Through the reddish curtain surrounding the bed, she saw a familiar silhouette. Damien was sitting at his desk, his face illuminated by the bluish glow of magic. A book filled with records floated in front of him, its pages turning on their own as he studied the contents with unwavering concentration.
Luna carefully raised her hand, touching her forehead. She was still exhausted.
But… she was alive.
She suddenly sneezed.
She quickly covered her mouth with one hand, clutching the blanket with the other. She didn’t want to interrupt him.
Damien’s movement was barely noticeable. Just the flicker of an eye, a brief moment in which he lowered his gaze from the book.
“You’re awake.”
His voice was quiet but certain.
Luna swallowed hard.
“How long was I asleep?”
The book slowly settled onto the desk, and Damien leaned his elbow against the back of his chair, looking at her through the semi-transparent fabric.
“Long enough.”
A faint, yet mysterious smile appeared on his lips.
"Welcome back, Luna."
Luna slowly pushed herself up in bed, feeling her body protest with every movement. Every bone, every muscle reminded her that she had been on the brink of death.
Damien rose from his seat, approaching the bed before stopping just in front of the curtain. The red fabric formed a thin barrier between them, yet Luna could feel his presence as if he were already beside her.
"How do you feel?" His voice was quiet, but it carried unspoken thoughts.
Luna didn’t answer right away. Her eyes lowered to her hands, to the skin that now looked pale, as if she had lost a part of her strength.
“Still… tired,” she admitted before looking up at him. “But alive.”
Damien smiled faintly, but there was something unusual about it.
“Of course you’re alive. I wouldn’t let you go so easily.”
Luna wasn’t sure if those words were meant to be reassuring or a threat.
She slowly moved her fingers, getting used to the sensation of movement again. Her magic… it was there, but weak, unstable.
"How did you save me?" she asked.
Damien remained silent for a few moments before subtly raising his hand. At his fingertips, black, shimmering magic appeared—thick and alive, as if it had a will of its own.
"I gave you a part of my power," he said simply. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have survived."
Luna’s heart skipped a beat.
"You gave me...?"
"In return, you are even closer to me now, Luna." His eyes gleamed with a dangerous light as he let his gaze wander over her face. "Do you like that thought?"
Luna clenched her fists beneath the blanket. She felt… something new. Something different inside her.
But she wasn’t sure if she liked it.
Her fingers tightened around the fabric, a faint unease stirring in her stomach.
Damien’s smile was gentle, yet there was a teasing edge to it—something that always reminded her of who he truly was.
"Being in bed doesn’t mean you can’t learn. I’m sure you know that yourself," he said, crossing his arms as he watched her. "We wouldn’t want one of your little adventures to end badly, would we?"
Luna sighed, averting her gaze. She knew Damien never missed a chance to remind her of her mistakes. Though his words sounded harmless, there was a hidden message within them—she needed to be more careful, smarter.
"I understand," she said quietly, nodding.
Damien raised an eyebrow, clearly expecting more than just a modest response.
"You understand?" he repeated, leaning in closer. His voice was like silk, yet beneath it, a restrained force simmered. "Then tell me, Luna… what have you learned from all this?"
Luna clenched her jaw. She felt weak, but she refused to admit her own vulnerability.
"I've learned… that I can't do this alone," she finally admitted, reluctantly lifting her gaze to meet his.
Damien's smile widened, satisfied with her acknowledgment.
"That's a good start," he said. "But it won't be enough."
Luna sighed, knowing there was still much more ahead of her.
She sat on the bed, surrounded by books carefully arranged around her. The pages were filled with intricate magical symbols, ancient languages, and writings Damien had specifically chosen for her. Days passed, and she was already beginning to lose her sense of time.
Damien would come and go, sometimes without saying a word. Occasionally, he would merely glance at her progress; other times, he would assign her additional tasks. His presence was constant, even when he wasn't there.
One day, as Luna flipped through one of the books, Damien unexpectedly approached and sat beside her. In his hand, he held a woven bracelet of a striking crimson color.
"Give me your hand," he said shortly.
Luna looked at him in confusion but lifted her left hand nonetheless. His fingers were cold as he fastened the bracelet around her wrist, tightening it just enough so it wouldn’t slip off, but not too tight.
"What is this?" she asked, moving her fingers as she adjusted to the new weight.
"It will protect you," he said quietly, meeting her gaze. "For when I cannot."
Luna lowered her eyes to the crimson thread around her wrist. It was simple, yet she could feel a faint warmth radiating from it.
