Prologue: For us, in 200 years...

Two things are clear to me in life:

The fact that I was abandoned by my loved ones, and that my life was always meaningless in this world.

Lost in a torturous rain - along with the only reason to live, my sister Igea.

Walking along a road that would take me towards an unknown destination, in search of salvation.

Salvation, something unknown to me, and which was extorted from me at my birth by those who normally call themselves parents.

Not that I ever hated them, really. I never understood the reason for their actions, so I remain here thinking that everything happened for someone's good.

As I now fight for the greater good, my sister Igea. Only and exclusively for her.

Wandering the streets of the Third Ring; without a bed or food. Without anything I can rely on and make Igea feel good.

Living like outcasts. Stealing food to survive and donating my clothes to make her feel good and not make her fall ill.

Maybe... This was precisely my goal. To see and experience firsthand what our world really is.

<<To see and experience firsthand what our world really is.>> I whispered, as I walked with Igea in a narrow alley, holding her hand. It was dark, it was raining heavily, and a distant thunderstorm could be heard. We were running away from the rain, I wanted to avoid at all costs that my little sister would get sick and catch the flu.

<<B-big brother... >> she said in a lost and weak tone.

<<Let's rest... Don't overdo it! >> she continued, while I stopped running. I turned and noticed that even though she was soaked in water she smiled at me. Her long, dull crimson hair covered her brown leather dress, and her crimson eyes continued to stare at me with conviction, whispering:

<>

<<Igea... >> she surprised me, being a six year old girl, she was very intelligent.

<<Don't worry, as long as you're well, I'll be fine too.>> I replied, trying to reassure her with a smile. As an older brother, I had to make sure she was always okay. We only differed by two years, but that was no reason to abandon her to herself.

I shook her left hand and continued walking side by side, reaching a new covered place to spend the rainy day.

And so, it was.

<<AAAHNNN!!>> I heard strange screams while I was sleeping, they were from Igea.

<<Let me...go!!>> he continued, awakening me from my sleep. As soon as I opened my eyes, I saw two mischievous men who were squeezing Igea with a rope, while I was already tied up.

<<H-hey... Who are you two?! What are you doing to my little sister?!>> I exclaimed, while I tried to free myself from the grip of the rope, but without success.

<<Oh? The brat has woken up, brother!>> exclaimed the man who was tying Igea, he was abundantly fleshy, and was trying to tie Igea forcefully. Meanwhile the other mischievous individual - apparently the brother - walked towards me and asked;

<<Do you want to go back to sleep? We do not accept future moles.>>

<<Go back...to sleep...? DON'T TALK BULLSHIT! JUST FREE ME! DON'T TOUCH MY LITTLE SISTER!!>> I started screaming, wriggling more and more.

<<Ahahahah!>> suddenly the fleshy individual started laughing, exclaiming;

<<Do you know that it will be an excellent loot? Such a child would be paid in gold to have her! She is cute and she has a hair color never seen before... A real rarity! Brother, they will also pay us 150,000 Rod for this pastry! Hahaha!>>

<< Hey, she talks less and works. Don't lose your objective.>> said the other individual, as he took a small knife out of his pocket and pointed it straight at my throat.

<<Thinking about it though... We can resell you too. These days, the Illegal Market accepts anything. >> he continued. I started to see blurry, starting to cry in desperation.

<<Please... Please leave her alone, I beg you! She is everything to me... Leave her and do what you want with me!>>

I went so far as to offer my life in exchange for Igea's, hoping they would let her go.

The man in the flesh began to laugh, breaking my reason and heart.

<<Ahahah, you have balls to say these things! Do you think we're here to bargain? This pastry is now our property, and you can only stand and watch! >> he exclaimed, as he took it and threw it into an empty potato sack.

I began to lose control of my emotions.

<<Let her go, you assholes!!>> I started to squirm even more aggressively, trying to free myself from the rope. The knife cut my throat lightly, not caring.

A strange red aura began to emerge from my hands, not knowing what the individual was he exclaimed;

<<That... Isn't that magic?>> he asked, he couldn't sense a magical source from the aura released by me.

<<Brother, I loaded the first goods, what are you doing? Tsk, and then you complain about my slowness-->>

ZACK.

Suddenly the fleshy individual's arm flew off, spilling a large amount of blood.

<<If you want to live, I recommend that you leave within two seconds.>>

The man fell to the ground in pain, and looking in front of him a strange hooded figure appeared.

In his right hand he held a long green sword and the cloak of the same color, which hid his face from which emerald pupils flowed.

