Three Years Ago — Spain
The sun blazed over the bustling city, casting golden light on the iconic skyline of Spain. Among its towering structures, one stood out with quiet dominance—the Bloodfallen Tower. With its egg-like dome and gleaming glass exterior, it was the pride of the Bloodfallen Corporation, the headquarters of one of the most powerful families in Europe.
Perched at the highest floor—the executive office—three figures stood in quiet tension.
Lady Benedict Bloodfallen, a woman whose beauty once graced the covers of international magazines, sat behind a grand desk. Beside her was her loyal secretary, Elizabeth. And standing before them, like a shadow from the past, was Aura Quincy.
The girl's eyes were red like aged wine, her hair black as midnight. Her tone was sharp—void of affection.
"Don't get me wrong. I'm not here because I want something from you," Aura said, staring directly at the woman who had once given her life—and abandoned her.
Benedict sat silently, her expression unreadable yet burdened by regret.
"I'm only here because my brother insisted," Aura continued coldly. "He believes staying with you is safer."
A heavy silence fell. The mother said nothing, her sorrowful gaze meeting her daughter's distant eyes.
"We may have fought, but that doesn't mean I'll let him worry about my safety. However..." Aura's voice hardened. "Don't mistake this situation as an opportunity to pretend to be the mother you left behind."
"I understand," Benedict replied softly.
"I'll stay under your roof, but I won't be a liability. I'll handle my own expenses and stay out of your affairs."
Elizabeth, ever the efficient secretary, interjected gently, "The house staff will prepare everything you need—"
"That won't be necessary. Just assign me a room. I'll manage the rest," Aura cut in, firm.
Benedict looked down, clearly disheartened by how little space her daughter left for connection.
"Very well... but what about your education?" she finally asked, noticing that Aura had withdrawn from the public academy some time ago.
Aura didn't respond immediately.
"Do you intend to continue?" her mother pressed.
"I see no point in returning to an outdated institution," Aura replied plainly. "It offers nothing useful in today's world."
"Then consider an alternative," Benedict offered, adjusting in her seat. "There's an academy I sponsor. It focuses on hunter training—dungeons, combat, survival. The very world your brother is deeply involved in."
"You've been watching him?" Aura raised an eyebrow, amused. "After being absent for years, you've developed a stalker's flair."
Benedict said nothing.
"Whose academy is it?" Aura finally asked, her interest faint but present.
"It's run by a rising guild—the Lakan Guild. Their program lasts six months. Upon graduation, students are eligible for internships in various guilds and can participate in exclusive dungeon raids."
"Six months?" Aura repeated. "That's manageable."
"The internship lasts two years after that," Benedict added.
Aura crossed her arms, considering.
"Fine. I'll give it a try."
With that, the conversation ended. Aura left the room like a passing storm—brief, heavy, and unforgettable.
From that day forward, she lived in the Bloodfallen estate not as a daughter, but as a stranger—like a guest at an aunt's house. She tinted her hair pink and She enrolled in the Lakan Academy under the name Aura Vindigo, a false identity to sever ties from her infamous lineage.
Within just six months, Aura rose to the top of her class, excelling in combat, strategy, and dungeon theory. Her dedication was unmatched, her focus unshakable.
At graduation, she was decorated with multiple certificates and commendations, marking her as one of the best students of her time. But more importantly, she made valuable connections—friends who would remain close even beyond the academy walls.
Among them were:
Theresa Williams — two years her senior and a prodigy in her own right. The daughter of the Association President, Theresa awakened early and graduated ahead of her peers. She joined the Pendragon Guild as a part-time hunter, quickly earning a reputation as a powerful mage coveted by many guilds.
Ireti Hamman — a skilled tactician with a sharp mind and unmatched reflexes.
Vivian Chester — a support-type hunter with rare healing abilities and a cheerful disposition.
Aura's bond with Theresa, in particular, remained strong. Despite their busy schedules, the two kept in touch regularly—hanging out, exchanging information, and supporting each other in their new lives.
Among the Friends She Chose
Among the bonds Aura formed during her time at Lakan Academy, two individuals stood out.
Ireti Hamman was a striking beauty from Africa, said to be the daughter of Prince Saheed, brother to the influential Ibrahim Ishaaq. Graceful yet formidable, Ireti possessed both royal poise and the sharp instincts of a trained warrior. She had graduated alongside Aura but was later called back to her homeland due to strict traditional laws. Though distance separated them, it never dulled their bond. Through video calls and rare meetups, they maintained a connection that felt unbreakable—sisters not by blood, but by loyalty.
Then there was Vivian Chester—timid, soft-spoken, and brilliant. An orphan with a sick mother and a younger brother to care for, Vivian had nearly dropped out of the academy due to financial hardship. Her family's circumstances were dire, and she had no one to rely on.
Until Aura stepped in.
Having funded her own education, Aura quietly covered Vivian's expenses as well, never asking for gratitude in return. But Vivian's gratitude turned into loyalty. Not just as a friend—but as someone who devoted herself to Aura's vision entirely.