Her emotions were conflicted.
Why had he given this to her? Was it merely a protective talisman… or something more?
She lifted her gaze to Damien, searching for answers in his expression, but he was already rising to his feet.
"Keep studying," he said over his shoulder as he walked away.
Luna remained seated, fingers tightening around the bracelet.
She still couldn’t grasp what lay behind it all.
Luna sat on the bed, fingers tightening around the bracelet on her wrist as her thoughts wandered. Time passed, and she became increasingly aware of the changes within her. Her body had recovered, and her power was gradually returning. Yet, something else troubled her.
Damien.
In recent days, he had returned more and more exhausted, his usual composed demeanor disrupted by the marks of the battles he had fought. Sometimes, he would simply pass by her without a word, too weary to focus on anything other than stripping off his bloodied clothes.
Tonight was no different.
The chamber doors creaked open, and Damien stepped inside, covering his wounded shoulder with one hand. His dark clothing was torn and soaked in blood—some of it his, some belonging to others.
Luna felt a tightness in her chest.
Without thinking, she jumped from the bed.
"Wait!" she said quickly, reaching him before he could remove his cloak. "I'll help you. I'll prepare a bath—you can't go to bed like this."
Damien raised an eyebrow, then let out a faint, amused smile.
"You see me like this—tired and covered in blood—and the only thing that worries you is me dirtying the bed?" He shook his head, still smiling. "Women are truly strange creatures."
Luna crossed her arms, ignoring his teasing tone.
"It's not about that. You need to wash up and rest properly, Damien."
For a brief moment, his smile faded. He looked at her differently—like he was noticing something in her expression for the first time.
"So… you’re worried about me?" he asked quietly.
Luna shivered under his piercing gaze but didn’t look away.
"Just sit," she said, turning quickly to prepare warm water. "It'll be ready soon."
Damien was silent for a moment before shrugging.
"As you wish."
He sat on the edge of the bed, watching as she hurried out of the room.
His exhaustion was real, but for the first time in a long while, he felt… different.
Maybe, just maybe… Luna was beginning to understand his world.
Luna carefully poured the elixirs into the warm water, watching as the liquid foamed slightly, releasing the scent of herbs and resin. Steam slowly spread through the room, bringing a sense of calm with it.
Damien approached silently and stepped into the bath, letting out a quiet sigh of relief. The warm water enveloped his weary body, relaxing his tense muscles.
Luna took a sponge and soaked it in water, gently pressing it against his shoulder. The blood slowly washed away, tinting the water a dark crimson hue. As she ran the sponge over his back, she couldn’t help but notice something that surprised her.
No matter how many battles he had fought… his body bore no scars.
She found it strange. Wouldn’t even demons carry the marks of past fights?
She paused for a moment, watching his skin under the candlelight.
Damien glanced up at her, his dark eyes shimmering with the reflection of the water.
"Are you finished?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.
Luna jerked her head slightly, surprised that she had been staring.
"Not yet," she replied, trying to sound calm. "Be patient."
Damien merely smiled, closing his eyes as he relaxed under her touch.
"As you wish."
Luna continued washing his skin, trying to suppress the growing awareness of his presence.
It was the first time she had seen him this calm.
And the first time she had felt this kind of closeness to him.
When the bath was over, Damien slowly rose from the water, each movement betraying his exhaustion yet also his unwavering resolve.
Luna stepped forward, holding out a set of clean clothes—a black kimono adorned with crimson patterns, perfectly complementing his dark hair.
"Here you go," she said, handing him the clothes.
Damien took the kimono silently, while Luna held a towel and slowly stepped closer.
Once he had dressed, Luna carefully began drying his hair. Her fingers moved gently through the long strands, wiping away the lingering dampness. The scent of lavender and essential oils filled the air, blending with her own, and every motion was quiet, calm—almost harmonious.
"You're done," she said with a small laugh, running her fingers through the last few strands before pulling away.
Damien lifted his gaze toward her, his face carrying a surprised expression.
"Are you making fun of me?" he asked in his familiar, slightly amused tone.
"Don't be grumpy," Luna said, smiling. "Of course not, do I have a reason to?"
Damien remained silent for a moment, still surprised by her behavior—how relaxed she was around him, as if their relationship wasn’t as complicated as it truly was. His surprise was evident, but he didn’t respond immediately.
"Have it your way," he finally said, as if surrendering, though a faint smile played on his lips.
