Prologue —
The moon hung high above the black sky, slowly gliding towards the west as if running away from the dark clouds that feasted on its light.
Under the moonlight lay vast, unending ancient ruins, stretching as far as the light could reach. Shrouded under the thick fog, frail enough to show itself but strong enough to hide what lurked beneath.
"There's no trace…"
A tired voice resounded amid the late night.
Footsteps of multiple figures slowly marched deep into the ruins.
Pale orange light emitted from the lanterns in their hands. They wore similar attires—long black coats that reached down to their knees with high upturned collars. Some wore tall black top hats, giving off an imposing aura as they ventured within the ruins.
The group of figures stopped few feet away from a giant stone structure. The man walking at the front glanced at the woman beside him.
She nodded. Without hesitation, she lifted her staff high towards the stone structure, inciting incantations simultaneously.
Golden light started to seep from the crystals embedded into her staff, growing brighter slowly until the statue was fully visible under their anxious gazes.
"Headless?"
One of them blurted out—his voice lacked fear but carried tension regarding the situation—the statue's missing head.
The city was old, drowned and lost in the race of time. Yet not even a single broken structure was found during their search, as if someone had been watching over it for hundreds of decades.
As unreal as it sounded, eventually they had come to accept it. Ancient civilizations were covered in mysteries that they couldn't think of or come up with. It was best not to do anything reckless.
One might think they were pulling out weeds only to realize it was the reason why the world was in its current state.
No one would think to deny that the headless statue might start moving, ripping their souls apart. It was never strange in the world outside the city walls.
However, they stared at the statue fearlessly, void of any emotion that could hinder one's morals—ready to face any threat inside the ruin.
---
Their total force was twenty. Abreal, Conny, and Reas protected the mage from sudden attacks at the front, while Xavee and Henery scouted the rear. There was no way they could be defeated.
Even old Spirits could never hope to break their line of defense—with tanks fighting at the front and mages providing support and dealing devastating damage simultaneously. The captain believed they could even take down swarms of old Spirits.
What really could go wrong?
"It's just a statue. Leave it," the captain ordered.
The robed woman lowered her hands, slowly dimming the statue's upper body.
Without breaking their formation, the cohort continued forward, leaving the headless statue behind. Its hard surface slowly beaded with dew from the fog.
The moon broke through the dark clouds, revealing a head near the statue's base. Without the people noticing, its lifeless eyes were fixed upon the retreating cohort.
Not long after, the moon vanished once again behind the dark clouds.
The wind flowed through the ancient city like waves rushing past a rocky shore—its sound soft and haunting, like a lullaby, lulling the statue's head into a deep slumber.
---
Chapter - 1
THE WINTER IS FINALLY HERE. THE TENTH DAY OF THIS MONTH. IT'S THE DAY I WILL RECEIVE MY GUILD OFFER. I'M QUITE NERVOUS, BUT I THINK I'M READY!
The faint scrape of a nib brushed softly against paper, echoing through the dim and cold room.
Flaus sat on his wooden chair, his hand moving in a calm rhythm. Black ink bled into the pale yellowish sheet. Every few seconds, he would dip the nib inside a small ink bottle placed beside him.
A quiet smile tugged on his young face.
The morning light was thin, almost fragile, yet warm enough to reach him. Today his heart felt lighter than usual.
Finishing, he organized the paper, opened his drawer, put it inside, and closed it with a thump.
He heaved a sigh of accomplishment as he leaned against his wooden chair with enthusiasm. The chair made a loud creak.
It was old, and he should have replaced it long ago. But he was very fond of it. This piece of wood was a parting gift from his late grandfather, who had passed away six months ago. Naturally, he was reluctant to part with it.
Letting out a fresh, warm breath that slightly fogged his face, Flaus muttered in a confused and restless voice, "Why is she taking so long?"
It had already been half an hour since Iris, his little sister, went to her room to dress up for the upcoming archetype ceremony.
Uff, this is why I hate waiting for girls.
He looked around his room to pass time, slowly casting his gaze across the dimly lit space.
A human figure was plastered among the walls. The person wore a black hat, his face covered by a mask with his tongue stuck out. Different poses of that person, resembling a magician, filled the room's walls. The words accompanying those pictures read, "Great Magician."
