Time moved quickly in this gentle world.
five more years passed and Celestine became ten years old.
By the age of ten, Celestine had grown taller, her features becoming sharper yet still retaining the innocence of a child. Her eyes were brighter, her hair darker, and her small frame carried a natural elegance that drew attention without effort. People often paused in the village to admire her, whispering quietly among themselves.
Even as a child… I'm beautiful. Just like before… but now… I have love. I have a family. I'm not alone, she thought, running through the flowered meadow outside her home, giggling as she chased a butterfly with tiny, hurried steps.
Her mother called from the door, "Celes! Don't run too far!"
"Yes, Mama!" Celestine replied, though her words stumbled slightly, as children's often did.
Her father leaned against the doorway, smiling, and said, "Careful, little one. Remember what I taught you about the forest edge."
'I… have a home. I have people who care. I have… a new life, she thought, pausing to catch her breath, the wind brushing against her small face. A real life… this is mine now.'
"Celes, it's time to eat now!" her mother called from the kitchen doorway.
Celestine's small feet pattered across the wooden floor as she ran toward her mother.
"Yes, Mother!" she shouted happily, her voice bubbling with excitement.
She paused for a moment, tilting her head. Hmm… where is Father? she wondered, glancing around the room.
"Ah," her mother said, noticing her gaze. "Your father went hunting in the forest with the villagers today." She smiled softly. "He should be back soon."
Celestine nodded and began walking slowly toward her mother. "Alright… come here, and I'll fix your hair before we eat," Seranya said gently, brushing her fingers through Celestine's black waves.
Celestine tilted her head, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Mother… is Father not eating with us today?"
"He'll be home soon. They're just finishing up hunting, so he'll eat with us," her mother reassured her with a soft smile.
A little while later, the sound of footsteps and cheerful chatter announced her father's return. Kaelen carried a wooden spear over his shoulder, with two horned rabbits skewered carefully for the evening meal.
"Oh! Father is here!" Celestine squealed and ran forward, wrapping her tiny arms around him in a hug.
Kaelen chuckled, wiping sweat and dirt from his brow. "Celes! How was your day? Wait—be careful, little one, I'm covered in dirt from the hunt. Your clothes will get dirty too," he said with a playful grin.
"Welcome back, Kaelen," Seranya said softly, smiling at him as he entered.
"All right, we'll cook a nice stew for dinner tonight," he added, laughing warmly.
"Yey! Stew!" Celestine cheered, jumping slightly with joy.
As the stew simmered, Celestine watched her parents bustling in the kitchen. She thought quietly to herself: I'm really getting used to this life here… It feels so different. I wonder… what would people on Earth say if they knew I was gone?
Her thoughts trailed off, but the comforting warmth of the kitchen — the smell of herbs and meat, the soft sunlight through the window, the quiet laughter of her parents — grounded her.
Finally, Seranya placed a steaming bowl of stew in front of Celestine. "Here, warm and yummy, just for our Celes," she said softly, her smile full of love.
Celestine beamed, clasping her tiny hands together. 'I'm so happy to have this kind of life.'
"All right, let's eat," Kaelen said, settling down at the table with a laugh.
"Thank you for the food," Celestine said politely, her voice small but sincere, and they all began to eat together.
"How is it, Celes?" her mother asked softly. "Is it to your liking?"
Celestine nodded eagerly, taking another spoonful of stew.
"Yes, Mother. Your cooking is always good," she said happily, her cheeks puffed slightly as she ate.
Seranya smiled in relief. "I'm glad."
"Our Celes is growing healthier every day," Kaelen added proudly, watching his daughter with warm eyes.
After they finished eating, Celestine hesitated for a moment, fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. Then she looked up at her parents.
"Mother… Father… can I ask a question?" she said gently.
They both turned their attention to her.
"The truth is… I'm curious," Celestine continued softly. "Can you two use magic?"
Kaelen blinked in surprise, then scratched the back of his head with a small laugh.
"Hmm? Why do you ask, Celes?"
He thought for a moment before answering.
"Well… right now, we're just normal people. But back when we were adventurers, I was the warrior of our party, and your mother knew how to make potions." He chuckled warmly. "That's actually when I met your mother."
"Kaelen," Seranya said with a light sigh, though she smiled. Then she turned to Celestine.
"Why do you ask, Celes?" she asked gently. "Do you want to learn magic too?"
Celestine nodded slowly. "Is it possible, Mother?"
Seranya thought carefully before answering.
"Well… it depends on the person," she explained. "You can only use magic if you have talent for it. Some become swordsmen, some healers, some mages… there are many paths. But everything begins with talent."
Celestine absorbed every word.
'I see… so even in this world, power isn't given equally,' she thought quietly.
"I see…" she said aloud, her small voice thoughtful.
As evening settled over the village, the soft orange light of sunset spilled through their windows. The day ended peacefully, wrapped in warmth, laughter, and quiet hopes for tomorrow.