The night continued in a peaceful rhythm. They both lay down in the large bed in his chambers, wrapped in warm blankets. Luna rested beside him, her body relaxed as she instinctively moved closer, settling into his embrace as usual.
Although they had slept together, although they seemed like an ordinary couple, they both knew—they were not. Their relationship was something more, something far more complex.
But for that night, all they wanted was silence and peace, because they both knew that morning would bring new challenges.
The next morning, Damien woke up and looked at Luna, who was peacefully sleeping beside him. Her breathing was calm and steady, and she looked completely relaxed—something he rarely saw.
"Wake up, my little butterfly," he said softly, almost in a whisper, pressing his fingers against her cheek. "Come on, we have things to do today."
Luna slowly lifted her head from the pillow, her hands tucked into the folds of the blanket. She began rubbing her eyes with her fingers, trying to shake off the sleep.
"What kind of duties now?" she asked groggily, pushing her hair away from her face. "It's too early for this."
Damien smirked before leaning on his elbows with a more serious expression. "It's time to get you a weapon," he said, almost teasingly. "Aren't you excited?"
He was taunting her, tapping his fingers against her shoulder as if he was deliberately trying to provoke her.
Luna suddenly shot up into a sitting position, her eyes gleaming with excitement, her face lighting up. "A weapon?! That's amazing!" she exclaimed, now fully awake.
Her reaction was so strong that Damien was momentarily taken aback. He couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.
“Well then… looks like you’re ready after all,” he said, grinning as he got out of bed.
Luna eagerly jumped up as well, her eyes shining with passion for the new challenge. “Where are we going? What are we getting?”
Damien stood up slowly, returning to his belongings, the smile never leaving his face. “You have a lot to learn… and a lot to equip yourself with,” he replied, pulling her by the hand toward the door.
He led Luna into a room that looked like a warrior’s shrine—filled with books, ancient relics, and trophies from countless battlefields. The air was thick with energy, as if every object carried a story of bloodshed and victory.
When he glanced at Luna, he felt satisfied. She’s actually quite light. That’ll be an advantage in combat, he thought as he assessed her frame. Now we just need to find a weapon that can match her movements.
Luna watched him with excitement in her eyes. She could feel the rising tension, the anticipation building inside her. She wanted her weapon—she wanted to be ready for what lay ahead.
Damien turned toward the wall where various swords were displayed—some adorned with fine gold engravings, while others looked simple yet deadly. He raised his hand, and almost instantly, two katanas flew toward him, as if summoned by magic. They looked nearly identical, but Luna immediately sensed a difference between them.
Turning to her, Damien took one of the katanas and gently grasped her left hand. Before Luna could react, he made a swift cut across her palm. The pain was sharp and sudden, but she tried to remain calm, looking away to hide her discomfort.
“Don’t worry. The pain will pass quickly,” Damien said in a cold yet calm tone. “Now, take the katana by the hilt with your bloodied hand. Your spirit will bond with the blade.”
Luna hesitantly raised her hand, still feeling the sharp sting, and grasped the katana’s hilt. The moment her fingers touched the cold metal, a powerful sensation surged through her. She felt the magic, the strength flooding her body. It was an energy pulsating through her veins, and in that instant, the katana became a part of her—her destiny.
Damien closed his eyes, focusing on the magic. Soon, she felt his power flowing into the katana, as if it had become a living entity. “The bond between you and this katana will never be broken. This is your blade—your fate,” he said.
Luna was stunned. Her body was filled with something powerful, something beyond words. In that moment, the katana was no longer just a weapon—it was her partner, her strength.
Damien turned toward the other sword, which looked different, almost mystical. “This sword,” he said, “can be enchanted at will. You can infuse it with your energy, shape it to your needs. It is your tool for battle—your way to experience power.”
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Luna gazed at the sword with eyes full of admiration, realizing that this was the beginning of her journey. This moment was crucial. She now had a weapon, she now had strength—but she also knew that she had yet to learn how to control it.
Damien suddenly felt a strange wave of magic. He turned to Luna and said, “Let’s go. It’s time to test you and your weapon in battle.”
Luna responded, “Already?”
Damien smirked sarcastically. “Of course. The best way to learn is on the battlefield. You need to know what to do, and the best way to learn that is through experience. So let’s go,” he said.
Luna decided she wouldn’t back down and followed him, stepping through Damien’s portal. In an instant, they appeared at the place where their battle would take place.
Luna stood at the edge of a cliff, shocked by the sight before her.
