_PROLOGUE_

The atmosphere was heavy, suffocatingly tense. It felt as if an invisible weight had occupied the entire room, wrapping us in an uneasy silence that made my chest tighten with anxiety. Honestly, I despise silence—especially the silent treatment. It’s ironic, really, because I’m usually the one giving it.

The sound of sweat dripping, the rhythmic tapping of fingers against wooden desks, and the heavy, ragged breathing of my classmates seemed deafeningly loud in this stillness. It felt like we were inside the quietest room in the entire world.

You might think I’m exaggerating, but for me, it felt exactly like that. But for them? Probably not. Because today wasn’t just any ordinary day. Today was the day of the final test results—the day that would determine our fate: whether we would walk out of these doors as graduates, or be forced to stay behind for another year.

[THIRD PERSON'S POINT OF VIEW]

"Okay, class, settle down. The results are out," the teacher announced, his voice cutting through the thick air.

Silence remained. No one dared to utter a single word, but their eyes—filled with pleading, fear, and hope—spoke volumes louder than any shout could.

"Asashina Komoto, Miyo Kawasaki, Dani Sawaie, Blake Sawaie, and our top one, Akatsuki Kiyoura—congratulations. These are the top five students who passed with flying colors. However, for those who didn't make the cut: Yui Nakamura, Taro Ito, Emiko Sato, Kenji Tanaka, Naomi Kawai—you will be staying here for another year. And for the rest of you... you've made it. Congratulations!"

The room instantly erupted into cheers and shouts. The heavy atmosphere shifted instantly, replaced by the scent of relief and satisfaction filling the air.

"Congratulations, Akatsuki Kiyoura!" her voice held a firm tone of determination, waiting for an answer.

"Y-yeah... t-thanks. You're... actually the only person who greeted me," Akatsuki stammered, a small, shy smile finally breaking through her usual gloomy and uncertain expression.

"You're welcome," she replied, offering a bright yet unreadable smile, mirroring the kindness she had just shown.

Suddenly, the peaceful moment was shattered.

"Hey, b*tch! Did you cheat again?!"

A sharp, angry voice pierced through the air. It was Dani Sawaie—the girl with dark red hair, the definition of an ungrateful brat. She ranked third in the class and had made it her personal mission to pick on Akatsuki recently. The whole room fell silent once again, everyone holding their breath.

"I n-never cheat," Akatsuki said, her voice low but firm—just loud enough to be heard, and just sharp enough to make Dani's blood boil.

No one dared to defend Akatsuki. Everyone feared Dani, especially since she was the Mayor's daughter. No one wanted to be her next target.

"YOU B*TCH, I'M REALLY GOING TO KILL YOU!!!"

Dani lunged forward, ready to strike, but Blake Sawaie moved faster. He easily blocked her attack and swept her aside with minimal effort.

"Try me, and I'm going to slap you instead," he warned, his voice cold and dangerous.

Dani froze, her anger vanishing instantly, replaced by shock and fear.

[ARAME'S POINT OF VIEW]

'Tsk, what a cringe-worthy sight,' I thought, rolling my eyes internally. 'The main character gets saved by the male lead, and the villain turns out to be his own sister. What a cliché drama.'

I am Arame Sarao. I’ll be turning seventeen tomorrow.

I may not like awkward silences, but I’m infamous for giving people the cold shoulder. I’m an honor student—smart enough to pass every test without breaking a sweat. I hate drawing too much attention to myself, so I prefer to stay low-profile. And yes, I was the girl who congratulated Akatsuki earlier. I just wanted to cheer her up, even though she can be a bit... difficult. Seems like my timing was off, though.

RINGGG!!!

The school bell rang, saving me from this pathetic scene. I grabbed my bag and marched out of the classroom, walking down the hallway and heading towards the stairs.

Suddenly, someone bumped into me hard. The impact was so strong that my phone flew out of my hand, spinning in the air like it had wings—but clearly didn't know how to land.

"Sh*t, my phone!" I exclaimed. Then, my tone shifted instantly. "I mean— I'm sorry but you have to pay me for this"

He stared at me as if I was the criminal, even though he was clearly the one who wasn't looking. His glare was so intense it paralyzed me, leaving me frozen in place, unable to speak or move.

'He just walked off without even saying sorry? What a pathetic excuse for a man,' I thought, watching his back disappear. Only when he was gone did I finally breathe again, my body relaxing as if a heavy curse had been lifted.

My phone rang, snapping me back to reality. It was a reminder—I had to go home immediately. I had a strict curfew to follow, or else my parents would confiscate my PC, and that would be a disaster worse than death.

I breathed heavily, trying to calm my racing heart, and ran as fast as I could. I arrived home just in time, barely beating the clock.