<<Zero.>>

ZACK.

Another clean cut, this time the left leg was hit.

<>

<<B-but...two seconds...impossible!!>>

<<For you, filthy bastards, two seconds is too long. >> said the strange figure dressed in green, she had a calm and calm voice, yet she was committing a massacre. Then she turned to the other man with a murderous look. Her eyes shone in the dark.

<<No... nonono!! I-I had nothing to do with it, I swear! I only followed my orders for money! Spare my li──>>

ZUM ZACK.

The strange figure did not kill him, but rather cut off his clothes.

<<Go away, and don't come back... Never again.>>

And without a second thought, the man ran away leaving his brother behind.

He at once turned towards me, observing me for a few seconds.

<<Who...are you...>> I whispered, while he didn't give me any answer. Instead, he decided to jump over the rooftops, giving way to the Praxis guards.

<<Hey, the report was true, there are victims here!>> exclaimed a man dressed in a brown uniform and red tie. He was carrying a large sword behind his back and there was a colleague running after him.

From that day on, I never saw that person again.

I didn't know who he was, nor did I know why he saved us, and yet I owed him.

Once Igea was freed and we climbed onto the wagon of the Praxis Guards, they tried to break the ice with me.

The man who saved us, who was sitting with us behind the cart said;

<<You know, it's dangerous to be in the slums without a weapon hidden behind your back. It's full of molesters and organ smugglers. It's not even a place for children like you.>>

No one answered, but he had foreseen it and continued;

<<Don't you have a family? I guess not. It happens often.>>

<<We...>> I tried to answer, I was still traumatized, but then I swallowed and finally the words came out;

<<We have never seen our parents.>>

The Guard looked at us very carefully and then asked;

<<How did you manage to survive so long as vagabonds? You are just children... Yet, you managed to survive for so long without anyone.>>

I didn't think it was a tall order, but I couldn't admit my crimes to do it either. That is, stealing for a living.

<<We... We succeeded.>>

The Guard looked at us more and more carefully.

He analyzed us, both me and my sister, and then understood something that I didn't understand.

<<It could be...>>

Something began to swirl in the Praxis Guard's head.

<<Dreug, let's escort them to our house.>>

Dreug, the chariot driver turned to his brother and asked;

<<Are you sure of what you say, Draug?>>

<<Yes, the two of them... They are the children I have been looking for years.>>

I looked astonished, what was he referring to?

We arrived at the house of the two brothers, it was a house found in Nubilon, the closest city to the second ring of Giarogia.

<<Wow... It's huge...>> I said, entering the house. It was one of the haughtiest houses in the city of Nubilon, passed down from House Rentown, founders of the Praxis Order.

Draug took an object from a drawer of a white cabinet. He came out with a sealed envelope.

<<I've been waiting for this moment for years... This is yours. It belongs to you. >> he said handing me an envelope, which I immediately opened without thinking. It was a splendid gold-colored pocket watch, with the exterior being a white gear and painted hands. The strangest thing was that around that gear there were strange red trails that wrapped the strange gear in a socket. I couldn't understand what that drawing meant, but the situation was quite strange.

<<This watch belonged to your father, Virtus.>>

How did he know my name?! And what did he know about my father!?

<<My father...? What do you know about my father!! Tell me!>> I exclaimed, repeating the same question all the time.

<<Your father... He fought for the Royal House, he was part of the Order of War under the name of Lord of War. Before leaving on an expedition, he came to me with your mother and instructed me to give you this watch, for when the time came for me to meet you. I don't know anything else, I just did my job.>> replied Draug.

<<How did you understand that it was me, the son you were looking for?>> I asked. Draug was silent, and then with a look of pity he replied;

<<You are very similar to your father, and the fact that you have managed to survive until today... Confirms my expectations. But I would never have thought that you had been abandoned, otherwise we would have looked for you sooner.>>

I didn't understand. Did Draug really believe that the fact that we had survived to this day was due to some strange ability? They will just be coincidences.

I left him alone, in the end I owed him. He saved the lives of my sister and me.

I looked behind me, there was Igea who was attached to my back, and she looked at every corner of the house as if it were a place not to be trusted.

I gave him a look of pity, thinking about how scared she might be at that moment. Dreug approached him and asked if he needed anything, he wanted to make her feel at ease with her and maybe take action to do something about this trauma he received from those traffickers. She walked away from Dreug with her legs shaking and began to cry. Seeing her like this always broke my heart more and more, I wanted to do something, but I didn't know what.

