Across the vast plains stretching west of the Jura Forest, stood an entity that wielded not only military might but also an undeniable spiritual influence: The Holy Kingdom of Ruberius. This kingdom was more than just a neighbor to the Kingdom of Englassia; it was a beacon for all human nations in the West, a fortress built upon a sacred doctrine: monsters are the embodiment of evil and must be eradicated to their very roots. This belief system, which they held to be divine revelation bestowed upon them by their worshipped deity, Luminous, had spread like wildfire, uniting the other western kingdoms under a shared ideological banner. They all looked to Ruberius, not merely as a political leader, but as their moral compass.
However, only a select few knew that this holy foundation, this pillar of faith that bound millions of humans together, was a cleverly orchestrated illusion. The mastermind behind it all was a cunning Demon Lord, who had designed this false teaching to unify humanity under a single banner. Her purpose was not for the good of humankind, but for a far more hidden agenda. The dogma was not a revelation; it was a tool.
The heart of this kingdom was its capital city, an architectural masterpiece that defied human imagination. The Holy Capital of Ruberius stood as one of the most advanced human settlements in the world. Encircling it was a colossal magical barrier that served not only as a shield but also as an artificial ecosystem. This barrier, known as the Holy Dome, was a masterpiece of magic fused with advanced technology. It could repel any magical assault, banish demons and elementals attempting unauthorized entry, and even manipulate the climate within the city.
Thanks to the Holy Dome, Ruberius was not just safe, but prosperous. They could control the climate and rainfall, allowing their agriculture to flourish. In the dead of a freezing winter, they could grow fruits and vegetables that typically only grew in warm climates. This abundant harvest not only ensured that no citizen went hungry but also generated immense revenue, making Ruberius an economic powerhouse to be reckoned with. This prosperity, which they believed to be a blessing from Luminous, only served to strengthen their faith.
The Sacred Mountain
At the peak of a secluded mountain wreathed in perpetual mist, within a grand and ancient temple, preparations were underway. In the vast throne room, an elderly man with silver hair and sharp fangs—a vampire—knelt before a girl. She appeared to be a teenager of fifteen or sixteen, yet her heterochromatic eyes, one blood-red and the other sky-blue, radiated a wisdom and authority that transcended her age. Her attire, an elaborate gothic gown with intricate lace details, perfectly matched the noble aura that emanated from her.
"The preparations are complete, O great lord," the man declared in a raspy, yet deeply respectful, voice.
"Thank you for your diligent efforts, Gunther," the girl responded softly, a hint of steel beneath her gentle tone. She was Luminous Valentine.
Gunther, who was known to the other vampires as the Noble Assistant or Great Butler to the goddess, bowed even lower. "It is my honor, Luminous-sama."
Luminous's gaze lingered in the distance, her unique eyes flickering as if seeing something unseen. "My instincts tell me we will soon have a visitor from a distant land. An unusual visitor," she said, her tone filled with anticipation. "Gunther, please make the necessary arrangements to welcome them."
"Understood," Gunther replied, rising with a grace that defied his age and disappearing like a shadow, ready to carry out his master's command. He knew that when Luminous said 'unusual,' it meant something that would shake their world to its core.
Luminous Valentine was an exceptional being, a masterpiece created by the Divine Ancestor Twilight Valentine. Yet, like a child grown weary of a toy, Luminous eventually grew tired of her creator's capriciousness. With her terrifying power, she ended Twilight Valentine's life using the deadly spell Disintegration. After seizing control of the remaining vampire forces, she subdued Valentin, a powerful and bloodthirsty vampire. However, his aggressive nature posed a constant problem for her other subordinates. To restore order, Luminous made the difficult decision to split Valentin into two separate entities, Louis and Roy. Louis became the embodiment of his rational and elegant side, while Roy channeled his brutal and cruel nature.
Gunther, a vampire who had long devoted himself to Luminous, was always by her side. He was Luminous's right hand, a faithful majordomo, and the chief spokesperson among the vampires. His unwavering loyalty and formidable abilities earned him Luminous's complete trust, elevating him to a position of great importance within her reign.