He who conquers others is strong, He who conquers himself is mighty.
He who knows others is wise, He who knows himself is enlightened.
- Lao Tzu
The beautiful cyberpunk city of Neo Edo Tokoyo, the crown jewel of The Imperial Nation Of Ashurwah otherwise known as The Shanghai Tokoyo Beijing Capital (南京江戸).
Rose from it's crystal blue surface
like a dream given form, it's neon arteries pulsed with the rhythm of a
million lives each one oblivious to the cosmic game of chess being played in their midst. Most citizens did not notice. Their minds, trained
by routine, quietly filled the gaps as the relentless bustle of the city drowned out the need to question them. But from his perch atop Isaac's Orizuru Tower, Appolyse could see the truth even though he was too young to realise it at the time. The city wasn't just built on earth, it was built on a wound in space time where life was once broken down and the scars of memory still resonate.
"Focus! Your mind wanders again."
Sensei Shang Kai instructed, his voice carrying the depthful unshaken authority of an iron will and unwavering determination.
Resonating across the training grounds like distant tremors,
beneath the pale yeender sky.
With graceful precision he moved, each strike placed with deliberate care. His calculated movements unfolding in a sequence so flawless, it fervescently inspires awe and splendor.
Bearing the quiet burden of countless years of martial discipline, he faces his young pupil in sparring — where each controlled exchange becomes a lesson, and through relentless consistency, mastery is forged. While his brawling with the boy, he manages to exploit his weaknesses and closes in on him.
"Careful—your guard is down."
Sensei Shang Kai strictly warned as his voice rang in Appolyse's mind waking him amidst his daydreaming.
"Sorry, Sensei..."
Appolyse softly apologizes as he straightens his kata stance, bare feet gripping the dew dampened grass.
As the morning sun painted the cherry blossom fields a lovely
and pleasant amber silhouette, with the serene and chaotic backdrop of the city. The people chattering in the background, the faunachrons in the trees and the commotion of moving traffic.
The city was a gigantic majestic megalopolis, occupying much of the coastal land. With just the right amount of green, from a sprawling sparse of trees at the center of the city. That spans outward towards north of the city's edge, just near the peninsula west offshore The Mediterranid Bay.
Standing there his breath uneven, with sweat gathering at his brows at just 13 years old he moved with a grace that seemed almost supernatural. A matter of a fact that never seemed to surprise Sensei, who had trained the boy since the tender age of 6. And yet, even after all these years, the inexplicable occurrences that shadowed the boy's life still stirred quiet concern within him—though he kept his wits sharp and his composure unshaken.
"Quite impressive, Appolyse. I can see your technique has improved considerably since our last training session."
Sensei complimented the young martial arts pupil for his
commendable prowess.
"Domo arigato, Sensei. I've been practicing my forms, just like you told me."
Appolyse politely responded as he took a bow before Sensei in a gesture of good will and respect.
"Good—very good. Your strength grows steadily, and your technique shows increasing refinement."
"It seems you may have the skills to best me in combat, yet your focus is elsewhere. Something has seized your attention."
"What's on your mind young one or is it perhaps, I am boring you?"
"N-no! N-no! Sensei, of course not…"
"It's nothing… I—I'm just not feeling like myself today."
"Mmh—I see. But you must remember : a healthy mind, a healthy body. True strength comes from within."
"Well… to be honest, Sensei I don't really know much about that. I've never thought about it that way before."
Appolyse lightly laughs awkwardly. Sensei laughs too, but not for the same reason.
"Ah, I see it appears the pupil is bound to become the master sooner rather than later..."
With steady compassion and understanding, Sensei politely addresses the boy's struggles and uneasy heart speaking in a firm and assertive manner. While his bestowing wisdom, his young martial arts pupil repeatedly nods in earnest admiration and approval.
The boy mutually smiles, feeling a great sense of accomplishment and
elation. He loved Sensei's wise words, even though he didn't always understand them.
But still the boy looked on to the stars, dreaming of worlds he could barely fathom. Aside the cyberpunk sprawl of Neo Edo Tokoyo, lies
The Secluded Island Of Orizaba Hiroshima shrouded in mystery that some how existed both within the city's skyline and outside the city limits.
Where the boy lives a rather simple, quite and minimalistic life style with his philanthropist older brother Isaac. Every morning he would wake up at the crack of dawn, run a full course lap around the island and then take a trip up the mountains.