<<Unfortunately, everyone is currently on holiday, but as soon as possible we will send her to a recovery course to bring her back to her senses. It won't be easy though, it will take a lot.>>

<<...I imagined.>> I replied sadly, unfortunately this was the truth; I couldn't help my little sister.

──── 2 years later ────

<<Hmhnn...>> I woke up, it was 6 in the morning.

<> I replied to myself, I got up and went to check if Igea had already left the house to go to the recovery course. It had been a week since she woke up on her own and so I was a little worried.

<<She's trying her hardest... I'm happy about it.>> I said, as I looked at the empty bed where Igea slept. I took her blankets and made the bed for him, whispering;

<<she He always forgets to make up her bed, damn... >>

Suddenly she heard a knock on the door;

<<Hm? Next.>>

From the door entered Draug, who asked;

<<Good morning Virtus, are you cleaning up Igea's room again today?>>

<<Heh, yeah. It's the only thing I can do these days. And then Igea is always busy with household chores and her course, if I help her tidy up her room at least I'm doing him a favor. >>

Draug laughed and replied;

<<Yeah, Igea is a really strong little girl, there aren't many eight-year-old girls who work like that.>>

<<She's just out of the ordinary haha.>> I replied, in the end I could be very proud of my little sister. Once we finished tidying up Igea's room, we moved on to the kitchen. Draug made two cups of coffee.

<<Thank you very much, Draug.>> replied Dreug, taking the coffee prepared by Draug.

<<Always a pleasure, Mr. Dreug. Are you in a hurry today too?>>

<<Compared to you, I have several inspection orders from multiple houses making requests for maintenance and security. After all, I have the duty to check everything properly, while you drink a cup of coffee with a child.>>

<<Acid as always. I think he's gotten used to it, right Virtus?>>

<<Heh, I take it...>>

<<Be that as it may,>> said Draug, picking up a suitcase.

<<Today I will also have a lot to do.>>

It was a huge black suitcase, with a lock to protect it.

<<What do you have to do?>> I asked, as I heard Dreug leave the house.

<> he took two seconds to think, and then continued;

<<Well in the end you don't know much about what happened, you're too young.>>

<> I suddenly exclaimed.

<<Huh? Don't tell me that you...>>

I looked intently into Draug's eyes.

<<Yes, I want to know more about the War Order!>>

Draug looked at me, as if he had just heard a joke.

<<Why are you looking at me like that?>> I asked. He heaved a sigh and asked;

<<What do you want to do with that Order? It's just crazy to go in there.>>

<<I...>> I wanted to answer the question, but suddenly the answer was missing from my mouth. Draug got up from his chair, took a black jacket and handed it to me;

<<Come on, it's going to be a long journey. And you better get ready to see everything.>>

I was happy, I could finally see what I had always dreamed of becoming, but I didn't know what awaited me.

Once I got ready, we set off in Draug's wagon which traveled many roads, passing through the walls that divided the Nation of Giarogia into three different rings. The Order of War Headquarters was located in the First Ring, near Castle Xenova.

Once we passed the second wall, we entered the first ring. A splendid landscape welcomed us, catching a glimpse of beautiful rivers: children playing happily in the meadows, adults walking in elegant clothes, haughty houses, villas...even the air surrounding the ring was very satisfying. Finally, a majestic residence that was located in the exact center of the ring: the Xenova Castle. It was truly immense, presenting a very regal and superior aesthetic.

In my eyes, it was amazing to see him for the first time so close.

<<What a wonderful place...! It's really different from the ring we come from!>> I exclaimed with a surprised and amazed expression. I remained with my mouth open for a few moments, then Draug replied;

<<Heh, it's true, isn't it? I also reacted this way when I entered it years ago. It's normal for those coming from the Third Ring. >> after a short pause, and slowing down the horse as they entered a civilian area, he continued;

<< Look over there, that's the Royal House. >> he said, pointing with his finger at the enormous residence I noticed just now; << The current King Darlus Xenova IV lives there, together with his noble family. That entire castle is owned by him, along with the neighboring buildings and the families. In particular, the Royal House - a house that defends and serves the family of in a wagon park, near Xenova Castle. I confusedly asked;

<<But what is the difference between Orders and Household? You are part of the Praxis Order... The Royal House is not, but the Warfare is part of the Orders... I don't understand.>>

<<Ahah... Here the monarchy of Giarogia comes into play. King Darlus handles dictating orders to the Royal House, as they are in noble service. The Royal House in turn commands all the Orders of Giarogia, starting from the Order of Warfare, the Order of Hallewart or the Academic Order. Finally, there are the Service Factions, special subordinate Factions of the Royal Household that deal with human services such as hospitals, firefighters, MIRS, medicine and technology. Other factions once existed too, but they collapsed after the War of the Four Fronts. >> he explained, while he tied up the horse and let me get off too.

