As the eldest daughter of the Orkan Duke family, one of the two major powerhouses in the Adolevit Kingdom, she had been raised since childhood as a master of magical warfare, inheriting the unique martial arts techniques of "The Magic Martial Arts Book of Aslan Orkan," the legendary war hero of ancient times.

Now in her third year at Stella Academy as the successor to the Orkan family, she had already reached the top of her class as a third-year student. She excelled in practice, combat, and theory, completing all her studies with A+ grades and eagerly awaiting graduation.

"Lady Yeran, Professor Magellan has reached out, suggesting preparations for a 'graduation album.'"

Sa Yeran’s private office.

Though she was unaffiliated with any club, her professors had arranged a grand office where she managed Orkan family affairs. Sa Yeran dismissed the student with a slight nod, her disinterest clear.

At Stella Academy, most students took their graduation photos alone. However, a few exceptional students were given the rare honor of having their photo taken with a professor, a privilege that often led to opportunities such as co-authoring research papers or securing a position as a research assistant in the Magic Tower—an honor coveted by many students.

But, of course…

For someone of Sa Yeran’s caliber, it was the professors who were vying to be in her graduation album, a situation where she had to "approve" the professors’ requests rather than the other way around.

"Decline."

Sa Yeran replied indifferently, her gaze lowering. She had already completed her university-level studies at the start of the semester and had long finished her thesis. Currently, she was focusing on her family duties, filling in for those matters that had piled up.

A graduation album? The idea was laughable.

She had no intention of engaging in such trivial things. Once she graduated, she intended to sever all ties with Stella Academy and return to the Orkan family, ready to fully commit to her primary responsibilities.

"Lady Yeran, the 'Purification Ceremony' is approaching. Should I apply for leave on your behalf?"

The Purification Ceremony.

A joint ritual conducted annually by the Orkan family and the Adolevit royal family. Ten years ago, when the "Morfran Forest" was tainted by Grand Duke Isaac Morfr’s dark magic, the ceremony was established as a periodic cleansing ritual.

Under the direction of Princess Hong Si-hwa, the Orkan family performed purification magic as part of this ritual, a highly confidential event with only a select few participants and strict control over all information related to it.

The secrecy was so paramount that all participating magicians were bound by *Gumje*, a forbidden spell that enforced confidentiality.

While it was widely known that *Gumje* magic was used, any public acknowledgment of this would draw immense backlash, underscoring the classified nature of the Purification Ceremony.

Naturally, none of the students assisting Sa Yeran in her office knew the details of the ceremony. They were only aware that it existed, that Lady Yeran was involved, and that they were there to assist her.

"Purification Ceremony…"

Setting down her pen, Sa Yeran paused in thought.

Though it was her first time attending the ceremony as an adult, her father had already disclosed its secrets to her long ago.

*The true background of the incident that occurred in Morfran Forest.*

While it was publicly believed that Grand Duke Isaac Morfr’s rampage had drenched Morfran Forest in dark magic ten years ago, that was a lie.

The truth was that the Adolevit family had forcibly revived the *White Fox Spirit (Baekyoho Hwarang)*, and Grand Duke Isaac Morfr had sacrificed himself by choosing to become a dark mage in an attempt to stop it.

Sa Yeran harbored no personal feelings on the matter. She felt no compulsion to eradicate dark mages to protect the magic world, nor did she have a burning ambition to become an archmage.

Her singular, implanted life goal had always been to see Princess Hong Si-hwa ascend the throne, and she had never once considered any purpose beyond that.

Yet, after hearing about this truth, a strange disquiet stirred in her mind.

*Why did Princess Hong Si-hwa feel compelled to do such a thing?*

Though she was aware that the Adolevit princesses bore hidden secrets, she couldn’t fathom the specifics, nor could she understand the true motives behind the events that unfolded a decade ago.

*What did they hope to gain by reviving the White Fox Spirit?*

And… why had Grand Duke Morfr sacrificed himself?

*So many unanswered questions.*

Sa Yeran’s thoughts were interrupted when a student approached.

"Lady Yeran, you have a visitor."

"Send them away."

"…It’s Princess Hong Bi-yeon."

The student's nervous tone was telling—an uninvited guest had arrived. Sa Yeran sighed quietly before standing up. Despite the adversarial relationship between Hong Bi-yeon and the princess she served, Hong Si-hwa, it was still unacceptable to disregard the royal family.

Sa Yeran knew how to separate public duty from personal feelings, and she was skilled at concealing her emotions in formal settings.

*Click.*

When the aides opened the door, Sa Yeran stood ready to receive Princess Hong Bi-yeon. Unlike her usual entourage, the princess arrived alone, casting a quick, critical glance around the room.

"Sparse."

"Thank you."

"That wasn’t a compliment."

