Since he was a child, Rai had always listened to the love story of his parents—a tale that sounded more like destiny than coincidence. His father and mother, two well-known exorcists, once awakened khodams that were both connected to the same planet: Vanesinia. Because of this, they often went on missions together, saw each other frequently, and eventually... fell in love.
Their bond now flowed in Rai's veins. And today, at 17 years old, Rai sat inside the Hall of Awakening—a sacred chamber within the Buana Khodam Exorcist Academy. On the first day of each month, known as the Awakening Date, students summoned their very first khodam—the second body that would shape their destiny as interplanetary warriors.
Footsteps echoed through the hall as names were called, one by one.
> "Yudha!"
A tall boy stepped into the center of the summoning circle. A burst of blazing red light erupted, and a massive fire dragon emerged before him—its obsidian scales shimmering, eyes glowing like molten gold.
> Khodam: Fire Dragon
Planet: Nirvana
> "Gofoo!"
A broad-shouldered student strode forward. From a swirl of gold and brown energy, a fierce monkey-lion hybrid appeared, roaring with primal might.
> Khodam: Lion Monkey
Planet: Hadania
Then came Rai's turn.
He stood calmly, though his heart pounded wildly. Stepping into the circle, he recited the ancient incantation passed down through generations.
A blinding white light exploded from the floor. Silence fell. The air grew heavy. Then—from the center of the vortex—a beautiful winged woman emerged. Radiant, angelic, with curves that were both mesmerizing and divine.
> Khodam: White-Winged Angel
Planet: Mars
The ceiling above them glowed red—the color of Mars, Earth's closest planetary neighbor. A harsh, unforgiving world... but strategically vital. Through his khodam's connection, Rai could now instantly teleport between Earth and Mars.
"Planet Mars…" one of the instructors murmured. "Such a rare bond."
In an instant, Rai's real body was engulfed in blue light, absorbed into the khodam. When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer looking through human eyes—but through hers. He had become his khodam.
[STATUS SCREEN: RAI]
Name: Rai
Level: 1
XP: 0 / 100
Khodams Awakened: 1 / 1
Next Khodam Unlock: Level 10
---
[PRIMARY KHODAM]
Name: White-Winged Angel
Level: 1
Synchronization Rate: 1%
Type: Celestial Humanoid
Planet Link: Mars
Affinity: Air / Light
Status: Active
Abilities:
Interplanetary Teleportation (Mars) – Instantly travel between Earth and Mars
Mars Environmental Adaptation – Immunity to extreme Martian conditions
Sky Wings – Grants limited flight and aerial agility
---
[SYSTEM NOTES]
When the khodam is active, Rai's consciousness and physical body fully inhabit the khodam.
If the khodam is destroyed:
Rai's true body will reappear as a blue ethereal form (invulnerable) for 1 minute.
During this state, Rai may either:
Transfer into another available khodam (if any), or
Return safely to Earth.
Higher Synchronization Rates unlock powerful new khodam skills and planetary abilities.
After the Awakening Ceremony ended and the students returned to their dorms, Rai was unexpectedly called back by the headmaster.
"You have a visitor," the headmaster said with a serious tone. "Please head to the special reception room."
Confused but composed, Rai made his way to the appointed room.
Inside, three individuals were waiting.
A formal-looking woman in a sleek government uniform sat at the center of the room. To her sides stood two men—one wearing a heavy blacksmith's apron, and the other dressed like a professor with glasses and an overstuffed tablet.
"Welcome, Rai," the woman greeted with a polite smile. "I'm Nadin, a government representative."
Rai blinked. "Why am I being called here alone?"
"Let me explain," Nadin said, folding her hands on the table. "Alien forces have breached the solar domain and established bases on several planets—Mars, Venus, and even Ceres."
Rai's eyes narrowed slightly.
"These alien outposts pose a great threat to Earth. So far, humanity has relied on Khodam users to defend within the atmosphere. At best, some can reach the Moon—but Mars? It's too far. We've never had the capability to strike back... until now."
"What do you mean?" Rai asked, brows furrowing.
"You," Nadin smiled. "You're the first Khodam user with a planetary link to Mars. You can travel there instantly through your White-Winged Angel Khodam. That alone makes you incredibly valuable."
The professor chimed in. "You could be our only way to conduct direct missions on Mars—eliminate alien nests, collect biological samples, maybe even retrieve alien food sources."
The blacksmith-looking man laughed. "And you'll need gear. Heavy gear."
Nadin continued, "We're offering an investment in you. Consider this an official recruitment. As part of the mission, you'll be provided with:
Two shoulder-mounted rocket launchers
Machine guns integrated into the wings of your Khodam
Two light-based energy pistols
A customized combat armor set
**And a dimensional storage ring for resource collection."
Rai stood silent for a moment, overwhelmed by the weight of what had just been offered.
"…You want me to fight a planetary war?" he said finally.
Nadin leaned forward, her voice calm but firm.
"You will be tasked with eliminating as many aliens on Mars as possible. Every alien you destroy is one less threat entering Earth's atmosphere."
Her eyes locked with Rai's. "You'll be the sharpest spearhead we have."
The blacksmith grinned. "We'll tailor your weapons to match your Khodam's frame. You'll get stronger with every mission."
The professor added, "And with each kill, we'll collect vital data—biology, behavior, weaknesses. You won't just be fighting. You'll be reshaping the battlefield for all mankind."
"Additionally," Nadin said, handing over a sleek black card. "You'll receive a monthly allowance, and we'll buy any alien materials or corpses you bring back. You won't just be a soldier, Rai—you'll be Earth's frontline priority."
Rai stared at the card in silence, feeling a mix of shock and awe.
He had never expected his Khodam's link to Mars would hold such significance—not just for him, but for the planet itself. Every alien he killed would mean fewer enemies reaching Earth. His fight wasn't just personal anymore.
It was planetary.
"…I accept," Rai finally said.
The room grew still.
Then Nadin smiled. "Welcome to Earth's secret defense program. Project Vanguard begins now."