A long time ago, humanity stood on the brink of extinction.

  The universe beyond their world was shrouded in mystery. Just when all hope seemed lost, two divine beings appeared.

  They sealed the world, locking humanity away on a single planet to protect them from the dangers lurking beyond.

  Life was saved—but the world became isolated, severed from everything else.

  Eventually, the two divine beings passed away.

  Cracks appeared across the planet, creating openings through which outer beings could invade.

  One of the two, remembered as the Bringer of Order, left behind a sacred book—the Heavenly Scripture.

  It taught people how to grow stronger, how to live, and how to create a peaceful world.

  Over time, it became the only path humanity followed.

  The other being, whispered about as The One Who Gazes Beyond, died before he could complete his final message into a single book.

  His knowledge—dangerous, powerful, and different—was never written down.

  Instead, it broke into thirteen fragments and scattered across the world.

  These pieces lived on only through myth.

  They were known as the Shattered Codex.

  No one believed they were real.

  Until now.

  ---

  "Madam, your husband—one of the Silvercloak—fought without hesitation. He beheaded enemies for the sovereignty of humankind."

  Varek Ashvale paused.

  "He... fell, struck by a stray arrow."

  The woman froze, stumbling back.

  "Impossible... no... my husband..."

  "Your husband died with honor. He never betrayed his oath. According to the law, your family will be compensated."

  "1,000 gold coins, 5,000 silver coins. Your son will be awarded a full scholarship to the Grand Academy of Eldoria when he turns eighteen. This mansion will remain in your possession."

  A small boy clung to the woman's leg.

  "Oh, my child..." she dropped to her knees, sobbing as she embraced her son.

  Varek Ashvale gently patted the boy’s head.

  "Eat well. Sleep well, little one."

  "What’s your name?"

  "A... A... Aryasana Noera..."

  ---

  Five years passed.

  Aryasana Noera was now ten years old. He spent his days taking care of his mother, who was afflicted with a mysterious illness.

  "Cough! Cough!" Her coughing echoed through the silence of night. Moonlight poured in through the window.

  "I'm sorry, Aryasana," she whispered.

  Aryasana gently wiped her arm with a damp cloth.

  "I'm training with Uncle Varek to use the sword now. I’ll make you proud, Mama!"

  In the silence, Aryasana’s smile lit up his mother’s heart.

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  "Aryasana, Mama wants to hold you."

  She embraced him tightly, tears streaming down her pale face. Aryasana fell asleep in her arms.

  The sun kissed Aryasana’s face as it rose. He opened his eyes slowly, still in his mother’s embrace.

  "Mama... it’s morning. I’ll clean you up now. Mama?"

  She didn’t respond.

  Her body was cold. Her face, pale.

  She had died in her child’s embrace.

  "Mama... please don’t leave me..." Aryasana sobbed bitterly.

  "The illness that consumed Madam Noera from within... still has no cure. Thankfully, it isn't contagious," Varek Ashvale said as he stood by her grave, gently stroking Aryasana’s head.

  A girl approached and held Aryasana’s hand.

  "You’re not alone, Aryasana. Uncle Varek and I—Aurelia Silverstein—will always be with you."

  Aryasana just smiled at Aurelia and Varek.

  ---

  Eight years later.

  Varek Ashvale had raised Aryasana Noera until he turned eighteen, teaching him countless sword techniques.

  Both Aryasana and Aurelia Silverstein had now reached the level of Sword Experts.

  "Aryasana, are you really determined to become a Divine Practitioner?"

  Aryasana packed his clothes into a bag and reached for his sword resting against the bedpost.

  "Yes. My decision is final."

  Aurelia gently caressed his cheek.

  "Don’t forget to eat. Keep training with your sword. I know you’re not naive, but... don’t be too kind."

  Aryasana softly pulled her head to his chest.

  "Don’t worry. This is the path I’ve chosen."

  They stood in each other’s arms for a moment.

  "I’ll never forget the kindness of the Silverstein family," Aryasana bowed to Aurelia’s parents.

  The journey took two months. When they arrived at the gates of the Grand Academy of Eldoria, a small escort of elite Silvercloak soldiers—including Varek Ashvale—was with them.

  "Thank you, Uncle Varek."

  Varek smiled, patting Aryasana’s shoulder.

  "The world isn’t a place for comfort. Become strong—so strong that you control everything!"

  Aryasana nodded and waved goodbye as Varek stepped into the carriage.

  A female Divine Practitioner appeared before Aryasana.

  "Aryasana Noera?" she asked.

  "Yes," Aryasana took out the Silverstein family token from the inner pocket of his long coat and handed it to her.

  She infused it with Divine Essence.

  "Mmm… Full sponsorship from the Silverstein family. Alright, follow me."

  She waved the token through the air.

  SWOOSH!

  A swirl of wind opened a portal, revealing the Grand Academy of Eldoria—surrounded by floating islands and majestic mountains.

  "This is the realm of the Grand Academy of Eldoria."

  "Aryasana Noera, follow me."

  "Oh—okay!"

  "My name is Arina Emberlain. Call me Senior Sister. We’ll be under the same master."

  "Understood, Senior Sister," Aryasana replied calmly.

  They approached a grand, magical building.

  "This is the academy’s library. Here, you’ll receive the Heavenly Scripture."

  ---

  After a short while, a chubby, well-groomed man placed his hand on Aryasana’s forehead.

  A radiant light erupted—countless strands of wisdom flooded Aryasana’s mind.

  The Heavenly Scripture was being absorbed.

  He felt like a seed newly planted, yet to be watered.

  He sensed the pulse of the universe—streams of subtle energy forming existence and intent.

  He saw how a single will shaped reality, how desire could shift the structure of the world.

  Aryasana Noera understood his first realization.

  The grand gate had opened. But it was endless. The path of a Divine Practitioner had no end—one must keep ascending.

  Thus, Aryasana Noera became a first-stage Divine Practitioner: Origins.

  A symbol appeared on his forehead, glowing gently when he willed it.

  "Oh! You're already familiar with that mark," the chubby man said.

  "Ah, yes," Aryasana replied, touching it.

  "That symbol identifies you as a student of this academy. You can begin your cultivation in your private chamber now," the man said.

  Aryasana bowed his head.

  "Thank you, err..."

  "Varnis Whiskered. Sir Varnis Whiskered. Grand Librarian of Eldoria Academy Library," he said proudly.

  "Ah! Thank you, Sir Varnis Whiskered."

  Aryasana walked toward his room, guided by Senior Sister Arina Emberlain. Breaking the silence, he asked:

  "Senior Sister, who is our master?"

  Arina ruffled Aryasana’s hair.

  "You’ll find out tomorrow."

  Aryasana brushed her hand away.

  "Don't treat me like a kid."

  "HaHaHa~ You're still a child to me, Aryasana Noera." she laughed.