"I’m aware."

"Sit down."

Hong Bi-yeon made herself comfortable in what appeared to be Sa Yeran’s seat, crossing her legs.

Though her behavior was deliberately irritating, Sa Yeran showed no reaction.

"Shall I serve tea?"

"No need. I’ll get to the point and be on my way. You’re participating in the Purification Ceremony this year, correct?"

"Yes."

"I’ll be joining as well. Just so you know."

"…That’s not within my authority to decide."

It was a difficult position.

Though Sa Yeran’s expression remained unchanged, Hong Bi-yeon could sense her unease.

"I understand. But I will attend. After all, I’m an Adolevit princess—there’s no reason I should be barred, right?"

Sa Yeran nodded in silent acknowledgment.

The princess’s insistence was likely because Sa Yeran’s father held overall responsibility for the ceremony. This year, Princess Hong Si-hwa had announced she’d be absent due to other commitments, leaving an open spot.

Preventing Hong Bi-yeon’s interference would be challenging.

*Troublesome…*

Hong Bi-yeon and Hong Si-hwa were rivals. Morfran Forest was surely Hong Si-hwa’s weak spot, and to expose it to Hong Bi-yeon was like laying bare her vulnerabilities.

*I must stop this.*

But how?

Hong Bi-yon smirked, as if daring her to come up with an excuse.

*She already knows everything…*

The queen would not involve herself in this matter. It was solely a conflict between Hong Bi-yeon and Hong Si-hwa to resolve.

Hong Bi-yeon intended to use the "Compass of Memory" at the ceremony.

A rare artifact with only seven remaining in the world, it allowed one to glimpse past events, though it was costly to use and typically reserved for only the most significant occasions.

But Hong Bi-yeon had the right to use it once a year, and she planned to take advantage of this opportunity.

*I must uncover what truly happened from beginning to end.*

Her crimson eyes grew icy with determination.

---

All across Aether, World Trees grew from the seeds of the ancient "Cheonryeong Tree."

Though there were once more than ten, only seven World Trees remained today.

In the heart of the elves' homeland lay the cradle of the Cheonryeong Tree, where only the elven king was permitted residence. All other World Trees were guarded by elven elders, who dwelled in modest wooden houses woven into the trees themselves.

"Forgive me for welcoming you to such a humble home..."

The elder’s name was Sumaek Mountain.

He bowed his head in apology as he invited Hwa Seorin into his small hut, but she shook her head.

"No need. As an elf, I envy such a natural home."

Hwa Seorin's sincerity was clear, as her gentle nature preferred simplicity over opulence.

“Would you like to sit here?”

She sat down on a stiff, wooden chair, surprisingly comfortable despite its appearance.

Curious.

Was this a luxury disguised as simplicity?

I glanced out the window. Though the hut seemed plain, it sat at the very top of the World Tree, its roots extending outward to prevent any intruder from breaching it.

Outside, warrior-mages patrolled diligently, securing the abode of the elder.

"So… can you tell me what you discovered?"

At Hwa Seorin’s request, Elder Sumaek’s face turned grim.

"The first discovery was ten days ago."

The Namuhwalan Orchard, true to its name, bore fruits from the World Tree. As the city was crafted from trees, any fruit imaginable could be found there. Yet recently, the fruits had stopped growing.

In an attempt to find the cause, some magic gardeners ventured to the roots of the World Tree, where they encountered a horrifying sight.

"The roots of the World Tree… were infected with dark magic."

"That’s impossible…"

"Despite our best efforts, nothing worked."

Elves had developed exceptional purification techniques to protect their spirits and elementals from dark magic. Yet, despite their prowess, no solution lasted—the next day, the roots were once again tainted.

"Every night, someone or something reinfected the

 roots with dark magic, bypassing all barriers."

Even though they had mobilized patrols to watch over the roots, nothing worked.

"No intruder has ever been seen."

Even the purest magic they deployed failed to permanently cleanse the roots, leaving the elder council helpless as they witnessed this ongoing corruption.

For ten days, they had tried everything.

"At least now that you’ve come, Your Majesty, we finally have hope."

Hwa Seorin looked taken aback.

It seemed she had mistakenly assumed the corruption had reached her through her connection with the World Tree, as she was the only high elf capable of directly communicating with the Cheonryeong Tree.

"I’ll… try speaking to Namuhwalan."

"Your power will be a great boon, Your Majesty."

Listening quietly, I sighed. Though Hwa Seorin’s ability to communicate with Namuhwalan was invaluable, it was unlikely to resolve the underlying cause.

*Could the Black Spirit be responsible…?*

It seemed that an episode originally slated to occur a year or two from now had arrived much sooner.

The [Black Spirit] event, a crisis only encountered by high-level players, had skipped numerous stages to unfold right before me.