After a long and decisive battle, the dust finally settled. The Auroran Clan emerged as the sole ruler, founding what would become the Auroran Empire. The vision and foundation laid by Solaris Auroran were so strong that even 400 years after his death, his descendants continued to reap the rewards of his legacy.
The empire's vast lands stretched beyond even its rulers' ability to govern completely. This lack of oversight fueled ambition among the greedy, sparking rebellions as nobles and warlords vied for power.
Yet, while political strife brewed, scientific advancements flourished. It was during this era that researchers accidentally discovered Source Crystals—an alternate energy source of unparalleled potential.
At the forefront of this breakthrough was Leslie Romanoff, a scientist known for both her brilliance and unwavering dedication to research. Under her guidance, the true power of Source Crystals was uncovered. Containing potent life energy, these crystals could fuel entire cities, ushering in an era of unprecedented technological and societal change.
But where did these crystals originate?
The answer lay in Demon Beasts—creatures whose bodies produced Source Crystals infused with elemental attributes: Fire, Ice, Earth, Thunder, Light, Darkness, Neutral, and even rarer elements. The stronger the beast, the more potent the Source Crystals, making them invaluable—and highly sought after.
When Leslie Romanoff demonstrated the power of Source Crystals to the Auroran Empire's royalty, the court was captivated. Recognizing its world-changing potential, the imperial palace hosted a lavish banquet to celebrate the discovery.
Every noble family attended, marking what would be remembered as a historic milestone.
Amidst the festivities, praise for Leslie's brilliance filled the halls. Her father, Luther Romanoff, beamed with pride. Her mother, Katherine Romanoff, basked in the admiration her daughter received. Her brother, Vahn Romanoff, stood silently, admiring his sister's accomplishments.
Yet, in a sea of applause and admiration, one pair of eyes watched her—not for her genius, but for her allure.
At 22 years old, Leslie was the embodiment of grace and intelligence, drawing the attention of countless suitors. Yet, she remained wholly devoted to her research, uninterested in love or courtly distractions.
Among her admirers was Crown Prince Cassius Auroran, utterly captivated by her presence. Seizing the moment, he approached her, hoping to strike up a conversation.
Yet, true to her nature, Leslie politely declined his advances, her focus unshaken.
The silent audience watching the exchange was stunned. Few had ever rejected the Crown Prince, and certainly not with such graceful indifference.
Yet, Cassius Auroran did not take offense. Instead, he offered a polite smile, exchanged a few pleasantries, and withdrew—though his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary.
Despite the unexpected exchange, the banquet continued without incident. As the night wore on and the Emperor retired, the grand halls slowly emptied, leaving behind whispers of admiration and speculation.
As the guests returned to their respective abodes, Leslie turned to her parents and said, "Dad, Mom, you go ahead. I have some work to finish in the lab."
Her mother frowned and sighed. "At least take a rest for today. You can work tomorrow as well."
Leslie shook her head. "I just need to analyze the final report. It won't take long."
Though concern was evident on his face, her father simply nodded. "Be careful. Don't neglect your health in the name of research."
With that, they exchanged goodbyes, and her parents left to rest.
In the dimly lit laboratory, Leslie immersed herself in her work, losing track of time.
What she didn't realize was that someone was watching her from the shadows.
Clang!
A sudden crash shattered the silence, jolting her from her concentration. Her heart pounded as she turned her head.
"Who's there?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Unbeknownst to her, a shadowy figure emerged from behind—swift and silent.
In an instant, a cold hand wrapped around her throat.
Panic surged through her as she struggled, but her assailant was skilled—unyielding and precise.
Realizing her fate was sealed, Leslie's thoughts turned to the identity of her attacker. She clawed at the unseen force, desperate for answers, but her strength waned.
As darkness claimed her, her final struggle ended in vain.
The next morning, Fatty, an intern working at the laboratory, was the first to arrive.
The moment he stepped inside, his breath hitched, and his vision blurred. The sight before him was so horrifying that his legs nearly gave out.
A blood-curdling scream tore through his throat as he staggered back, his body convulsing with uncontrollable retching.
Hearing the commotion, the security guards rushed in.
The moment they saw the gruesome scene, their expressions darkened.
Without hesitation, they alerted the authorities.
Within moments, the police and palace guards swarmed the laboratory, barricading the crime scene and sending word to the Emperor and Leslie's closest kin.
Her family arrived in a frantic hurry, but the guards blocked their path.
Katherine, overcome with grief, fell to her knees, her voice breaking as she pleaded, "Please! Let me see my daughter! Just once... I need to talk to her!"
Luther, usually composed and stoic, stood frozen. His fists clenched, his face contorted with anguish as silent tears streamed down his cheeks. His voice, though strained, held a quiet desperation.
"The one inside is my daughter… Please, just let us see her once."
The guards hesitated, their own faces betraying sympathy. Yet, bound by strict protocol, they steeled themselves and responded, "We're sorry. Our hands are tied. We can't allow anyone inside at this time."
Even in the midst of his parents' grief, Vahn, Leslie's brother, stood silently, his mind racing as he tried to comprehend the gravity of the situation. His fists trembled at his sides, yet he uttered no words.
Suddenly, the Crown Prince, Cassius Auroran, arrived in a hurry, having heard the news.
His usually calm demeanor was gone, replaced by an urgency he had never felt before.
Without wasting a moment, he stepped inside the laboratory—only to be met with a sight so gruesome that even his royal upbringing could not prepare him.
The once radiant young woman lay lifeless, her body mutilated beyond recognition.
Her skin had been stripped away, leaving raw flesh exposed. Her empty eye sockets stared into nothingness, her eyeballs cruelly gouged out. Her teeth had been forcibly removed, her tongue severed, her blood drained completely.
Each of these atrocities was arranged separately around her corpse, a grotesque display that sent an undeniable message—this was not just a murder.
It was a warning.
A statement carved in flesh and blood.
And it was only the beginning.