Let me tell you a story, Hero Raymed.
High Humans. Demons.
They were not the only ones who once walked our world.
Our original world was home to five great races—Humans, Fey Folk, Beast Folk, Spirit Folk, and even Demon Folk. For millennia, they lived together… and clashed endlessly.
An imperfect world.
Wars raged without end.
There was never true, everlasting peace.
And yet—somehow—peace would still bloom in the cracks between battles.
Each race had its strengths.
Each had its weaknesses.
Over countless conflicts, all came to understand something vital: the value of peace itself.
They began to fight not simply to win, but to secure peace for all.
Above them all stood a woman—a white-haired saint who rose above the wickedness of the world.
A woman who valued life across all races.
A figure so kind, so radiant, they called her a "fairy godmother." But truly, she wasn't of the fey. But of a human.
Her name… was Evelon.
Under her guidance, the world began to change for the better.
It was not a utopia, no, but better nonetheless.
For another millennium, peace lingered.
Until one day, Evelon vanished. Without her, the world slid back into its old mistakes. Soon came the worst of them all. The ascension of a new Demon King, Ars. He ascended to the throne by showing pure strength, overthrowing the last demon king.
He desired the world.
He desired everything it had to offer.
The Fey, Beastkin, Spirits, and Humans fell to his wars.
Humanity fell the most due to the sheer strength of demonfolk.
But then, Evelon returned.
She empowered those who resisted Ars, giving them the strength to stand against him.
And then… a phenomenon occurred—an evolution among humanity.
The birth of High Humans.
Humans whose mana rivaled that of Demonfolk.
A natural counterbalance, meant to keep them at bay.
The Precursor Humans vanished, replaced by these new beings attuned to mana.
With mana saturating the world, technology was abandoned. No, perhaps replaced is more fitting.
Like electricity, once Mana became known, it became the primary source of advancement. And because High Humans had compassion for other races, they forged weapons with equal power to Demonfolk, which were later called Artifacts.
But Artifacts were not mere tools. They had wills, standards, and personalities. Other races could sometimes wield them, but only High Humans truly resonated with them. Those who did were chosen as 'Heroes'.
For another millennium, the Heroes fought Ars.
And all fell.
Seventy-two Heroes died by his hand. Seven of them were Grand Heroes. All gone at the hand of Ars.
Even Gaelus, the King of Men, failed to Vanquish The Demon King Ars.
.
.
.
I was the last.
The final elected Hero by old High Human traditions. The final hero who is chosen by an artifact.
With Evelon's guidance, I fought to protect everything.
But in the end, the Fey, Beastkin, and Spirits turned against my leadership.
Their rebellion was crushed. Their lands were obliterated.
I stood atop a mountain of corpses and asked myself: "Am I going to let this happen to my people—the High Humans?"
No.
From that day, I ruled.
I hoarded the power of artifacts instead of distributing it.
I kept Ars at bay.
A stalemate that has lasted one thousand years.
It is not that I cannot face him now.
I will face him only when I am certain.
One hundred... No... One thousand percent sure that I will win.
For a thousand years, I have taken half the mana from every being in my kingdom.
I have forged artifacts that can rival him.
We High Humans have survived because of this.
We remain here, gathering our scattered kin, who will serve as the fuel for our promised victory.
That is why I created Psytelier—agents to find and return them.
And now… their search has brought you here.
Raymed.
The Progenitor of High Humans in this world.
You are the wildcard that fate has blessed us with.
Raymed's eyes twitched, the weight of my words seemingly too heavy—or too absurd—for him to fully grasp.
"But you are still a whelp," I continued. "You are merely two percent of High Human and cannot compare to a pure-blooded one. Nevertheless, the Artifact has chosen you. Thus, the only path forward is to evolve further… by hunting down every Demon Lord Envoy."
Raymed's voice was steady. "And if I don't want to cooperate?"
"Then you are the one who loses," I replied coldly. "You already know you can't even match a single Envoy on your own."
He hesitated, then spoke again—this time with quiet defiance. "What if… instead of killing Ars, we tried to befriend him?"
Laughter broke out among my retainers—mocking, scornful.
