After awakening the Star Covenant, Serena began to feel a power unlike anything she had ever known.
It was not mere sorcery—but the faith of the heavens themselves, flowing through her veins.
Yet in a world steeped in prejudice, power that could not be understood… would always be feared.
A Secret Trial
One morning, Serena slipped beyond the academy walls to a deserted training ground.
She gripped her blade, faint lines of constellations shimmering upon it, and drew a deep breath.
When she swung—a wave of silver light erupted, scattering like falling stars and reducing the training dummy to dust.
She staggered back, shocked.
"This… this is the power of the Star Covenant…"
Though fear trembled within her, hope shone in her eyes.
This was the true legacy of House Alveir—proof that she was not tainted by demons, but destined to protect.
Unseen Witnesses
But Serena did not know—she had been watched.
Two or three boys, curious and eager to expose her, had followed in secret.
They saw everything.
"That light… it's not ordinary magic!""It must be forbidden power!"
They ran back at once, spreading rumors through the academy.
And soon, those whispers reached Irena Valkyria.
Valkyria's Design
Within the gilded halls of House Valkyria, Irena listened with a smile.
"Silver light upon a blade… beautiful, yes. But if I frame it as 'forbidden,' then fear will devour faith."
Lifting her black fan, she traced its tip across her lips.
"This time, I need no lies. The people will see it with their own eyes… and they will judge her themselves."
The Stage of Humiliation
The following week, the academy held a grand dueling tournament, witnessed by nobles and esteemed professors.
Though Serena was treated as an outcast, as a student she was compelled to participate.
Her opponent: Felix Granier, heir of a great house loyal to the Valkyrias.
Before stepping onto the arena, he sneered.
"Today, I'll strip off your mask… 'Demon of the Crown.'"
A Battle Unveiled
At the signal, Felix unleashed a storm of flame.
Serena barely dodged, her body scorched, but her eyes never wavered.
"I won't lose… I am no traitor!"
The Star Covenant flared within her.
Her blade erupted in silver brilliance, arcs of starlight sweeping aside the inferno, scattering it into nothingness.
Gasps and shouts erupted across the stands—fearful, astonished.
"What kind of sorcery is that?!""That isn't human magic!""It's forbidden power!"
The Perfect Trap
From the grandstand, Irena widened her eyes in feigned shock.
"Serena… why would you wield such dangerous power?"
Murmurs swept like wildfire.
"This is no small matter!""She may be far more dangerous than we thought!"
Felix collapsed with only a shallow wound, clutching his chest as he cried out:
"Her power—it's not human! She'll destroy us all!"
The stage had become a public condemnation.
The Girl Who Would Not Yield
Serena bit her lip until blood welled, but she did not weep.
She raised her blade, her voice trembling but resolute.
"This is not demonic power! It is the covenant of House Alveir—a power born to protect, not destroy!"
But her words were drowned beneath the uproar, swallowed by accusation.
No one believed. No one listened.
A Shadowed Hand
Just as judgment was about to be declared, glowing runes suddenly spread across the arena floor.
They flared with blue light—masking the image of "forbidden power" that Irena had so carefully staged.
To the audience, Serena's aura seemed to fade into nothing but a faint, uncertain trace.
Confusion rippled through the crowd.
The headmaster stepped forward, declaring the verdict postponed.
Irena clenched her fan, eyes turning cold.
"Again… someone dares to interfere."
Closing Scene
Serena had revealed her new power before the eyes of all—
Yet the light she hoped would redeem her was branded as shadow.
Though she stood tall, radiant with dignity, the world was not ready to accept her.
And deep within the veiled darkness, a watcher whispered his vow once more:
"You will not be consumed by lies again… not while I still draw breath."