Chapter 1
A world where people do not own their lives, seven lands controlled by seven kings with absolute power.
A brutal world where parents abandon their own children for not having elemental abilities. Royalties are treated like gods, but mere commoners who do not have abilities are treated like slaves.
Furthermore, the princesses of the royal families are just a tool for giving birth to the next successor of the generation. They can’t resist, or if they did, their dreams are crushed by royal men who arrogantly insist that women do not have rights to study and become scholars.
They executed the people who have high intelligence, excellent abilities and combat skills. Those righteous people had wished to bring justice and freedom to this world, but they failed.
Lastly but most importantly, this is the year 3017, but there is no history of this world. Our past is not entirely missing, nonetheless some major events are absent like something was hiding it.
In a mysterious world of cruelty, a young girl wishes to seek the truth, reveal its secret, bring justice and freedom to the people who deserve it.
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“June Aster”, an old man who is sitting on the throne, the king of the Vest land, called the princess.
“Yes, Father”, answered by a young woman who appears to be a princess, standing in an elegant manner. Her glistening silver hair cascaded down her neck, her eyes were the color of deep ocean. Beside the sunlight seemed to embrace her white dress, making it glow with ethereal light.
The king rose from the throne, his expression unreadable,“June, from now on, you’ll be learning in NightShade Academy, ensure you meet my expectation, or I will not hesitate to call you back”, the king announced.
“Rest assured Father. I will not forget”. A calm settled over the king’s features.
“And Kane Aster”
Alongside the princess is a young man, standing tall - a prince and heir, born of the king. Dressed in a white suit, he shares his sister’s silver hair, though his eyes - unlike hers - are a vivid green.
“Yes, Father. I’m listening”, the prince replies in a composed manner. “You bear the responsibility, both as prince and elder brother, to behave with integrity and protect your sister in secret”.
After a brief pause, “Furthermore, I hold greater expectations for you than for your sister”, the king delivers his words. The princess’s expression grew more intense while the prince’s expression reflects a sense of relief.
“Father, I’ll make every effort to meet your expectations and will not disappoint you”, answered by the prince.
Kane and June, the royal twins of Vest land. Kane is the older brother, while June, his younger sister, differs from him in many other ways. They were born only second apart, yet, Kane carries himself with a calm maturity for beyond his years, while June, though younger by mere moments, is spirited and impulsive in contrast.
“Now then, you two shall depart”, the king gave them permission to leave. The twins glanced at each other, then left the castle.
“Are you sure you’ll be able to endure?” Kane spoke, his tone composed.
“Huh, what do you mean?”. June looked at Kane, her expression confused.
“NightShade Academy, I bet there’ll be a bunch of royal students there,” Kane said with a raised brow. “They might not be too friendly if you’re pretending to be one of the commoners”.
The twins continued their conversation, their voices low as they walked side by side toward their resting place.
“Please, I’m not some crybaby who’s gonna crumble because of a few filthy rich brats”, June scoffed. “I’ve got a plan, and I’m sticking to it-with or without your approval, Kane”.
The prince stopped walking for a moment. “June, listen to me carefully”, Kane said, his voice low but firm.
“I don’t know what you’re planning, or what’s going through your mind….but if you do anything reckless that endangers our royal name, I won’t hesitate to stop you-even if you’re my sister”.
The wind stirred around them, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.
“Fine”, June muttered. I won’t stir trouble for your precious father and his oh-so-honorable royal allies. But make sure you don’t stand in my way, Kane. I mean it”. Their tension grew more intense.
After June finished speaking, she turned and walked away. Kane let out a sigh as he watched June walk away, her steps taking her in a direction he couldn’t follow.
June walked with unwavering determination, her pace steady and her jaw set in quiet resolve. Under her breath, she murmured.
“I’ll change this world”, a promise to herself that seemed to resonate with the very air around her.
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The next morning, the twins set off toward the academy, the quiet between them speaking louder than words.
“ We have arrived, prince and princess”, the driver informed.
As they landed at the academy, June was overwhelmed by a sense of mystery - an odd impression that something was hidden beneath the surface.
An expansive field stretches across the grounds, where students unleash and master their elemental abilities. The academy stands tall like a grand castle, with four floors and walls adorned in deep green hues. Under the academy lies a field of massive stones, and from the windows, a stunning river comes into view.
“Ah, you must be Prince Kane, it’s an honor to welcome you to our academy. I hold the deepest respect for you, noble prince”.
