The sun had barely risen over the Veinwalker Citadel, its light scattering over white-marble towers like liquid gold. Morning bells echoed through the vast halls, usually a sign of peace.

But today

they rang hollow.

Inside the highest chamber, the Keiryuu's Office, the air trembled like something alive. Echo barriers shimmered on the walls layers of runes, seals, and specter-wards because this room had one purpose:

To host the strongest warriors alive.

At the center of the room stood a man with golden hair tied loosely behind his back, blue eyes calm enough to silence storms.

Isen.

Keiryuu of the Veinwalkers.

Master of Khael Corzedar.

He set aside the scroll he'd been reading, a report stained with blood and ash.

The Hollow Nine have moved.

Lucere has taken the Shard of Flesh.

And Khael Corzedar… awakened something impossible.

Isen closed his eyes.

Even now, he could feel the boy's Shinrei across the Citadel.

It pulsed faintly, warm and ancient like a sleeping dragon.

"Hmm" Isen whispered under his breath. "So you return after all."

A voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Keiryuu. We are assembled."

Isen lifted his head.

The Eclipse Vanguards stood in formation six warriors whose mere presence warped the air.

ZEKE KUROSAWA – Magma Flame

Arms crossed, a furnace of heat simmering around him. Scowl permanent. Rigid posture.

AMANE HOSHIGAKI – Deadly Flower

Poised like a dancer, but every movement promised death. Expression unreadable.

GOROU KANZAKI – Stone Monk

Hands clasped in prayer. Calm. Deep. Unmoving as a mountain.

RAIDEN KUROGAMI – Thunder God

Yawning. Stretching. Looking like he'd rather nap in a tree. Eyes, however—razor sharp.

YUI FUSHIGURO – Shade Wielder

Standing at the edge of the light, half her face vanished in shadow. Cold aura humming.

KAITO YAGAMI – Wave Strategist

Calm as the ocean before a storm. Every glance calculating ten moves ahead.

Isen gave them a faint smile.

"Good morning, my troublesome children."

Zeke instantly growled.

"We're not kids."

Amane smirked.

"Kinda cute that you think that argument still works."

Raiden lazily raised a hand.

"I agree with Zeke. Except I don't care."

Gorou bowed.

"Keiryuu-sensei, we await your wisdom."

Kaito nodded silently.

Yui said nothing at all.

Isen clasped his hands behind his back, his warmth fading into a serious calm.

"…Lucere has made his first official move."

The room stiffened.

Even Raiden stopped pretending to sleep.

Amane's smile disappeared.

Zeke's jaw tightened.

Gorou murmured a prayer.

Yui's shadow thickened behind her.

Kaito narrowed his eyes.

Isen continued.

"He attacked Vince and the others. Took the Shard of Flesh. And most importantly."

He placed a report onto the table.

"….he confronted my disciple."

THE NAME THAT CHANGED THE ROOM

Raiden blinked.

"…Wait. Who?"

Isen smiled faintly.

"Khael Corzedar."

A beat of silence.

And then

Zeke slammed a fist into his palm.

"I knew it. The kid gave me weird Shinrei readings the last time I saw him."

Amane tilted her head.

"He should NOT have survived Lucere."

Gorou nodded slowly.

"His spirit is unusual. It vibrates like a second heartbeat."

Yui's eyes narrowed a fraction.

"That power inside him… it is not human."

Kaito exhaled, rubbing his temple.

"If the Hollow Nine targeted him, then he is tied to the shards."

Amane pouted.

"Which means he's either a future asset… or a future corpse."

Isen's smile vanished.

"No. Khael is neither of those."

Everyone turned to him.

"He is my disciple."

And when Isen spoke those words…

The temperature in the room dropped.

Lightning flickered around Raiden's ankles.

Zeke's flames flared crimson.

Yui's shadow sharpened.

Because there was one rule among the Vanguards:

No one touches the Keiryuu's disciple.

No organization.

No clan.

No army.

Kaito folded his arms.

"Sir… what exactly awakened inside the boy?"

Isen looked toward the glowing wards behind him.

Then he spoke the name.

"Azael."

Zeke sucked in a breath.

Amane's eyes widened.

Raiden's yawn died halfway.

Gorou bowed instinctively.

Yui's fingers twitched.

Kaito's pupils constricted.

"Impossible," Zeke whispered.

"Azael the Golden Dragon of Emotion died centuries ago fighting you."

Isen nodded.

"Yes. I killed his body."

He placed a hand over his chest.

"But not his spirit."

Gorou breathed out reverently.

"inside the boy lies terrifying life…"

Amane smiled thinly.