<<We have arrived.>>

Once I got out, I remained silent and saw. Draug was waiting for an Order of War expeditionary party to return. <<I have to check this shipment to see how it went. Recently there have been reports that they have found a place where the bodies of deceased Warlords may reside. But that place is full of creatures whose nature we haven't yet understood. >> Draug replied, while he waited impatiently.

Suddenly a bell began to ring.

The soldiers' wagons returned from the walls.

They were covered in blood, some lost their arms, and still others carried deceased in their wagons, as well as what few remains of their deceased comrades.

Draug stopped what appeared to be the expedition commander and asked;

<<How many deaths were there today?>>

The commander was wrapped in a yellow hood, with which he hid, and with a hard and dejected voice he replied;

<<Too many. Even today we lost too many.>>

<<As I imagined. Be in your office, we need to discuss an important report. This story must no longer go on like this. We fight to defend humanity, not to destroy it. And going on like this... It makes me think that the Warlords were right, we humans are destined to die.>>

<<...Draug!! This is not how we humans should think! We will bring back what was ours, we just have to prove it──>> The commander was interrupted by a member;

<<Commander, we'd better go back. We must bring today's dead back to their families.>>

<<How long do you want to continue this madness?>> asked Draug.

Suddenly a little girl arrived, she had long blonde hair, she could have been at most nine years old.

<<Big brother! Big brother where are you?!>>

<<That little girl...>> I said, as I saw her looking for her big brother.

<<Big Brother Iran, where are you, Big Brother??>>

A boy covered in blood stopped her.

<<It's you Brot── >> she stopped as soon as she saw the boy's wounded face.

<<Where is Iran? Tell me, do you know?>>

<<Stop! >> a woman shouted, she was the child's mother.

<<Tell me, where is Iran?!>> she kept exclaiming. The boy crouched on the ground.

<<Iran ... >> he said, in tears, then continued;

<<...Iran has... It sacrificed itself to save me...!!! Iran is no longer among us... And I wasn't even able to save his deceased body... He... He is dead!! >> the little girl remained looking at him, astonished, and her mother as soon as she heard this news he began to cry.

<<My...big Brother. No, no, no no nononono!!!! Nooooo!!! It is not true! You're lying!!>>

I was witnessing a scene that broke my heart.

I began to think that, if I am part of the Order of War, a similar scenario could soon happen with Igea.

Draug looked at me and asked;

<<Now do you understand what I meant? This is the harsh reality. This is why we fight. And that's also why I don't want you to be part of it. Not that I hated it, but it would only bring death and sadness.>>

I stayed silent as I still saw that scene of desolation.

<<Your father was also part of it, he was a valiant Warlord, and in the meantime... No one ever managed to find his body. >>

Normally I should have been scared at the idea, but...

<<I'll get into it anyway. I have to discover what has always been kept hidden from me. And I know for sure that I will also find the meaning of this watch.>> I said taking the pocket watch in my hand. Deep down I knew it had some meaning, but I couldn't understand it unless I followed in the same footsteps as my father.

<<Heh, you kids are always so stubborn. That's why I never wanted to have one. >> Draug replied with a serious look, it was quite strange to see him like that, given the lively character he usually had. In fact, he had had that look ever since we entered the First Ring.

Meanwhile the expedition group left the place of arrival, and Draug followed them soon after.

They went to the offices of the Order.

──────────────────────────

The office was a large room with a long table in the center, where all members could sit to organize meetings and meetings.

<<What do you have to report today?>> asked the commander. Draug took his suitcase in his hand, placed it on the table and opened it with a key, taking out some documents.

<<We need to clarify many things regarding your team. In the first place; the Royal Household commissioned these documents from me, where they mention the cognitive priority of your current objective. There have been too many deaths lately, which has alarmed the Royal Household.>>

<<So, they want to know what we're aiming for, huh? But why do those of the Royal Household ask you? Shouldn't the Principal of the Order of War take care of it?>> asked the commander, not knowing why the Order Praxis was commissioned with this special task.