A tidy man who looked like royalty approached them and said.
“I assume you’re principal Colson. My father said you’d be meeting us”, Kane said calmly. “Indeed, Prince. I’m truly honored to meet you. Please, let me give you a tour of the academy”.
June stared at them. “Forgive my manners. May I ask who this young lady is, Your Highness?” the principal asked.
“She’s no one important”, Kane snapped, eyes narrowing at June. “Just a commoner, you don’t need to waste your time on her”.
June’s eyes flickered with quiet satisfaction, her features relaxing. Kane was following her plan exactly as she’d hoped.
“Well then, let’s go, my prince”, the principal said as they began to walk away.
“Hold on”, Kane said, turning back. “Principal Colson, I’ll join you shortly. There’s something I must discuss with her”. “Sure, take your time, prince”.
June and Kane stepped away from the others, stopping just far enough to speak in private.
“So, what is it?” June asked, yawning.
“Hey, this isn’t a joke. You need to take this seriously. This is my second warning - don’t do anything reckless”. Kane’s voice was firm, edged with frustration.
“You think you’re in charge now or something? Get over yourself, Kane. You’re not my boss”. June snapped, folding her arms.
Kane clenched his jaw, gave her a long glare, then turned and walked away.
June stood still for a moment, arms crossed, watching Kane disappear down the hallway.
“Whatever”, she muttered, trying to brush off the sting of his words. A loud growl echoed from her stomach.
“Grown~~”. She sighed and rolled her eyes. “Great. Emotional damage and hunger. Perfect combo”.
She glanced arounds. “Cafeteria…..yeah, that’s probably a good idea”.
**************************
After a few minutes of wandering aimlessly, June heard a voice call out to her.
“Well, well….you must be the commoner who came with the prince”. The voice was smooth, laced with amusement.
June turned to see a guy she didn’t recognize, leaning casually against the wall, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp.
“Come on, I’ll show you around”. He offered with a confident grin.
June raised an eyebrow, feeling a twinge of suspicion. She didn’t trust him - he was a stranger after all, and the way he spoke felt too knowing. But she wasn’t one to be rude either.
“I didn’t ask for a tour”, she said, smiling lightly to keep things light, “but I guess it wouldn't hurt to let you show me around. Lead the way”.
The guy smiled warmly, his tone light and easygoing.
“I’m Matteo Kingston, first-year, just like you. I know we don’t have to introduce ourselves, but it’s always nice to meet new people, right?”. He glanced over at her, still smiling.
“What about you? What’s your name?”. His easy demeanor made him seem genuinely friendly, as if he wasn’t just making small talk, but actually wanted to get to know her.
“I’m June”, she replied with a bright smile. “Honestly, I thought no one would talk to me, but I’m really glad you did. It’d be nice to be friends with you too”.
There was something easy about the way she spoke - like she had known Matteo for longer than a few minutes. June was that kind of person.
Cheerful, approachable, and effortlessly friendly, she had a way of making others feel seen and welcomed, even in a place as intimidating as the academy.
Like many of the students from the lower ranks of society, June didn’t have a last name.
In these kingdoms, only those of noble blood or those blessed with elemental abilities were given the right to carry a family name. Commoners, on the other hand, were often the forgotten ones - either abandoned by their noble lineage or simply born without the powers that would make them worthy in the eyes of the elite.
Their lack of surname wasn’t just tradition - it was a reminder that they didn’t belong.
But June was the exception. She was a simple commoner but she had wind elemental ability. In the eyes of other students, June was a strange commoner who can use her power unlike other commoners. So no one knew the truth.
June wasn’t just a normal mere commoner trying to find her place in the academy.
She was king’s hidden daughter - the twin sister of Prince Kane.
A girl who had been hidden from the world the moment she was born, her existence never once acknowledged by the crown.
The king had kept her secret, and even Kane - the golden prince everyone admired - acted like she was nothing more than a stranger.
Only she and the king know the truth of her ability.
“Good, June. Then we’re friends now. I hope we’ll be in the same class”, Matteo said with a cheerful tone. June gave him a soft smile.
“By the way, do you know where the cafeteria is?” she asked.
“Oh, do you want to go there first? Good, I’ll take you!”, he offered eagerly. “Thanks, Matteo”.
While they were walking side by side, June turned to him. “Why did you come here?”.
