The grand mansion stood proudly atop a gentle hill, surrounded by wide, carefully maintained grounds. Its pale limestone walls caught the morning light, giving off a soft glow, while tall arched windows framed in dark wood reflected the sky. Balconies lined with climbing white roses added a quiet elegance, their petals swaying faintly in the breeze.
The roof rose steeply with deep green tiles, and slender towers stood at each corner, giving the entire structure a refined presence. Stone pathways curved through the gardens below, bordered by blooming hedges and marble statues of ancient guardians. At the heart of it all, a large circular fountain shimmered, clear water rising and falling in smooth, sparkling arcs.
Near that fountain, two children stood facing each other on the grass. Both looked around ten years old.
The boy had neat blonde hair that fell just over his forehead, bright blue eyes, and a confident stance. His white tunic, trimmed with gold, fit him neatly. The girl facing him shared the same blonde hair, though hers was longer, tied back with a soft blue ribbon. Her dress, light and flowing, moved gently with the wind, and her blue eyes shone with excitement.
The boy lifted his wooden practice sword slightly, a small smile forming.
"Ready, Chikeia?"
She nodded right away, gripping her own wooden sword tightly with both hands.
"Yes, Gruner, big brother!"
They moved at the same time. Gruner stepped in first, fast and controlled, his sword cutting through the air in a smooth horizontal swing. Chikeia slipped to the side, her feet barely brushing the grass, and countered without hesitation—her blade darting toward his shoulder.
Gruner blocked it easily, then spun, dropping low as his sword swept toward her legs. She jumped, twisting her body mid-air, landing lightly a step away. As her feet touched the ground, her free hand rose.
"Divinity Star!"
A small point of white light formed above her palm, bright and steady. With a flick of her wrist, it shot forward, cutting through the air like a comet, leaving a glowing trail behind it.
Gruner shifted to the left, but the star curved slightly, forcing him to raise his sword. It struck with a sharp burst of light, pushing him back a step as tiny sparks scattered around him.
He grinned. "Not bad."
Golden light gathered along his blade, wrapping around it like a thin ribbon. He moved forward again, swinging in a wide arc. The light extended his reach, forcing Chikeia to retreat quickly.
She answered immediately. Several smaller stars formed around her, circling her body like floating shields. When his strike came close, one of them burst into a bright flash.
Gruner flinched, his vision catching white for a split second. That was enough. Chikeia rushed in, her sword moving in quick, sharp strikes. Gruner recovered just in time, blocking each hit with practiced precision. Their wooden swords clashed again and again, the sound crisp and rapid as they pushed against each other.
"Divinity Star!"
This time, two stars formed in her hand. They spun together for a brief moment before shooting toward him from different angles.
Gruner pivoted, cutting through one with his glowing blade while stepping aside from the other. The broken star scattered into soft, harmless light that drifted down like dust.
They slowed slightly, both breathing a little heavier now. Still, neither stepped back. Their eyes stayed locked, filled with excitement, as flashes of white and gold flickered across the garden.
Then—"You two, stop."
The voice was calm, but firm enough to cut through everything. Both of them froze instantly, their swords still raised mid-motion.
From the side of the garden, a graceful woman stepped forward, her long silver-blonde hair swaying softly with each step. Her ivory dress flowed around her in gentle folds, light and elegant, brushing against the grass like drifting mist.
The moment the two children saw her, their faces lit up. They ran toward her without hesitation.
"Mom, you're back!"
She smiled, warm and calm, and reached out to gently move a loose strand of hair from Chikeia's forehead.
"You two shouldn't be dueling out here alone. You could get hurt."
Gruner and Chikeia exchanged a glance, then smiled awkwardly.
"It's fine," Gruner said. "We're just training to get stronger."
Their mother let out a quiet breath, though her eyes stayed soft.
"Still be careful."
She paused for a moment before continuing.
"Anyway, we have to leave now."
Both of them blinked, confused.
"Leave? Where?" Chikeia asked.
Their mother's expression grew slightly more serious.
"To the estate of Duke Lumonging and Hana."
Their eyes widened.
"Why are we going there?" Gruner asked.
She answered calmly,
"We've been invited to their children's engagement."
That only made them more surprised.
"You mean... the two children they've been hiding from the world?" Chikeia asked.
Their mother gave a small nod.
"It seems they've finally decided to open the gate of their cage."
She turned gracefully, already beginning to walk away.
"Go get ready. Wear your best clothes. There will be many nobles there and possibly even members of the royal family."
The siblings straightened at once.
"Yes, Mom."
They watched her leave, then turned toward each other. Chikeia tilted her head slightly.
"Big brother... do you think they're strong?"
Gruner rested his wooden sword against his shoulder, a confident smile forming.
"They might have trained under good mentors but we have light magic."
His grip tightened slightly.
"The strongest of all. So we're probably stronger."
Chikeia nodded slowly. They both dropped their wooden swords onto the grass and started walking back toward the mansion side by side.
Somewhere in the depths of a dimly lit room, only a handful of flickering candles fought against the darkness. Their flames trembled atop heavy iron stands, casting shifting shadows across the walls. Thick crimson curtains smothered the tall windows, sealing away the outside world. Tapestries hung silently, their woven scenes of ancient battles and faceless figures watching like ghosts. At the center, a long obsidian table stretched across the room, its surface gleaming faintly in the low light.
A silver-haired man sat at its head, posture relaxed. His hair was slicked back with precision, exposing sharp features and eyes that held a quiet, calculating chill. Dark robes draped over him, the faint silver threads catching what little light remained.
A letter rested in his hand. He read the final line slowly, then let out a low chuckle.
The sound lingered for a second then grew. It rolled through the room, rising into full laughter that echoed against the stone walls, filling every corner.
"Finally... the time has come."
He leaned back into his chair, still smiling as he folded the letter with care, tapping it lightly against the table.
"It's time to prove it. That our Shadow Family stands above them all."
His smile sharpened, turning colder.
"All those years... walking on the edge of death, pushing past limits... now they will see the result."
The room fell quiet again. He turned his head slightly, eyes drifting toward the far corner where the shadows gathered thicker than anywhere else.
"Are you two ready?"
At first, nothing moved. Then, slowly, two figures became visible within the darkness—not stepping forward, but simply existing there. Their forms were wrapped in black cloaks, blending almost perfectly with the dim room. Only their mouths could be seen, both curled into faint, identical smiles.
They said nothing. Just stood there, silent and still. The man watched them for a moment, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
"Good."