The toll of the twilight bell rang out, echoing softly through the autumn skies. The capital city of Elvaria glittered like a dream, its streets bathed in the glow of rows upon rows of magical lanterns. Yet within the grand Alveir mansion, the air was suffocatingly heavy, weighing down every breath.
Inside the duke's magnificent study, shelves of ancient tomes towered high, the scent of ink and parchment thick in the air. The scratching of a quill ceased at the sound of the door opening.
A young woman strode in with firm, unwavering steps—her long golden hair tied neatly into a ponytail, her posture radiating strength.She was Serena Alveir.
"Father, I have a request," she declared, her voice steady and strong.
The duke, Grant Alveir, lifted his gaze. His battle-hardened eyes met hers with sharp intensity."I know what you intend to ask. But my answer will not change—you are forbidden from joining the monster subjugation in the dungeon tomorrow."
"Father!" Serena's fists tightened at her sides. "I am already seventeen! I am no longer a child who must hide behind others!"
She laid down her sword upon the duke's heavy oak desk. The runes carved into its blade shimmered faintly under the dim glow of the lantern.
"This sword—I created it with my own hands, combining magic and steel. It is proof that even without a spirit, I can fight!"
Grant's brow furrowed. His deep voice carried the weight of command."Serena, you do not understand. When the magic stone powering that blade runs dry, it is nothing but a lump of iron! Do you intend to wager your life on something so unstable?"
"I am not afraid!" she answered firmly, her golden eyes ablaze. "If I do nothing, if I remain powerless, then I am no better than dead already! I will prove to you, Father—to everyone—that even without a spirit, I am worthy to fight for this kingdom!"
A heavy silence fell. The duke's stern expression wavered for a moment as his gaze lingered on her. Finally, he exhaled a long, weary sigh and turned his eyes toward the window.
"You are just like your mother, Serena… headstrong and unyielding."
Serena's heart quivered at his words, but she did not falter. She stood tall, her resolve unwavering.
That Night – The Courtyard
The sound of steel clashing echoed through the cold air.Clang! Clang!
Sweat glistened on Serena's brow as she swung her sword again and again, her strikes growing sharper with each blow.
From the wooden fence nearby, a young man leaned casually, arms crossed, watching with a faint smile. He was her elder brother, Aiden Alveir, heir to the dukedom and a renowned warrior.
"My little sister," he said lightly, "still trying to change Father's mind, are you?"
Serena paused, panting heavily, her determination burning bright in her eyes."If I don't try… then nothing will ever change."
Aiden stepped forward, placing a gentle hand atop her head. His warm gaze softened."Perhaps you have a courage that even I lack. Such stubborn resolve… maybe it's something the spirits themselves have never witnessed."
Serena blinked, then let out a small smile."I won't stop—not until Father, and everyone else, acknowledges me."
Flashback – Seven Years Earlier
The grand ceremonial hall resounded with the toll of the ancient bell. Children stood in rows, each awaiting the sacred moment when a spirit would appear to choose them.
Ten-year-old Serena closed her eyes tightly, her heart pounding in hope and anticipation.
But no spirit came.
Not a single hand of light reached out to her.
Whispers erupted through the hall like knives.
"Has the Alveir family lost their spirit's blessing?""How disgraceful…""And she is supposed to be the fiancée of the crown prince?"
Serena bit her lip until it bled, her small body trembling with humiliation.
But before tears could fall, her father's thunderous voice cut through the jeers."Silence! Spirit or not—she is my daughter. Never forget that!"
Though her heart ached, Serena lifted her chin, refusing to weep before them. From that day onward, she swore she would never again allow herself to be looked down upon.
Present – The Academy
The bell rang once more, this time over the magnificent towers of Academia Arcanum, welcoming new students into its hallowed halls. Laughter and voices filled the courtyard as fresh faces gathered, full of dreams and ambition.
Serena walked among them, her posture straight, her eyes firm.
Then she saw him.
A tall young man with light-blue hair stood amidst the crowd, his calm, deep gaze cutting through the noise and landing directly on her.
Serena's heart skipped. I feel… as if I've seen him before…
As if hearing her thought, the young man turned, his eyes locking onto hers.
He stepped closer, a faint smile playing upon his lips."Is something the matter, Lady Alveir?"
"N-no… it's nothing. I simply thought… I hadn't seen you before."
His smile deepened, his words quiet yet piercing."But I… have seen you."
Serena froze, her heart pounding violently, as though fate itself had stirred at that moment.