directly at the bullet, meeting it head-on. The impact sent shockwaves through the air as he clashed with the bullets and Ena's projectiles, a fierce display of power and determination.

The energy surge triggered massive explosions throughout the yard, but a strong barrier contained the blasts. Ena rushed at Kilian, their blades clashing fiercely. As they fought, each strike met with swift deflections, the sound of metal ringing through the air as they engaged in a relentless struggle.

Haruo continued firing multiple rounds, but Kilian smiled widely as he effortlessly deflected the bullets while blocking Ena's attacks. It didn't take long for Haruo to join forces with Ena, both of them focusing their efforts against Kilian.

Their blades echoed across the battlefield as Kilian kicked floating debris at them. Haruo shot each piece with precision and then coated his bullets in frost, transforming them into icy projectiles ready to strike.

Ena leaped into the cloudy air created by Kilian's intense aura, mimicking his air slashes and unleashing a rain of blades. Kilian effortlessly dodged them all, then charged at Haruo. As Haruo dodged and clashed with him, he struggled to hold his ground, shallow slices marking his skin from the intense exchange.

Haruo glanced up at the sky, searching for an air slash. Spotting one, he jumped beside it and redirected it toward Kilian. He then created a tiny platform to jump onto, allowing him to remain in the sky as he redirected all the air slashes at Kilian with precision.

He glared at Ena, signaling her, and they both nodded. Ena stopped creating air slashes and dropped down toward Kilian at top speed. Haruo jumped after her, charging from a different direction, both preparing to launch a coordinated attack against him.

They both charged their blades and clashed with Kilian, sending debris flying in all directions throughout the yard. Kilian grinned as he held back both of their attacks with one hand, showcasing his strength while the battlefield erupted around them.

"too weak!" Kilian said, holding their combined attack effortlessly with just one hand.

Kilian then took a silent deep breath, his eyes glowing with intensity. After steadying himself, he launched both of them with a powerful slash toward the barrier, dealing significant damage to both Haruo and Ena upon impact.

Ena quickly healed herself and Haruo, despite the pain that surged through them. As the wounds closed, blood seeped from their eyes, and both groaned, the healing process burning like fire in their veins.

"C'mon, we still have nine hours before the test! You won't pass if you're both like that!" Kilian exclaimed from a distance as they recovered. The pain made it impossible for Haruo and Ena to speak, so they simply took a stance, readying their weapons once more.

Just how hard is the test for this kind of training!? Ena and Haruo thought to themselves, the weight of Kilian's words sinking in as they prepared for what lay ahead.

They then sprinted at him once more, blades drawn and determination fueling their movements. The ground beneath them trembled as they closed the distance, each step echoing with resolve.

Haruo and Ena synchronized their attacks, aiming to overwhelm Kilian with their combined strength. As they neared, the air crackled with tension, ready for another fierce clash.

[6 hours later... 3 hours before the verification test...]

Both Haruo and Ena were heavily injured. Ena coughed up blood, struggling to stay upright, while Haruo lay on the ground, having lost two of his senses, taste and touch, after his tongue was cut off, leaving his body feeling extremely numb.

They were battered and bruised, their bodies riddled with multiple fractures and injuries, unable to continue the fight as they gasped for breath, the reality of their condition sinking in.

Kilian stood there, unbothered and not a drop of sweat on his brow, watching them struggle. Ena focused intently, healing both herself and Haruo for the fifty-eighth time, her determination unwavering despite the toll it took on her.

"I guess you guys are good enough for now. Oh, by the way, every month we're going to do this on the 26th, just so I can check how much you two have changed," Kilian said, unbothered.

"The Monarch - 13 is a great weapon to have for the test; consider it your trump card," Kilian said to Haruo before glancing at Ena.

"It wouldn't really be fair if you don't have one yourself, so I'll give you something similar," Kilian said to Ena

He then opened his mana storage, the shimmering energy swirling around him as he reached inside. With a focused expression, he rummaged through the ethereal contents, searching for the item he had in mind. After a moment, he grasped something firm and pulled it out, revealing a weapon that glimmered with latent power.

