In the grand city of Arestha, there stood an orphanage known as Evergrow. All the children who lived there shared one thing in common — they had all faced loss, yet found peace and happiness within its walls. But things hadn't always been so calm. Just two years ago, a brutal war had swept through the land, leading to widespread famine and suffering.
Many nights, the children had gone to sleep hungry. Families were torn apart. Some orphanages closed their doors to protect what little they had, but Evergrow remained open. It welcomed every child, no matter their story. Though the orphanage had little to offer, they shared what they could — food, blankets, and support. Every child helped one another. And that year, for the first time in many, the harvest was good. All the children received new blankets.
Still, Evergrow remained cautious. There were rumors—rumors about the CLONES.
Clones were once one of the strongest and most feared races. In ancient times, they possessed the terrifying ability to shapeshift into anything they consumed. They devoured angels, mimicked their forms, and tricked humans into worshipping them. It was said their power came not from magic, but from consuming human souls. Even today, some believe human sacrifice can restore the lost strength of clones. And who better to prey on than forgotten orphaned children?
Because of this, orphanages had become extra cautious — Evergrow most of all.
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Among the children living at Evergrow was a boy named Rai. He was a sharp-looking 14-year-old with jet-black hair and striking blue eyes. Rai had been raised in the orphanage ever since he could remember. He had nothing from his past—no known relatives, no inheritance—except a single silver locket.
Despite lacking formal training, Rai could cast simple spells. He wasn't particularly strong physically, but when it came to swordsmanship, he was unmatched among the orphans. He could disarm nearly anyone in three strikes.
Rai had a dream: to attend the Academy of Swords and Magic. He had read countless books about it. But his true goal was something far greater — to reach the legendary Soulbound rank. It was said to be the highest rank a swordsman could ever achieve, surpassing all others. The only path to that dream was through the academy.
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One day, out of the blue, a carriage arrived at the gates of Evergrow. Emblazoned on its side was the crest of the Dracus Guild, one of the most respected guilds in the region.
A hush fell over the orphanage as everyone gathered. It was announced that the visitors were here to adopt a child.
Excitement spread like wildfire.
Out of the carriage stepped a merchant, his wife, and their two children. They greeted the head of the orphanage politely and began speaking with the children. But Rai wasn't paying attention. He was in the corner, practicing his sword strikes with a wooden blade, focused and silent.
The merchant noticed him.
"Where did you learn to use a sword?" he asked.
"From a book," Rai replied, not stopping.
"Do you do this every day?"
Rai paused, turned, and said, "Yes. Because one day, I want to become Soulbound — the highest rank a swordsman can reach."
The merchant stared into the boy's eyes and saw a rare, burning determination.
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The next morning, the head of the orphanage called Rai in.
"Congratulations," he said with a warm smile. "You've been adopted by the Zestar family. From now on, you are Rai Zestar."
Rai was stunned. But more than that — he was filled with hope.
He packed his few belongings, said his goodbyes, and climbed into the carriage. As it pulled away, he looked back one last time. It was the first time he had ever left the orphanage.
Inside the carriage, the Zestar family spoke kindly to him. The merchant's daughter and son chatted with Rai as if they'd always known him. He was surprised by how warm they all seemed. When they reached their estate, Rai was stunned by the size of the mansion.
Fretz, the merchant's eldest son, showed Rai to his room. It had a window with a beautiful view. That evening, during dinner, Mr. Zestar stood and made an announcement.
"In our family," he began, "no child follows the same path. We give each of our children three choices — and they must prove themselves worthy of their decision."
He continued, "First, if you have talent and strength, you may join the Military Academy. Second, if you have the courage and ideas, you can run and grow the family business. And third... if you truly have the will, the blood, and the heart of a warrior, you may go to the Academy of Swords and Magic."
Mr. Zestar locked eyes with Rai.
"You may not be of our blood," he said, "but if you want it, and you can earn it — we will support you."
"Competition starts tomorrow," he added with a grin. "So rest up. Tonight, we celebrate the welcome of Rai Zestar."
That night, Rai lay in his bed, holding his silver locket. He whispered a silent prayer, thankful for this unexpected chance.
He knew this was it — his best and only shot at reaching the Soulbound rank.
And no matter what stands in front of him he would win.