Somewhere in the Capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom
The rhythmic clash of steel rang through the barracks, sharp and crisp in the cool morning air. Though dawn had barely begun to paint the horizon, many soldiers were already awake, their forms moving with disciplined precision as they honed their techniques.
Among them stood Gazef Stronoff, Chief Warrior of the Re-Estize Kingdom—a towering figure whose mere presence seemed to command respect. Broad-shouldered and unwavering, he projected an aura of unshakable confidence, the living embodiment of a soldier at his peak.
Training nearby was Climb, the personal bodyguard of the kingdom's third princess, Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself. Once a nameless boy from the streets, his life had been forever changed when the "Golden Princess" offered him a second chance. From that day forward, he had pledged himself to her service with absolute devotion.
Despite this loyalty, Climb remained the subject of scorn from nobles and highborn officers—his humble origins a stain in their eyes. Undeterred, he poured himself into his training each day, driven by a singular purpose: to protect the woman who had saved him. This morning, like so many others, he could be found sparring in the Plain of Endurance.
The training ground had earned its name from the grueling sessions that took place there. Sparring bouts could stretch on for hours, often ending only when one combatant collapsed from exhaustion. Located on the edge of the barracks, the open space let in the warmth of the sun when it rose—but at this hour, the air was still and cool, the world seemingly paused in the dim, early light.
"You must watch the opponent as a whole," Gazef instructed, his tone calm but firm. "Not just the weapon—look at the arms, the legs, the knees. Every movement matters."
Their blades locked in a ringing clash, Climb straining to hold the line. In that moment, Gazef stepped in, his foot striking hard against Climb's midsection. The young knight doubled over, dropping to one knee.
"A knight always seizes an opening," Gazef continued. "When you find one, strike at the enemy's weakest point—but always be ready for what comes after. The first blow is only the beginning."
The lesson continued, Gazef correcting Climb's stance, suggesting counterattacks, and explaining how to anticipate an opponent's next move.
Sweat trickled down Climb's face. His armor bore fresh dents, his body bruises both old and new. A thin line of blood traced down his leg from an earlier knock to the ground. Yet, despite his battered state, he looked up at the veteran warrior with a smile.
"Thank you for the advice, sir," he said.
He began to rise—only to be knocked off balance once more. But this time, it wasn't Gazef's doing.
The ground shuddered beneath them. Not enough to throw them completely off their feet, but enough to send training dummies toppling to the dirt. Birds scattered from the nearby rooftops in a panicked flurry, their songs abruptly cut short.
"Sir! What's happening?" Climb called out, scanning the courtyard. His eyes darted toward the horizon—then widened.
"Sir! Look over there!"
Gazef turned, following Climb's outstretched hand. Beyond the city wall, a thin column of searing violet light shot skyward, impossibly straight and unnaturally vivid. Even from this distance, it radiated power.
Without a word, Gazef broke into a run toward the nearest watchtower, his speed blurring his form. Climb, confused but unwilling to hesitate, raced after him, his armor clattering with each step. The spiral stairwell groaned under the pounding of their boots as they climbed.
Reaching the top, both men stopped—and stared.
"By the gods…" Gazef breathed.
The beam of magic was colossal, stabbing into the heavens like a spear. Though they could not hear it, the sight carried the haunting impression of countless voices screaming for mercy. Gazef's stomach churned just looking at it. Its origin was hidden beyond the Azerlisia Mountains, though by his estimation, it lay just past the Forest of Tob.
"We must inform His Majesty at once!" Gazef barked. "Climb—I'll check on the king. You find Princess Renner and make sure she's safe!"
"Yes, sir!" Climb replied without hesitation.
After descending the last flight of stairs and stepping out of the tower, Gazef found a squad of twelve soldiers gathered in a loose, uneven formation. Their eyes darted nervously across the courtyard, faces tight with fear. Normally, he'd bark at them for such hesitation, but today? Today, he couldn't blame them.
"Hey, you! Listen up!"
His voice cracked through the tense air like a whip, pulling their attention away from the chaos. Recognition flashed in their eyes—Chief Warrior Gazef Stronoff. In an instant, panic gave way to a glimmer of hope as they moved toward him.
"I need two of you to get to the castle gates. Tell the guards—no one enters until further notice."
Two men broke off without hesitation, sprinting toward the gates.
"Four of you, guard the castle entrance. Pass the same message to those already stationed there—no one comes in."
The group nodded and jogged off toward their posts.
"You six—follow me to the throne room. Climb, make sure the princess is safe."
Orders delivered, Gazef took off toward the heart of the castle. Climb hurried after him, but the ground's constant trembling turned running into a battle of balance. Twice he lost his footing, slamming to the floor, but each time he forced himself up again. The princess's safety was all that mattered.
Inside the castle, the halls were strangely subdued. Nobles and servants alike stood frozen, not even sparing him the usual disdainful glances. The quake had robbed them of their composure—and, apparently, their attention to status. To Climb's surprise, most of the furniture remained upright, save for a few shattered flowerpots.
He climbed the stairs two at a time, weaving through corridors until he reached the princess's quarters. Without ceremony, he burst inside, scanning for threats.
"Princess Renner! Are you alright—?"
Pain exploded in his side before he could finish. He hit the floor but rolled instinctively, years of training snapping into place. Blade in hand, he scanned the room for an attacker.
"Oh—sorry, Climb. Thought you were an intruder."
The voice was small but confident. Looking up, he spotted a petite blonde barely four-foot-three. The blue ribbon in her hair confirmed her identity—Tia, one of the Blue Rose's shadow twins.
"Lady Tia?! What are you doing here?"
"First of all," she said sharply, "don't call me 'lady.' Second, the princess invited us."
At the mention of Renner, Climb's eyes swept the room again. He spotted her near the wall, hands braced against it, eyes wide with fear.
Beside her stood Lakyus, Blue Rose's leader and a former noble. Her long hair, curled into a single trailing lock, spilled nearly to her hips, crowned by a deep blue rose that stood out even in the chaos.
"Climb, you're here!" Renner's voice trembled with what sounded like genuine worry. She hurried into his arms. To an outsider, it would have looked like a princess fearing for her knight. But those who knew her true nature would see the mask beneath.
"My lady, are you unharmed?"
"Yes. I was worried, but now that you're here, everything's better."
Climb's cheeks flushed crimson.
While the two reunited, Lakyus approached the open terrace. "Evil Eye, you alright?"
The masked adventurer didn't answer. Wrapped in her crimson cloak, white mask etched with black lines, and a ruby-like crystal at its center, she stood transfixed by the malignant beam of light in the distance. Her waist-length blonde hair swayed in the breeze.
"…Such overwhelming power…" she whispered.
"Evil Eye?" Lakyus stepped closer.
"Eh? Oh—yeah, I'm fine. Sorry, boss, I was just… distracted." Her voice was casual, but her gaze still clung to the light. There was something about it—an unnatural pull, like a moth drawn to a flame.
"Since we're all here," Lakyus said, "let's head to the throne room. Princess, will that be alright?"
"Of course. I want to make sure my dear father is safe. I'd be devastated if he were harmed."
They began to move, their steps careful on the trembling floor. But before they reached the door, Evil Eye's hand landed on Lakyus's shoulder.
"Boss… something about that beam feels wrong. Incredibly wrong."
"I know. We'll keep an eye on it."
As they left the princess's chambers, Evil Eye glanced back for one last look, her attention locked on the unholy light as though it were calling her by name.