The crowd of guards parted like the Red Sea as Leonardo walked into the inner courtyard of Aethelgard. His heart was still thumping against his ribs, not from fear, but from the raw energy of the [Broken Hero's Blade] at his hip.
Suddenly, a sweet, cold fragrance filled the air—like winter roses and ancient parchment.
"Stand down," a voice commanded. It wasn't loud, but it had the authority of a silver bell ringing in a silent hall.
Leonardo stopped. Standing at the bottom of the grand marble staircase was Princess Aurora. Up close, she was even more breathtaking than from the tower. Her silver hair flowed like a river of moonlight, and her eyes—sharp and intelligent—seemed to see through his very soul.
[System Alert: High-Level Entity Detected!] [Name: Aurora von Aethelgard] [Level: ???] [Danger Level: Extreme]
Leonardo felt the blue screen flicker nervously. He quickly realized that the Princess wasn't just a royal figure; she was a powerful mage.
"You," Aurora said, stepping closer. Her gaze fell on the rusted hilt at Leonardo's waist. "A mana-less boy from the outskirts just defeated a Silver-Rank captain with a single strike. And now, my own mana perception is failing to read your energy. Who are you, really?"
Leonardo didn't bow. He looked her straight in the eyes—a move that would usually get a commoner executed. "I am just someone who refused to stay at Level Zero, Your Highness."
The Princess's lips curled into a tiny, mysterious smile. She reached out a gloved hand and touched the hilt of his broken sword.
ZAP!
A spark of blue and silver magic exploded between them. Aurora gasped, pulling her hand back. Her eyes widened. "This weapon... it's ancient. It shouldn't exist. How did you find it?"
Before Leonardo could answer, a new prompt appeared on his screen, one that only he could see:
[Secret Quest Triggered: The Princess's Contract] Objective: Accept the Princess's invitation to the Royal Library. Reward: Unlock [Magic Circuit Integration] Warning: If you refuse, the Royal Guard will arrest you for treason.
Aurora leaned in, her voice now a low whisper. "The guards think you're a threat. My father will want you dead. But I... I want to know how a 'trash' became a 'monster' in a single night. Come with me to the library, Leonardo. Or stay here and face the executioner."
Leonardo looked at the guards closing in, then back at the Princess's extended hand. He knew this was a trap, but it was also his only path to real power.
"Lead the way, Your Highness," Leonardo said, his voice steady.
As they walked toward the forbidden library, Leonardo felt the [Broken Hero's Blade] vibrate. It was hungry. And in this palace full of ancient magic, it was about to have its first real feast.