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Prologue

  In an age long forgotten—when magic was still primitive and the world was drowning in chaos—anarchy reigned. Every spell was a gamble. Every battle, a catastrophe. Humanity stood on the edge of extinction.

  Until five young pioneers dared to change everything.

  Together, they created a new order: four islands, one monarchy. And through that act, humanity finally tasted peace.

  Centuries passed.

  Now, in the 500th year of the Vermillion Monarchy, the founding islands thrive. The population has grown, technology has evolved, and each island has carved its own identity—whether through magic, science, or political might.

  ISLE OF SOUL AND ARCANE SCIENCEHome of House Kurogane, famed for their Soul Knights—warriors capable of manifesting their very souls as weapons. Alongside them, House Shiba leads the advancement of modern magic theory and application.

  ISLE OF TECHNOLOGY AND PRANAA powerhouse of innovation, blending high-tech systems with prana—a unique energy distinct from mana. House Amagiri established five combat schools specializing in this fusion.

  ISLE OF STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACYPopulated mainly by descendants of refugees once protected by the original Five Houses. House Riessfelt governs here, wielding political power and rare magical talent in a land built on intelligence and negotiation.

  THE VERMILLION MONARCHY (Central Island)The kingdom’s beating heart. From here, the royal family maintains balance among the Houses, preserving the peace their ancestors forged in blood and fire.

  This... is where my story begins.

  My name is Homura Kurogane.And at eighteen, I uncovered a truth that changed my life forever:

  I’m the illegitimate daughter of the Queen of House Vermillion and the Patriarch of House Kurogane.

  A forbidden love.A hidden legacy.A fate sealed in silence.

  I was raised under my father’s watch, never knowing the truth about my bloodline. When they finally told me… I didn’t know how to feel. Shock. Rage. Relief. All of it hit me at once, so violently it could’ve set the world ablaze.

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  Sigh...

  I'm getting fired up just thinking about it again. I need to calm down, or I’ll set something on fire. Again.

  I was trained by the former Patriarch of House Kurogane himself. He taught me to master various weapons, to control my mana… until my Awakening.

  That moment when your true magical potential is revealed—and the Soul Weapon that will be yours for life appears.

  But mine was… different.

  I possess what they call Ascendant Mana:a rare and dangerous anomaly where my magical energy keeps growing, without limits. Even at rest, my body radiates heat. And when I’m angry… it's like a volcano erupting.

  Sometimes I wonder—how much longer can I hold it in?How long before I burn the people I love?

  Fortunately… I’m not alone.

  My twin brother, Ishiki, shares part of my strength.He's calm. Logical. Deadly with a sword.He balances my fury with ice. Together, we're the top-ranked students at the Academy of the Soul.

  But that title comes with a cost.

  Ceremonies. Public duels. Performances we didn’t ask for.They trigger my anxiety… and when I feel all eyes on me, my control wavers.

  Just earlier today, Professor Ryu stopped me in the hallway.

  


  “Homura…” he said, eyeing my trembling hands. “Your arms are heating up again. Are you okay?”

  


  “Just nerves,” I answered, sighing. “I have to lead a demonstration for the new students this week. You know how much I love the spotlight.”

  


  “Take it slow,” he said gently. “And don’t forget your breathing exercises. Mana control is everything, especially now that—”

  He stopped himself.We both knew why: my lineage must stay hidden.

  Back to the present—

  I’ve just been given a new assignment.

  I’ve been chosen to represent my House in the Inter-Island Tournament, supposedly in the name of “unity and cooperation.” But we all know the truth: it’s just a glorified power play between noble families.

  There are rumors.

  Forbidden magic.Experiments with prana.Whispers of political tension rising toward open war.

  And I’m caught in the middle of it.

  I can’t refuse.As the child of two founding Houses, I’m the perfect symbol of peace… or the perfect spark for destruction.

  As long as Ishiki stays by my side… maybe I can hold it together.

  Maybe.

  But if this pressure breaks me—if my fury awakens something deeper—

  Then I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop.

  This is how my story begins.

  Sometimes I wish I’d been born normal.No powers. No titles. No responsibilities.

  But in this world—our world—

  There’s no rest for someone with Ascendant Mana.

  It’s time to find out where I truly belong…in the destiny of the Four Islands.

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