One day, then two, had passed since Noah was confined to the palace. That was enough time for him to gather the information he needed. The black, wheel-less car he was riding in sped through the busy streets of Athens.
This world was a modern civilization with technology far surpassing that of Earth. Behind this progress, though, the existence of people with special powers—guardians called Sentinels—was the main pillar of the Earth Realm's defense against the Daemon race, which continued to seek domination.
The Daemons first appeared over two thousand years ago when twelve giant black crystal pillars descended from outer space. While some of them resembled humans, they were considered to be half human and half demon. Furthermore, they possessed Demon Beasts—creatures that served as the main force in the Daemon race's invasion.
Some theorize that the Daemon race originated from the collapsed old world and now roam the Earth to colonize the new world. Their next destination was the Earth Realm.
Humans born with powers have battled them to this day. Demon Beasts are very different from Magic Beasts. The Demon Monster is created when a black crystal stone falls to the ground and emits a dark mist.
Noah vaguely remembered the name of the figure suspected of killing Caelthorn: the Demon King, Hades. Unfortunately, Caelthorn's memories of the incident were too hazy. The Aurora Association was likely the only place that could provide the answers he sought.
Noah obtained all of this information from an information tube he found in the palace library. There was also data regarding the identity of the body he now inhabited, Noah Caelthorn, projected on a transparent screen in front of him.
[Name: Noah Caelthorn]
[Age: 16]
Title: Sentinel Master
[Sequence: 2]
[Path: Knight].
Noah stared at the data for a long time, silent and lost in thought.
"Caelthorn isn't actually that weak as a Sentinel. In just two months, he has broken through to Sequence 2, which is very fast compared to other Sentinels who need five months or even up to a year. That cruel woman has unreasonable standards, and she's made Caelthorn so depressed..." Noah muttered softly.
The Grand Sentinel Association had branches in many countries, including the Kingdom of Arathen. Its highest branch, the Aurora Association, was headquartered in Athens. The massive, four-story building stood majestically amid the modern landscape of the Earth Realm, elegant and futuristic.
Noah slowly began to adjust to this new world. He had grown accustomed to being Noah Caelthorn, though his cold and aloof demeanor remained difficult to shake.
The special glass lobby doors slid open, allowing Noah to enter the main hall. Sentinels bustled about, each busy with their own affairs. Upon noticing Prince Noah's appearance in public alone, however, their attention immediately focused on him.
Whispers rang clearly around his ears. Curious and scrutinizing gazes followed his every step. Annoyed, Noah glanced sharply at the group.
He even overheard two Sentinels—a man and a woman dressed in expensive clothing—talking loudly about him.
"He seems perfectly fine."
"But I heard his heart was shattered and his chest was perforated. Even so, he forced himself to save his two friends."
"After all, he's the crown prince of Arathen. The best care should be given to him."
"That's right. Do you know?"
"Know what?"
"In just two months, Prince Noah has reached Sentinel Master, Sequence 2."
"Really?" It took me two years to reach Sequence 2. So that's why he's on an A-Rank mission?"
"Maybe. He's a prince—he can get anything he wants."
Two raven-haired men approached Noah with overly friendly smiles and calculated steps. They were clearly trying to gain his attention and establish a connection.
"They're like bootlickers," Noah cursed under his breath. "Caelthorn, you're too withdrawn and unsociable. No wonder you're so easily taken advantage of," he muttered.
Two, then three, then five men approached Noah at once. Their faces displayed fake friendliness—concerned smiles, sad looks, and even a forced gesture of pity that nearly made Noah wince.
"Noah, are you fully recovered?" Justine asked, he tone sounding fake. The young man patted his shoulder as if they were close friends.
"I was truly devastated when I heard you were in a coma," added Azura, a beautiful girl with wavy hair who was well aware of her charm, tilting her head sweetly.
Justine spoke again, he mouth seemingly unable to stop.
"Team 3, led by Captain Thomas, lost half of its members fighting the Extreme Daemon. I truly grieve for your comrades."
Behind Justine, two slightly overweight men nodded as if in agreement, but they were clearly just errand boys.
Azura took over again, this time even bolder. "Team 3 is temporarily disbanded. Why are you going back to being an independent Sentinel? You can join the guild. Noah, you're a prince. You don't need to go to all this trouble."
Azura took his hand, feigning concern as she pleaded with him.
Noah observed it all evenly.
"These two siblings always take advantage of the real Caelthorn," he thought. Introverted, innocent, and easily manipulated—that's why they cling to him.
Justine and Azura Eisenhower are siblings from the largest arms conglomerate in Athens. They weren't royalty, but they were wealthy enough to think the world was at their fingertips.
"Azura...this girl uses her beauty as bait. She takes advantage, then discards it. I can see it in the way she looks at me—not as a person, but as an opportunity."
With a calm but firm movement, Noah pulled his hand from Azura's grasp.
"Excuse me," he said flatly. "I have to see Assistant Sarah."
The girl was stunned, as if she couldn't believe Noah had rejected her touch in front of so many people.
"Noah, what's wrong with you?" Azura tried to smile again, but her voice trembled. "You're not acting like yourself. You're...cold."
Justine cut in immediately, he tone sharp.
"That's right. You're acting strange. You shouldn't treat my sister like that."
"I already said I'm sorry," Noah replied coldly. "There were absolutely no harsh words. So where was I rude to Azura?"
His flat tone felt like a knife. Justine and Azura fell silent immediately, mouths open, unable to respond.
Then—slap!
The sound of water exploded amidst the crowd as a ball of water shot from the side of the hall and hit Azura squarely in the face. The expensive dress of the black girl was instantly soaked.
"You...?" Azura hissed angrily, staring in the direction of the attack.
Someone was walking forward through the crowd.
It was a girl with short, shoulder-length brown hair wearing a formal blue suit. She walked lightly but confidently. She raised her left hand, forming a pistol-like gesture with her fingers—arrogant, as if daring anyone to dislike her.
"You two have the nerve to bother Noah," the girl said matter-of-factly. Her eyes were sharp. "Then you're courting death in front of me."
The water gathered at her fingertips again, clumping tightly together and stiffening like a bullet.
"Selena! You're getting my clothes wet!" Azura shouted angrily.
Selena didn't care. She fired the next water bullet without hesitation.
Blaar!
Azura was soaked from head to toe.
"Foolish girl!" Justine finally exploded in anger. He drew his sword, the metal blade gleaming in the crystal light of the chandelier. "You dare humiliate my sister?"
His tone turned sharp and arrogant.
"You're just a Sentinel of the Mage Path. Your weakness is melee attacks. Do you think water bullets can stop me?"
Noah remained where he was. He was unmoving and uninvolved, merely observing.
Fragments of Caelthorn's memories flashed through his mind:
Selena—a member of Team 3. She was the girl who had fought alongside him on the A-Rank mission that had turned into an S-Rank mission.
Master Sentinel, Sequence 1, Mage Path: Water element.
She was never afraid to face anyone, including the annoying Azura and Justine.
Azura stepped forward again, now with a thin dagger in each hand. Her face was pure rage.
"Selena, you've provoked my wrath," she growled. "If any part of you gets cut off, don't blame me."
Selena replied with a disdainful smirk.
"If I splash more water on your face, maybe your brain will clear up, too. You annoying woman."
She even raised her middle finger.
The fight broke out in the middle of the association hall, unaware that dozens of eyes were watching.
Azura moved swiftly, almost like a shadow, leaping from one spot to another and disappearing and reappearing in the blink of an eye. Meanwhile, Selena created a swirling dome of water around herself, blocking silent attacks from various angles.