He dragged his eyes toward the closets, properly lined up towards the corner.
He then shifted his gaze towards his bed, all littered with clothes and books.
If someone saw this right now, they would think he's just a lazy person from a rich family.
Flaus grinned at the thought. Rich? He knew he wasn't rich, nor was he poor. Their family could afford most things an ordinary person would need—but not enough to be called wealthy.
"Haven't they seen Prince Harry's bedroom?" he laughed inwardly. Money—it was never enough for people like him.
People love to exaggerate others' status, just to feel less guilty about themselves. In other words, it was just their coping mechanism.
I'll clean it later. Flaus pushed away the thought and sat up from his chair.
He walked towards the window with audible footsteps. He pulled the curtain aside before pushing the window open.
The cold wind brushed past his cheeks, making him flinch slightly. He hugged his arms instinctively before closing it and pulling the curtain back to its place.
"I need a way bigger coat than this," he murmured, shuddering from the chill as he stared down at his brown coat that reached his waist. The pants were of thick cotton, so they didn't need changing.
"Big brother!"
His sister called out from downstairs.
Without wasting a second, Flaus switched his coat for a longer one and hurriedly left the room, heading towards the stairs.
Iris stood beside the main door, waiting for her brother. Soon enough, she saw a young gentleman wearing a black long coat and a beanie that covered a good portion of his head.
She broke into a smile. "Nanny and Mother have already left, so we should get going," she said cheerfully, swinging her long skirt.
"How do I look?"
Looking at his sister's happy mood, Flaus smiled and said as he walked towards the main door,
"You look beautiful."
She grinned widely.
"Of course. I worked hard, after all."
Hearing his sister's remark, Flaus couldn't help but chuckle.
"All right, all right. We should hurry."
He unlocked the doorknob and pushed it open, coming face to face with the cold wind of the winter.
The two siblings stepped outside and closed the door behind them, locking it carefully with a padlock. Flaus checked the lock twice, assuring himself before putting the keys into his waist pocket.
They walked past their home garden, glistening with morning dew, some leaves even coated with frost.
This year's winter is going to be harsh.
Not even a week in, and it's already this cold.
Flaus pondered on his thoughts before snapping back as he touched the cold metal gate.
Ah, I forgot my gloves…
"Brother, your gloves? Should I go back and fetch a pair?"
Iris asked in puzzlement, her ebony eyes reflecting his slender and sharp face.
"There's no need. We should hurry. I also planned to try out Miss Abbe's new luck ritual on our way to the hall."
Iris looked a little frowning and dejected but stayed silent. As her brother mentioned, he had to try the ritual before the ceremony, and they had no idea how long it would take.
The gate made a loud, uncomfortable creak as he pulled it open, just enough space for them to slip through.
They crossed the road and continued straight ahead.
The road was quiet, and the city was drowned in morning fog. The lamps on the sides were still lit up, giving the road a classic winter seasonal vibe.
After a few minutes, the crowd started to thicken as they strolled through the cold streets of Vincent District. People walked past them—some with normal glances, a few with envy and jealousy, but most with admiration.
Flaus held his sister's hand tightly and led her through the crowd, ignoring the familiar eyes that followed them.
Just three days ago, he had been a boy from a good family, living in a quiet, above-average house, enjoying the comfort his father brought to the family.
I bet no one even knew my name then. All they knew was the quiet, soft boy from the Menekin family. Nothing special.
Flaus shuddered, every breath forming a white mist, brushing past his face as he moved forward. He put his left hand inside his waist pocket—tightly holding his house key.
But that all changed once he awakened his affinity three days ago. People started noticing him—his talent, his face, and most importantly, his name.
People started giving him looks of admiration, joy, and jealousy. Even kids near his house started looking up to him as if he were their idol, as if he had done something heroic.
Yes, I have awakened the affinity. Yes, I have talent that most people don't have. But they don't seem to notice—I was the same before, and I'm still the same Flaus after.
Looking up at the sky, the sun was finally out, its red light bleeding into the tall city buildings.
Power only changes how they see others, not who I am. The mirror still shows the same face—it's their belief that changes, not me.
