Year 9 – Early Spring, Crimson Haven
Crimson Haven glowed brighter than ever that night.The spider lilies outside shimmered red beneath the rising twin moons, while the laboratory pulsed with quiet rhythm — blood vials boiling, mirror runes flickering, and laughter echoing from within the house.
Inside, Ketsuraku adjusted a rune-seal over a cauldron. Rosa sat cross-legged on the counter, a dagger spinning idly between her fingers, while Luminous read over market ledgers in silence. The three of them had fallen into the rhythm of empire-building — alchemy by day, trade by night, and meditation beneath the Astral River when the world slept.
Then the light changed.
The ceiling rippled — not the red glow of their blood lanterns, but cold gold.A symbol of the Imperial Sun flared in the air, followed by the voice of a herald echoing from beyond the veil:
"By decree of His Majesty, Emperor Noctelle of the Astral Crown —Lord Ketsuraku Van Helsing and his retainers are summoned to the Imperial Capital at once."
Rosa blinked. "Imperial summons? We didn't do anything illegal this week, right?"Luminous closed the ledger slowly. Her face was calm, but her eyes tightened.
"The Empire doesn't summon commoners. They command anomalies."Ketsuraku's scythe shimmered briefly into existence beside him — pure instinct."Then we'll see what kind of anomaly they think I am."
Whispers of the Throne
Far above the Astral River, in the golden halls of the City of Crowns, two Imperial spies knelt before the Emperor. Their cloaks shimmered with code-dust and starlight.
"Your Majesty," one stammered, "we found it — an independent domain unregistered by the Church or the Mage Council. Its energy is... unstable. Blood, Void, and Code intertwined.""And its master?" the Emperor asked softly.
The spy hesitated. "A boy. Barely sixteen. The first Blood Elf ever recorded — reborn from the River of Blood itself."
The Emperor rose from his throne, his presence distorting the light.
"A river born of Blood... and Nihility's touch? Then Ix's mark returns to my world."He turned toward his advisors."Send for him. I will decide whether he is my enemy — or my heir."
The Journey to the Capital
Crimson airships cut across the sky as the trio traveled toward the Empire. Rosa leaned over the railing, staring at the endless clouds.
"First time I've been invited somewhere fancy without breaking something."Luminous adjusted her gloves. "Don't embarrass us. My father is... particular.""Particular?" Rosa laughed. "That's noble talk for terrifying, isn't it?"Ketsuraku said nothing, watching the city ahead — towers of gold suspended between suns, surrounded by halos of light that reached into the heavens.
His Red Code Dragon coiled invisibly around the ship, whispering in his mind:
"Royal eyes are dangerous. They stare not at you, but at your potential profits.""Then let them look," he murmured. "I sell nothing cheap."
The Emperor of Light
The throne room of the Astral Palace was impossibly vast.Rays of holy light poured through crystalline walls, scattering across rows of kneeling nobles.At the end of the hall stood Emperor Noctelle, his golden armor flowing like liquid, his expression carved from serenity and judgment both.
"Rise, Lord Van Helsing."
Ketsuraku stepped forward, flanked by Rosa and Luminous. Even the Red Code Dragon's reflection shimmered faintly at his back.
"You have done what none in my realm have achieved — forged a stable domain without the blessing of the Crown. Blood and Void balanced, protected by Code. You intrigue me.""I didn't build it for intrigue," Ketsuraku replied evenly. "Only survival.""Survival is the root of ambition," the Emperor said. "And ambition feeds destiny."
He circled the young Blood Elf slowly, his aura heavy enough to make Rosa grip her dagger tight.
"Tell me, boy... do you serve Heaven, Hell, or only yourself?"
Ketsuraku met his gaze. "None of them. I serve what lives between."
For a heartbeat, silence hung. Then the Emperor smiled faintly — a shark's smile.
"Then perhaps you serve me already."
The Test
A pillar of light erupted before them. The Emperor raised his hand; inside the beam appeared a Mirror of Judgment, its surface rippling like liquid glass.
"Step into the mirror. If your heart carries darkness, it will devour you."
Without hesitation, Ketsuraku entered.Reflections of himself twisted around him — his two astral selves, his blood dragons, his sins. He saw Hel's burned smile, Ix's jester eyes, and his own hands drenched in crimson light.
He did not look away.
The mirror shattered into shards of red and gold, scattering harmlessly across the hall.
"He is unbound," the Emperor murmured. "Neither saint nor monster. A perfect balance."He turned toward his advisors."Prepare the Court of Unions. The boy will be tested again — this time, in loyalty."
Foreshadow of Marriage
As the trio left the hall, Rosa exhaled sharply.
"That man is terrifying."Luminous's voice was quiet. "He doesn't waste moves. Every word is a step in a plan."Ketsuraku's gaze lingered on the sunset over the capital."He wants control. And control always comes dressed as reward."
From the shadows, a court messenger approached, bowing.
"His Majesty requests your presence tomorrow evening... for a royal banquet. He wishes to honor your achievements — and discuss your future."
Ix's laughter echoed faintly in Ketsuraku's ear, cold and amused.
"Ah, the oldest trick in commerce, my dear merchant. A deal sealed with dinner — and a bride."
[System Update]Quest Unlocked – Audience of the Crown
Objective: Attend the Imperial Banquet
Reward: Unknown
Risk: Emotional Instability
[Skill Progression]
Silver Tongue level 1 – 51% Mastery
Blood Magic level 1 – 34% Mastery
Nihility Magic level 1 – 28% Mastery