The candlelight flickered across the grand hall of the cathedral, casting long shadows that danced against the marble walls. Lumiel Ark, still young yet already recognized among the priesthood for his exceptional abilities, knelt silently before the altar. His hands were clasped, his eyes closed, but his mind was far from still.
A vision had come to him, as sudden and sharp as a blade, shaking the foundation of his calm. In the vision, a figure appeared—a girl with black hair flowing like a river of ink and piercing blue eyes that shimmered with power far beyond her years. Lumiel could feel the aura surrounding her: pure, strong, and unmistakably that of the Spirit Beloved.
He had read the ancient texts, studied the prophecies handed down through generations of the priesthood, yet nothing could have prepared him for the clarity of this revelation. The Spirit Beloved had awakened, and with her awakening, the world would change.
Lumiel opened his eyes slowly, feeling the weight of responsibility settle over his shoulders like a heavy cloak. He was among the youngest in the order, but the purity of his ability set him apart. Among all priests in the land, his connection to the divine was unmatched. If anyone could interpret such a vision, it was him.
A cold wind swept through the cathedral, though the windows were closed, carrying with it an unnatural chill. Lumiel's eyes narrowed as he sensed the disturbance: it was not the Spirit Beloved's power that had drawn it, but something older, darker. Demons had stirred. They were aware now that a Spirit Beloved walked in the world, and though she had not called them, they would move. They always sought dominion, always sought to plunge the world into chaos.
He rose, the robes of his office brushing against the marble floor, the golden embroidery catching the candlelight. His fingers trembled slightly, not with fear, but with anticipation. This was his calling, the moment he had been trained for since childhood: to protect the chosen, to safeguard the one whose power could shape the fate of nations.
He walked to the center of the hall, raising his hands to the stained glass windows that depicted the ancient battles of gods and men. The sunlight, filtered through the colored glass, painted the floor with hues of red, blue, and gold, and Lumiel felt the divine energy resonate with his own. His gift—the gift of the most pure and potent magic among the priests—flowed through him, amplifying his senses.
He saw it again: the Spirit Beloved, standing in the midst of her awakening, facing the first wave of demons alone. Lumiel's heart clenched, not from fear, but from the recognition of her solitude. Though she was powerful, she was still a child, and the world would not yield easily.
"This is the time," he whispered to the empty hall. "The Spirit Beloved has awakened, and the task falls upon us."
The air around him shimmered, and he could feel the presence of the other priests, scattered across the kingdom, receiving their own calls to action. Yet among them, Lumiel's ability was unmatched. He could sense the tremor of every spirit in the land, the faintest shifts of magical energy, and the creeping shadow of the demons plotting below. His vision was clearer than theirs; his understanding of the balance between power and duty more refined.
He closed his eyes again, reaching inward, seeking guidance. The divine connection thrummed through him, strong and steady, affirming the urgency of his duty. The Spirit Beloved had been chosen not by accident, but by fate itself. Her awakening would attract both reverence and danger.
Lumiel's hands moved in a practiced motion, drawing invisible sigils in the air as he whispered incantations under his breath. These spells were not for attack but for clarity, protection, and foresight. The cathedral walls seemed to pulse in response, ancient stones awakening to the resonance of his power. Even among the purest of priests, few could command such a reaction.
A sudden, sharp vision pierced his consciousness: a village on the outskirts of the Emerald Dukedom. Flames licked the edges of thatched roofs, screams echoing into the night. Demons, dark and hulking, descended not because of the Spirit Beloved's presence, but because their own ambition sought conquest. Humans were fragile, defenseless, and deliciously tempting to those who thrived on chaos.
Lumiel's jaw tightened. He knew the priests could not reach every town in time. Yet, he also knew that once the Spirit Beloved took her first steps into battle, she would not fight alone. She would summon her companions, the spirits who served to aid, to protect, to amplify her power. Among them, the tiny healer who accompanied her now would be her first anchor, her first connection to those who would fight by her side.
But demons were relentless, clever, and unbound by mercy. They would test the limits of her strength and the resolve of those who swore to protect her. And if she were to fall… the world itself could descend into ruin.