Vivian, who had always been intellectually gifted, blossomed into a prodigy. Her scientific research drew the attention of multiple continents, yet she remained rooted by Aura's side. Seeing her potential, Aura purchased a private laboratory and granted her full creative freedom, with one condition: everything developed within the lab must remain confidential.
Vivian obeyed without hesitation.
Moved by Aura's trust and support, she poured everything she had into her research, determined never to disappoint the one person who believed in her when no one else did.
One Year Later — LAKAN Guild Grounds
A full year had passed since Aura began her journey as a student. Upon graduation, she decided to extend her stay at Lakan Guild to pursue the two-year internship program. It was on the day of her registration that fate reunited her with a familiar face.
As she walked the guild halls, she passed by someone—tall, composed, and unmistakable.
"Aura?"
The voice made her pause. That name, spoken so casually, could only come from someone who knew her past. She turned—and there stood Theresa Williams.
The vibrant mage's reddish-black hair was as radiant as ever, making her instantly recognizable. For a moment, they stared in surprise—then closed the distance between them in a warm embrace.
"Theresa!" Aura exclaimed, smiling genuinely.
"It's been a while," Theresa said, returning the hug.
"Yeah, it has. You look good," Aura replied. "Hunting must've been intense."
"It's been rough," Theresa admitted. "I've been in and out of dungeons. I'm sorry for not keeping in touch."
"It's okay. I'm just glad to see you again," Aura replied sincerely.
"What brings you to Lakan Guild?" Theresa asked.
"I'm applying as an intern."
"Really? That's great! Then we'll be seeing a lot of each other again," Theresa said brightly.
"I'd like that," Aura smiled.
The two embraced once more before parting ways, drawing the attention of others in the guild hall. Whispers spread quickly. A girl unknown to many had just hugged Theresa Williams, daughter of the Association President.
From that day onward, Theresa and Aura were often seen together whenever Theresa stopped by Lakan Guild for joint missions. Their bond was clear—solid, genuine, and enviable.
Later That Month — Post-Dungeon Raid
Aura had just returned from a joint field raid—an A-rank dungeon expedition carried out by Lakan Guild's elite. As part of her internship, she was placed in a unit that included Theresa and one of the guild's renowned hunters, Hannah.
Aura stood beside Theresa outside the debrief room, laughing softly at a joke shared between them, the warmth of their friendship palpable.
Suddenly, she was shoved to the side.
A sharp movement. Unnecessary.
Aura stumbled slightly but regained her composure, choosing not to react.
"Hello, Theresa," a confident voice greeted.
It was Hannah, the A-rank team leader from their recent raid. Beside her stood two tall men known as the Twin Brothers, her usual companions.
Theresa's smile faded slightly. She glanced at Aura—pushed aside like a mere bystander—and turned back to Hannah, her tone polite but noticeably cooler.
"Yes?"
"I'm Hannah. We raided the dungeon together," she said, flashing a bright smile. "I thought it'd be nice to hang out sometime."
Aura remained silent, observing quietly from the sidelines. She wasn't bothered by Hannah's theatrics. She had no desire to compete for attention or to insert herself into Lakan's complex social hierarchy.
She was here for knowledge. Understanding.
She wanted to comprehend the world of hunters—why they fought, how they formed allegiances, and perhaps most importantly... why her brother had thrown his fortune and future at a girl who had only ever manipulated him.
Aura's gaze flickered briefly to the twin brothers, then back to Hannah. She said nothing.
The hallway buzzed with idle chatter as students gathered to bid farewell to their departing classmates. Among them, Theresa stood quietly by the exit, waiting for her friend.
"You're the captain of the B-Team, right?" Theresa asked without turning.
"Yes," came the calm response.
"If I recall correctly... you're Kyle's—"
"Yes," Hannah interrupted, confirming the unspoken connection before the sentence was finished.
Theresa finally turned to face her, noting the glimmer of excitement on Hannah's face. "We met once at the summit," Hannah said eagerly. "It's truly an honor to finally speak with you."
Her enthusiasm, however, did little to sway Theresa. She hadn't forgotten how disrespectful Hannah had been to her friend. And if there was one thing Theresa valued, it was loyalty. She had no intention of warming up to someone who mingled with such a crowd.
"I see," she replied coldly, her expression unreadable. "As you can see, I'm busy bidding farewell to a friend. Perhaps the next time we meet, things will be more enjoyable."
"Of course," Hannah responded with a bright, almost oblivious smile, before walking off with her crew.
Theresa watched her go, then turned her gaze toward Aura, her expression softening. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, of course," Aura said, smiling as if nothing was wrong.
But Theresa wasn't convinced.
Meanwhile, Hannah, unaware of the subtle tension she had sparked, left the scene practically glowing. To her, simply speaking to Theresa felt like winning the lottery. Aura silently watched her leave and couldn't help but smile faintly to herself.
