The bells of morning rang clear across the sprawling towers of Academia Arcanum. Students bustled with more energy than usual, their faces alight with anticipation. In only a few days, the Great Spirit Contract Ceremony would take place—a chance that came once every seven years.
The entire kingdom, from nobles to commoners, had their eyes on this event. In the academy, every conversation seemed to return to the same topic: Who would be chosen by which spirit?
Morning Class – History of Noble Bloodlines
An elderly professor stood before a glowing arcane board, his voice raspy yet solemn as he recited the old legends.
"Remember well, students—the nobility of Elvaria is built upon the foundation of spirit contracts. Those who are chosen by spirits inherit both the right to rule and the duty to defend this realm."
Quills scratched against parchment, though several students cast sidelong glances toward the back of the room, where Serena sat quietly.
"And if one, though of noble birth, stands without a bond…" The professor paused, his tone heavy. "They are no different from a tree without roots—fragile, unworthy of inheritance."
A ripple of whispers rose at once.
"He means her.""Yes… the spiritless Alveir."
Serena's lips pressed tightly together. She said nothing, though her hands clenched beneath the desk.
But suddenly, a calm voice rang out across the hall.
"I disagree."
All heads turned. Kyren Adelric had risen from his seat, his eyes steady upon the professor.
"Spirits may grant power, but what makes one worthy of rule is strength of will and wisdom—not merely a contract."
A hush fell over the class.
The professor blinked, then gave a thin smile. "An interesting perspective, Adelric. But the world is not so easily changed."
Serena turned her gaze toward Kyren. His eyes were calm, unreadable, yet within them lingered something that stirred her heart.
Afternoon – The Academy Gardens
The crisp wind scattered autumn leaves as Serena walked alone among the trees. Suddenly, a warm voice called her name.
"Serena."
Lucius approached, radiant as ever, his smile gentle.
"In just a few days, the ceremony will be here. Do not burden yourself with worry." He took her hand lightly. "Whether spiritless or not, you are still my fiancée."
Serena lowered her gaze, her voice quiet but firm."Your Highness… I cannot bear the thought of chaining you to someone so worthless as myself."
Lucius's grip tightened. "To me, you are anything but worthless. You are the one I desire, no matter what others say."
Her heart trembled once more at his words, yet shadows of doubt still pressed upon her chest.
Nightfall – The Dormitory
Laughter rang cruel and shrill within the common room. A group of noble girls whispered loudly enough for all to hear.
"In a few days, the truth will be plain for all—who truly deserves a spirit, and who does not.""Hmph. Some don't even need to wait—we already know the answer."
Their mocking gazes lingered upon Serena, but she refused to answer. With her head held high, she gathered her things and walked away in silence.
Yet once alone on the balcony that night, her composure cracked. She gazed up at the pale moon, its light cold yet clear.
"This time," she whispered, hand resting upon her sword, "even if no spirit comes to me… I will prove that my path is not bound by spirits."
The wind carried her vow into the night sky, as though the moon itself bore witness.
What Serena did not know was that fate had already begun to move—and with it, the shadow of a girl whose arrival would set the stage aflame.