Raven's POV
"Wake up…"
The voice came from far away, Distant,Echoing, Like it was buried deep inside a hollow cave.
"…Raven… wake up…"
I couldn't move, I couldn't see clearly, Everything around me was… blurred, Distorted ,Dark.
Then I was in a forest Bound tightly to a wooden post, My arms restrained behind me, rope digging into my skin.
Around me—A crowd, Dozens… maybe more, Their faces—Unclear, Twisted, Shadows where eyes should be.
But I could feel it, Their hatred Their anger, It pressed down on me like a weight I couldn't escape.
Then—
I saw her among them, sam my sister sam, Her face was the only one I could see clearly, and it was filled with something I had never seen before—Pure rage, Pure grief.
"You deserve the most painful death," she said, her voice shaking.
My breath caught.
"…Sam—"
But she didn't listen, she stepped forward with a torch in her hand.
"You killed my daughter," she said, her voice breaking. "You should die too ,you don't deserve to live ."
"No…sam I'm sorry I—"
She threw the torch and the flames rose instantly and hunger violent ,they surrounded me, closed in.
Too fast.
Too hot—
"AH—!"The fire touched my skin, and then it started burning me and consumed me, the pain— it wasn't like anything else, It wasn't just heat, It was everything.
My skin blistering— peeling, burning away I could smell it burning flesh, my flesh.
I screamed, I screamed until my throat tore apart—Until my voice broke—Until even my screams burned away with me.
And still—The pain didn't stop, Even as my body turned to ash—I could still feel it, Still burning, still alive.
My eyes snapped open.
I gasped violently, my chest rising and falling as if I had been drowning.
Air.
I needed air.
I couldn't breathe—My body trembled uncontrollably. Sweat clung to my skin, soaking through my clothes.
"Raven—!" A voice. Close this time. Real.
I blinked rapidly. The world came back into focus. I was in my room. On my bed.
Mother Mary stood beside me, holding my hand tightly. Her face was filled with worry.
Behind her—
Rin and Lira.
"Raven, look at me," she said urgently. "Can you hear me? Are you okay?"
I stared at them for a moment.
Then slowly I sat up, swinging my legs over the side of the bed.
"…What's wrong?" I asked, my voice hoarse. "Why is everyone here this early?"
Mother Mary frowned.
"We heard you screaming," she said softly. "We tried to wake you, but you wouldn't respond."
I forced a small smile.
"I'm fine. Don't worry."
She didn't look convinced.
she said gently, "Rin, Lira—can you bring some water for Raven?"
They nodded and left the room.
Silence fell.
She sat beside me on the edge of the bed.
"…Raven," she said quietly. "Are you unable to sleep because of nightmares?"
I didn't answer.
She continued anyway. "I've noticed… you wake up before sunrise every day. At first, I thought it was for training."
She paused.
"But now… I think something is chasing you."
Her voice softened even more. "I can see the pain in your eyes, my child. I can see the emptiness in your heart."
My fingers tightened slightly.
"I won't ask you why," she said. "Because I know you won't tell me." She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "But you should know this… you are not alone."
Her eyes met mine.
"You have a big family here. We're with you."
I smiled. A small quiet smile. "…I know."
She looked toward the door. "Fay, you can come in. Don't be afraid."
I turned my head. Fay stood there, small hands holding a cup of water. Behind her Rin and Lira smiled. "She wanted to bring it to you."
Fay walked toward me slowly, hesitant, She held the cup out with both hands.
I took it gently.
"…Thank you, Fay."
I placed my hand lightly on her head.
She smiled. A small, shy smile—Before running back into mother Mary's arms.
"I'll heat some water for you," mother Mary said as she stood. "You're drenched in sweat."
I glanced down.
My shirt clung to my body completely.
"…Thank you."
They left. And the room fell silent again, I exhaled deeply.
"…That was…"
Before I could finish she appeared.
Morivane.
Standing in front of me, arms crossed.
"What was that?" she asked. "Do you know how many times I tried to wake you?"
I rubbed my face tiredly.
