Chapter 2: Dream
The Head Maid took out a vial from her leather pouch, opened the baby's mouth with her forefinger, and poured a few drops.
"What are you feeding him?" Athena shouted in alarm. But the Head Maid didn't react. She simply continued feeding the liquid.
Then, without a word, she placed the baby next to Athena's mother and quickly left the room.
On the other hand, Athena watched the young baby cry out suddenly and then start vomiting the purple liquid. But before she could react, he began to drift into sleep.
No!
Seconds later, she realized — Raven wasn't breathing.
"NO!" Her eyes turned bloodshot as she screamed. At that moment, the entire world shattered like a broken mirror. She caught a glimpse of her aunt Shirley rushing into the room in a panic, but then everything faded into pitch-black silence.
—
Athena jolted awake, her eyes wide.
"W-Was that… a dream?" she muttered, her breath shallow. But it felt far too real to be dismissed so easily.
The baby's final cry still echoed in her ears.
She sat up in bed and, without a second thought, ran out of her room. The hallway was cloaked in darkness. She nearly tripped but quickly adjusted her eyes and hurried forward.
Reaching a familiar wooden door, she pushed it open.
Her gaze immediately found her mother and the baby.
"He's still breathing..." she whispered in relief. There was no trace of purple liquid on his cheeks.
Only now did she notice that the room looked cleaner than before. All the blood had been wiped away, and the air felt lighter.
After glancing at her mother, she stepped closer to the baby, sleeping soundly. A cup and a milk bottle sat on the table nearby — her aunt must have fed him.
'But what was that dream?'
She turned toward the window. The moon hung high in the sky. It had to be near midnight.
"Maybe… it wasn't a dream but a premonition?" she murmured in doubt. "Will she really kill Raven?"
She bit her lip and looked at the baby again.
'Should I take him far away?' The thought came unbidden but strong.
She turned to her mother and quivered.
"What should I do, Mama? Wake up…" her voice cracked, tears sliding down her cheeks. Whether that dream was true or false, she had made up her mind.
'If Raven stays in this palace, he will definitely die.'
She bent closer and whispered into Jeanne's ear.
"Mama, I don't have a choice. I'll take him away… I'll raise him. One day, I'll come back. Please… wait for us."
"But how are you going to survive on your own?" came a familiar voice from the doorway.
Athena stiffened.
"Aunt Shirley?" she turned slowly, her eyes wary.
'Why is she wary of me?' Even Shirley noticed the shift. This child wasn't the same as before.
Surprised, she raised her hands in reassurance and said in a solemn tone,
"Don't be afraid of your aunt, Athena. But… are you sure about this decision? There'll be no turning back."
"I'm sure," Athena replied without hesitation.
"Then follow me." Shirley took her hand and led her out of the room.
They walked silently through the hallway and then reached the end — a balcony overlooking the courtyard.
"Let's jump," Shirley said. She carefully took the baby from Athena and leaped off.
But instead of falling, she stepped onto the air itself and floated down gently, landing on the grass.
Even in that brief moment, Athena was shocked.
Aunt is an Official Knight?!
She followed, leaping into the air — but her descent was too fast.
Just before she hit the ground, Shirley reached out and caught her by the collar.
"Athena," she whispered, "cover your right hand from now on. Never draw the attention of nobles."
With that, she picked up her pace and rushed toward the compound wall.
But something felt off.
The reason she chose to flee in this direction was that the security would always be less. Only a Radiant Knight would be guarding this place and always sleep during his duty.
'Why isn't he here?' she thought while touching the bracelet in her hand.
It was an artifact with an illusion-type spell engraved on it.
She was prepared for a fight.
'Once I use this artifact's ability, I can make him sleep and escape.'
She glanced back at the white palace — and suddenly, an invisible force wrapped around her body. It vanished in an instant, but it was enough to turn her face pale.
She knew that pressure could've crushed her into dust a thousand times over.
"W-What happened, Aunt?" Athena asked, seeing her pale face.
Two seconds later, Shirley regained her composure.
"They're… letting us go," she said bitterly. "Voluntarily."
