The gentle scent of lavender filled the air as Aurora slowly opened her eyes. She was no longer in the cold forest. Instead, she found herself lying on a bed made of soft silks and velvet, inside a grand room lit by a crystal chandelier that floated midair. The walls shimmered faintly with a blue glow, and runes were etched into every pillar.
She sat up abruptly, confused.
"Where... am I?" she whispered, placing her hand on her chest.
A soft chime rang inside her head.
[System initializing… 20%… 40%… 100% completed.]
Welcome, Aurora Elaine Carter. You have entered the world of Eldralune.
You are now bound to the [Mage Queen System].
She froze. The voice wasn't external—it was inside her mind. Clear, mechanical, and emotionless.
"What in the—"
Before she could finish her sentence, a translucent blue screen appeared in front of her.
[Mage Queen System - Basic Functions Activated]
Name: Aurora Elaine Carter
Age: 19
Class: Beginner Mage
Title: Chosen from Another World
HP: 100
Mana: 200
Magic Affinity: Light, Fire
System Rank: F
Aurora blinked in disbelief. "This is like a game... But it feels way too real."
She stood up and walked toward the ornate mirror in the corner. Her reflection stared back—same chestnut brown hair, now slightly wavy, same deep green eyes. But now, she wore a white and silver mage robe embroidered with tiny glowing symbols. A crystal pendant rested on her collarbone, pulsing with gentle warmth.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
A young woman with short blue hair and a maid's uniform stepped in, eyes wide with relief. "My lady! You're awake! The prince will be so relieved."
Aurora was stunned. "Prince? What prince?"
The maid paused, then bowed quickly. "Forgive me. I am Ciel, your personal attendant assigned by His Highness, Prince Kael. He rescued you from the Cursed Forest two nights ago."
"Two nights?" Aurora echoed. "I was unconscious that long?"
Ciel nodded solemnly. "You were gravely wounded, but the Prince insisted on using a healing relic to save you. Only royalty has access to such magic…"
Aurora sat back down slowly, trying to process it all.
A fantasy world. A system in her head. A prince who rescued her. Was this really happening?
[New Quest Unlocked!]
Meet the one who saved you. Accept or decline audience with Prince Kael within the next 3 hours.
Reward: 50 EXP, Relationship +1
She stared at the floating text in disbelief. "Okay. This is definitely real. Or I've gone completely insane."
"I'll inform His Highness that you're ready?" Ciel asked carefully.
Aurora hesitated, then nodded. "Yes… please."
The hallway outside her room was lined with floating lanterns and magical paintings that shifted as she passed by. Her footsteps echoed softly on the polished marble. Guards in silver armor bowed as she walked by—though their eyes flicked with curiosity and caution.
Finally, they reached an enormous double door adorned with golden phoenix wings. Ciel knocked gently.
"Enter," came a calm, deep voice from within.
Ciel pushed the door open, gesturing Aurora inside.
The room was a private study, filled with ancient books, maps, and magical artifacts. Standing by the arched window was a tall young man in regal attire—long silver-blonde hair tied at the back, sharp blue eyes that seemed to glow faintly in the sunlight.
He turned, a faint smile forming.
"You're awake," he said. "I'm glad."
Aurora swallowed hard. His presence was overwhelming. Not just his looks—though he could easily pass for a model in her world—but the sheer aura around him. Calm, noble… dangerous.
"You must be Prince Kael," she managed.
He inclined his head. "And you are the woman who fell from the sky."
Aurora blinked. "Wait—what?"
Kael stepped closer, now only a few feet away. "My scouts found you lying in the center of a crater, unconscious but unharmed by the surrounding corrupted beasts. A magical phenomenon I've never seen before."
"I… I don't remember much," she said truthfully. "Only light, then cold… then nothing."
Kael studied her face for a long moment. Then, without warning, he reached into his coat and pulled out a glowing orb.
"Touch this," he said. "It's a relic that detects truth and corruption."
She hesitated but placed her hand on the orb.
It glowed warm and steady.
Kael exhaled slowly. "Then it's true… You really are not from this world."
[Relationship with Prince Kael increased to 2.]
Prince Kael now regards you with interest.
Aurora blinked at the message.
"May I ask your name?" he said, more gently now.
"Aurora," she replied.
"Aurora…" he repeated softly. "A fitting name. There's something… strange about you."
She raised an eyebrow. "Strange how?"
Kael's gaze lingered on her pendant. "That crystal. It's an ancient magical core—one that only responds to mage queens."
Aurora looked down, startled. "This pendant? I thought it was just… decoration."
Kael walked to a nearby table and placed the orb down. "There hasn't been a Mage Queen in over a thousand years. The last one nearly destroyed Eldralune."
That made Aurora step back.
"What… what do you mean?"
He looked directly into her eyes. "You are bound by magic now. You carry power no one fully understands. That makes you both a miracle—and a threat."
[Hidden Quest Unlocked: Heir to the Forbidden Throne]
Learn about the legacy of Mage Queens. Survive your first magical awakening.
Reward: +1 Spell, Unlock System Tier E
Aurora's heart pounded.
She didn't ask for this. She didn't want to be a threat to anyone. She just wanted to go home.
Kael, sensing her unease, softened his voice. "Don't be afraid. I will help you… as long as you don't become like the last."
She nodded slowly. "I don't want to hurt anyone. I just want to understand what's happening to me."
"Then let me show you," he said, offering his hand. "Come. There's something you must see."
Aurora hesitated—then took his hand.
Outside the palace, the sun had begun to set. The golden light bathed the capital city of Aerwyn in warmth. Towers gleamed with enchantments, airships floated above, and magic coursed through the streets like electricity.
Kael led her to a high terrace where an ancient mural was carved into the stone wall.
It depicted a woman in robes of flame and light—crowned and powerful—standing atop a mountain while armies of darkness knelt before her.
"The first Mage Queen," Kael said. "She ended the Age of Chaos. But her power corrupted her."
He turned to Aurora.
"You are her descendant. Somehow… the system has chosen you."
Aurora stared at the mural, heart racing.
Descendant? Mage Queen? Power?
She didn't feel like royalty. She didn't feel strong.
But deep inside, something began to stir. A warmth in her chest. A voice.
[System Message: Congratulations. Your awakening has begun.]
New Skill Acquired: Light Arrow (Tier 1)
System Rank Upgraded: F → E
Kael's eyes widened slightly as her pendant flashed once.
"So… it begins," he whispered.
Aurora stepped back from the mural, her eyes glowing faintly for the first time.
Maybe… just maybe… she was meant to be here.