"I don't know," I said quietly. "But… I relived it again."
Her expression didn't change.
"The time when I burned alive," I continued. My voice dropped. "It didn't feel like a dream."
I stared at my hands.
"I could feel everything. My skin burning… slowly. The smell… the pain… my screams…"
Silence.
Then I whispered—"…My sister was the one who burned me."
Morivane looked at me for a moment. Then shrugged slightly. "Don't think too much about it. It's just a bad dream ."
I let out a quiet breath.
"…Yeah…. Just a bad dream "
I stood up. "I need a shower."
A week had passed since we moved here. The new place was bigger. quieter, better.
The children were happier. They had space to run, to play—to be children.
I even turned one of the large rooms into a library. Matthew and Ben practically lives there now.
After showering, I headed to the kitchen. Rin and Lira were already preparing breakfast.
"Let me help," I said.
"No need," Lira replied quickly. "We're almost done. you go sit."
"Yeah, go rest," Rin added.
I frowned slightly. "…What's wrong with you two?"
Lira smiled too quickly. "I don't know what you mean. Now go."
She pushed me out of the kitchen.
I walked into the dining room. The children were already seated. I chose a seat slightly away from them, I wanted a moment alone.
Just a moment.
But—Soft footsteps approached.
I looked down .
Fay.
She walked toward me slowly. Then sat beside me. Quiet and closer then usual
I blinked in surprise.
Ken laughed. "That's the first time I've seen Fay sit next to someone except for mother Mary."
Hely smiled.
"She's been asking about you since morning."
Ben adjusted the book in his hands.
"She thought you were sick."
I looked at Fay. She avoided my gaze slightly. I reached out and gently patted her head. "I'm fine," I said softly. "Don't worry."
She nodded A small smile forming.
After breakfast—I headed to the palace, there was work to do, training, responsibilities, and for some reason__ A certain princess crossed my mind.
I turned toward the door.
The itching wouldn't stop. It crawled beneath my skin like something alive—like embers buried deep in my veins, burning, spreading, refusing to die out. I dragged my fingers across my arm again, harder this time, nails biting into skin.
"Raven," Morivane's voice cut through my thoughts, sharp and observant, "what is wrong with you?"
I frowned, exhaling slowly as I forced my hand to stop. "I don't know… Ever since I woke up this morning, it feels like my body is burning from the inside." My voice dropped slightly. "It burns … enough that I've been using my ice ability just to keep it under control."
There was a brief silence.
"Perhaps your Hellfire is becoming unstable," Morivane said. "You've been growing stronger too quickly… especially recently."
"…Maybe."
Or maybe it was something else. Something I didn't understand yet.
I clicked my tongue softly and lifted my gaze toward the training grounds ahead. "We're here."
The moment I stepped into the courtyard, the heat inside me clashed with the cool morning air. My eyes immediately landed on them—Kara, Princess Lyria… and the little princess .
I let a small smile form as I approached. "Good morning. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Kara smirked and stepped forward, lightly punching my shoulder. "Perfect timing, actually. We were just talking about the festival happening in four days."
"Festival?" I echoed, raising a brow.
"Yes," Kara said. "A celebration. The whole city participates."
Lyria stepped in, her voice softer, but filled with quiet excitement. "It's a day where we celebrate the blessing of magic… the gift given to us by the goddess. Magic is the foundation of our world, so this day means a lot to everyone , you know about it right ."
I blinked once.
"…I've heard of it," I said calmly. "Just never cared enough to remember the date."
Lyria tilted her head slightly, studying me. "Does that mean… you've never been to one before?"
"No."
Kara stared at me like I had just said something unbelievable. "Wait—seriously? Not even once? Why?"
I shrugged. "I was always busy. Training. Guild missions. And my master…" I let out a small breath. "Elyra wasn't exactly the type to encourage 'fun.'"
Lyria smiled gently. "Then… would you like to come with me?"
I froze for just a second.
"With you ?" I repeated.
"Yes," she said quickly, almost nervously. "I mean—not just me. Kara too. It would be more fun together."
I didn't answer immediately.
