News spreads faster than time itself—perhaps even faster than people realize. While that has its advantages, it also carries a darker side. Such news is more than enough to plant fear deep within the hearts of men.
Inside a crucial meeting of the Royal Council—
The Head of the Royal Academy, the Commander of the Royal Knights, the Minister of Finance, high-ranking Mages, and many other top officials were present. However, the current king, Ron Finger Octavius, was notably absent.
His absence sparked a subtle yet tense disagreement between the Commander of the Royal Knights and the king's younger brother, Charlee Anthony Octavius.
Yet Charlee Anthony was no ordinary man. Wise and immensely capable, he was the one who observed every situation first and issued commands in place of the king when necessary. His personality and approach were completely different from Ron Finger's.
If a battle for the throne were ever to occur, Charlee Anthony's name would undoubtedly rise above all others.
And yet… for nearly a decade, he had shown an unusual indifference.
He fulfilled his duties, yes—but he had no desire for power. Even if his brother were to force the throne upon him, he would likely refuse without hesitation.
A decade ago, however, he had been a fearless young man—one who acted without overthinking.
So… what exactly happened ten years ago?
"Your Highness,"
The Commander of the Royal Knights spoke with a grave expression.
"From what I have observed at the scene… at least sixty knights have been killed. It is evident that no ordinary sword was used. However, I cannot determine the exact type of weapon. I have never encountered anything like this before."
His voice carried unease.
And rightfully so.
This was not the death of one or two men—but over sixty knights. And yet… there was not a single trace of the enemy.
An elderly mage then spoke,
"From my perspective, the sword itself may have been ordinary… but the technique used was anything but."
"Are you implying that my investigation is wrong?"
The Commander, J. Marshall Folklore, rose from his chair, anger evident in his voice.
Before the situation could escalate, the Head of the Royal Academy, Martin Meadows, calmly intervened.
"We are here to present findings—not opinions. This is an important meeting, and His Highness Charlee Anthony Octavius is present. Let us refrain from unnecessary arguments."
The room fell silent.
Charlee Anthony then spoke,
"Calm yourselves. Martin Meadows… what is your conclusion? I believe you have already grasped what truly happened there."
All eyes turned toward Martin.
"Your Highness," he began,
"I observed three distinct patterns at the site. The first ten to twelve knights died earlier… and the rest perished shortly after."
He paused.
"And I am certain—not all deaths were caused by sword strikes."
J. Marshall Folklore frowned but nodded slightly.
"I agree," Martin continued. "Upon deeper analysis, it became clear… that mythical creatures were involved."
"I share the same conclusion," another voice joined—Dennis Watson, Head of the Information Bureau.
"Not just one… but possibly two or more mythical creatures. And most notably… the massive tornado. It spanned over two hundred kilometers."
The room grew colder.
"Additionally," Dennis continued, "I found traces suggesting that the attacker was a young individual—either a boy or a girl. However, the force behind each step… it is beyond what any normal human could produce."
He hesitated.
"I have only witnessed something similar once before… ten years ago. When Princess Valkyrie Valerian Verus fought in a duel. Each step she took shattered the ground itself… and the surrounding civilians temporarily lost their memories."
Before he could continue—
Charlee Anthony abruptly interrupted,
"…Did you find any traces of crow feathers?"
Silence.
A suffocating silence filled the hall.
Every gaze fixed on Dennis Watson.
It was as if an unspoken terror had taken shape—something they all understood, yet feared to acknowledge.
"Your Highness…?"
Suddenly—
The doors burst open.
A Royal Knight rushed inside at high speed, immediately apologizing for the interruption. Though annoyed at first, everyone quickly realized—
Something else had happened.
Something urgent.
Something worse.