As the first step in learning magic, Gan was given seven small lanterns by Yolaqen—each a magical vessel.

  Lantern of 7 Sins

  Magical Vessel: Yami ?1 (light) and Ugora ?1 (defense)

  Before training began, Yolaqen explained the risk of using the lanterns.

  “Gan, if you use those lanterns, you’ll gain access to magic—but at the same time, you’ll be influenced by certain traits.”

  “Traits?” Gan asked, confused.

  Yolaqen explained that each lantern was a small fragment of the power of the Seven Demon Generals of Chaos, known as the Seven Deadly Sins. Each lantern bore a different color of light, each representing a trait born from those sins.

  “Is there any way I can resist being overtaken by those traits?” Gan asked.

  Yolaqen replied, “There is—and that way is training. The more you discipline yourself, the more you can resist.”

  After months of relentless training under Yolaqen’s guidance—resisting the pull of the seven deadly sins—inside a tower born from Towa ?150 (tower),

  Ladynne Gan reached an extraordinary level of power. The magic of Yami ?15 and Ugora ?15 radiated from within him. His once-small body now shimmered with black-yellow light, the trait of pride, strong enough to tear through reality.

  One grey dusk, Yolaqen stood atop the tower, gazing out toward the horizon. “The time has come, Ladynne. Are you ready?”

  Ladynne Gan, eyes of grey filled with blazing determination, nodded. “I’m bringing Eryndra home.”

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Yolaqen gave a faint smile. “Then let us end this hell.”

  They departed the village of Welin and headed west—towards Aqueleon, the Royal City, stronghold of tyranny and home to the noble family that had stolen Eryndra. In a small town nearby, they rented transport and traveled to the royal gates. Disguised as commoners, they passed the guards with ease.

  From an abandoned tower on the city’s edge, Ladynne Gan and Yolaqen spied the towering palace—the dark heart of Aqueleon. As night cloaked the land, they moved silently—two lights, one black-yellow, the other grey—slipping into the palace like a nightmare no one foresaw.

  They dodged and dispatched guards at the speed of light. Light and shadow were their weapons. Finally, Ladynne Gan stood before the door he hated most—the chamber of the noble, where Eryndra was being tortured.

  The door exploded under a blast of light from Ladynne’s hand.

  Inside, Qeota was treating Eryndra with unspeakable cruelty. The sight burned through Ladynne’s soul.

  Something awakened inside him.

  Black-yellow light boiled from his body as the trait of pride surged. Gan told Qeota that he acted less like a noble and more like a ravenous wolf. Enraged by the insult, Qeota charged—but Gan struck first, punching his gut and kicking him back. Ladynne gathered light into his palm and fired a blast of black-yellow magic at Qeota.

  Qeota was launched through the tower wall, his body shattered into shards of black-yellow light. He vanished—erased by the resolve of a child.

  Yolaqen appeared at Ladynne’s side. “We have to go.”

  Before they left the palace, Yolaqen raised her hand. Tower after tower erupted from within the castle, shattering the entire structure from the inside. Within seconds, the palace collapsed.

  Outside, Eryndra collapsed into Ladynne’s arms—tears and smiles mingled in relief. They embraced long, beneath a night sky that suddenly felt lighter.

  The three of them left the city before dawn. In the forests of Aqueleon, they hid their identities and sought refuge.

  The next morning, they began the journey back to Welin.

  At a fork in the woods, Yolaqen stopped. “This is where our paths part.”

  Ladynne Gan bowed his head. “Thank you, teacher.”

  Yolaqen placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m proud of you.”

  Then Yolaqen disappeared into the mist of morning.

  Upon their return to Welin, the villagers welcomed them as heroes out of legend. The once-quiet tea house now shone with life. That night, Eryndra and Ladynne slept together—finally in peace.

  That night… was the first where their dreams were no longer haunted by fear.