Lumiel lifted his head, his purple eyes blazing with quiet determination. He would not fail. No matter the cost, he would move, rally the priests, and ensure that the Spirit Beloved's path remained untroubled by the shadows that sought to devour her.
He could feel it now, the gentle pull of her energy across the miles, faint but unmistakable. She was not calling for him, yet destiny had intertwined their fates. He understood the subtle rhythm of the bond between a Spirit Beloved and her guardians. She would always be guided, always protected—not by chance, but by the will of the spirits and those who had devoted their lives to their charge.
The young priest turned, his steps echoing through the cathedral as he moved toward the sacred archives. Scrolls and tomes lined the shelves, filled with knowledge accumulated over centuries. He sought the strategies, the wards, the spells specifically meant for the protection of the Spirit Beloved. Every priest trained in their art, but Lumiel's mastery was unmatched. He would carry the burden of guidance where others could not.
Outside, the wind carried the distant scent of fire and brimstone. The demons had begun their campaign, spurred by ambition, by greed, by the very essence of malice. Lumiel's heart beat steadily, each pulse a promise. The Spirit Beloved had awakened. She was powerful beyond comprehension, and she would need every shield, every priest, every spirit ally to withstand what was coming.
He lifted his hands to the sky, the faint glow of divine energy emanating from his fingertips. "For the Spirit Beloved," he murmured, voice low but resolute, "we shall move. We shall protect. We shall not falter."
In the vision that followed, he saw her standing firm, Yuki glowing at her side, and the demons recoiling under the force of pure, righteous power. The citizens who witnessed her rise would whisper legends, but those who truly understood knew that the real battle had just begun. The Spirit Beloved had awakened—not to summon chaos, but to oppose it, and Lumiel Ark, with his unmatched gift, would ensure she never faced it alone.
And so, with purpose burning in his chest, the youngest and purest of the priests stepped forward, preparing to rally the order. The time of passivity was over. The Spirit Beloved had awakened, and with her, a new era had begun."
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The gates of the Emerald residence loomed ahead as Shellia's feet crunched against the cobblestone path. The air felt heavier here, weighted with anticipation and relief that she hadn't yet realized she had left behind the chaos of the town. Today had been her first real confrontation with the demons—an encounter she had never imagined she would face in this lifetime, yet one she had survived.
The moment she stepped closer, she saw them all. Standing in front of the mansion were her mother, her siblings, and Mira. Their faces told a story of fear, worry, and a hope that had nearly broken under the strain of uncertainty.
Her mother, Giovina Emerald, was unmistakable even from a distance. Her blue hair shimmered faintly in the sunlight, and her piercing blue eyes were wide with relief and exhaustion. She had been waiting, no doubt fearing the worst, and now the tension in her posture slowly began to ease as she finally saw her daughter approaching.
Alecia, her younger sister, stood next to their twin brother Alex. Alecia's purple eyes glimmered with unshed tears, and her black hair was slightly mussed, as if she had been pacing or wringing her hands all morning. Alex mirrored Alecia's anxiety but held himself with more restraint; his blue hair was bright against the morning light, yet his expression softened the moment Shellia came into view.
Mira, ever faithful, was on her knees, tears streaking her face. She had always been a steady presence, the one who watched over Shellia since infancy, yet today she had lost composure entirely. Her hands clasped in front of her chest, shaking slightly as if she could barely believe Shellia had returned safely.
Shellia slowed her steps, taking in the scene. She had never seen her homecoming greeted with such intensity. The sight of her mother and siblings, the sight of Mira's emotional display, tugged at her heart. Even after surviving her first battle against demons today, even after her powers had awakened fully, the warmth of her family's concern reminded her of what she was truly protecting—not just the world, but the people who loved her.
"Mira…" Shellia's voice was soft but carried across the space, and the maid's head lifted in unison, her eyes red and glistening. "I'm fine."
