“Do you want power?”

  “Huh?” The boy blinked, staring at the wall at the far edge of the garden, as though the voice had come from nowhere.

  “You’ve been contemplating some dark thoughts lately... I can read it through your mind.”

  His ruby eyes widened, panic flashing across his face.

  “W-What are you talking about?” His gaze darted wildly, scanning the garden, only leaves danced in the wind, and shadows swayed beneath the trees.

  “Why him, of all people?” the voice whispered again, low and venomous.

  “I’m the son of the Duke of the East, born a noble. Why him, when he’s nothing but a commoner?”

  The boy’s brows drew together, his eyes trembling as though the words had struck too deep. A frown twisted across his face before he clutched his head with both hands.

  “W-W-Why do you know what I-I was t-thinking!?” His voice cracked, stammering with terror.

  “I told you… I can read your mind. You’re jealous of that boy.”

  His teeth sank into his lip until it turned white, his fist curling tight.

  “Of course I am!” he roared. “Why should a nobody like him be blessed by the God of Sun when he isn’t even carrying noble blood?! I have the potential! I am the Duke’s first son, I deserve that power!”

  “But he didn’t choose you.”

  The boy rasped his teeth in frustration, lowering his gaze to the ground.

  “How about I offer you some of my power?” the strange voice murmured.

  His head snapped up, eyes wide. “Huh?”

  From the shadows beneath the trees, a dark shape slithered forward, curling up his shoulder and wrapping around him so gently.

  “I am a Demon God,” the voice continued smoothly, “far stronger than the God of the Sun. I can grant you power enough to rule this entire world.”

  The boy’s ruby eyes flickered, light catching in their depths as his lips parted in awe. Interest gleamed across his face, though hesitation clung to his words.

  “B-But… the history books say making a deal with a Demon God is forbidden. The kingdom’s law forbade it because… the malice within that power is too great. A human’s will can’t overshadow its desire.”

  The shadow coiled closer, its voice dripping with persuasion.

  “That’s not the issue here, is it? That boy, the one blessed by the God of Sun, he will rise above you. And you? You’ll be left at the very bottom where you don’t belong.” The shadow leaned near his ear, its tone sharp as a blade.

  “Doesn’t that infuriate you?”

  The boy’s lips pressed into a hard line, his brow furrowing before he gave a sharp nod.

  “Yes… it drives me insane!” His gaze dropped to his open palm, trembling, before he clenched it into a fist.

  “It’s frustrating!!!”

  “That’s right!” The voice cackled, dripping with malice. “As someone gifted like you, it’s maddening, isn’t it? You were meant for the top. That’s why you need me… accept me, and your rightful place will be yours.”

  “Yes!!” the boy roared, his voice shaking with rage. “It should have been me at the top! That’s right! I don’t care if you’re a Demon God, just give me the power to stay above him! I hate him! I HATE HIM THE MOST!”

  The shadow erupted with laughter, booming and wild, filled with unrestrained excitement. It surged forward, engulfing the boy’s body, wrapping him in darkness until no trace of him remained.

  The shadows seeped into him, inch by inch, until at last they vanished inside his very flesh.

  A low chuckle slipped past his lips as a wicked grin spread across his face. The air thickened, the shadows around him writhing restlessly. His once-ruby eyes dulled, hollow and soulless.

  He lifted his palm, studying it as if it belonged to someone else.

  “I see… this boy’s name is Lucas. A tremendous magic slumbers within him yet it’s a double-edged power. Best not to use it carelessly.”

  Then, piercing through the suffocating silence. A girl's voice came, desperate and unrelenting, shouting the boy’s name again and again.

  “Lucas! Where are you?!”

  He hurried through the garden, the soft crunch of gravel beneath his steps leading him to a young girl. Her green short hair swayed with the breeze, and her eyes, vivid and bright shimmered like starlight in the darkening sky.

  When she spotted him, her lips curved into a graceful smile.

  “There you are, Lucas!” She reached for his hand, holding it with gentle warmth.

  “Where have you been? I’ve been searching for you everywhere…”

  His mouth twitched into a faint smile. “Forgive me, Your Highness. I found a young bird that had fallen from its nest, so I returned it.”

  Her eyes widened, sparkling with even more light. She stepped closer, her face glowing with excitement.

  “I want to see the bird!”

  He shifted back a step, while the smile in his lips turned awkward. “Of course.” Turning away, he cast a glance over his shoulder, his voice carrying a soft reverence.

  “Please, follow me, Your Highness.”

  I see… I’m quite interested in this boy’s life. Born under the crushing weight of his family’s expectations especially his father, the Duke of the East yet abandoned the moment the God of Sun refused to grant him its power.

