{Gandelion Forest: A forest located deep within the interior—at the peak of Mount Astrella, one of the three triplet mountains. However, unlike Astrea and Astria which stand side by side, Astrella stands apart—forgotten, far beyond the reach of the Kingdom of Aster. Around these mountains lie various cities, but the closest among them is the City of Jafara}
Within a forest, one that resembles a hidden paradise—life flows in peace.
Gandelion Forest.
A home to small creatures, magical beings, and fairies. Small birds fly freely among the towering trees. Their chirping is light, filling the air with a natural calm.
Below—
various animals live out their lives. Some pluck fruit from low branches. Some graze on leaves at ease. Some sleep beneath the shade of ancient roots.
And others—
gather by the edge of a lake, drinking clear water without fear.
Tiny lights shimmer within the shadows. Small fairies—glowing like fireflies, float gently through the air. They illuminate the darker parts of the forest, maintaining the balance of light among the dense trees.
Meanwhile—
fairies that take the form of animals or magical creatures move more actively. They watch over. They nurture. Ensuring that every part of the forest remains alive as it should be.
In this place—
everything exists in harmony. Calm and pure. As if the outside world has never touched it.
Laughter and songs echo throughout the forest—soft and warm. The inhabitants live side by side, helping one another, protecting one another.
A peaceful sight like a dream world. Yet not an illusion. But something that truly exists.
One with nature itself.
And within that tranquility—
a girl can be seen.
Her soft platinum blonde hair glimmers beneath the sunlight filtering through the leaves. She wears white clothing—adorned with simple yet elegant blue lace. In her hands a woven bamboo basket.
She walks slowly among the trees, picking medicinal plants one by one. Her movements are careful. As if she fears damaging anything. As if she understands—
that every life in this place holds meaning.
That girl looks like an angel.
Perhaps it is because of her beautiful appearance, or her blonde hair that reflects the light, or her blue eyes—clear like a cloudless sky.
She who should have been a stranger in this place. Someone from the outside.
Yet, the forest does not reject her. The inhabitants of the forest do not move away. Do not fear her.
Instead—
they draw closer. They help her. Small creatures bring selected leaves. Tiny fairies glow around her, guiding her toward the freshest plants. Even the animals—do not feel disturbed.
As if that girl…is a part of this forest. Or perhaps—it is the forest itself that accepts her. Without conditions. Without suspicion.
"Thank you." Her voice is soft and sincere.
She slightly bows her head toward the small fairies surrounding her. Those tiny lights tremble gently—as if responding with joy.
Then—another light appears from the girl's body. A light that is brighter, and more stable. A sphere of white light—floats out from her body.
"They really like you." A small voice is heard from within that light. "No… more precisely—
it is this forest itself that likes you."
The light slowly circles around her. Observing. Evaluating. As if reading something unseen.
The girl smiles faintly. "Maybe…because I'm a little similar to Gandelion's savior."
Her steps remain light. Her hands continue picking leaves one by one. "The owner of this forest."
The light falls silent for a moment. Then it moves again—faster. More curious.
"Someone who possesses life energy… that's impossible." Its tone changes. Not doubtful—but confused. "I'm starting to get curious. I want to meet them."
It circles closer. "There should only be one. There should only be one."
For a moment—
silence.
"Hm… how can there be two people who possess life energy?" it adds.
The girl looks forward. Her eyes remain calm. "I think…nothing is impossible, because—"
—
DDDOONNNNGGGG
The sound shook the forest with crushing pressure. As if struck from the very core of the earth.The sound shook the forest with crushing pressure. As if struck from the very core of the earth.
Its vibration spread through the ground,
climbing up the trunks of trees,reaching the tips of the leaves—shaking everything.
A deafening resonance echoed throughout the entire forest—a warning.
Danger.
Birds scattered into the sky.Animals fled in panic.Small fairies were thrown into disarray,their lights flickering in fear.
And for the first time—
the peace of Gandelion Forest cracked.
—
The white light stoppedand trembled.
Its voice changedbecame sharp. "That… is a warning."
The girl fell silent as well. Her smile vanished. Her eyes scanned the surroundings—searching for an answer to something she did not yet understand.