Maybe my brother wasn't so insane after all, she thought. Who would've thought his investment in the hunter world would yield something like this? I think... I finally understand why he spent his fortune on that girl.
What followed in the coming weeks was subtle, but troubling. Hannah began approaching Aura more frequently—always under the guise of wanting to meet Theresa again. But as time passed, bruises began to appear on Aura's body. At first, they were minor—easily dismissed. A scrape here. A bump there. But soon, the wounds grew deeper. Some bore the unmistakable marks of blunt force. Others, far worse—broken bottles, knives, even cigarette burns.
A few months later, Aura staggered into the house, soaked from head to toe. She hadn't realized her mother was still awake, seated in the living room surrounded by scattered paperwork.
"AURA!" Benedict Bloodfallen shouted, her voice sharp with panic. She dropped everything, rushing toward her daughter.
Aura flinched, her body barely holding together. New cuts laced her arms, some still bleeding. The rain had soaked through her clothes, revealing older, unhealed wounds beneath.
"Don't touch me!" Aura snapped, shoving her mother away, but her strength gave out mid-sentence. She collapsed into Benedict's arms.
"Don't push yourself!" Benedict cried, holding her close.
Moments later, the household was thrown into chaos. A doctor was called. Medical supplies rushed in. And for the first time in years, Benedict didn't care about cameras or headlines—only her daughter's life.
Aura awoke the next day, bandaged and weary. The room smelled of antiseptic, and beside her stood a familiar figure.
Vivian Chester—a woman with the air of a clinical goddess. Her ocean-blue hair fell gently around her shoulders, matching the sharp clarity of her eyes behind thin, transparent glasses. Dressed in a black turtleneck, white coat, jeans, and heels, she looked both professional and intimidating.
"How are you feeling?" she asked softly.
"Much better," Aura said with a weak smile.
"You're covered in bandages, and yet... you refuse to fight back. May I ask why you're enduring all this bullying?"
Aura looked away. "Do you remember why I fought with my brother?"
"I do."
"I think... I finally understand what he was going through."
Vivian took a seat beside her. "I'm not sure I follow."
"There are laws in the hunter world. But they don't protect everyone. Especially not the ones like me—interns, trainees, or low-rank hunters."
"That's true... but what are you getting at?"
"My brother awakened as an F-Rank Hunter," Aura said. "The bottom of the barrel. People like him aren't given rights. They're tools. Disposable."
She clenched her fists.
"Only those ranked A to C are granted real privileges. And that includes the power of life and death over others. Do you know what it takes for a low-rank hunter to rise? Bribery. Bullying. Bloodshed."
Vivian frowned. "So you're enduring all of this... because you believe you're part of that powerless class?"
"In a way. But more than that..." Aura's eyes dimmed. "My brother endured this alone. For years. He gave up his hunter path, poured his everything—his money, his future—into a woman he believed in. I mocked him for it."
Her voice trembled slightly as a bitter laugh escaped her lips.
"Even with wealth and influence... do you think I can stop the hunters ranked above me? Do you think they'll care?"
"What about Theresa?" Vivian asked gently. "Wouldn't asking her for help be—"
"I lost contact with her."
Silence followed.
Aura turned to the window, letting the breeze brush across her face.
"If nothing else, I just want my brother to live... for himself. That would be enough."
Vivian sat quietly for a moment, then finally spoke. "Then let me gather the evidence. Everything we need to expose the ones behind this."
Aura glanced at her, amused. "You think you can?"
Vivian narrowed her eyes. "You're doing this because you know he'll come, don't you? You're relying on him."
"Maybe," Aura said with a shrug. "I'm not a child anymore. I need to see things from different perspectives. Just like he does."
"...Very well," Vivian stood. "I'll collect the data. But promise me this—don't do anything reckless."
Aura didn't answer. She only smiled—softly, bitterly.
Aura was like her brother in many ways. She didn't hold grudges against those who hurt her—but she never forgave those who hurt him. If there ever came a day she died, she wanted to make sure her brother would unleash hell on those responsible.
That was the foundation of her resolve.
She believed—deep down—that one day, he would come for her. But what troubled her most wasn't whether he'd arrive. It was how she would face him when he did.
Despite everything, Aura had always adored her brother. After their parents passed, he had been her world. So, when he severed ties with their biological mother, Aura did the same without question.
But she always wondered—why did he never curse their mother out loud?
The answer came with time.
Her brother didn't hate their mother for her betrayal. He respected her obsession with success, no matter the cost. That's what had driven him to sacrifice everything for the one woman he believed in.
Aura, too, began to understand.
She didn't often show it, but she cared deeply. Secretly, she hired private investigators to check on her brother's well-being. She knew he was struggling—alone, broke, shunned.
And still, she couldn't help but wonder...
Did I do the right thing?
Did I abandon him the same way everyone else did—cruelly, selfishly, without truly understanding what he endured?
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to be continued