The words seemed almost inadequate. Mira blinked rapidly, as if trying to reconcile the sight of Shellia standing there before her with the overwhelming fear she had just experienced. "You… you're alive, Miss… you… you came back!" Her voice broke, and tears spilled freely down her cheeks.
Shellia stepped closer, keeping her expression calm yet warm. She reached out, touching Mira's trembling hands. "I'm okay, Mira. I promised I would come back. And I did."
Mira buried her face into Shellia's hands, sobbing quietly, as if holding onto the girl's presence could erase the terror of the day. Shellia bent down slightly, letting Mira cling to her, feeling a pang of emotion that surprised even herself. Even after facing a demon, her heart ached most for the fear her absence had caused.
Giovina took a cautious step forward, her posture a mixture of composure and maternal worry. "Shellia… you returned safely…" Her voice trembled slightly despite her effort to remain noble and in control. Her blue eyes shone with tears, though she quickly blinked them away. "I was… I was afraid something had… happened to you."
Shellia met her mother's gaze and gave a reassuring smile. "Mother, I faced them. I survived. Today was my first battle against the demons, and I am unharmed." Her words carried not only truth but also a quiet confidence, the kind that could soothe fear even when the heart was still pounding.
Alecia stepped forward, purple eyes glimmering. "Shellia… you went alone? And fought demons?" Her voice was a mix of awe and fear. She looked at her twin, Alex, who gave a slight nod but said nothing, letting Alecia speak for both of them.
"Yes," Shellia replied simply. "Yuki was with me. He helped heal me and guided me through the fight. But I made it through. I promised I'd return home, and here I am."
The siblings and their mother exchanged a look. There was relief, certainly, but there was also admiration. Today, their sister had faced something unimaginable and emerged victorious. They were witnessing not just Shellia's survival, but the first signs of her extraordinary power as the Spirit Beloved.
Mira wiped her tears, looking up at Shellia with wonder. "I… I never thought… you could… face them…" Her voice faltered, her words clumsy with emotion. "But you… you did it. You returned. You're… you're truly remarkable, Miss."
Shellia chuckled softly, though her heart ached at Mira's fear. "Mira, you need not fear. I am stronger than you imagine, and I will continue to protect the people of Emerald Dukedom. Today was only the beginning."
Giovina stepped closer, placing her hand on Shellia's shoulder. "You've grown… not just stronger, but braver." Her voice softened, filled with a rare mix of pride and concern. "I can see now why the spirits have chosen you. Your strength… your courage… it is remarkable."
Alecia's small hand reached for Shellia's, squeezing tightly. "Sister… please promise me you'll be careful. I don't know what I'd do if…" Her voice broke, but Shellia tightened her grip gently.
"I promise," Shellia said. "I will be careful. But I cannot stop protecting the people just because it is dangerous. They need me, and I have the power to help them. Today was my first battle, yes, but I will grow stronger each day. I will not falter."
Alex finally spoke, his deep voice steady but imbued with quiet admiration. "Shellia… you've always had this strength, but today… today you've shown us something extraordinary. We will support you, all of us. You are not alone in this."
Shellia looked at each of them—her family, Mira—and felt warmth spread through her chest. The exhaustion of her battle, the weight of her powers awakening, and the strain of facing demons for the first time melted slightly in the comfort of their presence.
"I am not alone," she said softly, her blue eyes glimmering with determination. "And I will continue to protect everyone, not just those I love, but all who need me. The demons may come, but I will not waver. This is my duty, and my choice."
Mira let out a small laugh through her tears, shaking her head in disbelief. "You… you are something else, Miss. Truly something else."
Shellia smiled, letting a sense of calm settle over her. Today had been terrifying, and today had marked her first real battle as the Spirit Beloved, but she had returned home. She had faced the demons, survived, and grown stronger. And now, surrounded by her family and those who loved her, she felt a renewed strength that went beyond her powers—a strength born from the bonds that tied her to the people she vowed to protect.
Her mother, her siblings, and Mira would always be her anchor, and though the battles ahead would grow more dangerous, she would not falter. Today was only the beginning, but she had already taken the first step in embracing the destiny that the Spirit Beloved had chosen for her.
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