But I did not laugh.
Instead, I leaned forward, still on my throne."How foolish are you, Hero Raymed? There is no way to befriend that monster. Not after what he has done. Not after the people he has burned."
***
"I didn't expect the 'chosen one' at my court would suggest such idiotic ideas," Morgwynevere said, her voice like ice. "You may leave. I have no use for naïve fantasies."
The audience chamber's heavy doors swung open behind him. I didn't argue. Instead, I stepped out into the marble corridor.
Idiot.
That's what she sees when she looks at me.
A part of me expected that the High Humans would have a very different point of view, that they'd be better sighted than the United Front, better than the politics about ending Demonfolk, better than the endless cycle of fighting.
But no.
Morgwynevere confirmed that she intends to vanquish demonfolk.
A thousand years of "patience," she calls it.
But what is she really doing?
She is collecting power, hoarding mana to make artifacts. She is using people like parts in a machine.
Isn't that the same horrible thing?
I'm just another part of that.
Another "wildcard" to be thrown at the Demon Lord Envoys.
She talks about killing Ars like it's the only path left.
Somehow, I can't argue that she isn't right.
Maybe she's right. Maybe there's no other way. But… Why does it feel wrong?
Why does it feel like no one's even tried to talk to him?
Why does it feel like everyone's already decided the ending to this story?
I don't even know Ars.
I only know the trail of corpses in his name.
But I also know this—if I go along with her plan without thinking, I'm no better than the ones I swore to stand against.
…So why can't I convince myself I'm right?
***
Raymed didn't notice when the streets of Aurelius shifted from cobblestone plazas to quiet, lamp-lit alleys.
His hands were shoved deep in his pockets, eyes unfocused.
He moved like a man whose feet were on the ground but whose mind was somewhere else entirely.
From a shaded archway, Kourin stepped out.
She had been leaning there for some time, arms folded, her expression unreadable.
"I heard everything," she said softly.
Raymed blinked, finally aware she was there. "Well, I am not surprised, Kourin. Of course you did." His tone wasn't hostile—just tired.
"You were walking like you were about to keep going until you fell off the edge of the continent," she added, stepping beside him.
"…Maybe that's not such a bad idea."
Kourin's brows furrowed. "Don't joke like that."
"It wasn't a joke."
She studied him for a moment, then tilted her head toward the quieter side streets. "Come with me."
"Where?"
"Just come with me…" She let her eyes glance over his slouched posture and grabbed his hand forcefully. "You need somewhere to think right now."
Raymed hesitated, glancing away. "…Alright... Alright. Lead the way."
As they turned down the lamplit path, Aurelius's bustle faded behind them.
***
The park was almost empty at this hour.
Soft blue lamp decorated the road. The air smelled faintly of night-blooming flowers.
"Smells like Sedap Malam," Raymed said.
"What was that?" Kourin asked.
"Oh, it's a type of flower that blooms only in the night."
"I see."
A fountain murmured in the center, its water catching the light.
Raymed sat on the edge of the fountain, elbows on his knees, staring at the rippling surface.
Kourin stood for a moment, watching him, then took a seat beside him without asking.
They sat in silence, listening to the sound of water and distant wind chimes.
Finally, she spoke. "Med, did you remember when we first crossed paths?"
Raymed's eyes flicked to her. "I remember you stalking me." He said with a smile.
Kourin smirked. "Okay, for the record, I was scouting. There's a difference."
"Sure you were," Raymed muttered. "I thought back then I was losing my mind since I kept hearing someone talking to me."
"Compared to the handsome you that is now. Back then, you looked quite different. It seemed you were the type of guy who was too stubborn for your own good. Well, not that much has changed, I guess," she teased, leaning back against the fountain's rim.
"Not to mention we actually fought each other," Kourin said with a half-smile.
His smile faded, replaced by a shadow in his eyes. "Yeah. I remember that…After I saw Thalamik bleeding out."
Kourin nodded slowly. "You charged at me without hesitation. You were fast and reckless, your mana control was raw. I still remember the look in your eyes."
"That fight was ugly. I am sorry for lashing out like that," Raymed admitted.
