I am Aiyana Kisaragi Novaric.
The Young Miss of the Novaric Syndicate and the daughter of the former princess of the Japanese Imperial Family.
The Novaric Syndicate is a massive multinational conglomerate involved in advanced tech, global finance, medical research, and private security.
But secretly, we are an ancient exorcist clan that has survived for centuries by hiding in plain sight.
My father, Luthair Novaric, is the current head of the Novaric Syndicate.
My mother, Amaya Kisaragi, is the former princess of the Japanese Imperial Family.
Just knowing this, anyone can tell—I was born for greatness.
My father and mother are people the world fears and watches closely.Their marriage didn't happen because of love—it was a political alliance.But that didn't mean I had a terrible life. In fact, my life was perfect. I had everything a person could wish for.
My parents treated me with love and care. Even if they were busy, we'd always have dinner together like a normal family.
With a life like that, people wonder—what more could I possibly want?
I want to make them proud. And to do that, I have to be the best. I have to exceed all expectations.
At age 5, I could sense magic.
At age 6, I was accepted by the Sword of Life.
At 10, I defeated every peer of my generation who hadn't awakened yet.
At 11, I was hailed as the strongest genius of this generation.
But at age 12... everything changed.They called me a coward—my own clan.People I thought were friends, people who once praised me, started to despise me.
All because of these eyes... the ones they call the Eyes of Death.
How ironic.
The world saw me as a genius. But my own clan didn't.
Exorcists aren't simple Awakened—they're stronger, nobler. They hunt demons and evil spirits.They look down on other Awakened like nobles looking down on peasants.
And the daughter of the strongest exorcists?They call her a coward.
Of course, they never say it to my face. After all, I'm still the same genius who once defeated them.
My parents never showed disappointment. They still loved me.
But how can the soul lie?I could feel it—their disappointment.
Their marriage was for a cause. And that cause was...
No. I won't give up. I can't. I'll fight this fear.
Not for those fake relatives—the cousins, uncles, aunts who whisper behind my back.But for the ones who genuinely care about me.
So I went to Japan. After graduation, I gave myself a month. A month to change.
And to start, I visited a shrine—one abandoned long ago due to an evil spirit haunting it.
Normally, a powerhouse in Japan would deal with such spirits immediately.
But this one had a barrier.A barrier that blocks anyone stronger than Rank 1 from entering.
No one had ever defeated the spirit.Those who went too deep never came back.Those who returned never dared go back.
It was foolish of me to go.
After just ten minutes, I ran out crying.
That's when I saw him—a boy in a mask.He was weak—even weaker than the average adult. But calm. Unshaken, even when death was certain.
So, I helped him. Sent a wave of magic to help him escape.
After we got out, I asked who he was? He said weird things, and after I gave him a glare, he told me a fake name.But I could tell—his soul was pure white... and incomplete.
How could a soul be that white? Like a newborn's. But he wasn't a baby.
I didn't sense any power from him. He was weird for coming to such a place.But then again, who was I to talk?
He was irritating. He didn't know who I was.How could someone not know me? Even ordinary people knew me.
When I told him about myself, I expected awe. Respect.Instead, he spoke casually. Emotionlessly. Like a robot.
He said things no one dared to.And strangely... I didn't feel angry. I felt joy.He treated me like a friend.
But that's impossible, right?He might just be a fool who doesn't understand the world.
Then he told me about a "Skill."I was shocked—could such a power exist? If so, maybe he could tell me what was wrong with me.
But the hope vanished instantly.I acted normal, trying to learn more.
He lied—said he lived in the U.S.My eyes can detect lies—even my mother and father can't hide from them.But I missed that one. Probably because of his half-soul.
Eventually, I decided to go back. Maybe I'd never be able to walk past my fear.
But the boy—Alex—followed me.
When I asked why, he said, "For the plot."
What kind of answer is that? Is he insane?
So I told him I was going somewhere dangerous.
And he said, "That's why I'm following you."
Did he like me?
But he didn't even know me... right?
I went to a haunted park on the way.
He seemed clueless about places like this.Then suddenly—his soul vanished.
I panicked. I was terrified.
But he just walked out of the shadows like nothing happened. His soul returned.I was shocked.
He said he "logged out."What even...?
I decided to take him to Momo-chan after that.The truth is—I was scared to go alone.But this guy, who was weaker than even a normal adult, could go without hesitation?
I can't lose.
He even dared call me a klutz!
Then a ghost appeared. I was so scared, I couldn't move.
He saw me at my worst.He must've been laughing inside... but his eyes were completely emotionless.
Then he took my sword.
I was stunned. No one else had ever lifted it.
And then I remembered the vow I made.I was so embarrassed. And scared.
But somehow... he killed the ghost.
Even without magic, even being so weak—he killed it.His sword style... I don't think he was using any real form.
Then we argued.Even though I knew he wasn't at fault—he did what he had to do to survive.
Then four more appeared.He drew a sword filled with death energy. I was shocked.
Where did he get such a weapon?
He suddenly gained power and fought them all.And I was scared... scared that he might be one of those kinds of people.
But... he didn't devour a single soul.
Instead, I felt the relief he brought to the unfortunate ones.
After he defeated the Shades, we sat on a bench to rest.Even though I was the one following him—it felt like the other way around.
It was frustrating.
When his stomach growled, I took out my lunch.I wanted us to eat together.
But the jerk ate alone. I was curious about how he ate, too.
Everything about him was weird.
I got angry. Decided not to talk to him.
But then he asked some stupid question and I forgot I was even mad.
Then I remembered again and after he stopped saying I asked why he was so quiet.
His answer only strengthened my belief—he was nothing like my ideal partner.
I said some harsh things. Not new. I'd been mean since we met a bad habit she developed after that incident.
But he tolerated it all. Why?
He was so kind to me.
I thought maybe... I should say something nice.
Then he told me I was kind.
Me? Kind?
People usually call me arrogant—and I am. I don't mind.
But hearing someone say something nice... something real... it made me happy.
Then he stood up. Said he was going to hunt more ghosts.
I wanted to follow him. But what was I even doing?
When he called out to me, I told him to go alone.
But his next words…
"I don't need you to do anything."
It triggered a memory—my father had said the same thing.
Back then, I didn't understand what he meant.Now, I do.
Even this time, I understood.
But four years of frustration broke free.
I said everything I'd been holding in. Every ugly thought I had about myself.
He must be angry.Well... if he even feels emotions that is.
Even knowing he was a kind spirit, his soul as pure as a baby's... I still said it all.
Why was I acting like this today?
Maybe because he was weird.Maybe because I didn't understand him.Maybe because... I felt he won't judge.
How long has it been since we met?
Are we even friends?
Then he said something that shocked my soul.
"Aiyana… it wasn't me who brought you here. You came on your own. That must mean you have something important to do, right?"
Yes... I want...
"And honestly, I don't see you as pathetic at all. You're literally the youngest Awakened. That's crazy impressive."
"Not to mention, you're my guide. I just need you."
You're my guide?
What does he think he is?
'I just need you'… So cringe.
But... why does it make me feel good?
Damn it... am I that easy to please?
To Be Continued...