She understood. Even the weakest Royal Guard was a Radiant Walker.
"It's better if we go far away… maybe to some rural town."
Without another word, she grabbed Athena's hand. Together, they climbed over the wall and vanished into the night.
...
Five Years Later.
Darkcross Town, Territory of Mirage Woods, Zenith Empire.
Rune Era, Year 1410, August 18th.
In the heart of the vast island continent, nestled within the sprawling countryside, lay the charming town of Darkcross. It was a large town with a population of around 100,000 people.
As the morning sun broke through the mist, the quaint cobblestone streets came to life with the bustling activity of townsfolk.
The sound of a steam engine echoed through the air, announcing the arrival of people and goods from faraway lands. The train station, with its grand clock tower and iron designs, stood tall like a gate to other territories. As the train arrived, thick clouds of steam covered the platform, filling the place with excitement and old memories.
Next to the station, the industrial district buzzed with noise. Tall brick factories let out smoke that mixed with the morning fog. Workers in rough clothes moved around the machines, surrounded by the clatter of gears and hissing steam.
Darkcross's market square was full of life. Vendors shouted under bright awnings, selling fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods. Horse-drawn carriages moved along the streets while people chatted happily, and a brass band played in the background.
It was a rush-filled morning for many townsfolk.
The time was around 8 A.M.
A single-storied house with a large lawn next to Alm Street stood steadily, looking more like a commoner's residence.
In the doorway of the house, a young and slender boy, his dark hair contrasting sharply with his fair skin, stood observing the passersby with wide-eyed fascination.
His innocent countenance, framed by a mop of black hair, revealed a round face that bespoke the purity of youth. Standing at approximately 105 centimeters, he appeared diminutive yet possessed a quiet confidence.
The boy's eyes, a deep shade of blue, held a certain earnestness as he took in the world unfolding before him. Clad in a meticulously arranged ensemble, he wore a crisp white shirt and blue trousers, giving off a sense of tidiness and perhaps a touch of formality. Adorning his back was a leather school bag.
"Raven, did you take the lunch box I left on the table?" A pleasant young maiden's voice echoed from inside, causing his eyes to widen.
"Ohh! I forgot!"
The young boy named Raven hurriedly turned around and ran inside to grab the lunch box. But before he could take a few steps, a 165 cm tall young woman came from inside with a small bag in her left hand and blocked his path. She had the same black hair as him and appeared to be around 18 years old.
At that moment, she wore a dark greenish shirt and matching pants and even held a black umbrella in her hand.
She was none other than Athena.
As soon as she approached Raven, she grabbed him with her right arm and lifted him onto her waist.
"Happy birthday once again. So, did you finish your homework or are you trying to outsmart your sister again?" she asked while kissing him on his soft cheek.
A bright smile bloomed on young Raven's face as he nodded and responded proudly.
"I did everything, sister. I even finished memorizing the thirteenth equation table in the Logistics Calculation subject."
"Good boy." She nodded pleasantly and walked out of the single-story house. Afterwards, she turned around while keeping Raven on her waist, locked the door using a metallic latch, and soon left the house.
"Sister, what's that? It looks different from Uncle Andrew's cart," Raven said, pointing at a sleek, luxurious carriage coming down the road.
Athena looked up, brushing her hair aside. "That's the Landua carriage of this town's Lord, sweetheart. It's meant for nobles, not regular folks like us."
"Is he rich?" Raven's eyes sparkled.
"The richest in this territory," Athena replied with a gentle smile. "He owns this street, our home, your school, the railway, the factories — almost everything you see. He even controls four other towns and a large city called Highhold."
"Wow! Who is he? Why does he get to own so much?"
"He's Baron Alexander Whitbard, a noble of the Zenith Empire. Unlike us commoners, nobles have special privileges. If you ever see him, you must greet him respectfully. Understand?"
Raven nodded slowly. Athena continued walking, her voice calm as she explained bits of the world around them. Despite the various carriages they passed — dog carts, broughams, cabriolets — Raven lost interest quickly. He had seen them many times before.