Kourin's gaze softened. "And then came Vepar. And Focalors."
Raymed's jaw tightened. "We both almost died in that battle."
"But you did it first," she said firmly. "You stood in front of Focalors' strike, even when you know you can't handle the blast from Focalors. Even when your sword, Avalon, was breaking apart in your hands." She looked down at her palms. "In return, I can only give you my mana… In all honesty, back then, I was not even sure I could save you."
Raymed turned toward her, something unspoken flickering in his expression. "Hey... don't say you only 'can'. You did more than enough to save me. Heck, you brought me back my will to fight."
"Your will to fight?" Kourin asked.
"Ahh..." Raymed looked away. "I actually felt very powerless at the time." His fists tightened as his voice began to stutter. "I never told anyone. But I was ready to give up back then."
Kourin put a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay. I won't tell anyone."
"Back then. I feel like I am not worthy or strong enough to shoulder the burdens. Yet, I keep saying or acting as if I were indeed strong enough. When I was finally defeated, all the guilt came crashing down in my mind. I, who tried to fake my confidence, finally got what I deserved. I, who tried so hard to fight for my ideals, was defeated due to my utter lack of ability."
Kourin nudged closer as she wrapped her arms around Raymed.
"You are fine as you are. Med." Kourin whispered. "You've done enough. You are enough. I admire that you always wanted to get stronger to handle all the burdens. But please, when it gets too harsh. You can never forget to share your worries with me."
As Raymed nodded and finally looked to her, Kourin was smiling.
She wasn't showing her usual sly smirk, but a full, genuine smile. "I may still not be able to let go of my past. My lost memories of who I really am. But through it all... I am still so glad…" She paused, her voice softening. "I am glad that I met you. Now that I have you, with whom I share my burden with. This time, I feel like nothing can stop me."
Her gaze locked with his. "And neither should you. Give me your worries. Your uncertainties. I'll accept all of it. "
For the first time that day, Raymed felt the heaviness in his chest ease.
"Thank you, Kourin, that means a lot." Raymed smiled.
"So what if everyone tells you you can't?" Kourin continued, her tone firm. "You just try for yourself and decide later. Just like you always do, right?"
Raymed let out a quiet laugh. "…You're right."
They sat there a while longer, two figures against the glow of the fountain, the night wrapping around them like a promise neither of them needed to put into words.
Then a voice called out from the screens.
"THIS JUST IN: PRINCESS DERASHINA HAD DIED!"
Raymed's eyes widened. He remembered talking to Derashina a few months prior.
He got up and said, "Kourin, I have to go." His face turned serious.
Kourin's expression is a frown. Then she nodded and said, "Go get 'em, Mr. Hero." She pats his chest.
"I'll be back swiftly," Raymed said before taking a deep breath as he jumped into the sky.
Strategically, I should go back to United Front. But I have another plan. I will findOberon.
Oberon has communications with all the Fey creatures in the world. So he must've known something we don't.
Then I will go to Suiko and ask for a teleport spell right away.
***
At the heart of South Jaka City, the night lights reflected off the rain-drenched streets. Cars hummed by, blending into the rhythmic drizzle.
Inside Solariya, at a specific corner table sat Thalamik, hands clasped, eyes cold.
Chicken Cordon Bleu sizzled in front of Thalamik. Beside him, Besitulars, his loyal but mouthy subordinate, was munching on fries like he owned the place. The other wolves were staying on guard in front of the restaurant and across from Thalamik. Momoka was twirling her straw in a caramel shake, trying not to stare at the steam rising from her plate. And next to her, Director Diko, with sleeves rolled up, had a tablet half-lit while reading papers.
No one talked for a full minute.
Momoka ate three scoops of ice cream.
"Besitulars, tell me more about the information you've received," Diko said.
"OWH! Wait, let me drink water first." Besitulars gulped and said, "Phew, much better. Yeah, so I heard that this 'Raumstar' person. The politician announced the Death of Princess Derashina from the Mermaid Kingdom. My boys in Australia have been hearing a bit of a rumor that the Leviathan Demi-Humans are familiar with the passage to Indonexta. So they have secretly been smuggling things."