A festival… to honor a goddess. The very idea made something inside me twist with quiet disgust.
Before I could respond, a small voice broke in.
"I want to go too… please, sister… can I come with you?"
I glanced down. The little princess—Evanna—was clutching Lyria's sleeve, her eyes shining with hope.
Lyria hesitated. "I don't know… It might not be safe for you . There will be a lot of people. Kara can't protect both of us at once."
Evanna's expression fell instantly, her shoulders drooping as she slowly sat back down.
…
I let out a quiet sigh.
"Then I'll go," I said.
All eyes turned to me.
"But only on one condition," I continued, glancing at princess . "She comes with us. I'll handle her safety."
Evanna's face lit up instantly. She jumped up, grabbing Lyria's hand. "Please! Please! I've never seen a festival in the city before!"
Lyria looked between her and me… then sighed, defeated but smiling. "Alright… but you'll need permission from father and mother first."
"No problem!" Evanna said confidently, then turned to me again, a little more shy this time. "Will… Hely ken and Ben go too?"
I nodded. "Yeah. Mother Mary takes them every year."
"That's good…" she murmured with smile , visibly relieved.
Lyria looked back at me. "So… you're really coming with us?"
I met her gaze for a moment.
"…Yeah," I said simply.
Her smile widened—brighter than before.
"I'll be your guide then!" she said with clear excitement. "There's so much to see—food, sweets, games, performances—"
I let out a small laugh. "You sound more excited than little princess ."
Kara snorted. "That's because she's thinking about the food."
Lyria immediately smacked Kara's arm. "Can you not say that out loud?!"
"…Alright. Enough talking."
I stepped back, rolling my shoulders slightly. The burning sensation flickered again beneath my skin—but I ignored it.
"Today's training will be different."
Kara raised a brow. "Different how?"
I pointed at both of them. "You two will spar. I want to see how much you've improved."
Kara's smirk returned instantly. "Oh? I'm ready."
I turned my gaze to princess she nodded .
"Don't hold back," I said to Kara, my voice steady.
Then to princess —"Fight with everything you have."
They took their positions. Wooden swords raised. The air shifted. For a brief moment, everything went quiet.
Then—
Clash.
Their blades met, sharp and fast.
I watched in silence, arms crossed… eyes focused.
Kara was aggressive, as expected—fast, confident, pressing forward without hesitation.
But princess …She wasn't the same as before. Her movements were sharper. Cleaner.
She adapted.
Blocked.
Countered.
There it is…
A faint smile touched my lips. She's improving. Faster than she realizes.
The burning inside me flared again—stronger this time.
My fingers twitched slightly.
"… It's happening again," Morivane murmured inside my mind. "Your body is reacting again It's so hot I can feel it here."
I ignored her.
My eyes remained locked on the fight.
But deep inside…Something was changing, And I wasn't sure if it was power—Or something far more dangerous.
The heat inside me refused to settle.
I took a slow, deep breath, forcing the burning sensation down—burying it beneath control, discipline… habit. It didn't disappear, but it dulled enough for me to focus.
My eyes returned to the sparring match.
Kara moved with confidence, her stance solid, her strikes clean and decisive. Princess , on the other hand… still hesitated. There was doubt in her movements—but she didn't step back.
She endured.
Kara rushed forward.
Princess reacted just in time, raising her wooden sword to block—but the impact knocked the weapon straight out of her hands. Before she could recover, Kara tapped her shoulder lightly with her blade.
"You lost," Kara said with a smirk.
Princess bent down, picked up her sword, and straightened again—her grip tighter this time, her voice firm.
"I'm not done. Again."
I glanced at Kara and gave a small nod.
They clashed again.
This time… princess was different. Her hesitation faded. Her stance steadied. She raised her sword and charged forward—fast.
Kara lifted her blade to block—
But in the last second, princess shifted her strike.
A feint.
Her blade slipped past Kara's defense and tapped lightly against her neck.
"I did it!" Princess said, her voice filled with excitement.
A small smile tugged at my lips.