"Cute. Overpowered, but cute."

Raiden scratched his cheek.

"So the kid's a walking nuke."

"Incorrect," Yui murmured coldly.

"He is a walking apocalypse."

….

ISEN'S WARNING

Isen raised his hand.

"No panic. Azael is… conscious. But dormant. Khael is resting with his friends. His emotions are unstable, but manageable."

Zeke frowned.

"So the boy doesn't know?"

"Maybe no or maybe yes," Isen said quietly. "But he must not panic. His heart is fragile."

Raiden whistled.

"So we do what we do?"

Amane nodded.

"And put eyes on him."

Yui crossed her arms.

"…I'll monitor the shadows around him."

Zeke grunted.

"I'll train him when he wakes. He needs discipline."

Gorou smiled gently.

"I will guide his spirit."

Kaito opened a holographic map.

"I'll analyze the Hollow Nine's movements based on Lucere's appearance."

Isen's smile returned proud, soft, warm.

"You all care more than you admit."

Six Vanguards instantly denied it in unison.

"I don't." – Zeke

"He's cute, not important." – Amane

"He's a pain." – Raiden

"…I have no emotions." – Yui

"He is simply a young soul." – Gorou

"It is logical. Not emotional." – Kaito

Isen laughed under his breath.

THE HOLLOW NINE, THE REAL THREAT

Kaito flicked his wrist, and a wide Echo-display projected a map over the office.

"Lucere appearing means the Hollow Nine are accelerating their plan."

Zeke frowned.

"But the Dragon Knight, Yuna is dead."

Isen's face shifted ever so slightly.

Raiden raised a brow.

"Uh oh. Sensei's face did the thing."

"Khael is now being in the hot seat." Raiden muttered. "I want to sleep."

Kaito's voice darkened.

"Which means the boy is now a priority target."

Isen nodded.

"Which is why none of you will leave him unguarded."

…

THE VEINWALKER FESTIVAL A NEW THREAT

Raiden suddenly perked up.

"Oh, oh! Is the kid still joining the Veinwalker Festival? The Shōnen-arc tournament thing?"

Zeke sighed.

"Raiden. Stop calling it that."

Amane laughed.

"But he's not wrong. It's basically a giant emotional cage match."

Gorou nodded.

"The festival brings all prodigies into one place… which means danger."

Yui crossed her arms.

"Perfect opportunity for the Hollow Nine to strike."

Kaito pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Of course. And Khael and kaen was already registered… under Isen's personal recommendation."

Raiden grinned.

"Ohhhh, the kids gonna have fun."

Zeke snarled.

"Or die."

Isen flicked Raiden's forehead with a flash of Shinrei.

"Stop teasing."

Then he turned solemn.

"they must participate. The festival is where they will stabilize their emotions. Where they will confront themselves."

Kaito closed his tablet.

"Understood. We'll prepare."

…

ISEN'S FINAL ORDER

Isen stepped forward, the air bending around him with impossible calm.

"Listen well."

Every Vanguard straightened.

"Khael Corzedar awakened Azael, survived Lucere, and carries a shard once held by dragons."

His voice deepened, warm but absolute.

"The world will come for him."

Raiden's smirk vanished.

Zeke clenched his fists.

Amane's eyes hardened.

Gorou bowed.

Yui's shadow curled.

Kaito exhaled.

Isen's gaze sharpened, divine and heavy as the sky.

"Protect him."

"At all costs."

The Vanguards answered as one.

"Yes, Keiryuu."

…

MEANWHILE IN THE INFIRMARY

Khael slept peacefully, unaware of the storm gathering around him.

Unaware that a dragon soul pulsed behind his heart.

Unaware that Lucere made his next move.

Unaware that the world's strongest warriors were preparing for a war…

…all because of him.

Ceyla held his hand, whispering softly:

"Please… wake up stronger.

We need you."

His fingers twitched.

A faint ember of gold glowed beneath his chest.

Azael's voice rumbled faintly in his dreams.

"Soon, little flame.

Your path begins."

To be continue

⚙️ Power System: "Shinrei and the Paths of the Soul"

🧬 1. Shinrei – The Flame of Emotion

Definition: Shinrei is the spiritual force that flows through all living things in Elysera. It's born from emotion, shaped by the soul, and expressed as supernatural power.Nature: Shinrei is alive. It's not just energy — it responds to the user's emotional state, and can even grow unstable if their heart wavers.Color and form are influenced by emotion (e.g., rage becomes molten red, fear becomes shadowy black).

💠 2. Vein Gates – Channels of Power

Each user has Vein Gates scattered throughout their body — spiritual pressure points that must be unlocked to access greater levels of power. Opening more gates increases power, but at a cost.

