Part 1: The Two Brothers
Chapter 1: Superbia
On the first day of the boys' training, they were asked by The Master to face each other in battle, to determine the strength and skill of each brother before their training officially commenced. It seemed as if all from the World the brothers now found themselves in had gathered to watch the duel take place. In sheer force and power, Superbia, wielding the moon, proved to be stronger than Verecundi, wielding the sun. The victory was easily won, and Superbia showed no mercy, leaving his brother battered and bruised.
The moment the battle ended, Superbia approached The Master and asked for his next challenge, leaving his brother to pick himself up. The Master smiled beneath his hood, promising to have a new challenger the next day, but recommending Superbia rest until then. Refusing, he was instead pointed to the nearest training area.
Day in, day out, Superbia fought and trained, refusing even sleep until he was satisfied with his daily progress. Stronger and stronger he became, facing any challenger with vigor, boasting in his power as he took down one after another. Many offered a hand to him in friendship, commending his power and wishing him to be a part of their team.
"I do not need friends," he would claim every time, smacking away the extended hands and denying the shows of kindness.
One day, he was approached by a fellow wielder, who asked to be trained by Superbia. In response, Superbia issued a challenge to the eager wielder.
"If you can last five minutes in battle with me," he proposed, "then I will train you."
The hopeful child accepted the challenge, and the battle began.
The child fought well, expertly using her combined knowledge with the skill she had acquired in her missions. However, she was unable to match the raw power of Superbia, and fell with seconds to spare.
Upon finishing the battle, Superbia left the wielder in the same state as his brother. He walked away, declaring he had no time for such others as herself—those weaker than himself. He walked away, looking for the next one stronger than he to face.
Five years passed in the World, Superbia gaining strength and power at the expense of other wielders, trampling them as if they were no more than grass beneath his feet.
Superbia eventually found himself bored with what the World had to offer him. He had won every battle, defeated every foe. Those he had yet to face were wielders who were simply too inexperienced to fight someone such as himself.
As he thought through his boredom, he reasoned who his next challenger could be.
"I have defeated every wielder worthy of my time," he contemplated. "There is only one who I have not faced. And he will be my final fight. He will be the last one I must face in order to become the strongest in the World!"
Having determined his fate, he marched to the tower of his Master, ready to face his final battle: The Master himself.
But, as fate would have it, he would not be the only one to face The Master that day.