He wanted to laugh at how fast people can change—from not even knowing his name to making him a hot topic among the city. But he knew all too well this wasn't an advantageous situation for him.
Funny how fame spreads faster than truth. They'll cheer today for their own sake and bite the moment I stumble.
This is the true nature of humans. They would throw away everything for temporary pleasure—and bare their fangs once disturbed.
After taking a few turns, the two siblings finally arrived at the market.
---
This was the true city of goods. The annual Awakening of Winter had brought many people here to Evancin District. Their faces clearly showed excitement as they walked towards the tall, colossal building—the central hall where the ceremony would commence.
The sky was covered in thick gray clouds, but the fog in the air had already thinned a lot. As the day of the ceremony, many shops had already opened early.
Flaus and Iris stopped in front of Miss Abbe's divination shop. A faint smell of coffee lingered around the door. But before they could enter, they heard a commotion behind them.
The two turned around with curious expressions on their faces.
On the left side of the street, opposite the divination shop, a middle-aged woman was arguing with a shopkeeper. She had a frown and a dejected look, while the shopkeeper kept bowing repeatedly.
"I wonder what happened between them," Iris muttered as she observed from a distance.
She wasn't alone. A young black-haired girl stood behind the angry woman, her face slightly annoyed and uncomfortable toward the commotion.
Is that her mother? Well, whatever. It's not my place to pry or intervene.
He turned back towards the ritual shop and pushed the door open.
---
The doorbell rang loudly inside the divination store.
Miss Abbe Merreilei, the owner of the store, looked up from the table in a leisurely manner.
She saw a young man with a black coat and brown hat entering through the front door. Behind him followed a girl—she looked three or four years younger than the man. Of course, she knew her as well; she was the youngest daughter of the Menekin family.
"Fly, you're here. Are you heading for the central hall with your sister?" Her eyes lit up as she stood from her chair.
Flaus chuckled as he walked toward the store owner.
"Yeah. I heard Miss Abbe opened a shop near the market, so I decided to come and take a look." He cast his gaze around the dimly lit room. "Is it real? Can you really see others' futures?" Flaus's eyes sparkled as he widened them slightly.
Miss Abbe had long black hair. Her sharp facial features put her above average in looks. She wasn't very tall, just of average height.
Even though it was winter and cold, she was draped in a light black sleeved shirt and tight black jeans.
Crazy lady! And here I am, trying my best not to die from the cold.
Miss Abbe drew a long breath. She picked up her black coffee and took a quick sip.
"No? Who told you that? I wouldn't be sitting here drinking half as— ahem—coffee if I could see the future."
She looked at Flaus in quiet amusement.
No? What does that mean? Is she trying to hide it? But then what's the point of opening the shop? Come to think of it, I don't see any mystic stuff people use in divination. I doubt this is even a divination shop!
Flaus frowned. He wanted to ask something, but he couldn't find his voice at the moment. Iris was also momentarily shocked.
Seeing the young man's puzzled look, Miss Abbe sighed and finished her coffee. She said, laughingly,
"It's true. I cannot see the future, nor do I have any affinity." She sat down on her chair behind the desk and pulled out a small box. She threw it towards Flaus, saying, "But at least I can divine a glimpse of the future with this."
Flaus caught the small box. The surface was soft, yet hard enough to resist a man's hand trying to force it open. Looking at the box, he saw a star shape circling around a crown.
"What's this?"
"Tarrot. One of the most popular divination techniques in Froztmoon."
Indeed, Tarrot was widely used and sold for various kinds of work. Divination was one of them. It was a symbolic, intuition-based practice that used a deck of illustrated cards to divine and explore someone's life, choices, psychology, patterns, and possible outcomes.
The system were divided into two arcanas: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana were mostly used by the nobles and rich people, while the Minor Arcana were popular among the middle class.
However, it wasn't the best idea to use it as a foundation for big investments or business. No one was stupid enough—or had the courage—to gamble and trust in some random cards.
Can I really trust this? Flaus doubted the usefulness of his visit but decided to try it anyway. His lips curled up in a friendly manner.
"Miss Abbe, I'd like to know whether my ceremony will go smoothly or not."