Before long, they reached the gates of Silverhelm School, one of the seven elementary schools in Darkcross. It offered basic education and helped children choose a future path.
Such schools didn't exist for commoners a few centuries ago. But ever since mainland wizards arrived with their wealth and knowledge, things had changed. They brought education, new technologies, and a wave of modernization. Thanks to their efforts, around 60% of commoners could now afford to send their children to school.
Technological wonders like railways, steam engines, sewing machines, factories, and mills changed people's lives.
'Those wizards from the mainland… They did more for ordinary people than even the Emperor or Father ever did,' Athena mused, her expression distant.
In the past, just hearing the word wizard could strike fear into people's hearts. Now, though still rare, they were seen as mysterious guardians of progress. In Darkcross, only 20 wizards lived among a population of 100,000 — most hidden, blending in as ordinary people.
If not for her time at the palace, Athena might never have guessed that such people lived among them at all.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps.
"Raven!!! Good morning!" A plump little boy with a massive schoolbag and blonde hair dashed toward them, nearly knocking Athena over.
"Robert!" Raven grinned and waved as his friend arrived.
Athena gently set Raven down, quickly combed his messy hair, and handed him his lunchbox.
"Today's the first day of the semester," she reminded him. "No fighting, and listen to your teachers. Okay?"
"Yes, Sister." Raven took Robert's hand, and the two ran into the school gates, chattering.
Athena watched until they disappeared, her smile fading into quiet concern.
'He's getting weaker each day, even with all the healthy food. He's sick almost every week. I can't delay any longer. I'll have to try the Walker's Spirit Potion…'
Aunt Shirley had once mentioned a rare life potion sold in auctions — one that might heal Raven's soul. But buying something that miraculous required gold. Too much gold.
Athena's own salary barely covered their needs. She earned only thirty silvers a month. Five went to rent, five for food and medicine, and ten were spent on Raven's school. After a year, her savings stood at 380 silvers.
'The Walker Spirit Potion costs 500 to 600 silvers… 5 to 6 gold coins.'
She clenched her fists.
If she wanted to earn more, she had to rise in rank.
Despite five years of training, her Knight progression had stalled. Thankfully, her physical fitness and academic scores got her a job as a constable two years ago. Now, she worked patrols for the Darkcross Police Department.
But she wasn't content.
If she could become an Official Knight, her position would jump to Head Constable — and her salary would multiply.
'But without the right techniques, I'm stuck.'
It wasn't that her training was flawed — it was incomplete. The Royal Instructor had withheld certain techniques to avoid hindering her growth. After she left the palace at 13, her training path fractured.
Still, she had no regrets.
'I don't care about the royal title or lineage. All I want is to protect Raven.'
And to do that, she needed strength.
Real strength.
As an Official Knight under Baron Alexander, she'd gain access to artifact weapons like the Aether Rifle — a creation of the wizards, capable of killing magical beasts in a single shot. Normal guns barely scratched such creatures. Even the best police weapons couldn't harm Official Walkers or stronger monsters.
Aether Rifles, however, used bullets crafted from magic stones — enchanted to deliver destructive blows. Common ones could take down intermediate-rank monsters with ease.
But such weapons were rare. Only a few thousand existed across the entire Empire. Baron Whitbard alone possessed a dozen.
Darkcross was near the Mirage Woodlands, a dangerous forest filled with monsters. Thanks to artifact weapons and prepared patrols, the town remained safe — for now.
But high-rank monsters? They were intelligent and terrifying.
Athena couldn't afford to relax.
Becoming the Baron's Knight meant more than a weapon. It meant access to resources, respect, and a future for her brother.
'Right now, I earn thirty silvers a month. After expenses, I barely save ten. The potion costs six hundred. I still need more than a hundred silvers…'
She could ask Aunt Shirley, but the older woman had her own burdens.
'Should I… sell the necklace Crimson Duke gave me?' Her hand instinctively touched the chain on her neck.
No. She slapped her cheeks firmly.
'What's more precious — a necklace or Raven's life?'
Heart resolute, she turned toward Grey Street, where black-market merchants dealt in potions, relics, and dangerous secrets.
She would do whatever it took.