Gate

Name

Unlocks

Drawbacks

1️⃣

Gate of Awakening

First Echo Art, affinity awakening

Minor exhaustion

2️⃣

Gate of Resonance

Stronger flow, sharper arts

Emotional instability

3️⃣

Gate of Stabilization

Multi-art chaining, internal balance

Painful strain

4️⃣

Gate of Transcendence

Hybrid Shinrei, second affinity unlocks

Bloodline mutation or side effects

5️⃣

Eclipse Gate

God-tier Echo Arts, access to Eclipse Forms

Potential Void influence

6️⃣

Rift Gate

Power disrupts illusions, seals

Body degradation begins

7️⃣

Soulbreak Gate

Echo Arts become semi-autonomous

Identity cracks

8️⃣

Hollow Gate

Total ego death

Risk of Hollow Drift

9️⃣

Eternity Gate (Forbidden)

Permanent Echo Fields, rewriting reality

Rebirth or collapse into Voidborn

🌌 3. Affinities – Emotional Cores

Each fighter has an Affinity, tied to a core emotion. Some rare warriors (like Kaen) have a Hybrid or even unstable core.

Affinity

Emotion

Style

Example

🔥 Flame

Rage

Offense, combustion, burning power

Kaen Suro

🌊 Wave

Calm

Flow, redirection, counters

Healers & tacticians

⚡ Storm

Despair

Chaos, speed, destruction

Ceyla Nox

🪨 Stone

Resolve

Endurance, shields, control

Juno Arkai (physical mirror)

🌸 Bloom

Hope

Healing, buffing, radiant arts

Lira Valenne

☠️ Shade

Fear

Illusions, paralysis, corruption

Forbidden, often linked to Voidborn

🌪️ 4. Echo Arts – Manifested Emotion

Definition: Echo Arts are unique spiritual techniques born from the soul.Trigger: Shouted name + intent + strong emotion.Nature: Deeply personal. Even twins will have different Echo Arts.Evolution: Arts grow stronger through pain, trauma, growth, or emotional resonance.Some rare users develop Eclipse Arts — divine-level Echo abilities unlocked at the 5th Gate.

🧿 5. Bloodline Veins – Inherited Mutations

Some characters possess special lineages that mutate their Shinrei or body:

Bloodline

Ability

Drawback

🔥 Soul Burn Lineage

Burns illusions, fear, and corruption

Constant inner pain

🧬 Echo Twin Core

Two souls, two affinities

Dual emotion conflict

🪞 Verdant Mirror (Rael)

Tactical foresight, Lumen Blade synergy

Requires emotional clarity

👁️ Emotion Split

Holds two opposite cores

High risk of Voidborn state

🩸 Dragon Bloodline (Khael)

Wind-based dominion, scales, and possibly flight

Risk of draconic mutation

🌀 6. Echo Spirits – Soul-Bound Entities

Sentient or semi-sentient spirits bonded to warriors.Born from either ancestral contracts, traumatic events, or spiritual awakening.Examples:Seraphis – Verdant Mirror (Rael): Enhances perception and art chaining.??? (Khael): His dragon-related spirit may still be awakening.

🦴 7. Taishin Path – The Way of the Flesh

Used by people with no affinity (e.g. Juno Arkai).Focuses on physical mastery by opening Taishin Gates (akin to chakra limiters): 1️⃣ Bone Gate Unlocks full muscle density. Increases strength x1.5 for 15 seconds. 2️⃣ Tendon Gate Boosts flexibility and reflexes. Useful for dodging or redirecting Echo Arts. 3️⃣ Core Gate Reinforces internal organs; allows survival after severe blows. 4️⃣ Vein Sense Gate Heightens ability to feel the Shinrei of others—predict movements. 5️⃣ Iron Nerve Gate Temporarily disables the body's pain signals. High-risk. 6️⃣ Pulse Gate Allows short bursts of super speed (rivals Flare Step users). 7️⃣ Limit Gate Breaks the brain's limiters on physical power. Enters overdrive mode for 20 seconds.They can fight even elite Shinrei users through sheer discipline and raw willpower.

🕳️ 8. Voidborn – When Emotion Fails

Fallen warriors consumed by negative Shinrei.Often tied to Shade affinity or broken Vein Gates.Become monsters or echo-wraiths, losing their soul and identity.Whispering voices, hollow eyes, twisted Echo Arts.

