There are moments when a person's passion for something they love reaches its peak.

When one truly loves a craft, a one-of-a-kind tool is born into the world.

We call this phenomenon the 'Armun Awakening.' The tool itself is called an 'Armun'...

Townspeople: Is that the Knight Commander? He's so handsome... Whisper whisper.

Soldier 1: You've worked hard, Commander.

Soldier 2: All clear on duty, sir!

Astian: Right. Good work, everyone.

At that moment, a soldier runs up quickly. Soldier 3: Commander! Commander Astian! It's an emergency!!

Astian: What is it?

Soldier 3: It's... it's an Armun Berserker...! He pants heavily.

"Armun Berserker."

Townsperson 1: A Berserker...! Run!!

Townsperson 2: Dammit...! Another Armun Berserker!

This is what they call those who fail to control their Armun and are consumed by the tool.

Soldier 3: Over here.

Astian: You step back.

Slash! Astian eliminates the Berserker. May the heavens lead you to paradise...

Thus, the life of an Armun Berserker must be ended.

Soldier 3: Brilliant swordsmanship again. Good work, sir.

Astian: It was nothing... 'They were merely unskilled at handling their own power...' Is there no way... to reduce the number of Armun Berserkers...

Soldier 3: Chuckling It can't be helped. They're just losers who can't even handle their own Armun. An Armun is wasted on people like that.

Astian: Is that so... I'll go make my report. I leave the cleanup to you.

Imperial Audience Chamber

Astian: ...And that concludes the report on this incident.

King: Good work, Sir Astian. I am truly at ease knowing you are the Knight Commander. However, it is a shame that a talent like you still hasn't awakened an Armun...

Astian: An Armun is ultimately just a tool... It is not the entirety of one's strength, so I am fine.

King: I knew you would say that. That is why I like you. Rest well for today.

People passing through the palace: Isn't that Astian? I heard he handled a Berserker. I wonder how strong his Armun would be? He always goes somewhere alone after work... Where does he go? Wow~ look at him. I wonder what kind of Armun he'll awaken?

An Orphanage

Children run up excitedly. Yay~ It's the mister! They cling to Astian as if hugging him.

Astian: Haha... you kids... He smiles.

Melcia: You're early today, aren't you? She smiles.

Astian: Ah, my lady. You're working hard teaching the children.

Young Ignian: Mister! I want to awaken an Armun too!! His eyes sparkle.

Astian: An Armun, you say? He gives a gentle smile.

Young Ignian: Yes. I want fire to come out of my sword! Do you have an Armun, mister?

Astian: I don't have one yet either.

Young Ignian: What kind of Armun do you want to have? His eyes shine.

Astian: Hmm... As for me... He glances at Melcia and smiles.

Melcia: Today's lesson is~ Poof! Armun activated. A book appears.

Meanwhile, in the town. Evening has fallen.

Drunk Soldier: Sigh... When will I ever awaken an Armun... Hic! I want to change my life too...

Suddenly appearing Baal: Do you desire an Armun...?

Drunk Soldier: You... you're...! The one who was expelled from the Knights...!

Baal: I shall give you power... Baal's Armun, a sword, hums.

Drunk Soldier: Gaaah...! My... my body...! His eyes suddenly turn red as he transforms into an Armun Berserker. Aaaargh...!

Baal: Now... everything is ready. Just you wait... Astian...! He grins.

The next day.

Soldier: Commander. Here is the report.

Astian: Huh? What are you talking about?

Soldier: No... it's just... another Armun Berserker appeared last night...

Suddenly, a massive explosion goes off somewhere with a 'BOOM!'

Astian: ?!

Another soldier runs up quickly. Other Soldier: Commander...! It's an emergency!! Unspecified Armun Berserkers are appearing from the city to the outskirts!! After multiple terror attacks, they are now gathering at the central plaza!!

Astian: Startled Even in the outskirts?!

Other Soldier: Civilian casualties are significant...!!

