The 22nd Century
Mankind achieved its dream of limitless energy, ushering in the Age of Magic. Science and industry, seen as sources of pollution and destruction, were outlawed, ending history as it was known.
However, this abolition did not bring peace. A war erupted, fueled by powerful magical weapons. Eventually, biological weapons were created by fusing human and animal DNA with magic, leading to the birth of the Gears.
The Gears
A powerful military state monopolized Gear production, conquering many lands. Gears were designed as thoughtless slaves, but one, Justice, became self-aware and declared war on humanity.
Humans, despite heavy casualties, united to form the Sacred Order of Holy Knights to combat the Gears. After one hundred years, this conflict, known as the Crusades, ended with Justice sealed in a dimensional prison.
Five Years Later
Justice's prison began to erode. World leaders organized an international fighting tournament to select members for a Second Sacred Order of Holy Knights. The prize was any single wish. Few noticed the suspicious rules, such as welcoming criminals and permitting bloodshed, amidst the panic of Justice's imminent return.
KY KISKE
"The time to settle the score is near, Sol."
STORY
Ky Kiske became leader of the Sacred Order of Holy Knights at 16, after Kliff Undersn's retirement. He received the Thunderseal blade. Ky and his Knights ended the 100-year Crusades by sealing Justice.
Five years later, Ky joined the police. He learned of a tournament for a Second Sacred Order, with suspicious rules: permission to shed blood, a huge prize, and rumors of Justice's premature resurrection.
Sensing a conspiracy, Ky dons his old uniform and enters the tournament.
MAY
Don't worry, Johnny!
May's coming
to save you!
STORY
May's earliest memory is of a pirate captain, Johnny, rescuing her from a battlefield. Johnny named her May, after the month of endless rain.
Aboard the pirates' airship, May developed a deep love for Johnny, who was like a father, brother, and even boyfriend.
Johnny, who stole from the rich to help the poor, was eventually incarcerated. His crew began planning a breakout.
The day before the plan, May learned of the tournament. The prize was any wish. She realized they could wish for Johnny's release and decided to enter.
KLIFF UNDERSN
Kliff was a hero, leading the Sacred Order for decades during the Crusades. Now, he was seen as a historic relic. In his prime, he was revered and feared. As a retirement gift, he received Dragonslayer, a gigantic blade said to kill dragons with one strike.
Five years later, Kliff lives a quiet, bored retirement, studying various fighting techniques, especially those from the lost nation of Japan. He sees a placard for a Second Sacred Order tournament. Sensing a disturbance, he suspects Justice's resurrection and decides to return to battle. POTEMKIN
What I do, I do
for my
comrades
STORY
Zepp, the "Armed Air Empire," was a military state on a gigantic airship, established near the end of the Crusades. Its military consisted of slave soldiers with anti-desertion bomb collars. Potemkin was one of them.
He was ordered to enter the tournament and win, then wish for territory for Zepp to expand. Potemkin refused to kill but agreed to win peacefully to avoid an invasion with casualties.
AXL LOW
Have I finally found
a way to get
back home?
STORY
Axl was born in 20th century London, growing up amidst gang violence. He abhorred it and sought to bring peace to his neighborhood.
With unusual martial arts prowess and his dual kusari-gama, he cleaned up his neighborhood without casualties. Just as peace seemed assured, he was caught in a "time slip" and hurled 200 years into the future.
Two years later, Axl still seeks a way home. Losing hope, he hears a rumor of a fighting tournament where the champion gets any wish. ZATO ONE
By my shadow, I will
annihilate
THAT WOMAN!
STORY
Zato-ONE, an underling, invoked forbidden arts to rise in the Assassin ranks. He lost his eyesight but gained shadow control and enhanced senses. He became the Assassin leader within weeks.
Betrayed by Millia, the only woman he trusted, Zato was arrested. In his cell, a tall, thin figure offered him freedom and a chance to find Millia if he won an upcoming tournament.
Zato, with nothing to lose, agreed to enter.
CHIPP ZANUFF
"Master! I swear...
you shall
be avenged!"
STORY
Chipp was addicted to drugs and became a Mafia dealer. When the Mafia decided to "dispose" of him, a mysterious Ninja saved his life. Chipp, indebted, became a student at the Ninja's dojo, training in the ways of the Shinobi.
One day, Chipp found his master, Tsuyoshi, attacked by the Mafia and near death. Tsuyoshi urged Chipp to walk away and live his own life.
Chipp refused, vowing to avenge his master. He decided to enter the tournament, form his own organization, and take down the Mafia.
DR. BALDHEAD
My, my!! Lots of patients today! Get ready for your operations!