"Was that a feint?" I said. "That was good. Really good." Then my expression sharpened slightly.
"But in a real fight, you don't stop after one hit. You keep going until your opponent can't stand anymore."
She nodded immediately.
"I understand."
"Then again."
Kara rolled her shoulders, smirking. "That was nice, Lyria… but don't expect it to work twice."
They moved again.
This time, Kara adapted. She pressed harder. Faster. More aggressive.
But princess…She didn't break. She took hits—but she returned them.
Once. Twice.
Again.
Time passed.
Sweat dripped down her face, her breathing grew uneven, her arms trembled—but she didn't stop.
"Lyria," Kara said between breaths, "we can stop. You're exhausted."
Princess shook her head, lifting her sword again despite the tremor in her hands. "No… I can keep going."
Kara sighed and stepped in again—fast.
Princess blocked—but the force pushed her back. Her arms shook violently now.
"I… can still—"
Her sword slipped from her grasp before she could finish.
Silence fell.
I had been watching the entire time, arms crossed, saying nothing.
Until now.
"That's enough." I stepped forward, closing the distance between us. "You did well."
Princess 's expression tightened—disappointment clear in her eyes.
I exhaled quietly.
"When you started this fight… you knew you wouldn't win against Kara." I tilted my head slightly. "And so did I."
Her gaze dropped.
"But what surprised me," I continued, "is that you lasted this long."
Her eyes lifted again.
"You didn't just survive—you adapted. You landed multiple hits. That's not something a beginner should be able to do against a knight."
Kara nodded with a grin. "She's right. You caught me off guard more than once."
A faint smile returned to princess's face. "I still have a long way to go…"
"With more training," I said calmly, "you'll get there."
Before she could respond, a small figure rushed forward.
Evanna.
"That was amazing, Lyria!" she said, eyes sparkling. "You were so cool!"
Princess chuckled softly, patting her head. "Thank you."
Kara stretched her arms. "So… are we done for today? Because I'm exhausted—and she's covered in bruises."
"Yeah," I said. "You're done."
I paused.
"…But now it's the little princess's turn."
Kara bent down and picked up a sword resting near the wall. "Oh? Raven, when did you get this one? What happened to your old sword?"
Princess's eyes followed it. "It's beautiful…"
I moved instantly, taking the sword from Kara before she could casually swing it around.
"Careful," I said flatly. "This isn't something you should be waving around here."
Then I turned to princess.
"…And it's not mine."
She blinked. "Then… whose is it?"
I held it out toward her.
"It's yours."
Silence.
"…Mine?" she repeated.
I nodded. "I found it in a Black Gate. Buried deep underground. I was planning to give it to you when you were ready."
I met her eyes.
"I think you are now."
She took it slowly, almost carefully—as if it might disappear, Her fingers traced the engravings on the hilt… then the yellow gem embedded within it.
"It's… light," she whispered.
She drew the blade. The steel gleamed—sharp, elegant… alive.
"Are you sure…?" she asked softly. "This looks… valuable and rare."
"I'm sure ," I said simply." It's yours."
She didn't speak.
Kara, however, raised a brow. "Wait—you said you got that from a Black Gate?"
"Yeah."
She crossed her arms, smirking. "And you're giving it to her? Why? , I want one too, you know."
I said . "Princess is the first person I've trained , you can say she is my first student and It's my responsibility to give her her first real sword… just like my master did for me."
Evanna suddenly stepped closer, looking up at me. "What about me? Will I get one too?"
I placed a hand gently on her head. "Of course. But only after you train enough to handle a real one."
She nodded eagerly. "I will! I'll become strong!"
My attention shifted back to princess —just in time to see her lifting the blade… about to swing it toward us.
I moved instantly.
"Wait—don't swing that towards us."
She blinked. "But I'm far from you—"
"Look over there," I interrupted, pointing toward a wooden dummy. "Use Kara's sword first.and try to cut it with Full strength."
She hesitated… but obeyed. She stepped forward. Raised the sword.
Swung.
The dummy split cleanly in half.
"Good," I said, placing another one in position. "Now… use your sword."
