"03"
This story begins in the city of Crivits—
a ruin of what was once a center of glory.
Not just a former capital, but a place once called
"The Heart of the Nation."
Now, it is a body without a soul—known as the poorest nation with the richest officials.
Because this is where the Legion Knight was born.
Founded by those believed to be blessed by the gods.
They were praised, glorified, and hailed as incarnate saviors.
But saviors who are worshipped too much… gradually become demons thirsting for power.
Their statues stand tall on every corner of the city.
The people's prayers no longer go to God—but to their names.
And that's where the poison began to spread—
numbing reason, replacing faith with idol worship.
As someone once said:
"Humans are quick to seek souls to pray, and easily worship what is not their God."
Eventually,
Even God turned His gaze away from them.
Meanwhile, in a room lit only by a dim, yellow bulb,
laughter echoed—cold and thunderous.
"Hahahahaa! All our efforts have finally paid off!"
Charles dropped himself onto a leather sofa with flair and arrogance.
"Those people were so easy to fool," said Linda, fixing her blood-red lipstick in a small mirror.
"One teary broadcast... one photo with an orphan... and the money flows like holy water."
"Shh, don't be so loud… I'm about to go live," muttered Suho as he set up his ring light and camera.
"I hit a million subscribers yesterday. Those foolish citizens really love drama.
Today, I'm doing a motivational speech. What a joke."
"Save your stream for later, Suho," said Kenny, hunched over a table, eyes locked on a donation report.
"Look at this—2.3 million in donations just this week, from one city alone. This is insane."
Four generals.
Four faces remembered as heroes—
now laughing behind masks of greed.
Charles Rough, flamboyant and stylish, a master of public manipulation.
Linda Melinda, the Queen of Image, whose beauty and rhetoric could enchant.
Suho Min, the influencer who could bend public opinion with a single video.
And Kenny, the cold strategist, calculating everything down to numbers and tactics.
But their laughter stopped as a deep, calm voice cut through the air.
"You all seem to be enjoying yourselves."
From the marble staircase, heavy footsteps echoed downward.
The light caught strands of gleaming white hair, and eyes pale as snow—cold and piercing.
It was Zylion von Starheim—
founder of the Legion Knight.
A leader cloaked in light, hiding a darkness no one could see.
"Boss!"
They all stood at once.
No one dared joke this time.
Zylion said nothing at first.
He walked slowly to the head of the table and sat down, scanning them one by one.
"Is… everything ready?"
His baritone voice filled the room.
"Yes, Boss… but," Kenny swallowed hard, his expression more serious than usual,
"Something doesn't feel right today."
"What is it, Kenny?"
Zylion asked without a change in tone.
"I… couldn't summon my blessing, even after praying like usual this morning.
We've been spreading and promoting our god's teachings every day in every way... but still, there's no response. It's strange."
Zylion raised an eyebrow.
"What about the rest of you?"
"Linda and I felt the same," Kenny added quickly, before Zylion could look away.
"We tried calling upon our blessings before the meeting. Nothing. It's not like before."
"Suho and I are still receiving blessings from Hermes and Apollo," Charles replied casually.
"No need to worry. Maybe the gods just aren't paying attention to you today."
"Or maybe," Linda cut in,
"Maybe they're disgusted by what we're doing…
But with offerings and new followers rising, that doesn't make any sense."
Zylion closed his eyes for a moment.
Then he said,
"Whatever it is, we must not waver. Not now. We are one step away from taking control of this country."
"Don't worry, Boss," said Charles with a sly grin.
"I've bribed half of parliament. Tomorrow's election is just theater. They'll vote exactly how we tell them to."
"And I've told my fans to fully support you, Zylion," Suho added, his eyes sharp as blades.
"They'll scream your name, cry for you, and swear loyalty. Even if you ordered them to burn the city down."
Zylion slowly opened his eyes.
His gaze pierced through them.
"Good… but stay alert.
Sometimes… destruction doesn't come from outside.
It comes from within."
Outside the room, the night deepened.
And far in the distance… a storm began to gather.
Destruction was drawing near.