Gandelion Forest which had always been peaceful—had just declared one thing.
Something that should not exist…
has entered.
"What is happening, Etral?" The girl's voice was soft. Yet clear. There was confusion within it.
Etral slowly circled. Its light dimmed for a moment—as if restraining something. "A sinner has come."
The answer was short, yet carried a suppressed weight.
"A sinner…?" The girl repeated, still unable to understand.
"They are called sinners," Etral continued, "because their very existence…is something forbidden."
The words lingered in the air.
Forbidden.
A cold,piercing word.
The girl lowered her gaze slightly. Her expression changed. Somber. "How could it be…that someone's very existence is called forbidden?"
Her voice was quiet. "Isn't that… too cruel…?"
She tightened her grip on the basket in her hands. "He once said… that everything has meaning."
For a moment—silence.
Etral did not answer immediately.
Its light pulsed softly.
Then—
"If it was 'Him' who said that… then assume that I am the one who is mistaken." Its tone lowered. Yet remained firm. "Even so… many living beings think that way."
It paused for a moment.bThen its voice sharpened again. "But this is not the time to explain."
"This forest… is in danger." Those words cut through all hesitation.
The girl lifted her face. There was worry. But also—resolve. "…Can I help?"
Etral responded immediately. "Yes."
Without hesitation. "In fact… your power is very much needed."
Its light moved around her. "Only you can do it."
"Go to where 'they' are." Etral continued, "We must stop them."
Hearing that, the girl nodded. "Alright."
A small smile appeared on her face. Filled with sincerity. Because for the first time—she felt that she was truly needed.
But as she took a step—something stopped her. The creatures of the forest. They gathered before her. Blocking her path.
The fairy lights dimmed. The animals grew restless. They would not let her go. They know—what lies ahead.
Danger and death.
The girl stopped. She looked at them one by one.
Then she smiled gently, trying to reassure them. "I'll be fine."
Her voice was warm. "Etral said my power is greatly needed."
"That means…the place we're heading to isn't dangerous." She looked at them with shining eyes. Full of trust. "We'll be alright."
She glanced slightly to the side. "Right… Etral?"
Silence returned.
Etral did not answer immediately. Its light trembled faintly—as if weighing something.
Then—
"…That's right." The answer came out softly—but certain. "Because I will protect her."
The light dimmed for a moment—hiding something unspoken. [With all my strength.]
And the forest which usually never hesitates—this time could only remain silent. Letting them go.
Toward something—that even the forest itself…feared to face.
—
"Rurika…" Etral's voice sounded deeper than usual. Serious and heavy. "This is the first time you will meet them. The Anathema."
"They are called sinners…or Anathema." Its light pulsed softly in the air. "Because their very existence…is a curse."
Rurika fell silent. But she continued to listen.
"My words may sound cruel to you." Etral's light began to change. "But once you see them…"
"…you will understand." It expanded. Widened. As if something was being formed.
Slowly—
its shape hardened and lengthened. Becoming a staff. A long white staff—with delicate carvings along its body.
At its tip—a stone glowing with a warm light.
That light was not blinding but deep.
Calming and at the same time…carrying a power that could not be ignored.
"You may be surprised." Etral's voice now echoed from within its new form. "At their brutality." Etral continued— "Their savagery."
"Their cruelty." Etral kept speaking. "And you… may feel fear."
It fell silent for a moment.
"But remember…" This time—its tone softened. "We will always be by your side."
"Do not be afraid."
"Hold me." Etral gave her courage."And swing me."
Etral—was not merely light. It was a sacred weapon. A will, formed from something higher—the dust of the Gods.
And now—it stood before the girl it had chosen.
Rurika.
A girl who accepted her fate—without resistance.Without doubt.
Rurika extended her hand. Then grasped the staff—with both hands.
In an instant—light enveloped her body.
Warm yet powerful. Like an embrace—that was also a command.
The light grew. Swallowing her form. And the world around her—slowly faded away.
—
In a flash of light—they vanished.
Toward a single point. The source of the disturbance. The source of fear.
Where something was unfolding and would change everything.