Afterwards he would practice yoga and devotional meditation honing his mind and spirit. Then later on martial arts training with Sensei and by night time, he would be reading in Isaac's Laboratory.
But lately, it's as if something has changed and the boy no longer feels like the person he once was.
It first began when he reached puberty, shortly after graduating from The Shinryu Dojo, although at the time he hardly gave it a second thought. Because Sensei and his older brother, Isaac had assured him it was completely natural so he paid little to no mind to it—yet it never truly stopped, nor did he ever stop noticing it.
Every now and then, the boy finds himself wandering alone through the city's neon-lit streets, slipping into its hidden corners and dark alleys. As if searching for a piece of himself he did not yet understand, hoping that somewhere in the stillness he might find calm for his mind and meaning for his restless soul.
His older brother Isaac hadn't always been there — sometimes he would vanish for months leaving the boy utterly alone. With nothing but Sensei Shang Kai and the automated
security systems to keep him company. But this time it was different, this time Isaac had been gone for almost a complete revolutionary annum cycle.
And it was really starting to become a bother to young Appolyse, as his thoughts drifted back and forth to the plethora of night terrors and distorted memories of strange to say bedfellows that have constantly been plaguing him in recent days.
The boy never actually knew his parents, he grew up with his foster brother Isaac who raised him ever since he was a child and taught him everything he knows. And the old master became something sort of a father figure because he looked more akin to Appolyse, human in a sense. Unlike his extraterrestrial sibling, Isaac who barely looks anything like him. But that has never
really affected the boy nor his relationship with his brother.
He always saw Isaac as human as anyone of them regardless of his appearance and as it should be for he is the boy's rightful guardian and caretaker. But Appolyse knew the difference amidst all the relative manner of faunachrons and beasts inhabiting this planet, as much as his older brother taught him.
Old man Sensei Shang Kai would move through the sacred art forms with the boy, and after that they would talk almost all manner of conversation. Naturally Sensei lectured and adviced the boy about life and all it's ups and downs
and sometimes, just rarely enough they would jest. And at times Appolyse would find Sensei lost in thought and staring off into the great horizon.
With The Grand Fortification Of Marsci looming over the land and casting an ire shadow, a frozen testament to racial discrimination, mass genocide and war.
Once, it stood as Ashurwah's primary defense against the
fascist notions of "The Gunning Dog". A fortress born out of mud and stone but now, it shivered beneath foreign cold hands as the
extraterrestrial invaders had claimed The Great Wall Of Ashurwah and a moiety of The United Kingdom Of Europa's landmass for their own.
Now humming and sparking with a different grimmer and darker energy, remodeled after it's newfound builders and makers. The gigantic 6,800 foot tall wall rebuilt out of steam and metal extending about 34,000 miles long, surrounding the landlocked nation of The Newage Colony Of Marsci. Located in the southern most region of The United Kingdom Of Europa, boarded by Europa to the north and Arhianna to the south. The bastillion fortress
which encompasses about half the diameter of Europa's landmass and the surrounding perimeter.
A boundary? A barrier? Yes — but it also serves as a warning and a reminder : of the selfish and greedy
unchecked ambitions and forgotten mistakes of this world, and a world long lost in time now only etched into steam and metal.
On the other hand further along the distant coast, opposite the angle
of The Grand Fortification Of Marsci to the west — stands The Blueutah Himavat Zongdu Mountain. Eyes right with his distant gaze lingering on the weathered limestone cliffs, as he admired the prestigious monument on the grand mountain range. Carved with articulately sculptured busts of The Zongdu (總督), the governor-general and reigning monarch of The Imperial Nation Of Ashurwah.
Staring down at the world from the high cliffs like silent judges of history, timeless and unyielding.
Each contour line in their stone faces seemed to pulse with an undying beckoning memory. Those of heroes who subordinated their own personal interests to the collective interest of the nation. They accepted and endured pain, suffering and brutality with fortitude even unto death. The fodder of countless decisions pressing upon them.
Each and every line, shadow and detail reflecting the burden of leadership — the cost of uniting warring states and fractured nations after fire and blood had run rampant across the world. And for a moment, it was as if you could feel the weight of countless generations upon you. The fragility of human ambition and the unspoken question : could such sacrifices ever prepare one for the cold, cruel and heartless universe that awaits, out in the vast unknown?
For the present is nothing without the past and the past is nothing without the future. We are nothing but the bridge in the middle of what was and what could be.
