After the last trial, Serena Alveir survived—but her reputation lay in ruins.Many nobles still wavered, yet among the people, the rumors only burned brighter.
Irena knew well—this was the moment to forge an undeniable truth.
A Scheme in the Dark
Within the underground hall of the Umbra Covenant, Irena stood before a towering black crystal. Reflected in her emerald eyes was a glint of cruelty.
"This time, I'll rely on no false tome, no fabricated lie. A real demon will walk into the royal court… and everyone will 'see' Serena as its master."
One of the cloaked men spoke gravely:
"If the demon rages beyond control, the entire court may collapse."
Irena only smiled—a smile cold as steel.
"That is exactly what I desire. If the court must choose between the kingdom and a single girl… the outcome is inevitable."
The Banquet of Death
Days later, the royal palace shone in celebration of the kingdom's founding.Light and silk draped the halls, nobles and top students gathered in splendor.
Serena was there too—beneath the weight of wary, suspicious gazes. She held herself upright, though every step was shadowed by silent judgment.
Lucius walked at her side, shielding her with his presence as Crown Prince.Yet even in his eyes, hesitation lingered.
The Eruption of Dark Flame
Suddenly—the brilliant lights of the hall went dark.
Screams erupted as a surge of shadow-flame exploded from the grand stage meant for celestial rites.
A monstrous black inferno rose before hundreds of honored guests.
Panic spread instantly—nobles fled, knights drew blades, but the dark power was overwhelming.
Then, above the chaos, rang Irena's voice:
"Look! Serena! The dark magic flows from her body!"
Every gaze turned—And they saw it. Wisps of shadow curling around Serena, as if she herself had summoned the demon.
The Despairing Girl
"No—! It's not me!" Serena cried, eyes wide with horror.
She tried to speak, but the demon's roars drowned her words.
Nobles shouted in fury:
"She is the source!""This is treason against the crown!"
Serena's heart shattered. Everything she had fought to protect was collapsing before her eyes.
A Battle Amidst Accusation
Though branded a traitor, she refused to let the demon harm the innocent.
Drawing her blade, she charged once more, striking at the shadows with sparks of steel.
Wounds tore across her body, yet she fought on—to protect even those who had turned their backs on her.
Within her heart, a whisper echoed:
"Even if they do not believe… I will protect them still. That is the vow I made."
A Miracle Without Reason
The demon reared to strike at a cluster of nobles—
But in that instant, a radiant blue circle of holy runes flared from beneath the hall.
Chains of light seized the beast, tearing it apart and dragging it back into the abyss before countless eyes.
Chaos gave way to stunned silence.
"Again… another miracle…""How… how can this be?"
Deeper Fractures
The demon was gone—but the true wound was not.
Nobles continued to stare at Serena, fear etched deep into their eyes.
Lucius stepped forward to shield her, but the voice of a senior noble thundered:
"Even if she fights, every time a demon appears—she is there! Your Highness must decide: will you choose the kingdom… or one woman?"
The words cut like a blade—striking both Serena and Lucius alike.
Valkyria's Smile
Amidst the turmoil, Irena stood silent, emerald eyes glittering.
Her lips curved into a delicate smile—like a goddess gracing the hall.But in her heart, laughter rang cruel and sharp.
"Perfect. No matter how she resists, every demon's appearance will be tied to her. One day, all faith will crumble—and she will have no place left in this world."
Closing Scene
In a palace that should have rung with music and joy, one girl was branded a traitor—though she bled to protect them all.
Another girl smiled in triumph, weaving her stage with blood and fear.
And in the highest shadow of the tower, a man watched silently.
His whisper drifted like a vow:
"You will not despair. This time, I will rewrite history with my own hands."