At the base of the cliff stood an army of demons, their red eyes glowing in the darkness, their silhouettes terrifying. These demons had nothing human in them. Their bodies were covered in scars, and their movements showed no trace of intelligence—only an instinctive desire for battle.
Damien stood beside her, observing the demon horde with a cold expression. “These are lower-ranked demons,” he said, his voice leaving no room for doubt. “Although they lack intelligence, they know how to fight. A perfect test for your new weapon. We need to eliminate this hideout.”
Luna looked at him, clearly confused. “Isn’t there another way? Maybe you could save them, give them a chance?”
Damien raised an eyebrow sarcastically. “No, Luna. Their souls are already lost. All that remains are animalistic instincts, pure survival urges. And not only that—they disrupt the peace in the Demon Realm. There is no going back for them. They must be eliminated.”
Luna took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the situation. His words were heavy, but she knew he was right. Though these demons had once been beings with will and soul, they were now nothing more than wraiths—void of consciousness, with no chance of return.
“I understand,” Luna replied, her hand instinctively moving to the hilt of her katana. Her spirit was now bound to this weapon, and the battle ahead was a reality she could not escape.
“We’ll be in this together,” Damien said, showing no hint of sympathy. “Let this be your test. Show no weakness. Move your body—let the weapon become a part of you.”
Luna nodded, and though her heart felt heavy with everything that was happening, she knew she had to fight. Her hands trembled, but determination flooded her mind. This moment would shape her path—her understanding of battle, magic, and life itself.
“Let’s go,” Damien said, leading her to the front line of battle as the demons at the foot of the cliff began to raise their heads, sensing the impending fight.
Luna had no more time to hesitate. She tightened her grip on the katana, her heart steady, her hands firm on the hilt, ready to respond to every movement, every necessary action. This moment was only the beginning of her journey.
The scene erupted into action as Damien and Luna leaped into enemy territory, clad in their battle armor, fully prepared for what was coming. Thick smoke billowed around them as lower-ranked demons emerged from the shadows—mindless, driven only by their instincts to destroy everything in their path.
Damian immediately recognized the situation and wasted no time. His blue eyes shone brilliantly, almost too dazzling for those around him. He raised his hand, and from his aura, which was dark blue like a starry night, a thousand small daggers began to emerge. The daggers hovered in the air, waiting for Damian’s command.
"Go," he ordered.
In an instant, a thousand small daggers shot toward the demons, piercing their bodies like knives through paper. Their lifeless forms fell to the ground, leaving only emptiness where they once stood.
Luna stood still, stunned by what had just unfolded before her eyes. She had never been in a battle of this magnitude. A mix of shock and uncertainty filled her gaze, but at that moment, she had no time to hesitate. She stared at the blood covering the ground, and deep within her soul, the instinct to survive had begun to awaken.
"I must not hesitate," she thought.
And at that moment, a lower-ranking demon suddenly emerged behind her, leaping in an attempt to wound her. Luna realized she had to take control. She quickly raised her hand, magic coursing through her like a shock through her body.
"Solae Ignis!" she declared, her words clear and resolute.
A wave of magic filled the air around her, conjuring golden flames that engulfed the demon. The creature howled in agony, burning in the fire that gradually consumed its flesh and body. When it was over, the demon collapsed to the ground, unrecognizable and destroyed, leaving behind nothing but ashes.
Luna stood, still gripping her katana tightly, her eyes wide open, but her heart was filled with a new feeling—confidence. She was a part of this battle. This was the beginning of something greater.
"This is it..." she whispered, still stunned by the power she had just unleashed.
Damien stood beside her, satisfied with what he had seen. "Good," he said calmly, but there was a hint of praise in his eyes. "I can see that the magic is well-rooted in you. Though this is just the beginning, you need to be faster and more precise."
As the demons fell around them, Luna knew she was now on the right path.
The battle was chaotic, with new dangers emerging from all sides at every moment. In his combat frenzy, Damien moved like an unstoppable tide, his katana an extension of his dark aura. Every drop of sweat that fell from his face was illuminated by something ominous.
Before him, low-ranking demons fell like wheat under a scythe, and his cold gaze spoke volumes about his concentration—about how close he was to his true demonic nature.
As Damien cleared the battlefield, Luna existed in both the world of combat and the world of magic. Her sword, Kalisi, now infused with her violet aura, had taken on an entirely new form. It was like something alive, something that responded to her will, bending and shaping itself according to her movements.
Luna, who had fused the grace of dance with the precision of a warrior, had become unstoppable. Beneath her stance of elegant combat, demons fell, swaying beyond all expectations.