<<Eh, a more than fair question, I can understand. Let's say that the Royal House is going through a lot of problems currently, which has led to internal division. If I were you, I would pay attention to the information you receive from your superiors.>>

<<Be careful...? I do not know what you mean. The Royal House has always supported the Order of War, while the Praxis Order has risked having its funds cut off numerous times; so, where does all this support on their part come from?>>

<<What do you think if I were to tell you that... In a few years a revolution will begin in Giarogia? Expect a risky move from those Redefelts... They have been silent for over ten years, and given the condition of King Darlus, they are waiting for the perfect moment to attack.>>

<<Do you mean that... The Royal House is under the control of the Redefelt House? >> he asked in a discouraged tone.

<<More than under control... They've all been corrupted by money.>> said Draug, taking out a bunch of papers from his briefcase.

<<And how am I supposed to believe you...? We are obliged to follow the instructions of our superiors. I don't think they will ever follow in the footsteps the Redefelts want us to follow! We are no one's puppets, but we work and risk our lives for the Silver Horse and humanity! >> he exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table and returning his commander's strength.

<<If you really think so, then tell me everything you know about this expedition, without beating around the bush.>>

The commander took a moment to breathe.

<<We have already disclosed information recently, regarding the finding of deceased bodies of the Warlords. The location is a cave located in the Yorung Nation, and today we sent two groups of Elite Adventurers...but it didn't go as we planned. They literally destroyed us. There are enemies that go beyond our logic, but to this day we still cannot understand them. >> he replied with a desperate voice.

<<So, your goal is to do some research inside this Cave in Yorung, finding the bodies of the deceased Warlords. But up until now, in order to do this research, you have lost...?>> asked Draug.

<<129 people, to date.>>

<<129?!>> thought Draug.

<<129... Understood.>> Draug was noting all the information in the documents.

<<But... But we'll make it! We will discover the truth behind that cave, and we will discover who our enemies really are! Therefore, don't do anything that could block this expedition mission!>> exclaimed the commander, Draug looked at him with a disgusted face and asked;

<<What kind of commander are you? A commander does not beg for mercy, but rather takes his victory by spitting blood. You are not worthy of commanding this expedition group. >> he said, putting the completed documents into his suitcase. Finally, he said;

<<One day, members will arrive within this Order who will be able to carry the name of the Silver Horse high, but that day is not today.>> and he walked away. Outside the room I was waiting for him, leaving with me.

──────────────────────────

We returned home, it was almost evening, and I saw Igea accompanied by Dreug.

<<Big brother... Welcome back!>>

<<Hey, hi Igea.>> I said, picking up Igea.

<<Damn... You're getting heavier and heavier. Soon you will have to pick me up!>>

<<Ahahah, big brother doesn’t say these things!>>

<<Did you bring Virtus to the First Ring?>> asked Dreug.

<<Long story, I'll tell you later.>> replied Draug.

A few hours passed, and it was time to go to sleep, but while I was trying to fall asleep...

<<My... big brother... No, no, no no nononono!!!! Nooooo!!! It is not true! You're lying!!>>

That sentence kept haunting me, that little girl... she would never see her big brother come home again. <<What would happen if... No, I don't have to think about it anymore.>> I thought.

<<I will join the War Order and fight to defend this nation.

This was what my father did, and I will follow in his footsteps to become the new Warlord. >>

<<Aaaah, what do I think! I don't even know how to hold a sword! I've never held one!>> I exclaimed, while I was wriggling on the bed.

<<Maybe I shouldn't use a sword, but it would be enough to learn the magical arts...>> I continued to think.

<<Aaaah!! I don't know how to use those either, I've never learned anything that could make me an adventurer!!>> I continued, becoming more desperate than before.

──────────────────────────

Years passed and finally the Praxis Order found us a home to stay.

Igea finished the remedial course, and I started visiting a school like the others.

And so, we began to live a quiet, peaceful life.

◖End of the Prologue◗

Writer's Notes:

Hey there, this is YuukiToyaro speaking to you, through these very first notes from the writer! Surely you already know this name from all those Zenkai Monthly Updates I wrote, but this time I will speak not on behalf of the Zenkaiverse, but exclusively about MaDoShi: Journey! We will see our new protagonist; Virtus, and his younger sister, Igea, in a brand new story set 6 years before the arrival of Yato from Fusion: Hexella Dive. However, Yato will not have a hand in this story, as the narrative line will be different. Therefore, without the hand of our Yato; Virtus and Igea will have to overcome numerous difficulties to discover the truths of this world. Read on to learn the true story of MaDoShi, and I hope you will enjoy the original plot on which the video game will be based!

Plus, this will be a revision of the originally translated story from Italian, and if there are some error or grammatically wrong sentence, just report it in the comment section!

Until next time! \^o^/

Prologue: For us, in 200 years...

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