“You mean this academy? Oh, yeah….”, he paused for a second, looking away.
“I have a friend. He wanted to attend this academy - well, it’s his dream school, after all. Ever since we met in middle school, he kept talking about it…..how amazing this place is, how talented the students are”. Matteo smiled shyly.
“That made me want to see for myself how great this academy really is. And……I also wanted to stay by his side and study, that’s all”.
June had thought Matteo would be the ignorant type, judging by the way he first talked to her.
But now….he didn’t seem like that at all. He also has someone he cares for - someone important to him. That reminded her of someone too. Someone she deeply cared about.
“We’re here. Take whatever you want and eat”, Matteo said as they reached the cafeteria.
“Ok, thanks”.
“I’ll take my leave now. My friend is calling for me - sorry I can’t keep you company”.
“No need to apologize. I can manage on my own. Go ahead”, Jue replied with a nod.
After Matteo left, June grabbed some food and sat at an empty table.
“Oh my, look who it is. A commoner”, a voice said mockingly.
She looked up and saw a guy who seemed like a royal student approaching her, flanked by two others who were grinning at her like hyenas.
“Rare sight to see, huh?”, the guy said. June narrowed her eyes.
“Got nothing to do, huh?”
She knew instantly - they were going to be bullies. The way they carried themselves, the smirks on their faces…..it was all too familiar.
“Hahaha…..What an interesting creature”, the boy sneered.
“No, maybe that name’s too soft. Or should I call you….Slave?”.
He leaned in closer, his face twisted into a mocking grin as he said the word slowly and cruelly.
Bang! June slammed her hand on the table and stood up.
“I don’t think I have time for your nonsense. I’m only here because I’m hungry, not to argue with you”, she said, her voice calm but cold.
As she tried to walk away, the boy shoved her shoulder hard, forcing her back into her seat.
“Huh? Who do you think you’re talking to, you disgusting, filthy brat with no abilities?” he hissed.
“You’re just lucky that our honorable principal and elders picked you. Don’t think too highly of yourself”.
People around them began to glance over, some whispering, some pretending not to notice - but no one stepped in.
“It's ignorance like yours that makes me despise the royals”, June said coldly, locking eyes with him.
The boy’s face twisted with fury. With a growl, he raised his fist and lunged at her, aiming straight for her face.
But June moved like lightning. She stepped to the side and caught his wirst mid air.
With one swift motion, she twisted his arm and used his momentum against him - slamming him down onto the table with a loud thud. The trays rattled and a few students gasped. He struggled, pinned awkwardly with his arm twisted behind his back.
“Trying to punch a lady in the face? Hah. How indecent”, June said, voice calm and sharp like a blade.
She released his arm and stepped back, brushing imaginary dust from her sleeve.
Without another glance, she walked away confidently, leaving the cafeteria in stunned silence.
A girl stood quietly in the distance, watching the scene unfold as June walked away.
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“What have you done? Didn’t I tell you not to cause any trouble?”
Kane’s voice cut through the air, low but sharp with anger as he suddenly appeared behind her.
June flinched. “What? You scared me! Where did you even come from?”.
“Don’t try to avoid my question”, Kane growled, stepping closer. “What did you do?”.
June rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed.
“Shut up. You’re making a scene. Nothing big happened - I just gave an ignorant guy a lesson he won’t forget”, she replied, her voice cool and unbothered.
“You…..y-you–” Kane sputtered, fist clenched.
“I think that’s enough, Prince Kane”. A calm voice interrupted. Principal Colson stepped up beside him.
“If she causes any more problems, we’ll make sure she receives an appropriate punishment”.
“Tsk. Like a kid - still needs a man to babysit him”, June scoffed, barely loud enough to hear.
She turned to leave, waving her hand lazily.
“Whatever. Go ahead, punish me all you want. I don’t care”.
Her voice was light, but something about the way she walked off felt heavy.
Kane watched her go, jaw tight. “That girl….” he muttered in frustration.
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“Room number 209…209…they said 209, where is it?”
June mumbled to herself, wandering down the hallway like a curious child. Her footsteps echoed softly.
“Ah, found it”. She stood in front of the door, a mix of nervousness and excitement bubbling inside her.
Slowly, she turned the knob and pushed the door open.
And then – she froze. There she was.
The girl whose face haunted her memories.
The girl who once meant everything.
“Hanna…” June whispered, the name trembling from her lips like a forgotten lullaby.