The swing of her sword was like a wave in the ocean—gentle yet deadly. Luna moved through the lines of attackers with the ease of a butterfly, each movement calculated and executed with flawless precision. The demons could barely track her motion.
Kalisi twisted like a serpent, piercing through obstacles in its path, while she remained untouched, fully aware that in every moment, she held the power to decide between life and death. Her sword was her partner, an extension of her own being, following her every breath and movement.
Even as the she-demons flew around her, attacking from all sides, Luna did not stop. Her battle was not just about killing—it was an art. The fusion of combat discipline and magic made her not only deadly but mesmerizing in every movement, as if the fight itself was a part of her, an extension of a greater plan that intertwined her inner struggle with the external world.
The battle had finally ceased, leaving behind only the silence of destruction. The lifeless bodies of low-ranking demons lay scattered, and the ground was soaked in blood. With each step, the earth echoed with the weight of exhaustion that had settled into their bodies.
Damien stood to the side, his gaze fixed on Luna. In her green eyes, he saw a seriousness he had never noticed before, as if everything within her had suddenly become sharper, stronger.
Thoughts ran through his mind—Luna had truly progressed. From the moment they met, she had matured, becoming a warrior, a leader, and perhaps something much more than that.
Luna felt his gaze but couldn’t decipher it. She looked at him questioningly, trying to understand why he was watching her that way.
"What's wrong?" she asked, confused, as if expecting a clear answer. "Do I have something on my face?"
Her blonde hair flowed in the wind as she stood there, waiting for an explanation. Damien simply smiled, but his response was filled with sarcasm.
"Well, we're both covered in blood from battle and reek of other demons," he said, gesturing toward the bodies scattered around them.
Then, suddenly, he reached out and gently patted her head, leaving her even more bewildered.
Luna pressed her lips together slightly, trying to figure out what that gesture was supposed to mean. She looked confused, but there was no time to overanalyze it, as Damien had already moved on.
"Let's go," he said firmly. "Home."
Suddenly, a wave of relief washed over Luna at the thought of taking a bath.
"Oh, a bath!" she exclaimed with childlike excitement, almost bouncing at the idea, already picturing the warm water waiting for her.
Her joyful reaction was genuine, despite the lingering traces of battle still on her. But now, after everything, she was ready to relax—if only for a moment.
Luna sat by the window of Damien’s castle, gazing at the landscape bathed in a crimson sky, with dark clouds sluggishly drifting above the demon world. Her body was exhausted, yet her mind refused to rest. She could feel the change in her power—it was stronger, but also more unstable.
Until now, all her battles had felt like mere practice compared to what lay ahead. The magical gates had opened, and war between humans and magical beings was inevitable.
As Damien’s wife, she had a responsibility to help maintain order among the demons, but at the same time, she couldn’t ignore the human side of things.
Shrouded in shadow in the corner of the room, Damien watched her. His piercing gaze did not go unnoticed, but Luna didn’t acknowledge him with words. She knew he would speak when he was ready. And she was right.
"You feel the change, don’t you?" he said, stepping toward her, one slow step at a time.
Luna flinched slightly but didn’t take her eyes off the horizon.
"I can’t ignore it. I’ve never felt this much energy inside me. It’s like something is burning within me—something that isn’t me."
Damien tilted his head slightly, studying her.
"That’s the price of power. You humans are always hungry for strength, but once you have it, you start wondering if you ever wanted it at all."
"I wanted it." Luna turned to him, resolute. "But if I want to survive, I have to grow stronger. The battles I’ve fought so far were nothing but a game compared to what’s coming."
Damien chuckled, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Good. Then it’s time I teach you how to survive in the real world of demons."
Luna knew it wouldn’t be easy. But if she truly wanted to be worthy of the power she had gained, she had no other choice.
She silently observed Damien’s dark blue eyes, which gleamed in the dim light of the castle. She could tell he was planning something—Damien never spoke without purpose.
"I want you to join the human organization," he finally said. His voice was calm, but it carried the weight of a command.
Luna frowned. "You want me to be among them? Against magical beings?"
Damian laughed, but there was no real amusement in his smile. "You can't see it that simply. That organization also gathers humans who have gained magical powers after the gate was opened."
"They don't know what's happening to them, they're confused, and they're easy to sway. With the right leaders, they can be useful."
Luna lowered her gaze, thinking. The human organization was growing stronger by recruiting those who had unknowingly absorbed magical energy from the gate. These people feared the power they had gained, and the organization offered them security, explanations—even purpose.
