Roman's gaze froze on the glowing blue screen that only he could see.
> [Warning: Anomaly detected. Origin – Negative.]
His mind churned. What anomaly? he asked the Shadow System. Is this connected to the vision I saw earlier… the burning town, the blackened skies? If so, then danger is far closer than I thought. I must stay alert.
"Roman?" Duke Jacob's deep voice cut through his spiraling thoughts."Why are you spacing out? Is everything all right?"
Roman blinked and straightened his posture, pushing down his unease.
"No, nothing, Father. I was only thinking about what reforms we should bring to strengthen our dukedom."
"That is exactly why we are gathered here," Jacob replied, his voice steady yet curious.
Inside the grand council hall of Presia Dukedom, the air was thick with authority and expectation. The high officials of every sector had been summoned. Roman scanned the table and gave each a polite nod:
Sir Zion, the Knight Captain, his broad shoulders wrapped in silver armor.
Master Velkan, the head of the Mage Tower, his robes embroidered with blue sigils.
Cleric Alphonse, the Water Regulation officer, his thin hands stained with ink and maps.
Ralph, the treasurer, with scrolls and ledgers stacked before him.
Lady Mirabel, chief of health and hygiene, her sharp eyes never missing detail.
And several other aides, assistants, and junior officers waiting silently behind their superiors.
Roman stood. His voice carried calm authority beyond his years.
"We are grateful for your service so far. But I believe we must reshape the very system of this dukedom, from the highest-ranking official to the ground workers. The people depend on us—not only to rule, but to protect and guide."
The officials exchanged wary looks, but Roman pressed on.
"Knight Captain Zion," Roman said firmly, "our knights must adopt new training techniques. The era of swinging swords alone is over. We must combine sword and magic into one discipline. Our knights should wield blades while channeling elemental energy. Not separately—together."
Murmurs rose around the table.
"For water," Roman continued, turning to Cleric Alphonse, "we must address the shortages. We will purify used water, recycle it, and construct dams near the churches' jurisdictions. If they refuse, we'll create purification machines infused with orbs of holy energy. Dams and reservoirs will also harvest rainwater. Clean water must flow into every household of our dukedom."
Gasps of shock rippled. Such plans had never been attempted before.
Roman then shifted to Master Velkan, the mage.
"The Mage Tower should not only train combat magicians. We need:
Enchanters, to enhance weapons and armor for soldiers.
Researchers, to discover new applications of arcane energy.
Healers, trained in practical battle magic.
And constructors, who can bind magic into structures like dams, walls, and machines."
Velkan's eyes glimmered with restrained interest, though he stroked his beard skeptically.
Finally, Roman placed a thick stack of scrolls on the table and distributed copies.
"These are the proposed economic reforms: new taxation rules equal for all—nobles, merchants, and commoners alike. A balanced budget allotting resources to water, roads, medicine, mage research, and knight training. Large merchants will no longer exploit loopholes, and small traders will have fairer opportunities. This system ensures prosperity flows downward—not just upward."
Duke Jacob studied the document with narrowed eyes. Other officials flipped through the pages, expressions shifting between disbelief and awe.
Then, the first objection came.
"With due respect, young master," Knight Captain Zion said gravely, "in my lifetime I have never seen such a training regime succeed. To merge swordsmanship and magic into one form? It is rare, near impossible. Even I—after decades—can only achieve half such synchronization. Only a handful in the Clover Kingdom can do this."
Roman didn't flinch. "Then I will demonstrate myself. I will prove it can be done. Once we have a foundation, we will refine it together. The impossible is only impossible until it is achieved."
Zion hesitated, then bowed his head. "…If you can show it, then I shall follow."
Next came Cleric Alphonse, wringing his hands. "Young master, forgive me, but purifying used water? I have never heard of such heresy. Water once tainted cannot be restored. It is dangerous—"
"I am already working with the dwarves of our land," Roman interrupted calmly. "Together we are crafting a device that channels holy energy into an orb, designed to cleanse and recycle water. It will take time, but it is possible. Innovation always begins with doubt."
Silence followed. None dared argue further.
After hours of heated discussions, the council adjourned. Officials left the hall, clutching the reform scrolls as if holding the future in their hands.
Roman remained seated, lost in thought, until his father spoke.
"You know…" Duke Jacob's voice softened, almost trembling. "You remind me more and more of your mother."
Roman turned toward him, surprised. Jacob's eyes seemed distant, remembering a ghost.
"She was unpredictable, just like you. Always full of ideas. She spent more time in the villages than in this palace—feeding the poor, healing the sick, even inviting commoners to dine with us. But… her kindness cost her. A rare disease claimed her life. She gave birth to you before passing, though you were fragile and weak."
Jacob exhaled deeply, a trace of grief in his tone. "Now… seeing you strong, determined, smiling just like her—I feel my work is nearly done. Perhaps soon, I can finally rest… and meet her again above."
Roman's jaw clenched. He forced a smile.
"No, Father. You don't get to rest yet. You've carried this dukedom and our family for years. You're not allowed to abandon your duty. No running away. Not while I still need you."
For the first time in years, father and son laughed together. A warm, fleeting peace.
But peace is a fragile thing.
The ground trembled faintly beneath their feet. A sudden rumble shook the castle walls. From outside, a thunderous crack split the skies.
BOOOOM!
The council chamber shook as if struck by a giant's hammer. Jacob and Roman rushed to the windows—only to see the heavens splitting open.
A dark cloud, unlike any natural storm, spread across the sky. It wasn't mere shadow—it was a suffocating abyss that swallowed light. Thunder rumbled, but the lightning was black, jagged veins tearing the heavens.
And then came the rain.
Not of water.
But of black droplets—thick, tar-like, hissing where they struck the earth. Each drop radiated corruption, burning grass, stone, and flesh alike.
The people screamed.
Roman's eyes widened. His hand instinctively reached for his sword.
This… this is the anomaly.