Title: The Moonlight Guardian
Genre: Korean-inspired Fantasy / Action / Romance
---
Chapter 1: The Festival of Stars
Daehara was glowing.
Paper lanterns floated into the sky like stars taking flight, their golden lights dancing over rooftops and reflecting in the quiet river below. The scent of roasted chestnuts, grilled tteok, and plum wine filled the air, and laughter from the crowd echoed across the palace walls.
Seventeen-year-old Ji Sok Han leaned on the eastern balcony of the royal tower, his gaze fixed on the glowing full moon. The embroidered collar of his ceremonial robe fluttered gently in the breeze.
"They say the Moon Goddess chooses a Guardian every hundred years," he murmured. "Someone with light in their soul. But I'm just... me."
From behind, bells chimed as fireworks exploded in a swirl of silver and blue. Children danced below, holding paper stars. Musicians played flutes and drums.
But Ji didn't smile.
For weeks, he had felt something strange. A warmth in his chest. Dreams of silver forests. A voice whispering in moonlight. Tonight, it felt stronger.
He closed his eyes.
Then—
POP!
A small creature fell from the sky and landed on his shoulder with a grunt. Ji shouted and stumbled back.
"Watch it, moon-boy!" the creature barked. It hovered in midair, flapping stubby arms. It looked like a tiny child-sized goblin — orange skin, sharp ears, one curved horn, and dressed in a miniature hanbok vest with golden trim.
"W-WHAT—what are you?" Ji gasped.
"Name's Duri. I'm a dokebi. Magical advisor. Mischief expert. You're late."
"Late for what?!"
Duri rolled his glowing amber eyes. "For your destiny. You think the moon's been poking your dreams for fun?"
Before Ji could respond, a deep rumble shook the ground.
Far below, in the direction of the ancient temple ruins, screams rose. A crack of thunder split the air. From the shadows, dark beasts slithered out — creatures shaped like wolves but made of smoke and fire, eyes glowing red.
Panic spread like wildfire. People ran. Soldiers drew swords.
Ji stood frozen.
Then he felt it — a pulse in his chest. His fingers glowed faintly. Light, silver and soft like mist, poured from his palms.
"I—what's happening to me?" he whispered.
"You're the Moonlight Guardian," Duri said, his tone suddenly serious. "And that? That's your first test."
The beasts began to climb the temple stairs. One leapt toward a child frozen in fear.
Without thinking, Ji raised his hand.
A blast of light exploded from his chest, forming a shield of moonlight between the beast and the girl. The creature screeched and vanished into smoke.
People gasped. Soldiers halted. All eyes turned to him.
Ji stood trembling, bathed in silver light, hand still raised.
Duri grinned wide. "Well, well… guess you're not just a scared moon-boy after all."
Ji's breathing slowed.
He had no idea what was happening, or what he was becoming. But for the first time, he felt something awaken inside him.
A beginning.
A path.
And it all started with light.
---
To Be Continued in Chapter 2: The Dokebi's Deal