"And what if they expose me?" she asked cautiously.
Damian stepped closer, lifting her chin with a single finger, locking eyes with her. "That's why you'll have to be smart. And I'll be there, from the shadows. This is our chance, Luna. If we play it right, we can turn them to our advantage."
Luna felt her heart race. She wasn't sure if it was from excitement or fear. But she knew one thing—if she wanted to understand what was happening in this new world, she would have to play by the rules of both sides.
She took a deep breath, staring at the massive doors in front of her. Though they looked like the entrance to any ordinary corporate building in Tokyo, she knew that behind them lay something far more dangerous.
The entire world was in chaos. Meaningless human wars had become irrelevant compared to this new threat. The magical beings had returned, bringing with them a fear that humanity had long forgotten. Now, they were forced to cooperate, to cast aside borders and differences in a desperate attempt to survive.
The organization, headquartered here in Japan, gathered soldiers, scientists, and those who had gained power after the gate opened. It was humanity’s last hope—or at least, that’s what those in charge claimed.
Luna had no illusions about what awaited her inside. She knew that humans were prone to paranoia, that they would be curious about her power and past. If she made a mistake, if she raised suspicion, she could become their enemy.
But she had no choice.
Damian’s words echoed in her mind:
"Be inside. Find out what they’re planning. Use their panic and ignorance. And then... we’ll see how the game shifts."
She pulled up her hood and stepped inside, greeted by the cold, sharp scent of metal and disinfectants. The hallways were sterile, illuminated by bright white lights. People in uniforms passed by, some carrying folders, others weapons.
And then, someone noticed her. A tall young man with white hair and red eyes stopped in front of her.
"New here?" he asked, scanning her from head to toe.
Luna looked up and nodded slightly. "Luna. They sent me here for evaluation."
The young man smirked, but there was no warmth in his eyes—only curiosity.
"Leo. Looks like we're on the same team."
This was a new adventure, the beginning of something Luna had yet to understand.
Her footsteps echoed through the organization's hallways as she walked alongside Leo toward the arena. The walls were lined with metal plates, the lights cast a cold glow on the concrete floor, and the air carried the scent of sweat and dust. This was no place for the weak—here, only those who wanted to survive were tested.
"I don't look like a soldier to you, do I?" Leo asked, noticing her brief glance in his direction.
Luna didn’t respond, only offering a slight smile. Beneath that relaxed exterior, something raw lurked within him—something she couldn’t immediately decipher.
As they stepped into the arena, all eyes were on them.
The tests began quickly. First came the assessment of magical abilities, followed by physical endurance and combat skills. Luna had no trouble—her body moved as if it were born for battle. Her twin katanas danced through the air, glinting as their blades sliced through imaginary enemies. Opponents fell before they even realized what was happening.
Everyone was stunned.
"This is no ordinary recruit..." a whisper echoed from somewhere in the crowd.
Behind her, Leo was finishing his test. His seemingly lazy and indifferent demeanor vanished the moment he stepped onto the field. He moved with the precision of a predator, each motion calculated and deadly.
When the tests were over, Luna and Leo stood side by side as the instructors evaluated the results. Her name was at the top of the list, and right below hers—Leo.
He glanced at her with a slight smile.
"Looks like we'll be spending more time together."
Luna didn’t know why, but she had a feeling he would be useful to her in the days to come.
Luna and Leo stepped into the grand hall, where the most successful cadets had already gathered. The room was illuminated by a bluish glow emanating from semi-precious stones floating above their heads. The crystals shimmered in various hues, from deep violet to sparkling green, each piece pulsating with a gentle energy.
"These are semi-precious crystals found beneath the magical gate," one of the instructors explained, standing before them. "Their power remains a mystery, but we know they can enhance your abilities. However… compatibility is not guaranteed."
Luna felt an uneasy wave ripple through her body. Although she already possessed power from Damien, she had no idea how these crystals would react when she touched them.
The instructor raised his hand, and the stones began to descend, floating in front of each cadet. When the crystals finally settled, Luna glanced at hers—it was a deep purple, with golden veins spreading like cracks across its surface.
Leo had received a reddish crystal, almost the color of blood, and observed it with curiosity.
"Just touch it," the instructor said. "If it accepts you, your power will increase. If it doesn’t… well, the consequences can be unpredictable."
Luna glanced at Leo, who merely smiled and casually raised his hand, touching the crystal. Instantly, a burst of red light flared around him, and the ground beneath his feet trembled slightly.
