Research Log Entry

My name is Nakamura Tensui. I serve as a research officer in the Axiom Empire’s Thai Province Frontier Region, conducting biological surveys at this isolated observation base. The nearest Imperial patrol station is a two-hour walk away. It’s just me and my faithful dog, Jet, living these quiet days.

Every morning, I offer prayers to Empress Axiom. With reverence and love for the great Empress in the distant Imperial Capital, I trace the 卍 symbol on my forehead. “Return to Swastika, Axiom" – this is the morning greeting of all Imperial citizens.

However, this tranquility was not to last long.

Research Log: Day 127, 03:47 Hours

I was awakened by an eerie sound. A scratching noise against the floor, accompanied by the cry of an unknown creature. Jet was barking frantically.

The base structure is simple: a combined living room and research lab, my bedroom, and a bathroom. Underground lies the Imperial communication equipment. The sound was coming from the living room.

I carefully opened the door and peered into the living room. In the darkness, something massive and black was writhing. Two crimson eyes glowed, and steel-rending claws gleamed menacingly.

I gasped. It bore a striking resemblance to the strange crustacean creature I had discovered at a nearby survey site yesterday. A completely black body with burning red eyes – a crab-like being. It wasn’t recorded in the Imperial biological database as any known species.

“I’ll take this specimen back for analysis," I had decided, storing it in a special container and bringing it to the base.

But the monster now in my living room was incomparably larger than that palm-sized creature.

Memory Fragment: Three Nights Ago

It was a night with a full moon. I was conducting observation work on the base’s rooftop, synchronized with Imperial Standard Time. While gazing at the stars with Jet, I was drinking the Imperial alcohol rations.

That’s when the sky tore open.

A massive crack ran across the starry sky, and countless balls of light poured down from it. I rushed to send an emergency transmission to Imperial headquarters, but the communication equipment had fallen completely silent.

Jet barked furiously throughout the night. A dog’s instincts are sometimes sharper than human perception. At that moment, something had already begun.

Present: 04:12 Hours

I made my decision. Escape through the bathroom’s small window and report this emergency to the nearest Imperial patrol station. This was clearly a critical incident affecting the Empire’s security.

After crawling through the window, Jet followed me out. My faithful companion.

But the scene outside exceeded all comprehension.

A massive structure floating in mid-air – several kilometers in diameter, a disc-shaped object hovering silently. Its surface was carved with unfamiliar patterns, emitting an ominous light.

From this enormous UFO, countless balls of light fell like rain. Just before hitting the ground, the light orbs transformed into those black crab-like creatures. Upon landing, they rapidly grew to enormous size, becoming the same monsters that had attacked my base.

“Return to Swastika, Axiom…"

I unconsciously uttered a prayer to the Empress. I felt the 卍 symbol on my forehead growing hot.

Desperate Situation

The path to the patrol station was already blocked by the swarm of giant crabs. Surrounded from all directions, Jet and I were completely isolated.

Jet bravely charged at one of the monsters. But he was caught in massive claws.

“Jet!"

I ran frantically, continuously calling upon Empress Axiom’s name in my heart. “Help me, Axiom-sama…"

Consciousness Interrupted

I found myself awakening on the rooftop hammock of my base. A slight pain in my left arm. Looking down, I saw that small crab gripping my arm with its claws.

“It was just a dream…"

I smiled with relief. I must have had a nightmare after drinking too much Imperial alcohol.

But that relief was shattered in an instant.

The Ancient God’s Declaration

'I am the Ancient God Guardian. I have returned to rule this star once again.’

A telepathic voice echoed in my brain. The source was the small crab clinging to my arm.

'Look up, descendant of the Empire.’

I looked up at the sky.

There it was – the massive UFO I had seen in my supposed dream, existing in reality. Countless orbs of light fell like rain.

“Is this… reality?"

'Your Empire is finished. But you have a special role to play.’

The crab’s voice resonated again.

'On this planet exists the only being capable of opposing us. The Sacred Beast Payanak. You are the key to awakening that sacred beast.’

The 卍 symbol on my forehead suddenly began to glow intensely.