  Cast aside like he was nothing. Fascinating… He chuckled.

  What should I do now? Since I’ve possessed this body, his burdens are now mine as well. Tch. He let out a heavy sigh.

  My only plan was to watch Lethros carefully from the shadows… but perhaps a little detour might be amusing.

  “Lucas!”

  The girl’s voice shattered his thoughts, pulling him back into reality. When he looked up, his eyes widened. She was perched high on the thick trunk of a tree, a bright smile playing across her face.

  “W-What are you doi—”

  He couldn’t even finish speaking before she slipped, tumbling all the way down. Yet instead of tears or outrage, the girl burst into laughter, dusting herself off as though the fall were nothing.

  He blinked, staring at her in quiet astonishment.

  A royal who laughs at pain instead of wailing over it…

  “What a strange child you’ve raised, Lethros.” His lips curved into an unexpected smile.

  A hand pressed against the table, brushing over the map spread across it. The fading orange rays of the sun streamed through the window, casting long shadows across the room.

  “The Duke and his army, along with his people will arrive later tonight. We need to prepare places for them to stay especially for the common people,” Leo said firmly.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  The air in the room was thick with tension.

  Gathered around the table were Diana, Leo, the Marquis, Ella, Tetra, Finn, and Alaric, each face hardened by the weight of responsibility.

  “It’s not just them we should be worried about,” Diana spoke, her voice steady but edged with concern. Her gaze fell on Finn as she tapped the map, pointing to every small village, castle, and noble’s land scattered across the Apocrypha.

  “I fear Zaroth’s army won’t stop at the Duke’s territory. They will strike at every border.”

  She leaned forward, frowning slightly. “Finn, can you notify the outlying settlements to evacuate to the capital at once?”

  Finn grinned, rubbing the back of his head casually, though his eyes burned with resolve. “Of course, Your Majesty. My lightning clones are already handling it as we speak.”

  Tetra turned toward the Marquis, her tone sharp.

  “And your lands, Your Grace? Have your people been evacuated?”

  The Marquis gave a short laugh, lifting his hand as though to brush off the tension.

  “Yes. Leo instructed me the moment I arrived here.”

  Leo’s golden eyes narrowed, his voice low but firm as he turned back to Diana.

  “I’m not sure the capital is able to fit every person in the nation, Your Majesty. How do we deal with that?”

  Diana nodded slowly, the weight of leadership heavy on her shoulders.

  “Don’t worry. I’ve already been considering a solution.” She paused, then gave Finn a small, awkward smile, as though already bracing herself for the enormity of what was coming.

  Finn tilted his head, utterly baffled by Diana’s sudden awkward laugh.

  “I apologize in advance, Finn,” she said, her tone soft but firm. “I have another task for you.”

  Alaric ruffled Finn’s hair with an easy smirk. “No need to apologize, Your Majesty. Someone like him is made to be used.”

  Finn flashed a thumbs-up, grinning from ear to ear. “Exactly what he said! Please use me however you wish.”

  Diana straightened, her expression regaining its queenly poise.

  “According to the documents I've read, there are dwarven folk living deep within Mount Tharok, the tallest mountain in Apocrypha.” He gently tapped the map where the mountain was drawn.

  “I want you to seek their aid in constructing a vast underground sanctuary beneath the palace. If we succeed, we can house the overflowing population of the capital.” Her heel tapped lightly against the floor, punctuating her words.

  A hush swept the room. Eyes widened in disbelief. None of them, not even Leo, had expected her to devise such a solution.

  His gaze lingered on her, caught by the quiet brilliance shining in her green eyes.

  Alaric raised his hand slightly.

  Diana noticed at once and offered him a faint smile.

  “You have a suggestion, Alaric?”

  He touched his chin thoughtfully, his expression uncharacteristically grave. After a pause, he turned to Finn.

  “If we build the underground refuge, our food stores will become the greater concern. We don’t know how long this war will last. I suggest we begin stockpiling immediately.

  After this meeting, I’ll hunt wild, edible beasts to bolster our reserves.”

  “That is a splendid idea!” Diana said warmly, her smile breaking through the room’s tension.

  The Marquis tilted his head, intrigued. “Wouldn’t it be wiser to take a squad of soldiers with you?”

  Alaric shook his head and clapped Finn on the shoulder twice. “There’s no need, Your Grace. If it’s about transporting supplies, this one can handle it faster than any caravan.” His lips curved into a confident smile.

  The Marquis blinked in surprise. “And why is that?”

  Leo answered before Finn could. His voice carried with full pride.

