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To commemorate the 2nd anniversary of Lineage W, we've introduced a new class—the Gunslinger. As Valakas slumbered for many years, the Fire Dragon's Nest underwent a transformation into fertile land. People from various regions, including dwarves, made this place their home. Discovered here as an infant, the Gunslinger grew up under the guidance of the dwarves, immersing herself in the study of engineering, all the while unaware of her own past. As we delve into the Gunslinger's backstory, we'll uncover the events that turned this once peaceful land into a fiery landscape and explore the motivations behind the Gunslinger's decision to reveal her true identity.

FLUTTER!

On a quiet night, with everyone fast asleep, I was suddenly awakened by the deafening noise of countless birds taking to the skies. As I looked outside, the apex of the Fire Dragon's Nest cast forth a radiant crimson glow, and the once-intact sealstone now lay shattered and scattered in every direction. The continuous explosions and flowing lava resulted in the dissolution of the very ground I had once called home.

“P-Phoenix!”

A harrowing scream echoed somewhere as the Phoenix rose from the lava, snatching visible creatures and hurling them into the molten abyss. Overwhelmed by the unfolding spectacle, I stood frozen in place, while Teophila, in contrast, remained cool and composed. Despite his abilities being somewhat inferior to those of other dwarves, Teophila had imparted numerous lessons to me over the years. To my surprise, it turned out he had foreseen a day like this, although he had never explicitly shared his concerns with me.

“Out here, a baby? This poor thing's a goner if we leave it like this...”

According to Teophila, he discovered me abandoned as a newborn. Although there were no clues to my origin, my appearance led him to speculate that I might have elven lineage.

“I sense magic from ya. Or perhaps you inherited the blood of a mage...”

Though Dwarf Teophila couldn't directly teach me magic, he shared many things that allowed me to tap into my latent powers from a young age. As a child with insatiable curiosity, I often meddled with things and caused accidents, but Teophila never grew angry with me.

“What’s this? Can I touch it?”

“That be a gun, lass. It could pose risks if mishandled... But on second thought, I should teach you how to use one just in case.”

In the end, Teophila patiently taught young me not only how to handle a gun but also how to make one. He often claimed his skills were inferior to those of other dwarves, but in my eyes, he was a great mentor. After a few years, Teophila suggested that I try making my own gun. Crafting a custom weapon was, of course, a time-consuming process, but he was convinced that if I were to use a gun, it should be tailored specifically for me.

“You've got talent, that's for sure. You're bound to become a great engineer!”

One day, I asked Teophila.

“Teophila, is Valakas really slumbering beneath the sealstone?”

“Indeed! Many years ago, the Druga House, known as the Dragon Slayers, along with many others, joined forces and barely managed to seal that dragon here. They say that besides Valakas, Targon, the guardian of the dragon, was just as terrifying.”

“Targon?”

“Yes, a formidable creature with two large horns on its head and flames engulfing its manes and claws. That beast stood before Valakas, making the task of defeating the dragon even more challenging. Oh, and there's also a Phoenix–“

“The fiery bird, right? I've heard the knights of Druga speak of it.”

“Yes, those under dominion of Valakas can wield the power of fire.”

Being quite the village-trotter that I was, I immediately rushed to the square as soon as I heard Teophila's story. There, I gazed intently at the sealstone containing the power of Valakas.

I was often drawn to the ever-bustling atmosphere of the square, where many people gathered. But after hearing the story, I found it both unsettling and fascinating to discover that a dragon lay dormant beneath the sealstone. It that moment, the name “Valakas” reached my ears. In a secluded corner, a group of strangers was whispering about something, and I couldn’t resist eavesdropping.

“The rift in the Ivory Tower will soon extend to this place. The day Valakas awakes is not far off.”

“That formidable dragon is waking up?”

As I took more steps to catch the conversation more closely, I accidentally stepped on a rock, making a loud noise.

“W-Who's there!”

I left the place in a hurry, with Teophila's earlier story fresh in my memory. He said this place was engulfed in molten lava and scorching heat during Valakas's reign. People avoided it, and fear was the only thing that remained amid the chaos in their lives. However, there were also those who took advantage of the situation or hunted dragons to enhance their honor. Teophila told me he could not understand them and fervently wished for an end to times when people profited from chaos.

However, Teophila's wish did not come true. Just as those strangers had forewarned, the rift originating in Oren's Ivory Tower soon reached my home, the Fire Dragon's Nest.

The lava surged relentlessly, swallowing the entire village in a fiery sea. Those unable to escape in time vanished into the lava. Then, Phoenix, the minion of the dormant dragon, emerged from the midst of the lava, soaring high to reveal itself.

“RUN!”

Teophila shouted. Right after, Phoenix swept people away with flames, snatched them with its sharp talons, and hurled them into the lava. Witnessing the tragic demise of neighbors with whom I had shared a home for so long triggered an overwhelming surge of power within me. The magnitude of this power exceeded anything I could have imagined.

“Is this the magic Teophila spoke of?”

I directed this newfound power toward Phoenix. Fortunately, Phoenix was struck and disappeared into the distance.

“Lass! Are you alright?”

Teophila rushed to check if I was okay.

“Y-Yeah, I'm fine.”

Once I regained my senses, I turned to look at what was once my home. The village, where people had once gathered along the coastline, now lay engulfed in volcanic ash and lava. Fragments of homes cascaded down from the mountainside, mingling with the bodies of villagers torn apart by Phoenix, all strewn across the sandy shore.

Fortunately, I still had Teophila at my side. Though not connected by blood, he was the mentor who had raised me, the one I considered my father. From that day on, I spent all my time discovering ways to channel my magical abilities into a gun.

As the days passed, Teophila visibly weakened. Despite his age, it was apparent that he, too, mourned the loss of the land he had once called home, much like myself. No, perhaps he was more apprehensive about the looming future brought about by Phoenix's awakening. Because with Phoenix out in the world, it was clear that Valakas's awakening was indeed imminent.

“You were such a little coward, but now you've really come into your own. It's time to ready your weapon.”

Teophila didn't say much afterward, but it was clear that I would only get stronger. After packing my belongings, I set off with him, and we silently walked for some time. Eventually, Teophila said that he no longer had the energy to continue and would wait up ahead. He then directed me to enter deep into the forest.

“Within the depths of the forest lies an infinite and immense power. You must use it to enhance your magic.”

I know my power is still lacking. Yet, I cannot bear to see people die before my eyes as they had on that fateful day. Someday, I must stop Valakas when he awakens. I must grow stronger to stand against forces wielding immense power—a power greater than ever before. It's time to advance into a new world.

"Victory must come at all cost,

And above all fear.

No matter how hard the path fares,

Victory is the only way of strife.

And like an unwithering fire,

I shall stand till the end of this fight,

For that is how I win this life."