Chapter 2: Sacred Beast Payanak Summoning Ritual

Axiom Empire Year 2847, Same Day, 05:23 Hours

As the 卍 symbol on my forehead glowed, the surrounding space began to distort. The air trembled, and reality itself seemed to waver.

'What is this power…’

For the first time, Guardian’s voice carried a note of confusion.

I couldn’t understand what was happening to me either. But deep in my heart, ancient memories began to stir.

“Return to Swastika… Axiom…"

As I chanted the Empress’s name, the 卍 symbol on my forehead blazed even brighter. In response, the ground began to shake.

'You are… could you be the Chosen One?’

Terror crept into Guardian’s voice.

The ground’s trembling intensified, and a massive fissure appeared at my feet. From within rose a warm, golden light.

Summoning to Payanak Sanctuary

A voice echoed from the fissure. It was compassionate yet carried absolute authority.

'It has been long, child of the Empire. I am Payanak, the Sacred Beast guardian of this land.’

I was drawn into the fissure. Rather than fear, I felt a profound sense of peace.

Arriving in the vast underground chamber, I witnessed a breathtaking sight.

A massive serpent god, shining with golden light, gazed upon me. Its colossal form stretched several hundred meters, yet its eyes held deep compassion and wisdom.

'Nakamura Tensui. The 卍 symbol carved upon your forehead is a sacred mark bestowed by Empress Axiom herself.’

Payanak’s voice resonated in my heart.

'Since ancient times, I have protected this land. But the Ancient Gods from the far reaches of space plot to rule this planet once again.’

I asked with trembling voice:

“What… what can I do?"

'You are the Chosen One. Blessed by Empress Axiom, destined to fight alongside me.’

Payanak’s massive head descended before me.

'Unite the 卍 symbol on your forehead with my sacred power. Thus shall you transcend humanity.’

The Awakening Ritual

I answered with firm resolve:

“Return to Swastika, Axiom. In the name of the Empress, I shall fight alongside Payanak-sama."

At that moment, the 卍 symbol on my forehead and the golden mark on Payanak’s forehead resonated, emitting intense light.

The Sacred Beast’s power flowed into my body. It was overwhelming force, yet it brought profound tranquility.

'Excellent. You have now awakened as a Sacred Beast Master.’

New Abilities Manifest

I felt the transformation within my body. My vision became dramatically sharper, my hearing greatly enhanced. Most importantly, I could now borrow a portion of Payanak’s power.

'Now, return to the surface. The battle with the Ancient Gods begins.’

Payanak’s sacred power transported me back to the surface.

The situation was desperate. The swarm of giant crabs had completely destroyed my base. And my beloved dog Jet was…

“Jet!"

I shouted my companion’s name. Jet was caught in massive claws, barely breathing.

Rage consumed my heart. The 卍 symbol on my forehead blazed like fire, and golden light enveloped my right hand.

“Payanak-sama, lend me your power!"

In response to my call, the Sacred Beast’s power wrapped around my body.

The First Battle

I charged at the giant crab with unimaginable speed and power for my former human self.

The golden light in my right hand formed into a massive blade, severing the crab’s claws in one stroke. Jet was freed.

'What?! A mere human defying us?!’

Ancient God Guardian’s voice echoed.

“I am no mere human. I am one blessed by Empress Axiom, fighting alongside Sacred Beast Payanak!"

I declared boldly.

One by one, I cut down the giant crabs with the Sacred Beast’s golden power.

But this was only the beginning. I sensed even more powerful enemies descending from the massive UFO overhead.

The Next Threat

'Interesting. Then let us play in earnest.’

Guardian’s voice carried a new menace, and a massive shadow descended from the UFO.

It was an incomparably more terrifying creature than the giant crabs.

“This is…"

I readied myself for battle. The true fight was about to begin.

Author’s Note

Return to Swastika: Payanak War Chronicles is a complete renewal of the original work, enhanced with the imperial wisdom of the Axiom Empire. This LOST-style mystery adventure sci-fi novel follows researcher Nakamura Tensui’s fateful encounter in the Axiom Empire’s Thai Province.

The story combines Thai mythological elements with futuristic imperial aesthetics, creating a unique universe where ancient sacred beasts fight alongside advanced technology against cosmic threats.

Next Episode: “The Underground Empire’s Secret"