She switched blades.
Took a breath and swung, the dummy didn't just split , the strike continued, a sharp arc of force cut through the air… and carved a deep line into the wall behind it.
Silence, everyone stared first at the wall then at me I smiled faintly " That sword doesn't just amplify your strikes," I said. "It refines them… sharpens them… and pushes their power beyond what you put into it ، you could say that the sword double your strike three or four times stronger."
"…That's amazing," Kara muttered.
Princess looked down at the blade in awe. "Are you really sure I can have this?"
I simply nodded.
She stepped closer to me—then suddenly took both my hands in hers.
"Thank you," she said, smiling brightly. "I'll treasure it. I'll train harder… until I'm worthy of it. I won't disappoint you."
I froze for a fraction of a second, My gaze dropped to our hands in silence.
Warm.
Soft.
…Too close.
I was just about to pull away—
"Careful," Morivane's voice echoed lazily in my mind. "If you pull your hand away now… you'll offend her."
I frowned internally. What does me pulling my hands have anything with offending her? ,…. wait…. are you making fun of me again , you have done something like this before."
"Try it and see," she replied, almost amused.
"But…This is little uncomfortable," I told her .
No response.
I hesitated… then exhaled quietly and relaxed my hand instead. "It's just a gift," I said, offering a small smile. "And I know you won't disappoint me."
Her grip softened before she finally let go, nodding.
Morivane said with a smirk." Good girl."
Evanna clapped her hands. "My turn! I want to train too!"
"Alright. Let's begin."
We trained for a while longer.laughter clumsy swings small victories.
By the time training ended, I didn't say much I bid them farewell and headed toward Maris' tavern.
The tavern was quieter than usual, That alone made it feel… unfamiliar.
When I pushed the door open, the faint creak echoed more than it should have. The usual noise—laughter, drunken arguments, clashing mugs—was missing. It was still early, and the place hadn't come alive yet.
Only Maris stood behind the counter, arranging glasses with practiced ease.
She looked up the moment I entered.
"Welcome, Raven," she said with a warm smile. "Come, sit."
I slid onto one of the stools in front of the bar, resting my elbows lightly against the wood.
"What would you like to drink?" she asked.
"A glass of water please," I replied, returning a small smile.
She raised a brow slightly—but said nothing—and placed the glass in front of me.
"Thank you."
I wrapped my fingers around it, letting the coolness ground me. The burning inside me hadn't stopped. It pulsed beneath my skin like something alive… something waiting.
Maris leaned slightly closer.
"The request you gave me last time," she said . "I found someone suitable. She'll be here shortly."
Before I could say anything else, the door opened again.
Chris walked in—carrying a crate—with another man beside him. They set the boxes down with a dull thud.
"Hey, Maris," Chris said. "Where do you want these?"
"Over there," she pointed.
Then he noticed me. "Oh—Raven?" he grinned. "Didn't expect to see you here."
I tilted my head slightly. "Chris. I could say the same. Don't you have work?"
"Finished early," he shrugged. "Figured I'd help out."
The man beside him stepped forward.
"We're done here."
Chris nodded, then turned back to me.
"Oh, right—Raven, this is Matt. He's my boyfriend. We're in the same guild."
Matt extended his hand politely. "Nice to meet you."
I shook it. "Likewise."
Chris smirked slightly. "So… who are you meeting? The princess?"
I gave him a flat look.
"I was pretty shocked seeing you with her at the orphanage," he continued. "Didn't know you were that close."
I took a sip of water before answering.
"I'm here to meet someone else."
He leaned casually against the bar. "Well, when you're free, I'll buy you a drink And we can talk about your relationship with Princess."
"Maybe later," I said calmly.
Maris spoke up before he could push further.
"She's here."
I stood.
"And She's just a friend ," I told him , before walking toward the woman who had just entered.
She looked… tired.
Mid-forties, worn clothes, careful posture. The kind of person who had learned to endure more than complain.
"Please," I gestured to a chair. "Have a seat."
"Thank you," she said softly.
"Before we begin, would you like something to drink?"