  “Finn can summon lightning and ride within it at tremendous speed. He’s even capable of carrying others with him, though it drains him if he repeats it too often.”

  Finn's lips curve into a thin line. Leo-san, don’t steal my spotlight!

  The Marquis exhaled softly, his eyes narrowing with a mix of awe and respect.

  “What an interesting power you’ve got, Finn.”

  Fin, on the other hand, laughed awkwardly.

  “Your Majesty, if you intend to build a vast underground refuge, why not use the caverns we explored last time?” Tetra asked, his voice calm but edged with quiet concern.

  Ella nodded, her hands folded neatly in front of her. “That place was expansive enough to house people, at least for a while.”

  Diana slowly shook her head. “I haven’t forgotten the bishop’s words when we met him down there. That place belongs to the Cathedral. It’s not safe for the people to stay.”

  Tetra frowned. “But even for dwarves, creating something on that scale would take months. To expect them to finish in a short time is impossible.”

  “There’s no need to doubt them,” Diana replied firmly. “The dwarves’ craft is unmatched. They possess tools and methods to hasten what seems impossible. We must place our trust in their skill.”

  Leo gave a thoughtful nod. “And we still have earth mages to help them; the work will be done even faster. I doubt time will be our enemy here.”

  The Marquis stroked his chin, eyes narrowing in consideration.

  “A refuge beneath the palace, large enough for the refugees to stay in… yes, that is indeed a perfect solution.”

  Diana’s eyes softened, though her words remained resolute. “Not only the refugees. Even the people of the capital will be sheltered there.”

  The Marquis stiffened in surprise. His brows rose, and for a moment his tone betrayed disbelief.

  “The capital’s people as well? But why, Your Majesty? With Leo’s dome encasing the Kingdom, the Pope and his bishops can’t even wield their magic, they are powerless against it..”

  Diana cast a brief glance at Leo before turning her attention back to the Marquis. When she spoke, her voice rang out, clear and resolute.

  “Because I want him to focus on one objective and one alone: to defend this Kingdom against the enemy’s main army.”

  Her words carried such conviction that even the negative air in the room faded to silence. Slowly, she swept her gaze across the table, meeting each of their eyes in turn.

  Sunlight streamed through the window, catching in her emerald eyes like tempered fire.

  “If I disable the dome, the Pope and his army will march straight to the palace,” Leo said firmly. His golden eyes narrowed. “They’re strong, Diana. We won’t be able to withstand both attacks at once, especially when one is already inside the Kingdom.”

  The room stirred at his words. Everyone’s brows furrowed when he called her by a name they had never heard before. But Diana, too absorbed in the gravity of his warning, didn’t even notice.

  Her gaze swept across Alaric, Tetra, Ella, and Finn, her eyes glinting with quiet determination.

  “Alaric, Tetra, Ella, Finn,” she said, her voice calm but commanding.

  “When Leo disables the dome, it will be your turn. I want you to confront the Pope and the Bishops directly. Don’t concern yourselves with their soldiers. I’ll hold the palace. Your only task is to defeat them.”

  The three nodded in unison. But Ella’s eyes widened, her breath caught in her throat. Her hands trembled as she took a shaky step forward.

  “Y-Your Majesty… forgive me, but… I-I can’t.” Her voice cracked as she pressed her lips together.

  “I don’t know magic. I don’t even know how to hold a sword. How can an ordinary person like me fight monsters like them?” She lowered her head, shame weighing down her voice.

  “Please… reconsider including me.”

  For a moment, the room fell silent. Then Diana’s expression softened.

  She walked toward Ella, each step deliberate. Standing before her, Diana gently took her hand, then leaned her forehead against hers.

  “I believe in you, Ella,” she whispered, her words warm but resolute.

  “There is a great power sleeping within you. I can feel it. When the time comes, it will awaken and it will protect the ones you love.”

  Ella’s eyes quivered shut, her brow furrowing. “E-Even if that’s true… What if I’m not strong enough? What if I fail?”

  “Then trust yourself,” Diana answered without hesitation. “Trust yourself, the same way I trust you. Do you remember what people say? Kindness triumphs over cruelty. And you, Ella. You’re one of the kindest people I have ever met. That kindness is your strength. Don’t doubt it.”

  Ella’s eyes slowly opened, wide with shock at the sincerity in Diana’s words.

  “Will you fight for me, Ella?” Diana asked softly.

  For a moment, Ella could only stare. Then, with a trembling but steadying breath, she smiled faintly. She placed Diana’s hand against her chest.

  “I will,” she said. “I will never let you down, Your Majesty.”