Peak of the World

A teenager trudged wearily across the street.

He looked exhausted; his dead eyes revealed the depth of his depression. The setting sun illuminated his slim, weak frame, casting a lonely shadow across the pavement.

Victoria City, a small urban center not much larger than a town, was home to a few notable figures.

This boy was one of its residents. Though famous, he would have preferred otherwise.

“It’s Fang!”

“Today was the final exam for the spring, and, as usual, he failed.”

“If he keeps this up, he won’t even get into the worst college. What a waste—no future at all.”

“I’m just a baker, but even my son passed the exam easily. And Fang comes from a famous family!”

Fang hailed from a distinguished lineage. His great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents were locally renowned for their contributions to the city. He inherited the same sharp reflexes and a strong body, as expected. However, as he grew up, one problem became painfully clear—he lacked the ability to practice martial arts.

Misfortune rarely comes alone. Fang was only ten when his parents were killed in a war defending the city from invaders. The casualties were numerous, and with much of the city in ruins, there was little time to care for the bereaved. Fang's life took a sharp turn for the worse.

Although his parents’ sacrifice had saved the city, their contributions were soon forgotten. Six years flew by, and the people of Victoria City no longer remembered the foundation their success was built upon. All that remained in the minds of most was the image of Fang—once the heir to a gifted family, now weak and powerless.

Hearing the mocking voices, Fang clenched his fist, the veins on his pale skin bulging.

**These damned people... My parents gave everything to this city, even their lives. And this is how you repay them? You insult their son?**

His anger was raw but helpless. When he arrived home, he saw a beautiful girl waiting by the door. She had blue eyes, snow-white skin, and a slim figure.

When she saw him, her eyes lit up, and she exclaimed, “Master, you’re back!”

From the tone of her voice, one might mistake Mii for Fang’s lover. However, she was simply his maid. Their relationship was unusual, though—they had grown up together. In times like these, when many struggled to survive, being a servant was often a child's only chance. Wealthy families would adopt orphans to serve their children, providing companionship that could last a lifetime.

Mii had been abandoned by heartless parents. A hunter found her as a baby, left in the mountains for the wolves. She was brought to an orphanage, but her frail condition made her unappealing for adoption. When Fang’s parents visited the orphanage, they pitied her, and since she was the same age as Fang, they took her in as a maid.

Under the gentle care of Fang’s parents, Mii grew healthier and prettier over time. When it came time for her physical aptitude test, she was found to have remarkable talent. Many families regretted not adopting her and tried to entice her to leave Fang’s household. However, Mii, grateful to Fang’s parents and fond of Fang, refused. After Fang's parents died, Mii was the only family he had left.

Seeing her, Fang’s anger subsided a little, and he nodded. “Hi, Mii.”

“Master, your test results...” she began, but when she saw his face darken, she stopped. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”

Fang sighed. “It doesn’t matter. I’m used to it.”

Mii tried to cheer him up. “Master, don’t be discouraged by these results. In half a year, you might improve and get into a good college.”

He laughed bitterly. “I hope so.”

They entered the empty mansion. It was not particularly small—his ancestors had been wealthy—but an eerie silence pervaded the space. The once-vibrant household was lifeless. Most of the family’s fortune had been spent on Fang, as his parents worked tirelessly to give him a better future. But with their deaths, the income stopped. To conserve the dwindling funds, all the servants were dismissed. Only Mii remained, out of the dozens who once lived there.

“Master, you must be tired. I’ve prepared hot water for you. Would you like to take a bath?”

“Yes, please.”

Heavy mist filled the bathroom as Fang sat on a small wooden stool. Mii began to gently rub his back with a towel.

The tragedies of his childhood and the constant insults from those around him had hardened Fang’s heart. Despite this, Mii had stayed with him, even when he had given her the option to leave, like the other servants. She insisted on remaining as his maid, and her unwavering faith in him touched him deeply.

Many times, Fang had wanted to give up. But because of Mii, he kept trying, pushing himself every day so that she might have a better life.

Yet, reality was harsh.

After his bath and dinner, Fang climbed to the roof of the mansion.

Lying on his back, he reached out toward the stars shining above. It felt as though the entire world was embracing the people below.

But Fang… he felt abandoned by the world.

**Why is it like this? I’ve given my blood, sweat, and tears. I’ve worked harder than anyone else, yet I still can’t unlock any martial arts?**

**Is this world playing a cruel joke on me? I’ve spent my whole life practicing, and for what?**

It was a desperate, hopeless plea. He knew it.

Suddenly, a white light appeared in the sky. The luminous streak illuminated the darkness as it headed straight toward the city. His eyes widened.

**Isn’t that… a meteorite?**

Small meteorites could still cause great destruction, while larger ones could reduce entire cities to dust. The capital and important cities had erected magical barriers to protect against such rare threats, but Victoria City was just one among many. There was no protection here. All Fang could do was watch in horror as the light fell, changing course and accelerating toward him. Within seconds, the blinding light filled his vision.

He couldn’t react in time. The white light pierced through his body, and everything went black.