In the Land of Angels, there had been an unchanging tradition for thousands of years.
Every member of the royal family, upon turning eighteen, would step before Michael's Spear in a great ceremony.
This was not just a ritual.
It was a binding.
First, they would kneel before the spear, place their palms on the altar, and swear:
"My heart, my soul, and my entire being belong to Michael's light."
After that oath, an invisible bond would be forged between them and the spear.
And with the spear's blessing, the meridians in their bodies would expand.
Aurora would flow stronger, deeper, more boundless.
That was why the royal family was seen as the "chosen" in the eyes of the people.
They were the true bearers of Aurora, the sacred beings born under the shadow of the spear.
---
And today… is my eighteenth birthday.
In the afternoon, it will be my turn.
As I thought about it, someone passed by me.
My sister.
A proud smirk curved on her lips.
"You can't even use Aurora yet.
I came all this way for you, huh… tch, what a waste of time."
Koharu turned her head.
And she saw the pitch-black darkness in her sister's heart.
A wave of sorrow sank into her, and she lowered her gaze.
Her sister laughed and went on:
**"You can't even look us in the eyes!
After the ceremony, Michael's Spear won't bless you.
Everyone will see what a total failure you are.
Most likely, you don't even carry royal blood…
That whore of a mother of yours… who knows who really fathered you!"**
As her sister walked away laughing, Koharu's jaw tightened.
Her teeth clenched.
> "My curse… is that I see the darkness in your hearts."