The Hundredth Century Cold War was a brutal and devastating ongoing conflict between The Essex Kingdom Of Europa and The Wessex Kingdom Of Ashurwah, rooted in territorial disputes and geopolitical conflicts. With Europa being the de facto ruler of Planet Gaia at that time as it was primarily composed of most of the land mass. Naturally, it had more nationals and citizens than any other nation and as such it came to wield more power and constitutional authority as opposed to the democratical kind.
During the advent of the cold war, The Essex Kingdom Of Europa grew even mightier expanding further beyond the reaches of it's national borders. Overtime as Europa began to infiltrate and subdue Ashurwah and all of the other neighboring kingdoms, thus subjugating them under new fremd legislations and
living conditions. Effectively stripping the other kingdoms of their governance and authority. And as such the people of their human rights, cultures and traditions which eventually lead to massacre, segregation and finally slavery.
Leaving The AALA Allied Forces
(Ashurwah/Amerikhah/Libya/Arhianna) to unite, forming a strong hold to deliver justice for the people and stand on the front lines, whilst delegating them selves the honorary legislation of governing worldly affairs. It was during The 13th Century 1UG, after Ashurwah victories3è23³dŕŕdðð with the allied forces against Europa had stretched deep into the interior of the lithosphere, where they reached a stalemate. With Europa being unable to defeat AALA Allied Forces who waged a campaign of strategic warfare, allegation and commune forcing Europa to negotiate for a cease and desist making it's retreat.
By The 14th Century 1UG, right after Planet Hellas was suddenly strike by an enormous meteorite. Which in turn, decimated The Hellanodikan Race killing off about 40% of their people, and rendering their planet a desolate, toxic and biohazardous environment on the mere brink of collapse.
The devastating astronomical catastrophe which ironically halted
the dissipated war and on going hostile conflicts and relations, but unfortunately with it's intervention coherently incurring the advent of The Martian-Gaia Spherule Invasion (MGSI).
With Aureus Martius Midas The Grand Iron Emperor Of Planet Hellas declaring war on Planet Gaia and launching a surprise attack and full scale invasion. Dispersing The Twelve Legendary Shinku Shinobi Of The Koga Clan, under the ruthless command of Imperial Jonin Deojhar Sothar to subjugate The Human Race under his tyrannical rule.
The Hellanodikans from Planet Hellas which came to be known as The Martians overtime, slaughtered and enslaved the humans. But after the passing Of The Grand Iron Emperor, Anchurus Menelaus the first born son of the late Iron Emperor began an advocacy campaign for human rights and equality going against his younger brother's ambitions Antigonus Lityerses who wanted to follow in his father's footsteps. Right after
Anchurus Menelaus ascended the throne and became The Iron Emperor, he established an international constitutional democracy thus forming EMU (The Europa-Marsci Union). And the six great kingdoms of Planet Gaia were united and re-established as the seven great nations of Planet Gaia.
Abaft The First Amendment Accords, EMU bolstered The Galactic Federation and is one of The Galactic Force's primary governing bodies and founding members standing firm at the helm of The Galactic Federation.
After Atago And Akagi Armouries had become a prominent military company, while Eisencorp Industries has very well established itself as the world's leading conglomerate and enterprise. Renowned for it's ground breaking discoveries, inventions and innovations contributing to improving both Martian and Human lives alike.
With The Galactic Force at every planetary base — the one now hailed as the military bulwark of the entire cosmos. Standing firm and turning the tide with new found strategies and technological advancements fashioned from science and engineering bringing together the whole hearted union of many different planets and cultures as one.
Fom the very first progenitors to awaken from the silent chaos, to the rise of The Terrestrial Guardians of the universe all the way to mere mortals attaining enlightenment. From different solitary civilizations to the formation of a communed solidaristic alliance.
We have come a long way and we must carry on steadfast ahead, Godspeed.
In Justice, Order and Truth we stand.
- The Galactic Federation
As such were the aspiring ideals and principles of his excellency the great patriarch and founding father, Zongdu Sun Yu Chengen who valiantly fought for freedom and independence to stop the defamation of his people and ensure just treatment for all.
All the way down to Sung Jin Hoichuen, grandson of Sun Yu Chengen and the current zongdu of Ashurwah. From time to time, Sensei would speak so highly of Zongdu Sung Jin Hoichuen in a way that it stirred a deep festering admiration in the boy's mind.