Black smoke rises from far off in the outskirts.

Astian: I have somewhere I must go...! I leave this place to you!!

Soldiers: Yes, sir!! Leave it to us!!

Astian runs fast toward the outskirts. Dammit... Please be safe...!

Astian arrives at the orphanage, panting heavily. Huff... huff...

However, Melcia lay collapsed on the ground, bleeding.

Astian: Melcia!!!!!!!!

He cradles the fallen Melcia. My lady... how did this...! Please... please don't leave me... His body trembles.

Melcia: I... I knew you would come...

Astian: Don't say another word! I'll get a doctor right away!!

Melcia: No... it's already too late for me... The children have all been evacuated safely...

Don't cry... Crying doesn't suit you... You're our strong and wonderful Knight Commander... Astian, aren't you?

Astian: I... I am not... I don't even have an Armun...

Melcia: That doesn't matter... Honestly... there was something you wanted more than swordsmanship, wasn't there?

Astian: Because I wanted to become... a teacher, just like you...

Melcia: Smiling Hehe... that would have been impossible... You're terrible at teaching... But... teaching isn't everything a teacher does... You'll surely get a good Armun... one that suits a teacher...

Astian: I was planning to retire... and build an academy... To help anyone... handle their Armun easily...

Melcia: That's a good plan... Then the Berserkers will decrease... and you will... be a good teacher... Taking your name... and mine... how about Asmel...?

Astian: Asmel Academy... That's a truly wonderful name...

Melcia: Astian... I'm... getting sleepy now...

Astian: Sleep peacefully... When we meet again... we'll be the Headmaster... and his wife...

《Fates are like flowing water; we cannot always face one another.》

The rain begins to pour.

Soldiers: The Commander is back!! Commander! We've thinned their numbers significantly! The one who seems to be the cause and the leader is that man over there!

Baal: It's been a long time! Astian!!

Astian: Baal!!!!! His face contorts with rage.

Baal: Yes, I did it all! This is the true power of my Armun...!! Drawing his sword I've lived for revenge since the day you slashed my eye and kicked me out of the Knights!!!!!

Soldiers: Wow, he's taken down almost all the Berserkers!! As expected of the Commander!!

Astian: Baal!!!!!

Baal's sword and Astian's sword clash. Clang!!

At that moment, Baal does something. Flash!!

Astian: Wh-what...!!

Baal: Your sword... is breaking...? Hehehe... It wasn't an Armun!! That sword! The Knight Commander doesn't have an Armun!! How pathetic!! No! To be this strong without an Armun! It's awe-inspiring!! But it's your defeat for failing to awaken one!!!!!

Astian: I didn't fail; I chose not to. Astian suddenly shuts his eyes tight and focuses inward.

Thinking of Melcia My lady... I'm sorry... for not being able to keep that promise... Feeling the Armun Come. I will no longer reject you.

Armun Awakening. A massive, blindingly bright golden greatsword appears in Astian's hand.

Baal: An... Armun Awakening?! I... I've never heard of anything like this...!!

Astian: Baal!!!!!

Baal: Astian!!!!!

They fight.

Baal staggers. D-dammit...!

He collapses to the ground. Heh... hehe... My power doesn't end here...! You too...! You've been mortally wounded, so you'll be dead soon enough...!!!!!

Astian: Looking down coldly The heavens will not lead you either. Astian stabs him deeply.

That year, Astian was recognized for his achievements and founded the academy. He allowed anyone who awakened an Armun to enroll, regardless of status or gender.

A few months later. Inside the Headmaster's office. Someone comes to visit. They knock. Headmaster, may I come in?

But it was far too quiet. Headmaster?

Opening the door and entering Headmaster!!!

Astian: In a small voice Melcia... I'll be there to meet you soon...

Astian passed away with his eyes closed and a smile on his face.

20 years later.

The academy became the largest in the empire, fostering many talented students.

The name of the academy is 『Asmel Academy』.

《Water has the power to bring things together.》

—Prologue End—