A cube-shaped world, rather than spherical. A sun that revolves around the earth, rather than the opposite. This was the world God created—brimming with fantasy and ancient lore. In this realm, two distinct souls were born, fated to converge on a path neither could sever.
This is their story.
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Hail the King of Ostina—His Majesty, King Heinrich von Habsburg.
That's the voice that echoes through my chambers every time I awaken. Not the chirping of birds. Not the voices of my father or mother. Only the grand proclamation as the king enters his throne room.
Martha… some tea, please.
I always have to remind her of her duties. Ever since I enrolled in the Castle Knight Academy, I've felt... uneasy. I pray everything is still well at home.
Johannes Freiburg—the son of a noble family. Tall, fair, and built like a marble statue admired by many. His hair, always perfectly groomed, even in a storm.
He joined the Castle Knight Academy with a dream—to become a Mage Knight, just like his father.
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"Good morning, young lord. Your instructor wishes to see you," Olaf announced with a respectful nod.
"Olaf, thanks for the message. I'll be on my way."
The marble halls of the academy echoed with every step I took. I found Instructor Bale waiting for me near the training courtyard.
"Morning, Instructor Bale."
"Morning, Lord Johannes."
"Must I repeat myself every day?" I sighed. "No need for the formalities, sir. Just Johannes is fine."
The instructor smiled faintly. "As you wish. But yes, I asked to see you because the time has come for an important decision."
I knew what he meant before he even said it.
"It's that time in your life as a mage student... when you must choose which type of manament you wish to wield."
Manament... the essence of magecraft Choosing wrongly could mean a life of regret.
"Such decisions trouble me. The fear of making the wrong choice consumes my heart like fire licking at parchment."
BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.
The sound echoed across the academy—no, across the entire capital. Like thunder made of metal and malice.
The throne. The throne room. The king—
It exploded.
With him seated on it.
I felt it in my bones before anyone said a word. The tremors of the earth matched the trembles in my heart.
This will be an unforgettable day for the kingdom of Ostina.