The wind was fresh. The smell of grass and damp earth spread through the air, carrying the living fragrance of newborn nature.
Kuto slowly opened his eyes. For a brief moment, he saw nothing — only a blinding flash.
But then, colors began to emerge…
Green.
A green so vibrant it seemed to breathe.
The leaves of the trees swayed gently, letting sunlight filter through in golden beams that danced across his skin. The distant sound of unknown birds echoed, like a symphony welcoming him to a new world.
He sat up slowly, feeling the soft grass beneath his hands. The touch was real.
The wind was real.
And the gentle warmth of the sun on his face… was real too.
Above, the sky had a shade of blue he had never seen before — deeper, more alive, as if each cloud were painted by a divine artist. The clouds moved in soft spirals, forming white whirlwinds across the horizon.
Kuto took a deep breath, trying to process it all.
His heart pounded, but not from fear — from something else.
From wonder.
> "So… this is it. Velerithon."
He stood up, brushing the dust off his clothes. He wore a simple dark outfit — almost tactical — made of a light fabric that fit perfectly to his body. Flexible, yet resistant.
Ahead, the sound of the wind grew stronger. He walked to the edge of the cliff and… his eyes widened.
The landscape unfolded before him like a living painting.
Distant mountains covered in mist.
Rivers shining like silver threads winding through the valleys.
Dense, vibrant forests filled with gigantic trees that reached the clouds.
And at the heart of it all… a city.
A white and golden wall rose in the distance, majestic and serene. Towers with crystal domes reflected the sunlight, casting shimmering rainbows across the sky. Suspended bridges connected the districts, and small winged creatures flew over the rooftops.
It was an almost divine vision — a fantasy world made real.
Kuto remained silent for several seconds.
Until, behind him, a voice broke the calm.
— Ugh… what a damn headache… — someone muttered.
Kuto turned around.
Behind him, nine people lay scattered on the grass, beginning to stir. They were the same ones from the white void. Now, they looked like ordinary humans — but each carried a distinct, almost tangible aura.
The first to stand was Jack, a tall man with an athletic build, short beard, and confident gaze. He stretched his neck and rolled his shoulders.
— Huh. Not bad for a game tutorial. — he said with a grin. — But it feels way too real.
Right behind him, Gunja, a dark-skinned man with calm eyes, rose slowly. He had an imposing posture and a metallic crucifix hanging from his chest.
— Too calm… — he muttered in a deep tone. — That's never a good sign.
A feminine groan followed.
— Ugh… the ground is so hard… — complained Selina, a young woman with silver hair and shining blue eyes. Her expression was firm, carrying a natural arrogance. — Where's my idiot brother?
A laugh echoed nearby.
Dimitri, a boy with messy blond hair and a mischievous smile, opened his eyes.
— Present. Still breathing, luckily. — he said, laughing as he ruffled his own hair.
Selina crossed her arms, looking at him with boredom.
— Great. Now I can kill you myself if you start with your jokes.
Dimitri raised his hands dramatically.
— Oh come on… violence already, sis? — he teased.
Before she could answer, a male laugh filled the air.
Romeo, a young Italian man with brown hair and a charming smile, approached.
— Easy there, bella. Don't waste all that anger so early. — he said with a wink. — The sun isn't the only beautiful thing here.
Selina froze.
Her gaze narrowed slowly.
— …Are you hitting on me in another world?
— Let's call it interdimensional diplomacy. — replied Romeo, flashing a daring smile.
Dimitri burst out laughing.
— Dude, you better stop. You don't want to provoke her.
But it was too late.
The air around Selina vibrated. Small blue sparks began to swirl around her body.
— Diplomacy what? — she murmured, twisting a finger.
A gust of wind exploded.
Romeo was thrown three meters back and fell face-first into the ground, covered in grass and dust.
The whole group burst into laughter.
— HA! I told you! — Dimitri shouted, laughing until tears welled up.
Romeo stood up, staggering, with a clump of grass stuck in his hair.
— Okay… mental note: magic girls, safe distance. — he said, adjusting his jacket.
Kuto sighed lightly, watching the chaos.
> "A group with this much personality… I foresee long days ahead."
Soon, everyone began introducing themselves.
Jack, being the most confident, naturally took the role of leader.
— Alright, folks. — he said, crossing his arms. — Since we landed together, looks like we're a designated group. Let's get to know each other before we start exploring.
He pointed at himself.
— Jack, Warrior class. 27 years old, Australia.
Gunja nodded.
— Gunja. Paladin class. 23 years old. Nigeria.
Selina lifted her chin proudly.
— Selina Flick. Mage class. 20 years old. England.
Dimitri gave an exaggerated bow.
— Dimitri Flick. Elementalist class. 18 years old. England. And yes, I'm the unlucky brother.
Sensi, a woman with short black hair and an analytical gaze, spoke next:
— Sensi. Manipulator class. 22 years old. Canada.
Sonia, the youngest, waved excitedly.
— I'm Sonia! Sorceress class! 16 years old, New Zealand! — she said with a wide smile.
Romeo, already clean from his fall, ran a hand through his hair and winked.
— Romeo di Falco, Archer, 21 years old, Italy. The charm comes free of charge.
Sonia blushed to her ears, looking away.
Celia, a young woman with dark skin and a gentle expression, clasped her hands in prayer.
— Celia, Cleric class. 26 years old, Cape Verde. — she said softly. — It's a pleasure to meet you all.
Lastly, a young man with a dark gaze and silent movements approached quietly.
Tight black clothes, a hood, and a short dagger strapped to his thigh.
— Haru. Rogue class. 17 years old. Thailand. — he murmured, his voice cold as steel.
All eyes turned to Kuto.
Jack smiled.
— And you, kid?
Kuto was silent for a moment. The wind stirred his black hair, his eyes reflecting the golden sunlight.
— Kuto. 18 years old. Japan. Class… Adaptable.
Romeo raised an eyebrow.
— Adaptable? That sounds… mysterious.
Sensi crossed her arms, studying him.
— Never heard of that class. Sounds experimental.
Kuto shrugged.
— Maybe it is. — he said simply. — But the name doesn't matter. I just need to find out what I'm capable of.
Jack laughed, patting his shoulder.
— I like your spirit, kid. Now… our next stop's obvious.
He pointed toward the bright city ahead.
— That city will be our starting point.
The ten of them exchanged glances. The breeze blew again, carrying the scent of adventure.
And so, the first group of Velerithon began their journey —
unaware that, with every step, the true Game of the Nexus was only just beginning.