*The kingdom of Elaria was known for many things.

Its towering castles.

Its powerful knights.

Its beautiful nobles.

But above all else, it was known for the sacred flower that protected the kingdom—the Celestia Rose.

According to legend, as long as the Celestia Rose continued to bloom, darkness would never consume the world.

Most people considered it nothing more than an old fairy tale.

Unfortunately, fairy tales had a habit of becoming real

The morning sun shone brightly over the Elowen Estate.

In the vast garden behind the mansion, a young girl hummed cheerfully while watering her flowers.

Her long silver hair danced with the breeze.

Her violet eyes sparkled with happiness.

Unlike other noble ladies who spent their days practicing etiquette or searching for potential husbands, Seraphina Elowen preferred flowers.

Flowers never lied.

Flowers never betrayed anyone.

Flowers were simple.

And she loved them for it.

"You're growing so well today," she said, smiling at a small violet flower."

A nearby maid sighed.

"Lady Seraphina, you're talking to flowers again."

"They listen."

"They're flowers."

"They still listen."

The maid could only shake her head.

Everyone in the estate knew that arguing with Seraphina was impossible.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed through the garden.

A servant rushed toward them.

"Lady Seraphina!"

The man looked pale.

Almost terrified.

Seraphina blinked.

"Did I accidentally break something again?"

"No!"

The servant took a deep breath.

"The High Priest has arrived."

The smile immediately vanished from her face.

"The High Priest?"

The most respected person in the kingdom.

The advisor of kings.

The voice of the gods.

He rarely left the capital.

Why would someone so important visit her family?

Moments later, Seraphina entered the grand hall.

The atmosphere felt strange.

Too quiet.

Too serious.

Her parents stood near the center of the room.

Beside them stood an elderly man dressed in pure white robes.

The High Priest.

The moment he saw Seraphina, his eyes widened.

As though he had finally found what he had been searching for.

"Come here, child."

Seraphina obeyed.

The old priest slowly reached out and placed a hand on her forehead.

Nothing happened.

For one second.

Two seconds.

Three—

A brilliant golden light exploded throughout the hall.

Everyone gasped.

Golden flower petals suddenly appeared from nowhere.

They danced around Seraphina like a storm.

A strange warmth spread through her body.

She looked down.

A glowing mark had appeared on the back of her hand.

A rose.

A beautiful golden rose.

Silence filled the room.

No one moved.

No one spoke.

Then the High Priest fell to his knees.

"The prophecy..."

His voice trembled.

"The Guardian has finally appeared."

The nobles gasped.

Her mother covered her mouth.

Her father looked completely frozen.

Seraphina, however, was only confused.

"Guardian?"

Before she could ask another question, everyone else began kneeling too.

Including her parents.

"W-Wait!"

She panicked.

"Why is everyone kneeling?!"

The High Priest lowered his head.

"Because from this day forward, Lady Seraphina Elowen shall become the protector of Elaria."

The protector of the kingdom?

Her?

There had to be a mistake.

She couldn't even wake up on time most mornings.

Far away from the kingdom...

Beyond the mountains.

Beyond the sea.

Deep beneath ancient ruins forgotten by history...

A pair of crimson eyes slowly opened.

Darkness spread across the stone floor.

The shadows trembled.

A cold smile appeared on a man's face.

"So..."

His voice echoed through the darkness.

"The Guardian has finally awakened."

The air grew heavy.

Monsters lurking within the ruins began roaring.

And for the first time in centuries...

The Demon King smiled.

𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗗