At the center of the Steel Fortress stood the Imperial Palace. Surrounding it, every path and structure shifted daily in a continuous cycle of change. This was not due to the Emperor relocating to avoid assassination or rebellion, but rather the entire palace itself being in motion. It was an act of absolute self-centeredness , or perhaps imperial nature ,but within the Empire, it was accepted without question or complaint.

As part of this routine, the Eleventh Prince’s residence also changed location daily. Though the interior remained unchanged, the surrounding buildings and pathways were never the same. However, the shift that occurred today was different, not part of the usual pattern.

“Your Highness! Your Highness!”

Alfred, ever perceptive, was the first to arrive.

“Given the circumstances, I must enter.”

“So much noise so early.”

The prince, undisturbed, stood before a mirror, adjusting his attire. He spoke with calm ease, admiring his own reflection.

“Quite stylish.”

His frame had grown stronger due to recent training, giving him a clearer, sharper silhouette. Despite a night spent in training, his expression was fresh ,perhaps a result of increased stamina, or something else burning within him.

“Help me out. Don’t just stand there staring. Is it really that impressive?”         “Forgive us.”

Only after being addressed did the maids, who had been staring blankly, begin hastily adjusting his outfit. Their cheeks flushed red as they stole glances at him.

“Let’s go. Have all the staff ready.”

“They’re standing by. Please proceed.”

Following Alfred’s lead, the prince exited the residence. Just beyond the wall, a forest came into view, casting a heavy, unnatural atmosphere.

“That… isn’t that the Shadow Forest?”

“Looks like it. Why is the Shadow Forest in front of the prince’s residence?”

“It’s giving me chills just looking at it…”

Black shadows spread like pollen from the forest, causing the staff to tremble. The place was known as “Yeongnim “ , the Shadow Forest. Among the many mysterious places within the fortress, it was feared the most, alongside the Great Canyons.

Within that forest, shadows flowed like water through dense trees, devoid of all light. The trees and beasts there thrived on“darkness”. Spirits tainted by the forest’s shadows roamed wearing white masks, haunting the area.

Why such a place existed within the fortress was a long and complex story ,one left untold for now. As the prince passed the nervous staff and headed toward the main gate,

“Aziel,  Eleventh Prince, come forth and receive the Imperial Edict!”

The voice rang out beyond the wall, announcing the arrival of a new fate.

“Aziel, Eleventh Prince, present yourself and receive His Majesty’s decree!”

A powerful voice echoed again, pressing in on the residence. The officials delivering the edict stopped abruptly upon seeing the prince already standing at the gate. They had not expected him to be waiting. One of them, collecting himself, stepped forward and spoke with formal authority.

“Aziel, Eleventh Prince. Step forward and receive His Majesty’s edict.”

Everyone present , staff and guards ,immediately lowered themselves in reverence. Once the prince finally knelt, the lead official began to read the scroll with an air of satisfaction.

“In recent times, reports have reached Us of the Eleventh Prince Aziel’s altered state of mind and body. In Our contentment, We have decided to bestow upon him a reward carrying Our affectionate intent. With the coming-of-age ceremony near, he is granted an opportunity to prove his transformation…”

In essence, the message was simple: You’ve changed? Prove it. It appeared to be a rare chance to redeem his reputation, which had been so stained by past misconduct that all activity had been suspended. But in truth, it was anything but a reward.

“And so, within ten days, the Prince shall enter the Shadow Forest and return with the head of a monster befitting his capabilities.”

It was effectively a punishment. He was being sent to the Shadow Forest ,the training ground for knight orders and combat mages ,to fight a monster alone. No mention of support. No guidance on which monster. It was danger, thinly veiled as reward. Everyone present knew what it truly meant. To reach too high would mean death; to show fear would invite ridicule.

All eyes turned to the prince, waiting for a reaction.

“Your Majesty’s will shall be obeyed.”

His face remained calm, even carrying a faint smile. Taking the scroll, he turned to the officials.

“What are you waiting for? If you’re done, leave.”

With a slam, he closed the gate, ending their authority the moment the scroll was delivered.

“Your Highness… the Shadow Forest?”

“I’ll begin preparations immediately.”

While the knights stirred and began equipping themselves in noisy commotion, the prince spoke again.

“Alfred.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I’ll be entering before today ends. Get everything ready.”

Alfred, who had stood with a somber expression, startled at the words and quickly fell in beside him with the others.

“You plan to enter today? Preparation is still needed.”

“We could request assistance from the Azure Wing Order! Your Highness, please reconsider.”

“This Andre will lay down his life to protect Your Highness!”

“Sir Andre, this is the time to stop him, not join him!”

“I’ll leave the logistics to Alfred. As for the fighting, that’s my responsibility.”

Their chatter grew louder. The prince stopped walking.

Ha… Hahaha! Hahahahaha!

He laughed uncontrollably. Those who had moments ago been urging caution fell silent, waiting for his laughter to fade. After a long moment, he caught his breath.

“So that’s how they want to play it.”

In the reflection of the window, his violet eyes gleamed dangerously. There was only one person who could have orchestrated this …The Empress. No one else would set such a trap behind the guise of generosity.

“Alfred. Prepare the items I name. I’ll enter the forest by evening.”

Before anyone could object, he began listing items in rapid succession.

“Twenty or more luminous stones ,don’t worry about quality, just quantity. A white-light cloak. A shadow pouch. Compact supplies for overnight survival…”

As the list grew, the eyes of the knights widened. His readiness and familiarity with the Shadow Forest were unmistakable , even including tools whose purpose some couldn’t guess.

[Request all necessary items from the royal stores]

[Only three companions are allowed; no other conditions specified]

Reading that final condition, he smiled faintly…

The Empress wouldn’t have known , in a previous life, he had entered the Shadow Forest dozens of times. He already knew what was needed. And who was needed.

“Summon Sol from the 3rd unit of the Royal Magic Combat Division. It’s a conscription. Andre will also accompany me.”

“And the third?”

“No need to fill the spot. It’s unnecessary.”

“I will accompany you.”

“You and the rest have other tasks to complete.”

Elsewhere, upon hearing she had been summoned by the prince,

“So you’re telling me… I’ve been conscripted? For a hunt? In the Shadow Forest?”

Sol, a mage of the third Magic Combat Unit, could barely contain her excitement. She practically bounced in place, grinning ear to ear. Even if rumors claimed the prince’s mental state was unstable, she saw only opportunity.

Pressing down her unruly red hair, her bright eyes sparkled.

“Huh? Huh? If something goes wrong and I, like,’ bam’ ! save the prince, does that make me a hero? Would I get some insane reward for it? Right? Right?!”

She babbled her thoughts aloud, unable to hide her anticipation.

The senior mages nearby simply replied:

“Sol… Just don’t die.”