She didn’t hesitate. Stretching out her hand, she touched the purple crystal.
A moment later, a surge of energy shot through her body. A new power pulsed within her chest, but beneath it, deep inside, she felt something else—a voice, a faint whisper echoing in her mind.
It was the first sign that the crystal did more than just enhance abilities—it carried something far older and far more dangerous within.
The group dispersed through the hall’s corridors, the determined footsteps of cadets echoing in the command center. After the ceremonial granting of the semi-precious crystals, a new era had begun—one where power, courage, and strategy were paramount.
Luna, now chosen as the commander of her unit, stood before the young fighters, with Leo—her right hand—at her side, ready to support her in any situation.
"Listen to me carefully," Luna began, her voice firm with determination as the eyes of her comrades locked onto her. "From this moment on, we are no longer just cadets. We are the masters of our fate, and our ability to harness this new energy will be the key to our survival. The semi-precious crystals we have received are not merely gifts—they are tests, opportunities to prove ourselves, but also dangers that we must learn to control."
Leo gave a slight nod, his serious gaze confirming that he was ready to support her every command.
"We have a mission," Luna continued, moving on to the details. "Our first tasks involve patrolling the tunnels beneath the gate, checking for anomalies in magical energy, and establishing communication with other groups. We are expected to encounter the unknown—perhaps even beings that are not immediately hostile, but with whom we will have to negotiate."
As she spoke, Luna walked past workstations where maps, digital displays, and magical artifacts illustrated the complexity of the situation in the world of demons.
"Each of you has unique abilities. Your individuality is our strength. Together, we will overcome any obstacles in our path. Our strategy is simple—teamwork, mutual trust, and adaptability."
One of the younger cadets hesitantly asked, "Commander, what if our crystals don’t synchronize with us?"
Luna cast a quick glance at Leo, who already had a contingency plan in place, before responding calmly, "Then we will investigate that anomaly together. Our strength lies in our willingness to learn from failure and adapt. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth—not just for you, but for me as your leader as well."
The atmosphere in the room grew more tense, yet it was also filled with hope. When the final command to depart was given, Leo slowly lowered his hand from the command table and offered Luna a small smile—a silent sign that they were ready to step into the unknown.
With one final look that carried authority, courage, and care, Luna gave the order:
"Let’s move. It’s time to show the world what we can do—together."
And so, their new adventure began—a journey that would test their limits, uncover the dark secrets of the magical world, and perhaps even find a way to reshape the fate of humanity.
Luna sat casually on the railing of the hallway, crossing her legs as she observed the hurried footsteps of soldiers and cadets passing below. The soft thud of her knee-high boots, accented with a slight heel, echoed lightly as she shifted her foot. Her short skirt, laced at the sides with green ribbons, swayed subtly with each movement.
Her black shirt and officer’s jacket, adorned with clearly visible insignia, reflected her rank but also hinted at something unpredictable—her personality, which did not quite fit within rigid military norms.
Leo stepped toward her, his movements silent yet deliberate. His black officer’s uniform was neatly buttoned, without a single imperfection. When he noticed how she had altered hers, he raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly.
"Quite bold of you," he remarked, crossing his arms as he observed her with mild interest.
Luna looked at him from beneath half-lowered lashes and smiled in a way that was both confident and relaxed. "The regulations don’t say anything against modifying the uniform. If I have to wear it, I might as well make it suit my taste."
Leo immediately noticed something new about her. She wasn’t just an exceptional fighter—there was a rebellious streak in her, something that set her apart from the other officers who blindly followed orders. She was a soldier, but not one who enjoyed restraints.
"Rules don’t seem to mean much to you," he observed, stepping closer.
"Only the ones that don’t make sense," she replied, shifting her leg slightly as if testing him—to see how close he would dare to get.
Leo held her gaze longer than he had intended. He couldn't explain why, but something drew him to her. She was irresistible in a way he couldn't ignore.
Luna noticed it and smiled to herself. She knew that her magic, the power Damien had given her, never left people indifferent. Leo might not have been aware of it, but he was under her influence.
Still, she didn't trust him. Not yet.
But she decided to keep him close. Maybe his persistence would be useful to her one day.
Leo felt his heart race as Luna slowly approached. Her golden-blonde hair swayed in the gentle breeze that drifted through the hallway, and the smile she gave him was full of confidence and something undeniably alluring.
He couldn’t look away from her. She mesmerized him—not just with her appearance, but with the way she moved, as if every step was perfectly designed to capture attention.
