Pages 1–5: Opening Scene
A pale light from a shy sun slips into the village of Litha, cluttered with worn wooden houses.
The morning silence is cut by the sounds of chickens and rain.
Inside a modest hut, the door bursts open.
Levan’s friend stands confidently, a wooden sword slung over his shoulder.
Friend: “Get up! We’re late for training, future Order Commander!”
Levan appears quietly, emerging from the shadows. His hair is messy, his eyes calm as always.
Friend (laughing): “Don’t tell me you dreamed of becoming a Commander again?”
Levan (silent, just shakes his head)
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Pages 6–10: Training
In a dusty field near the village edge, the two friends train.
The friend mimics real sword strikes — fast, driven, skilled.
Levan tries to keep up… but falls repeatedly.
Friend: “You’re improving, even if you don’t see it.”
They pause to catch their breath, gazing at the sky.
Friend: “You know, if your Inclination doesn’t awaken this year… they won’t even let you apply.”
“As for me… my father says I carry the Flame of the Sword.”
Levan (looking at the ground, silent)
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Pages 11–15: World Glimpses
Elders near the training ground speak among themselves.
“There was a time we walked beyond the walls… now, even talking about it is punishable.”
Children mimic fighters, drawing the emblems of the Orders on their faces.
Narration:
“In this world, a person is not measured by their wealth… but by their Inclination.”
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Pages 16–20: A Moonlit Conversation
At night, the two sit on a hill overlooking the village.
Friend: “You know what I dream of most? Wearing the Order’s cloak… and being called Commander.”
“Climbing floor after floor… until I reach the Tenth.”
Levan (looks at him, then at the sky… silent)
Friend: “And you? Why do you want to join?”
Levan (whispers): “…To protect them.”
Friend (smiling): “Sometimes I forget how serious you are…”
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Pages 21–25: Talking About the Orders
In the village market, passing conversations carry names of Orders and their leaders.
“The Red Iron Order summoned its soldiers days ago… they say there’s unrest on the fifth floor.”
“The First Order’s Commander passed through here once — no one dared look into his eyes.”
Levan and his friend sneak between the crowds.
Friend (whispers):
“Every Order is like a kingdom. Every Commander like a god. Can you imagine being one of them?”
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Pages 26–30: The Quiet Challenge
That evening, a semi-official training is held in the village square, led by a retired Order warrior.
The friend steps up first, facing a stronger trainee…
He shows skill in footwork and earns a small victory.
Then, Levan’s name is called.
He faces a fierce opponent, receives several hits, and doesn’t fight back.
One spectator mutters:
“That boy has no Inclination… why is he even here?”
Suddenly, Levan dodges a decisive strike with a strange, swift movement, standing still as if something had warned him.
The instructor watches him closely:
“Strange boy… it’s as if his body remembers something he himself doesn’t.”
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Pages 31–35: Fireside and Prophecy
At night, Levan sits with his adoptive family around a fire.
His mother speaks kindly:
“We were raised by hunger and fear… but you brought us a new meaning. It doesn’t matter where you came from… only where you’re going.”
The grandmother tells an old tale:
“Long ago, it was said that a child with no past would carry an unknown Inclination. And if he enters the Abyss… he will change the world’s shape.”
Everyone laughs — except Levan.
His eyes drift silently into the darkness.
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Pages 36–38: Edge of Extinction
Scene: A gathering of village elders in the central hall.
“If our village doesn’t send candidates this year… we’ll lose our right to participate.”
“Inclinations are fading… and if they vanish completely, humanity won’t last more than two generations.”
Levan sneaks near to listen.
He hears one sentence:
“The Abyss is growing hungrier.”
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Pages 39–40: The Calm Before the Storm
Levan lies on the rooftop, staring at the sky as stars dance above.
His friend climbs up and sits beside him.
Friend: “Tomorrow, the Inclination tests begin.”
Levan (silent)
Friend: “Even if you show nothing… I’ll fight by your side someday.”
Levan looks at him… then at the Abyss on the horizon.
Narration:
“In a world measured by power…
some are born with nothing but the desire to protect.”
End of Chapter One