She shook her head. "I'm fine thank you."
I nodded once.
"My name is Raven. I asked Maris to find someone who can work in an orphanage. I need someone who can cook—for many people. Can you do that?"
She didn't hesitate.
"Yes. I can."
Her voice was steady—but there was desperation beneath it.
"My name is Polly," she continued. "Since my husband passed away… everything has fallen on me. I have two children. Rent… food… I—" Her voice tightened slightly. "I'll take any job."
I watched her quietly for a moment.
Then I spoke.
"The work is simple. Three meals a day. You'll be in charge of the kitchen."
She nodded quickly. "I understand."
"You and your children can move into the orphanage. There are empty rooms."
She froze.
"…What?"
"You won't need to worry about rent. Your children will eat with the others. And…" I paused slightly, "…I'll pay you twenty gold coins per month."
Silence.
Her eyes widened.
"…Twenty?"
She looked at me like I had said something impossible. "That's too much," she whispered. "With housing and food… it's too much."
I shook my head slightly.
"It's fair."
I leaned back a little.
"I don't have time to cook. And mother Mary already has too much to handle. This helps everyone."
Maris placed a glass of juice in front of Polly. "This is a good opportunity," she said gently. "You should take it."
Polly looked between us—still in disbelief.
Then slowly…she smiled and said " I accept." Relief. Gratitude. Hope, all of it showed in her eyes.
"When can you start?" I asked.
"Tomorrow… if that's okay."
I stood. "That's fine."I handed her the address. "If you have any requests or conditions, we'll discuss them there."
She nodded, clutching the paper like it mattered more than gold. "Thank you… truly."
I shook my head lightly and said with smile " no need to thank me."I turned, said a brief goodbye to Maris and Chris, and stepped out of the tavern.
The air outside was warmer, too warm.I walked forward towards Elyra's place.
And just like that—day passed a blur of routine morning training Princess and afternoon training under Elyra and at night Sneak into the city border and fight monsters to train, collecting cores mana stones And copying rare monster abilities.
Until—The day arrived, The festival.
The sun had already dipped below the horizon, and the city was no longer the same.
It had transformed.
Lights stretched across the streets like falling stars caught in threads. Lanterns of gold and violet floated above, swaying gently with the evening breeze. Music echoed from every corner—lively, chaotic, alive.
Tonight was the Festival of Aetheria—the day people celebrated the blessing of magic, offering thanks to the so-called gods who "gifted" this world its power.
I leaned against the stone wall near the meeting point, arms crossed, watching the crowd pass by.
Laughter.
Joy.
Ignorance.
Morivane's voice slithered through my mind.
"So… even you are here, celebrating the gods," she said mockingly. "The same ones who put you on this path… the same gods who let you die in the most brutal and horrific ways."
My jaw tightened slightly.
"I don't believe in them," I said coldly. "And I don't even recognize them. They're nothing more than powerful beings who exploit the weak and call it divinity and enjoy their suffering."
She laughed softly.
"Oh… that was deep. I like it."
I closed my eyes briefly, exhaling.
"Then why are you here?" she continued, her tone teasing. "Surely not for the festival."
"…Just a change of routine."
A pause.
Then—
"Ooooh… and here I thought you came because the princess asked you."
My brows furrowed.
"I don't know what you're talking about, I came because I wanted to , I'll only stay a short while, then I'll leave for the southern border. There are a lot of monsters there lately.?"
Her laughter grew sharper.
" ooh my little puppy you really are simple, aren't you? All you think about is power… and killing."
Puppy? did she just call me puppy I was about to respond—
But the sound of wheels against stone interrupted us.
A royal carriage stopped in front of me.
Kara stepped out first, smiling.
"Hey, Raven. Good evening. Hope we didn't keep you waiting."
Then she helped Evanna down, who immediately looked around with shining eyes.
"Good evening!" she said brightly.
And then—
Princess stepped out.
She gave a small, graceful nod.
"Good evening, Raven. Did we keep you waiting long?"
I straightened slightly.
"Good evening. Not at all—I just got here."