He then pulled out two blank blades, completely devoid of any color. They were blocky and lacked any discernible shape, their smooth surfaces reflecting the light in a way that made them appear almost ethereal.

"There it is, the Emperor Blades. It's also a weapon made by Chiharu. It's not as good as the Monarch - 13, but it's at the same level," Kilian explained, holding the blades up for Ena to see.

"But they're just blocks with handles???" Ena said, her tone laced with confusion.

Kilian then threw the Emperor Blades at her, and she instinctively caught them. The moment she grasped the blades, they began to glow, swirling with energy as they transformed and took shape in her hands.

"The Emperor Blades choose their own master. It may have seemed like I threw them at you, but they actually flew to you. These formless blades can take any shape best suited for their master," Kilian explained.

The blades then took form as dual daggers, their golden handles gleaming in the light. Each dagger featured a sharp edge with a graceful curve, and a symbol at the base of the blades that resembled a drop of water shaped like a key.

"Its abilities are random, so I can't really explain what it does. You'll just have to find out for yourself," Kilian said.

"It's about time we head to the location; it's better to arrive early and get settled before the test starts follow me," Kilian said while stretching

Kilian then sheathed his sword and led them to his manor. Upon entering, Haruo and Ena noticed a striking difference from the castle.

The interior blended futuristic design with medieval elements, featuring sleek lines and advanced technology alongside stone walls and ornate wooden fixtures. The atmosphere was inviting and intriguing, creating a unique contrast between past and future.

"You guys will also be living here now," Kilian said, turning his head with a smile as he spoke.

They continued following Kilian through the manor until they reached a wall that was set back two inches from the others. The subtle difference left them feeling confused, seeming out of place amid the otherwise uniform architecture. Kilian paused and glanced back at them, a knowing look in his eyes, as if he expected their reaction to this peculiar feature.

In an instant, the edges of the wall began to glow, generating a shockwave that rippled through the air. Particles danced around the glowing vortex, swirling and shimmering as they filled the space with a captivating light.

"It's a portal made from runes and nanomachines. Where we're going is another planet," Kilian explained before stepping through the glowing entrance, leaving the familiar surroundings of the manor behind. The air shimmered in his wake, inviting Ena and Haruo to follow him into the unknown.

Ena and Haruo glanced at each other, anxiety flickering in their eyes. Neither wanted to trust the mysterious glowing vortex in front of them, its pulsating energy sparking uncertainty about what lay beyond.

"Ladies first," Haruo said, glancing at Ena and signaling her to go ahead.

"You go first; I don't trust it," Ena replied, crossing her arms and looking skeptically at the vortex.

"Suit yourself," Haruo replied before stepping inside the portal, disappearing into the glowing vortex.

As he entered, he was flabbergasted by the stark contrast between his planet and this one. The sky above was a mesmerizing blend of purple and blue, and islands floated gracefully in the air.

Strange creatures flitted about, their vibrant colors adding to the surreal landscape, while lush vegetation spilled over the edges of the islands, creating an otherworldly scene.

It looks so much different from ours, Haruo thought to himself, absorbing the alien beauty around him. Just then, Ena stepped through the portal, her eyes widening in awe as she took in the stunning landscape.

"Wait, where's Kilian?" Ena said, her voice tinged with anxiety as the thought of Kilian being anywhere in this unfamiliar world unsettled her.

"I'm right here, you brats," Kilian's voice echoed suddenly. Both Ena and Haruo turned around to see him sitting casually on top of the very wall they had just emerged from. The surface of the stone was adorned with intricate patterns, still glowing faintly from the portal's energy.

"Up here," Kilian said with a grin. They looked up to see him sitting casually atop the wall, his relaxed demeanor in stark contrast to their unease in the strange new world.

"Welcome to Laviris, the world of runes"