A New Name on the Board
Alex didn't move immediately.
He let the system notification sit there, glowing faintly in his vision.
Kirlia hovered beside him, eyes sharp.
"System," Alex said calmly.
"Identify."
System Scan Initiated
DING
A new interface unfolded.
Target Identified:
Name: Kael Ravencroft
Status: New Protagonist
Origin: Aetherfall Kingdom
Background Summary:
• Childhood friend of Lunaria Valencrest
• Studied and operated overseas for several years
• Accumulated independent wealth
• Strong international connections
• Recently returned to Aetherfall Kingdom
Alex raised an eyebrow.
"…Another one connected to Lunaria."
Kirlia frowned slightly.
Current Assets: ~ 300,000,000 USD
Social Standing: Upper Elite
Hidden Trait: Long-term emotional fixation on Lunaria Valencrest
Initial Luck Value: 8,500
Protagonist Halo: Active (Low Intensity)
Alex leaned back.
"So this one isn't poor," he murmured.
"And he's not loud."
Those were always more dangerous.
System Evaluation:
New protagonist specializes in:
• Social influence
• Capital manipulation
• Network leverage
Combat growth potential: Moderate
Political growth potential: High
Alex smiled faintly.
"A 'returning elite' archetype."
Kirlia crossed her arms.
Alex nodded.
"Alright," he said calmly.
"Let's see him."
Elsewhere — Aetherfall International Airport
Kael Ravencroft stepped off the private jet.
Tall.
Well-dressed.
Calm in a way that came from knowing the world owed him nothing—and fearing him slightly anyway.
He adjusted his coat and inhaled.
"So this is home again."
A man beside him smiled.
"Everything's prepared, Mr. Ravencroft. The capital welcomes you."
Kael nodded.
His gaze drifted toward the city skyline.
And then—
Toward a name on a screen nearby.
Valencrest Group — Market Volatility Continues
Kael's expression tightened.
"…Luna."
The Man Behind the Halo
Kael wasn't stupid.
He had followed the news.
Every article.
Every leak.
Every scandal.
Leon Ashford's fall.
The Runcandel press conference.
Lunaria's silence.
Kael clenched his fist slowly.
"They ruined you," he murmured.
Someone behind him hesitated.
"…Sir?"
Kael smiled faintly.
"Nothing."
But inside—
Something burned.
He had left Aetherfall years ago with nothing but ambition.
He returned with:
Money Influence And patience
And now?
A reason.
A Protagonist's First Thought
Kael entered his car.
As the doors closed, he pulled out his phone.
One unsent message sat at the top of his screen.
Luna, I'm back.
He didn't send it.
Not yet.
"She needs stability," he said quietly.
"Not chaos."
The car began moving.
And somewhere unseen—
A faint golden outline flickered around Kael's fate.
Back to Alex
The system panel closed.
Alex stared out the window of his car as Avalon Group headquarters came into view.
"…300 million," he repeated softly.
Kirlia floated closer.
Alex smiled—not amused.
Interested.
"This one's smarter than Leon," he said.
"And quieter."
Kirlia nodded.
Alex tapped the armrest once.
"Good."
Because this time—
Alex wouldn't wait for the story to begin.