When she stopped in front of him and gently raised her hand to his tie, Leo held his breath. Her fingers lightly touched the fabric as she adjusted it, but it was her eyes—light green, like spring leaves—that completely captivated him.
Her lips moved slightly as she spoke:
"We should get along well from now on."
Leo swallowed hard, not wanting to show how much her touch had unsettled him. His crimson eyes met hers, as if trying to read her thoughts, but Luna remained enigmatic.
"Yeah…" he answered softly, never looking away. "It seems I don’t have a choice."
Luna smiled faintly, pleased with his reaction. She knew he was drawn to her—she could feel it. But she also knew it wasn’t time to let him get too close. Not yet...
Leo might have been a skilled fighter and a charismatic man, but she was Luna. And she never gave her trust so easily.
In the days that followed, Luna and Leo undertook numerous missions assigned by the organization. Each task was more dangerous than the last, and the conflicts between humans and magical beings grew increasingly intense.
Luna was becoming more renowned on the battlefield. The moment she stepped into combat, her dark purple aura spread around her like a shadow, cloaking her like a veil of death. Every movement she made was lethal, every swing of her katana precise.
As she fought, a fiery desire for battle awakened within her—she didn’t just want to win; she wanted to dominate. Her presence on the battlefield carried an almost eerie sensation, sending shivers down the spines of her enemies as they watched her. Her light green eyes glowed in the darkness, as if an unknown force flickered within them.
And then, there was Leo.
Always just behind her, like a shadow that never wavered. His aura, though crimson, didn’t carry the same aggression as Luna’s. It was powerful but controlled—his strength was like a flame that burned quietly, yet steadily.
His strength didn’t lie in an untamed desire for battle but in skill, strategy, and composure. While Luna charged into the heart of the fight, Leo moved alongside her, covering her back and matching her every movement as if they were part of the same choreography.
However, as he watched her fight, he couldn’t ignore the feeling stirring within him—admiration, fascination… and maybe, just maybe, something deeper that he wasn’t ready to admit yet.
Luna stood in the corner of the training room, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed over her chest. Her cold, analytical gaze swept over the new recruits that had been assigned to her.
She wasn’t surprised. After her countless victories and unwavering demeanor, it had become clear that the organization no longer dared to assign her ordinary soldiers. Instead, she had been given a group of outsiders—those rejected by other units, whether due to weakness, disobedience, or simply not fitting in.
The atmosphere within the organization had shifted. People looked at her with admiration, but also with a hint of fear. Luna was no ordinary warrior, and her power—her uncanny ability to never lose—made her an enigma even to her superiors.
As she observed the new members of her group, her fingers idly played with the tip of the katana strapped to her waist. Some avoided her gaze, uncertain of how she would receive them, while others stared at her defiantly, perhaps eager to test her authority.
Leo stood beside her, hands in his pockets, watching the scene with a faint smile. "Interesting crew," he remarked, leaning slightly closer to her.
Luna sighed and shifted her gaze to him. "It won’t be easy," she said quietly, but there was no worry in her voice—only determination.
She stepped forward, letting her gaze sweep over each of them.
"Welcome to my unit," she said, her voice clear and cold. "I don’t care what others have told you or why you’re here. From now on, while you’re with me, you learn to win. Or you disappear."
Her green eyes narrowed as she assessed their reactions. Some swallowed hard, while others clenched their fists.
Leo shook his head slightly, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, this is going to be fun."
Luna carefully observed each of them as they stood before her. Every new recruit had their own story, their own flaws, and their own talents. It was clear why other groups had rejected them, but Luna was not like the other captains. She wasn’t looking for perfection—she was looking for potential.
- How do you think Luna's past influences her decisions in the present?
- Do you believe Luna will ever fully embrace her powers, or will she continue to struggle with them?
- How do you think the relationship between Luna and Leo will evolve as the story progresses?
- What do you think is the significance of the magical stones, and how might they impact Luna’s journey?
- Do you agree with Damien’s perspective on humans, or do you think there’s hope for peaceful coexistence between humans and magical beings?
- Luna has experienced a lot of trauma in her past. How do you think her relationship with Damien helped her cope, and how might that change over time?
- What role do you think the prophecy about the saint will play in Luna's story?
- How do you feel about the duality of Luna’s life—being part of a human organization while secretly tied to a demon?
- Leo is drawn to Luna’s freedom and mystery. Do you think their relationship is purely based on attraction, or is there something deeper?
- How do you interpret Luna’s inner conflict between her loyalty to Damien and her involvement in the human organization?