I slumped onto my chair and hugged my PC tightly, as if it were my entire world—because honestly, it is. I powered it on and immediately opened my unfinished project, a game called "Eternal War." It was a masterpiece, with advanced graphics and unique items I designed myself.

HOW TO PLAY:

This is a world ruled by power. There is only one kingdom, but it is divided and ruled by five men. They are brothers, sharing the same father but born from different mothers. Each controls a different aspect of the world.

👑 THE CROWN PRINCE - Rules the Capital

⚔️ THE COLD DUKE - Rules the Military & Borders

🗡️ THE ROGUE MARQUEZ - Controls the Shadows & Information

🛡️ THE COUNT  - Guards the Law & Justice

🔮 THE DIVINE PRINCE - Controls Mana & Magic

Their goal is to stop you from obtaining the Black Onyx. To win the game, you must seize the gem and crush it completely. Destroying the Onyx means ending the war... and effectively ending the entire world within the game.

I was so focused, just about to finalize the coding and finish my work, when suddenly... the screen glitched.

Colors distorted. Files appeared corrupted. The system went haywire.

My mind couldn't process what was happening. Before I could even react, a blinding light consumed the room, followed by total darkness.

[UNKNOWN'S POINT OF VIEW]

"It's your fault for criticizing my work, Arame... or should I say, soon-to-be KAEL."

A sinister voice echoed in the void.

"I'll show you what love really is. I'll make you realize that love isn't as bad as you think. This is your punishment for turning my creation into a laughing stock. Now... experience it yourself."

[ KAEL'S POINT OF VIEW ]

They call this land AIONIOS KINGDOM.

A name that defines existence itself. Eternal, something that has no beginning and no end. It does not age, it does not break, and it cannot be destroyed. It is absolute, constant, and forever. In this world, time is meaningless, and power is the only truth.

But in this eternal world of magic... I am nothing but a shadow.

I am Kael. And I possess nothing. No flames, no mana, no strength—just an ordinary human being living amongst gods.

My parents loved me dearly. They were wealthy merchants, showering me with warmth and gold, trying to shield me from the cruel reality. But love could not protect me from the truth.

When my grandfather found out... his eyes were filled with nothing but disgust and murderous intent.

"Get rid of that trash," he spat. "If he stays under this roof, I will kill him with my own hands. A powerless existence has no right to breathe the same air as us."

Those words shattered my world. To save my life, my parents made the most painful choice. They sent me away, far from home, into the hands of strangers.

And so, I arrived here.

To the residence of the most powerful family in Eternalis—the home of the Five Brothers.

🏛️ THE RULERS OF AIONIOS

They are not just nobles. They are the Kings of their own domains. Five brothers, different mothers, different powers... but all equally dangerous and breathtakingly handsome.

👑 ZEPHYRION ETERNO - THE CROWN PRINCE

The Ruler of the Kingdom

He is the eldest, the embodiment of authority and grace. He wears white and gold robes, carrying an aura that commands respect instantly. He is calm, wise, and has the face of an angel but the mind of a strategist. Everyone bows to him.

⚔️ CAINE ETERNO - THE COLD DUKE

The Ruler of War

Tall, muscular, and always clad in heavy armor. He has sharp eyes that see everything. He is ruthless, emotionless, and speaks only through actions. His power is overwhelming, and his presence is as cold as ice. He does not tolerate weakness.

🗡️ REN ETERNO - THE ROGUE MARQUEZ

The Ruler of Shadows

Silent, swift, and mysterious. He wears dark clothes that blend with the night. He has a playful yet dangerous smile. He controls the underworld and knows every secret in the kingdom. He is unpredictable—one moment he flirts, the next he could kill you.

🛡️ LUCIAN ETERNO - THE COUNT

The Ruler of Justice

The definition of perfection and honor. He is fair, strong, and protective. He wears shining armor and carries the heaviest sense of responsibility. He believes in law and order, but deep inside... he has a warm heart waiting to be found.

🔮 ELIAS ETERNO - THE DIVINE PRINCE

The Ruler of Magic

The youngest, but the most powerful in terms of mana. He has beautiful features, almost ethereal. He controls the elements and the flow of energy. He is curious, quiet, but very observant. He sees things that others cannot.

And I... I am just a servant. A highly educated servant, yes, but still a servant at the bottom of the food chain.

I hide behind thick, oversized glasses that blur my vision and cover my shame. I let my hair grow messy and unkempt, wearing a permanent gloomy expression on my face. I look pitiful, weak, and pathetic.

People mock me. They despise me. They look at me as if I am dirt beneath their shoes.

'He has no magic. He is useless. He is a curse.'

I know what they think. I know what they say. But what else can I do? If they discover the truth—that I am completely powerless—death will be the only thing waiting for me.

So I stay quiet. I lower my head. I act like a fool.

(current word: 1807)

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***