So much so that it made him respect The Zongdu more than his own master and mentor but not because of their political power, status nor rank but for their strength,
discipline and nobility. The old master Sensei Shang Kai (商) who's birth name is Xian Shang Kai, also known as Master Golden Fang (房). A sophisticated and compassionate 78-year-old Daoist Ashurian male descended from a royal bloodline.
Son of Xiangqi Khung Lao renowned as Master Silver Fang (房) the first born son of Great Zongdu Sun Yu Chengen and the older brother of Proconsul Guanhua Ming Zhao and Zongdu Son Ken Yuanzhang the last reigning zongdu of Ashurwah. Who founded The Shinryu Dojo and it has been part of The Yinchao Royal Family history ever since.
One morning as Appolyse trained with Sensei Shang Kai he apparently felt a strange sensation as if something was slowly beginning to build up inside him. Sensei had always told him it was just a sign of his latent potential, but Appolyse wondered what if there was something much deeper to it than that. But nonetheless he could never disregard Sensei's word. A few days later a sense of foreboding and tension grew heavy in the air as the troubling visions that haunt him in his dreams began to resurgent.
With The Grand Fortification Of Marsci looming over the land and casting an ire shadow, a frozen testament to racial discrimination, mass genocide and war.
Once, it stood as Ashurwah's primary defense against the
fascist notions of "The Gunning Dog". A fortress born out of mud and stone but now, it shivered beneath foreign cold hands as the
extraterrestrial invaders had claimed The Great Wall Of Ashurwah and a moiety of The United Kingdom Of Europa's landmass for their own.
Now humming and sparking with a different grimmer and darker energy, remodeled after it's newfound builders and makers. The gigantic 6,800 foot tall wall rebuilt out of steam and metal extending about 34,000 miles long, surrounding the landlocked nation of The Newage Colony Of Marsci. Located in the southern most region of The United Kingdom Of Europa, boarded by Europa to the north and Arhianna to the south. The bastillion fortress
which encompasses about half the diameter of Europa's landmass and the surrounding perimeter.
A boundary? A barrier? Yes — but it also serves as a warning and a reminder : of the selfish and greedy
unchecked ambitions and forgotten mistakes of this world, and a world long lost in time now only etched into steam and metal.
On the other hand further along the distant coast, opposite the angle
of The Grand Fortification Of Marsci to the west — stands The Blueutah Himavat Zongdu Mountain. Eyes right with his distant gaze lingering on the weathered limestone cliffs, as he admired the prestigious monument on the grand mountain range. Carved with articulately sculptured busts of The Zongdu (總督), the governor-general and reigning monarch of The Imperial Nation Of Ashurwah.
Staring down at the world from the high cliffs like silent judges of history, timeless and unyielding.
Each contour line in their stone faces seemed to pulse with an undying beckoning memory. Those of heroes who subordinated their own personal interests to the collective interest of the nation. They accepted and endured pain, suffering and brutality with fortitude even unto death. The fodder of countless decisions pressing upon them.
Each and every line, shadow and detail reflecting the burden of leadership — the cost of uniting warring states and fractured nations after fire and blood had run rampant across the world. And for a moment, it was as if you could feel the weight of countless generations upon you. The fragility of human ambition and the unspoken question : could such sacrifices ever prepare one for the cold, cruel and heartless universe that awaits, out in the vast unknown?
For the present is nothing without the past and the past is nothing without the future. We are nothing but the bridge in the middle of what was and what could be.
The Hundredth Century Cold War was a brutal and devastating ongoing conflict between The Essex Kingdom Of Europa and The Wessex Kingdom Of Ashurwah, rooted in territorial disputes and geopolitical conflicts. With Europa being the de facto ruler of Planet Gaia at that time as it was primarily composed of most of the land mass. Naturally, it had more nationals and citizens than any other nation and as such it came to wield more power and constitutional authority as opposed to the democratical kind.
During the advent of the cold war, The Essex Kingdom Of Europa grew even mightier expanding further beyond the reaches of it's national borders. Overtime as Europa began to infiltrate and subdue Ashurwah and all of the other neighboring kingdoms, thus subjugating them under new fremd legislations and
living conditions. Effectively stripping the other kingdoms of their governance and authority. And as such the people of their human rights, cultures and traditions which eventually lead to massacre, segregation and finally slavery.
