Tension gripped the royal hall. King Lei Moyao sat atop his ornate throne, his face stern, carved with the weight of looming war. The torches along the stone walls danced, casting flickering shadows across the chamber.
"The signs are clear," the king said, his voice calm but grave. "War is coming. We must be ready."
Supreme General Kǒngyún stepped forward and bowed low. "Your Majesty, I will see to it that the soldiers are trained without delay. The palace instructors will begin at once."
The king nodded approvingly. "See that they are prepared. This kingdom must remain unshaken."
---
Outside on the training grounds, steel rang against steel. Soldiers moved in perfect rhythm, their weapons slicing through the air under the sharp eye of a veteran trainer — a battle-hardened man with a long scar across his cheek.
During a short break, some soldiers huddled together, speaking in hushed voices.
"Who's the strongest among us?" one asked. "They say the king's power has no equal."
Another replied, "Maybe, but I've heard Prince Yǔlín is just as fearsome. Some say he's nearly unbeatable."
The trainer walked over, his presence quiet but authoritative. "Talking about power levels, are we?"
The soldiers straightened quickly. One dared to respond, "We were just wondering… who ranks highest in strength? And what about the prince?"
The trainer gave a slight nod. "Then listen well. In this realm, strength is measured in levels — a system that defines the ability and might of every fighter."
He raised his voice slightly as he explained:
Lv 1 — Mortals: Regular people, relying on physical strength and basic skills.
Lv 2 — Fighters: Trained warriors with honed martial or weapon techniques.
Lv 3 — Spirit Wielders: Those who channel minor spiritual energy — a flame, a gust, a whisper of magic.
Lv 4 — Demon Slayers: Veterans of battle who detect and destroy lesser demons.
Lv 5 — Shadow Walkers: Masters of stealth, moving unseen and casting subtle curses.
Lv 6 — Elemental Masters: Commanders of a single element — fire, water, earth, or wind — with precision and power.
Lv 7 — Dark Sorcerers: Users of forbidden arts, summoning spirits and weaving deadly curses.
Lv 8 — Demon Lords: Leaders of demon clans or legions, wielding multiple elements and commanding monstrous beasts. When the user reaches the last stage he would be able to duplicate himself (clones)
The soldiers stared in silence, visibly awed.
"Among us," the trainer continued, "King Lei Moyao is a Lv 8 Demon Lord. His strength is unparalleled — feared even by those in other realms."
A young soldier dared to whisper, "And the prince? Yǔlín?"
The trainer's expression darkened. "No one truly knows the limits of his power. Some say he straddles Lv 6 and Lv 8 — but very few have seen him unleash his full might. Fewer still lived to speak of it."
The group exchanged anxious glances.
The trainer added in a lower voice, "Above Lv 8 are the Fallen Gods — Lv 9 — divine beings twisted by darkness. And above even them, the pinnacle: Lv 10 — the God of War, master of all elements and sovereign of battle."
He let the words linger in the air.
"Remember this — true power isn't just strength. It's wisdom. It's heart."
The soldiers nodded, silent and thoughtful. Then the clang of swords returned, louder now, sharper — as if purpose had ignited their training.
---
Back in the throne room, King Lei Moyao gazed into the darkening horizon beyond the tall windows. His golden eyes burned with resolve.
"The storm is coming," he murmured. "And I will not let this kingdom fall."