Morning sunlight filtered gently through the village, painting the small cottages in warm gold.
"All right, Celes," Kaelen said, adjusting the strap on his shoulder. "We'll be hunting monsters again today. Take care of your mother while I'm gone."
Celestine waved both hands eagerly.
"Yes, Father! Be safe!"
Kaelen smiled, then turned and left alongside several villagers, their wooden spears and simple blades resting on their backs.
Celestine watched until their figures disappeared down the dirt road.
She turned toward her mother, who was already preparing a basin of water outside.
"Mother, let me help you," Celestine said, walking closer.
Seranya blinked in surprise, then smiled warmly. "Oh my… you're so kind, Celes. All right, help me wash the clothes."
They knelt beside each other, gently scrubbing fabric in cool water.
"Mother," Celestine asked quietly, "what is an adventurer?"
Seranya paused for a moment, then answered gently.
"Adventurers are people who travel the world. They hunt monsters, take quests from guilds, explore dungeons, and protect towns. It's a dangerous job… but also an important one."
Celestine's eyes sparkled.
"Wow…"
"I want to become an adventurer too," she said softly.
Seranya looked at her with concern.
"Are you sure, Celes? Being an adventurer is dangerous. You might have to fight monsters… or even people if they try to harm you."
Celestine smiled.
"It's okay, Mother. I'll grow strong. Strong enough to protect you and Father."
Seranya laughed softly and hugged her.
"Our Celes is really something special…"
After finishing the chores, Celestine decided to walk around the village.
Villagers passed by carrying baskets or tools. Children played in open spaces, chasing each other with laughter.
"Oh, Celes! You're as cute as ever," a woman said warmly.
"Oh my, is this Seranya and Kaelen's child? No wonder she's beautiful," another added.
"T-thank you…" Celestine replied shyly.
Soon, a group of children approached her.
"Celes! Let's play!" a girl about her age said excitedly. Behind her were another girl and two boys.
Celestine hesitated.
"…All right. Let's play together."
They ran around, laughing.
"Celes, catch me!" the girl shouted.
"Wait, Yana!" Celestine replied, chasing after her.
After a while, Yana suddenly pointed toward the trees.
"Let's play in the forest too!"
Karl immediately shook his head. "No, Yana! The forest is dangerous."
"Mother warned us about monsters," the other girl added nervously.
But Leon looked curious. "Just for a little while…"
Celestine sighed inwardly.
'These kids really like doing dangerous things…'
Still, they followed.
The moment they stepped past the forest's edge, everything changed.
The warm sunlight of the village vanished behind them, replaced by towering trees that stretched endlessly toward the sky. Thick branches tangled together overhead, forming a living canopy that allowed only thin beams of light to slip through. The air became cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and fallen leaves.
Celestine walked quietly at the back of the group.
Her small fingers twisted together nervously.
'Mother said monsters live here…'
Every sound felt louder than usual—the crunch of dry twigs beneath their feet, distant birds calling somewhere high above, the whisper of wind weaving through the leaves.
Yana spun around happily, walking backward as she smiled at everyone.
"See? There's nothing scary here!"
Leon stared around in amazement. "Woah… it feels like another world."
Ara hugged her arms tightly. "I don't like this place…"
Karl frowned. "We shouldn't stay long."
Celestine opened her mouth, wanting to agree.
But before she could speak—
A sharp screech tore through the forest.
The sound was shrill and unnatural, sending a cold shiver down her spine.
Her heart skipped.
Something crawled out from behind a thick tree trunk.
Eight long legs scraped against the ground.
A swollen black body dragged itself forward.
Its red eyes gleamed hungrily.
For a split second, no one moved.
Then—
"Kyaaaaa!"
Yana screamed.
"A monster!"
Fear exploded among the children.
"Run!"
They scattered in panic.
Celestine ran too.
Her small legs struggled as she pushed herself forward, breath coming out in short, desperate gasps.
No no no—why did we come here?!
Branches scratched her arms. Roots rose from the ground like traps trying to grab her feet.
She dared to glance back.
The spider was chasing her.
Its movements were fast—too fast.
It's following me…!
Her chest burned. Tears blurred her vision.
Her heart pounded painfully.
If I stop… I'll die.
Her foot caught on a thick root.
Her body pitched forward.
"Ouch—!"
She hit the ground hard.
Pain shot through her knees and palms.
Dirt smeared across her dress.
She tried to push herself up—
But the monster was already there.
Its massive shadow fell over her.
Its mandibles opened slowly, strings of saliva dripping to the forest floor.
Hot, foul breath brushed against her face.
Her body froze.
Her mind went blank.
'I don't want to die…'
Then—
Everything stopped.
The forest fell silent.
The spider froze mid-motion.
Even drifting leaves hung motionless in the air.
Celestine's ears rang.
Her vision swam.
"What… happened…?"
She could still feel her heartbeat.
