"The world is big. The universe, even bigger. But some destinies are measured not in miles… but in dimensions. One is in Canada, the other in England. And both are walking toward the same end. Or perhaps… the same beginning."
Canada, Ontario – Grey Maple Orphanage Miller was lying on his back in bed, staring at the cracks in the ceiling. A faintly crackling 80s song was playing from the radio beside him.
He was 1.85 meters tall, muscular, black-haired, sharp-eyed—yet sleepy-looking.
A textbook example of the "brooding handsome" type.
Despite it being only seven in the morning, Miller was already awake. He tiptoed out of bed to avoid waking the others and headed to the kitchen.
He turned on the faucet, but instead of water, it just sputtered out a dry "gluk-gluk." He frowned.
"Perfect. Starting the day without tea... possibly life's cruelest betrayal yet."
Mumbling to himself, he grabbed his brown mug and went to the living room window. A light snow was falling outside.
"This? This is where my epic tale begins? I mean, at least give me a spaceship or something."
He closed his eyes.
"Hey universe! Fix the tea situation and maybe I'll take you more seriously!"
Just then, the ceiling light trembled slightly. A beam of radiant blue light descended into the room, and everything around Miller began to slowly fade.
"Wait—tea? I was joking! No need for teleportation, seriously!"
Warwick, England – The Blue-Walled Orphanage Brien's hair looked like he'd been struck by lightning when he woke up. His white, messy hair stuck out in every direction. He looked in the mirror.
"Eyebrow's still slashed. Still cool. Yep, today is Brien Day."
Brien was 17, but he had never quite kicked out the 10-year-old that lived inside him.
He was known as the most "weird but fascinating" kid in all of Warwick.
A boy from the next bed called out:
"Brien, you stuck screws in the toaster again. Why?"
"Because ordinary toast just doesn't excite me, Jerry!"
"Ah, today's excavation report: two rusty screws, one faded magazine and—what is this? A movie ticket from 1998?!"
He found an old chest on the floor. Strange glowing symbols began to shine across its surface.
"Ooh, definitely cursed. Or maybe there's a vintage Gameboy in here!"
He opened it, and a burst of light shone from an ancient scroll inside. The letters seemed to speak in a language strange, yet oddly familiar.
"Leonhardt is calling you, Brindson..."
"Leonhardt? Is that a new RPG release, or did I just find a real spellbook again?!"
Suddenly, a beam of blue light surrounded him.
"Wait! I haven't even had breakfast yet!" he screamed as he vanished.
Leonhardt Kingdom – Royal GardenA dazzling light burst overhead. Two young men landed in the middle of a silver rose-filled royal garden. Dust rose, grass flattened, and the sky shimmered faintly.
Miller and Brien lay on the ground, staring up in disbelief.
Brien: "There's dirt in my mouth… and I think someone dragged me by the shoulder. Wait—nope, I just fell."
Miller: "Think I hit my head. But yeah… this is definitely not Toronto."
Suddenly, they were surrounded by armored guards in silver plate and blue cloaks, holding large spears.
Guard: "They've arrived!"
Brien: "Arrived where exactly?!"
Miller: "Is this like a Disney castle? Or is this cosplay?"
Guard (firmly): "You are to be taken to King Pendragon. Immediately."
Royal Throne Room – The Grand EntranceMassive doors swung open. Inside was a marble floor, towering pillars, and a crimson velvet throne where a tall, white-caped figure sat:
King Pendragon.
With piercing eyes and a commanding presence, he seemed to fill the whole room.
Pendragon: "So… you've come. A little earlier than expected, but not bad."
Brien (whispering to Miller): "Look at this guy. He talks like Gandalf in retirement."
Miller: "And he's definitely got leader energy. But I still feel awkward about showing up in socks."
Pendragon rose to his feet.
Pendragon: "Your names, strangers?"
Miller: "Miller. Simple, quiet, efficient."
Brien: "Brien. Chaotic, creative, sleep-deprived."
The King paused. Then smiled.
"These are the warriors destined to change Leonhardt?"
A royal advisor whispered nearby:
"Your Majesty... one of them is wearing mismatched socks."
Pendragon: "Excellent. True Reaper blood is never ordinary."
Comedic FarewellPendragon: "Listen well. You are not ordinary boys. There is power in your blood. But understanding it… will take time."
Brien: "Yeah, no doubt. I'm still not even sure this throne is real. Can I sit on it?"
Pendragon: "Absolutely not."
Miller (murmuring to himself): "At least I don't have to deal with burnt toast anymore. Now I've got bigger problems: magic, crowns, and prophecies..."
Chapter Ends – Narrator Returns"Two strangers now stand before a throne in an unknown land. They don't know it yet… but this is only the beginning. The Reaper blood awakens. And the world will never be the same again."