Hakiyana: Heir of Ashes

The Alvarna Tragedy

"Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for the safety of everyone in the kingdom and the entire land. I ask for protection over my cousins, aunts, and uncles, some of whom serve as Overseers under my father. I also pray for my sister, my father, and my mother, that they are kept safe from harm with Your strength. Lastly, I hope to grow as strong as my father one day. In the Lord's name, I pray, amen." A boy kneels at his bedside, deep in prayer.

Beside him, a big brown and black dog sits happily, prompting the boy to smile and stroke its fur. Suddenly, there's a gentle knock at the door.

"Izimu? It's me, your father. May I come in?" his father asks softly from the other side.

"Yes, Father," Izimu replies, his voice slightly downcast, as he hops onto the bed.

Izimu's father enters the room, exuding a commanding presence. Tall, dark, and athletically built, he is King Itchika Konoro of the Land of Hakiyana, known as the strongest Flow user.

"Come here, Pollo! Come show daddy some love," Itchika calls to the dog, encouraging him to approach.

Pollo happily trots over, allowing Itchika to rub his fur.

"Have you said your nightly prayer?" Itchika asks Izimu, still petting Pollo.

"Yes, I just finished," Izimu replies sadly, gazing out the window.

Itchika notices the gloom on Izimu's face and grins knowingly.

"Listen, Izi, I understand you want to watch the rest of the tournament with us, but it's getting late. Plus, your training starts early in the morning," he explains gently.

"But Father, I'm not tired! It's not fair stupid Akako gets to stay up and watch the tournament, and she doesn't even care about it!" Izimu protests, referring to his sister, which makes Itchika chuckle.

"Hey, don't call your sister stupid. She may not be interested, but she's not the one training her Flow and Enkai to become king one day, is she?" Itchika says, lecturing lightly, while Izimu folds his arms and pouts.

Itchika rises to his feet, allowing Pollo to settle back on the bed with Izimu. Before saying anything else, he suddenly envelops himself in a red glow, known as "Flow"—the essence of one's aura. In this world, with proper training, strength, and technique, Flow can be harnessed in various ways. Izimu watches in awe, his pout transforming into a bright smile.

In an instant, Itchika's Flow shifts from a basic red to a deep ruby shade. He beams, thrilled to see Izimu's spirits lift alongside his own.

"There's that smile I've been waiting to see," Itchika says happily as Izimu continues to stare in amazement.

"Father, this is amazing! Can you please teach me how to... umm... what do you call this power again?" Izimu eagerly asks, prompting a chuckle from Itchika.

"Ruby Mode, son," Itchika replies, watching as the ruby glow around him begins to fade. "When the time is right, I'll teach you. But for now, you should focus on your Enkai."

Enkai is a major sub-power of a person's Flow. While not everyone has one, it is determined by the color of one's Flow.

"But Father! I've gotten much better at it! Do you want to see?" Izimu asks eagerly as Itchika crosses his arms and nods.

"Okay, where?"

"Hmm, go visit your Uncle Leiko and come back in ten seconds. He should be in the feast hall with the other tournament competitors," Itchika instructs. Izimu takes a stance. "I'm going to count down from ten. As soon as I say ten, go."

"Yes, Father!" Izimu replies enthusiastically.

"Okay. Reaaaddddyyyyy... ten!" Itchika shouts.

In an instant, Izimu vanished, demonstrating his teleportation Enkai. However, as he disappeared, all his clothes remained behind, prompting Itchika to chuckle and facepalm in amusement.