🗡️ 9. Echo Tools

Echo Blades: Weapons that channel Echo Arts.Emotion Seals: Tattooed or worn to stabilize unstable Shinrei flow.Void Tethers: Used to bind Voidborn temporarily.Vein Beads: Temporary boosts, healing, or affinity stabilization.

🧭 Summary of Power Paths

Path

Focus

Users

Veinwalker

Shinrei + Emotion

Kaen, Lira, Rael, Ceyla

Taishin

Physical mastery

Juno

Bloodline Heir

Hybrid/Inherited powers

Khael, Rael

Voidbound

Corrupted/Shadowed

Enemies, some NPCs

Eclipse

Ultimate Shinrei Mastery

Only a few reach this

⚔️ VEINWALKERS

"They walk the path between emotion and destruction—through the Vein that binds the soul to the world."

..

What Are Veinwalkers?

Veinwalkers are elite warriors who channel Shinrei, a spiritual force born from deep, powerful emotions. Each warrior must open their Vein Gates, emotional cores within the soul that allow Shinrei to flow and manifest as powerful abilities called Echo Arts.

They exist to protect the world from:

Corrupted Clans – Families consumed by emotional imbalance and internal decay.

Rogue Veinwalkers – Former protectors who now follow their own twisted goals.

Voidborn – Monstrous beings from the Void, immune to logic and driven by hunger for emotion.

Where others fall to their emotions, Veinwalkers rise through them.

🏛️ Veinwalker Ranks & Structure

🌀 Academy Students (Trainees)

Ages: 12+

Begin training in Shinrei control, emotional discipline, and basic Echo Arts.

Divided into 3-person squads, each led by a Field Veinwalker mentor.

Final test: unlocking at least one Vein Gate.

…

Field Veinwalkers (Active Operatives)

Graduates of the Academy who have opened their Vein Gates and are ready for real missions.

They specialize in roles like:

Combat

Espionage

Medical & support

Sealing & containment

🔰 Veinwalker Badge Ranks:

🟢 Green Veinwalker – Junior

🔵 Blue Veinwalker – Senior

🔴 Crimson Veinwalker – Elite

⚫ Eclipse Vanguard – Legendary, near-mythic operatives (see below)

⚫ Eclipse Vanguards

"When nations cry and stars fall—send in the Vanguards."

Eclipse Vanguards are the strongest battlefield warriors among the Veinwalkers. Each one is chosen to represent an Emotion Affinity—Rage, Calm, Sorrow, Hope, and more.

Roles:

First response to global threats.

Commanders in large-scale Veinwalker operations.

Solo agents for assassination, containment, or protection of relics.

Traits:

Have opened multiple Vein Gates, sometimes even mastering entire emotional spectrums.

Given special codenames and gear forged by the Eclipse Order.

If the Lunar Sages are the heads of each nation…

The Eclipse Vanguards are their blades.

…

The Lunar Sages

"To rule a nation is to master the Vein of its people."

There are 12 Lunar Sages, each one the undisputed master of a single Emotion Affinity and ruler of one of the 12 nations.

Each Sage holds absolute authority within their realm, but they do not control each other.

Responsibilities:

Govern their nation and maintain Veinwalker academies.

Protect and pass down sacred Echo Arts unique to their Affinity.

Train future Eclipse Vanguards of their respective emotion.

Example:

🌸 Sage of Bloom – Master of the Bloom Affinity, overseeing the Floral Nation and its blooming-style Echo Arts.

Sages do not fight one another.

Because if they did—entire continents would break.

The Keiryuu – Blood Flow Leader

"Even the Vein must flow toward a heart. I am that heart."

The Keiryuu is the one who sits above all Veinwalkers.

Neither a ruler of a nation nor a sage of emotion, the Keiryuu is the guardian of balance and peacekeeper of the world.

🧬 Name: Isen

Title: Keiryuu – Supreme Commander of the Veinwalker Corps

Affinity: Unknown (rumored to possess all, or have sealed his true nature)

Appearance: Golden hair, calm blue eyes, clad in black and silver robes.

Legacy:

Defeated the Ancient Dragon of Emotion alone.

Wields the Sealed Spear, a weapon even the Lunar Sages revere.

Revered as a living god, known as "The Honored One."

Personality:

Warm and wise.

Known to make jokes, even in serious moments.

But when angered—nations tremble.

Role:

Mediator between Lunar Sages. Commander of Eclipse Vanguards.

Final authority in matters threatening the balance of the world.

Without the Keiryuu, the world would collapse into a war of emotions.

📜 Final Note:

Veinwalkers walk the tightrope of emotion and war.

The Keiryuu keeps the balance.

The Lunar Sages rule the land.

The Eclipse Vanguards fight in the shadows.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.