Leaving The AALA Allied Forces
(Ashurwah/Amerikhah/Libya/Arhianna) to unite, forming a strong hold to deliver justice for the people and stand on the front lines, whilst delegating them selves the honorary legislation of governing worldly affairs. It was during The 13th Century 1UG, after Ashurwah victories3è23³dŕŕdðð with the allied forces against Europa had stretched deep into the interior of the lithosphere, where they reached a stalemate. With Europa being unable to defeat AALA Allied Forces who waged a campaign of strategic warfare, allegation and commune forcing Europa to negotiate for a cease and desist making it's retreat.
By The 14th Century 1UG, right after Planet Hellas was suddenly strike by an enormous meteorite. Which in turn, decimated The Hellanodikan Race killing off about 40% of their people, and rendering their planet a desolate, toxic and biohazardous environment on the mere brink of collapse.
The devastating astronomical catastrophe which ironically halted
the dissipated war and on going hostile conflicts and relations, but unfortunately with it's intervention coherently incurring the advent of The Martian-Gaia Spherule Invasion (MGSI).
With Aureus Martius Midas The Grand Iron Emperor Of Planet Hellas declaring war on Planet Gaia and launching a surprise attack and full scale invasion. Dispersing The Twelve Legendary Shinku Shinobi Of The Koga Clan, under the ruthless command of Imperial Jonin Deojhar Sothar to subjugate The Human Race under his tyrannical rule.
The Hellanodikans from Planet Hellas which came to be known as The Martians overtime, slaughtered and enslaved the humans. But after the passing Of The Grand Iron Emperor, Anchurus Menelaus the first born son of the late Iron Emperor began an advocacy campaign for human rights and equality going against his younger brother's ambitions Antigonus Lityerses who wanted to follow in his father's footsteps. Right after
Anchurus Menelaus ascended the throne and became The Iron Emperor, he established an international constitutional democracy thus forming EMU (The Europa-Marsci Union). And the six great kingdoms of Planet Gaia were united and re-established as the seven great nations of Planet Gaia.
Abaft The First Amendment Accords, EMU bolstered The Galactic Federation and is one of The Galactic Force's primary governing bodies and founding members standing firm at the helm of The Galactic Federation.
After Atago And Akagi Armouries had become a prominent military company, while Eisencorp Industries has very well established itself as the world's leading conglomerate and enterprise. Renowned for it's ground breaking discoveries, inventions and innovations contributing to improving both Martian and Human lives alike.
With The Galactic Force at every planetary base — the one now hailed as the military bulwark of the entire cosmos. Standing firm and turning the tide with new found strategies and technological advancements fashioned from science and engineering bringing together the whole hearted union of many different planets and cultures as one.
Fom the very first progenitors to awaken from the silent chaos, to the rise of The Terrestrial Guardians of the universe all the way to mere mortals attaining enlightenment. From different solitary civilizations to the formation of a communed solidaristic alliance.
We have come a long way and we must carry on steadfast ahead, Godspeed.
In Justice, Order and Truth we stand.
- The Galactic Federation
As such were the aspiring ideals and principles of his excellency the great patriarch and founding father, Zongdu Sun Yu Chengen who valiantly fought for freedom and independence to stop the defamation of his people and ensure just treatment for all.
All the way down to Sung Jin Hoichuen, grandson of Sun Yu Chengen and the current zongdu of Ashurwah. From time to time, Sensei would speak so highly of Zongdu Sung Jin Hoichuen in a way that it stirred a deep festering admiration in the boy's mind.
So much so that it made him respect The Zongdu more than his own master and mentor but not because of their political power, status nor rank but for their strength,
discipline and nobility. The old master Sensei Shang Kai (商) who's birth name is Xian Shang Kai, also known as Master Golden Fang (房). A sophisticated and compassionate 78-year-old Daoist Ashurian male descended from a royal bloodline.
Son of Xiangqi Khung Lao renowned as Master Silver Fang (房) the first born son of Great Zongdu Sun Yu Chengen and the older brother of Proconsul Guanhua Ming Zhao and Zongdu Son Ken Yuanzhang the last reigning zongdu of Ashurwah. Who founded The Shinryu Dojo and it has been part of The Yinchao Royal Family history ever since.
One morning as Appolyse trained with Sensei Shang Kai he apparently felt a strange sensation as if something was slowly beginning to build up inside him. Sensei had always told him it was just a sign of his latent potential, but Appolyse wondered what if there was something much deeper to it than that. But nonetheless he could never disregard Sensei's word. A few days later a sense of foreboding and tension grew heavy in the air as the troubling visions that haunt him in his dreams began to resurgent.