But the world itself had gone still.
A soft glow appeared before her eyes.
Then a translucent window unfolded in the air.
[STATUS WINDOW]
Name: Celestine Veyloria
Title: The One Who Commands All
HP: ??
MP: ??
Rank: ??
Type: ??
Race: ??
Defense: ??
Attribute: ??
Magic: ??
Skills:
• Absolute Command — Enforces total obedience from summoned beings.
• Reality Integration — Allows fusion with objects, creatures, or concepts.
• Infinite Manifestation — Generates limitless cards, items, and powers.
Special Skill:
Master of All Cards — Grants absolute authority over every gacha entity. All summoned beings exist solely to obey.
Celestine stared.
Her breathing stopped.
Her tiny hands trembled violently.
"What… is this…?"
A glowing button formed beneath the window.
Then new words appeared.
SYSTEM NOTICE
Host detected in mortal danger.
Emergency summoning available.
Her lips quivered.
"A system…?"
Her eyes drifted to the frozen monster.
If she did nothing, she would die.
Her hand rose slowly.
Her fingertip touched the glowing button.
Light exploded gently outward.
Warm energy wrapped around her like invisible arms.
A card formed in midair.
Name: Spearman HP: 1,000
Rank: F MP: 800
Type: Warrior Attack: 1200
Race: Human Defense:1100
Attribute: Physical Magic: 400
Skills: Pierce, Thrust...
Special Skill: Spear Storm
Card Description: Wields a spear with precision, effective at keeping enemies at a distance.
"A… a person…?"
Celestine's voice barely rose above a whisper.
The glowing card floated before her, pulsing softly like a living heart.
Her ears rang.
Her hands trembled.
Her throat felt unbearably dry, as if all moisture had been stolen from her body.
Then, unfamiliar words appeared in the air.
SYSTEM NOTICE
Say "Use" to activate card.
She stared at it.
Her mind raced.
Use…?
Her gaze drifted to the frozen monster, its mandibles still open, its shadow stretching toward her small body.
Fear squeezed her chest.
She swallowed hard.
"U… use…"
The moment the word left her lips, the card shattered.
Light burst outward in gentle waves, warm and comforting, wrapping around her like invisible arms.
Wind stirred her hair.
The forest shimmered.
From the heart of that radiance, a figure emerged.
Boots touched the ground.
A tall man stood before her.
He wore fitted leather armor reinforced with dull silver plates, each piece bearing faint scratches from countless battles. His boots were sturdy and worn, made for long journeys. A dark cloak draped over his shoulders, fluttering softly despite the frozen air. In his right hand rested a long spear, its shaft smooth and polished, its blade sharp enough to reflect the glowing light around him.
His face was striking—handsome, yet shaped by hardship.
Sharp eyes scanned the surroundings instantly, trained and alert, as if measuring every threat.
Then those eyes softened.
They landed on Celestine.
He took a step toward her.
Then another.
She felt suddenly small beneath his towering presence.
Without hesitation, he knelt beside her and gently helped her to her feet.
His touch was careful, respectful.
Once she stood steady, he moved back and lowered himself onto one knee.
His spear was planted firmly into the earth.
He bowed deeply, placing one fist over his chest.
"Greetings, Master."
Celestine's breath caught.
Her heart nearly stopped.
"M-Master…?"
Her small hands rose instinctively.
"You don't have to—"
Before she could finish, he straightened immediately, standing tall and waiting silently for her next word, posture rigid and disciplined.
At that instant—
The world resumed.
Sound rushed back.
Leaves fell.
Wind whispered through the trees.
The spider screeched.
It lunged.
Celestine gasped.
But the spearman was already moving.
He stepped in front of her without hesitation, positioning himself between her and the monster.
His grip tightened on the spear.
His gaze sharpened.
"Spear Storm."
His voice was calm.
Cold.
Power surged.
Silver arcs flashed through the air as his spear moved faster than Celestine's eyes could follow. The weapon struck again and again, precise and merciless. Each thrust carried crushing force, tearing through the monster's body.
The spider didn't even have time to scream.
Its massive form collapsed in pieces, dissolving into dark smoke that scattered across the forest floor.
Silence returned.
Celestine stood frozen, staring at the empty space where the monster had been.
Her knees felt weak.
The spearman turned toward her.
His expression softened once more.
"You are safe now, Master."
Her lips trembled.
"T-thank you…"
Her voice came out small.
She hugged her arms tightly around herself.
Her eyes lifted slowly.
"B by the way, who… who are you?"
He placed his fist over his heart again.
"My name is Riven. An F-rank Spearman summoned through the gacha system."
His voice carried quiet pride.
"I exist solely to serve you."
Celestine felt something shift deep inside her chest.
Her hands trembled.
A person had appeared.
A warrior had bowed to her.
A monster had died at her command.
She was only five years old.
Yet the world had just revealed its cruel, merciless truth.