"Smuggling, huh? That isn't something new to do here. But what are they smuggling to be clear?" Diko asked.
"I heard they were smuggling contraband stuff. Ever since the incident with Vepar and Focalors. Demi-Humans on the Australian continent have been producing Pseudo Artifacts."
"Pseudo Artifacts, huh? Thalamik, what do you think?"
Momoka asked the waiter as she ate four scoops of ice cream.
"It isn't something impossible to do. Knowing that the recipe for how to make Pseudo Artifact has been made public ever since our battle in the Lupache region." Thalamik said. "Hell, I am surprised if they haven't made one."
Diko sighed and asked, "What is the rest of the Intel?"
"The smuggled items, which were Pseudo Artifacts, which are usually delivered by the end of every month, suddenly went quiet."
"Did the regulators find out?" Diko asked.
"No. They say the Pseudo Artifact delivery will be delivered in batch form."
"A batch form? You mean in bulk?" Diko asked.
"Yes, that's what I heard. But something feels off because my gut feeling is telling me something is going on. I feel like somehow this Raumstar person is connected to this case of smuggling goods."
"Could it be? Raumstar is trying to smuggle something to incriminate the evidence that Indonexta is responsible for the death of Derashina?" Diko asked.
"My gut feeling says that."
Momoka ordered another five scoops of ice cream.
"That's a bit too far-fetched in my opinion. That kind of theory sounds like an ancient aliens kind of theory. Too many assumptions were made in our way of thinking." Thalamik said.
"Hehehe. My bad, Big Bro Thalamik, of course, I am not a great thinker, much like yourself." Besitulars said.
"But I thank you for telling me that," Thalamik said before grabbing Momoka's ice cream bowl. "THAT'S ENOUGH. HOW MANY WERE YOU GONNA EAT!" Thalamik scolded.
"Master!! My Ice Cream!" Momoka cried.
"By the way, we haven't been properly introduced to your mentee, Thalamik," Diko said.
"Oh yeah, this is Momoka, she is a fox demi-human. Say hello, Momoka." Thalamik ordered.
"Hello everyone! Momoka. Fox." She bowed.
Besitulars looked closer, and his nose began twitching. "You don't smell like a fox, though."
"How rude! I wear perfume, of course!" Momoka spat.
CLAP.
Thalamik clapped, grabbing everyone's attention. "Okay, my suggestion is that we split up. I will go and ask my previous mentor in the mana medic about the information. I will go with Momoka, so Besitulars and Diko, you both should go together. How is that?"
"No problems here," Diko said.
"Aye-Aye Big Bro Thalamik!" Besitulars said.
"Okay, then I will take my leave. Let's meet here tomorrow at the same time."
Thalamik and Momoka left as they exited the Solariya restaurant.
After they walked a few steps outside, Thalamik said, "I am sorry, Momoka, I lied. I won't be seeing my mentor in Mana Medic yet."
"Oh, why is that?"
"I am thinking of visiting my in-laws first." He said.
"Oh! It's fine, master. I'll accompany you wherever you go."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes!" Momoka said.
"There won't be ice cream, though."
"Then you better buy me some!" She commanded with a smile.
Then, breaking news started once again, another conference starring the person of the hour.
"Citizens of the world. My name is Raumstar. We have found clues regarding Princess Derashina's death and will gather enough evidence before exacting our judgment in the following 14 days."
Thalamik saw Raumstar's eyes.
Did her eyes move? How come I felt like she was seeing eye to eye with me?
"Remember, if you are indeed responsible for her death. Better give yourselves up before there are any casualties. You have 14 days. If you, however, are unwise, the best bet is to protect your loved ones before it's too late." Raumstar spoke as if she were talking to Thalamik.
She is... No. Why do I feel so provoked? Who the hell is she, actually?
How can she speak in the news, but somehow I felt like all of it was directed towards me?
"Master, are you okay?" Momoka asked.
Then Raumstar said one final sentence that sealed the deal. "So better prepare well... Kaiser"
Thalamik's eyes widened as he bit his lip.
I see. I see how it is...
He stared at the broadcast of Raumstar, gripping his fist tightly.