Fairy Round Table Realm, Poem of Eternal Mist

As Liliana finished speaking, a deathly silence fell. The ancient secrets recounted by this seemingly naive girl bore a striking resemblance to the reality of the millennium-long calamity. While everyone was still processing this shocking revelation, the girl spoke again:

'However, calamity is not insurmountable for the fairies of Paradise. If you sincerely atone for your sins, I will help you overcome this thousand-year tribulation.'

'Overcome the calamity?' Sophia's pupils trembled slightly.

'Is this true?' the soldiers asked incredulously.

The promise stirred ripples through the crowd. Sophia gazed at the messenger from Paradise, slowly bending down to look the girl in the eye: 'We are willing to atone... We never imagined the root of this calamity lay in the sins of our ancestors. If we complete our atonement, can you truly lead us through this calamity?'

Liliana, who was being given high expectations for the first time, nodded solemnly under the expectant gaze of the other girl. Seeing the girl's determined expression, Sophia felt a huge weight lifted from her heart.

There is only one path to redemption—to complete the unfinished forging of the holy sword. And for that long-deceased 'god,' all they can do is quell the grief and indignation that transcends eternity.

-

Liliana's arrival accelerated the lives of the Rain Clan. The once tranquil city of Orkney, where the rain pattered softly, now resonated day and night with the clanging of hammers. Under Chief Sophia's command, the fires in every blacksmith's workshop burned continuously, everyone striving for the legendary "Star Sword." Although everyone understood that forging a divine weapon capable of withstanding a thousand years of calamity in these mortal workshops was like finding a needle in a haystack, every member of the Rain Clan was willing to grasp this faint glimmer of hope—it was not only a symbol of redemption, but also a confession of their past transgressions.

Liliana, who brought this light, was treasured and carefully protected by the Rain Clan. In this kingdom where "paradise fairies" were generally hostile, the Rain Clan was a rare exception. They knew that the jealousy of other clans, born from their inability to reach paradise, would not hesitate to be unleashed upon this girl. More importantly, if the outside world were to learn of Liliana's ability to avert calamity, it would surely bring annihilation upon her, and even the entire nation of Britain.

For this reason, Chief Sophia spared no effort in deploying her most elite guards to protect Liliana day and night, and all her movements were classified as top secret. This "savior" who arrived by chance has become the cornerstone of the Rain Clan's future, something they are willing to protect at all costs.

Time passed quickly, and amidst such tight protection and the expectations of the entire clan, Liliana spent more than ten seemingly peaceful years in Orkney.

Fairy Calendar Year 3980 - Rain Clan Territory

Since Liliana arrived in Britain, the Rain Clan has entered an era of unprecedented activity. To forge the legendary Star Sword, Lord Sophia practically turned the treasury upside down, requisitioning every usable forging material. However, these reserves are merely a drop in the ocean for forging a divine artifact. Their only hope lies in opening up trade within their territory, hoping that traveling merchants will bring back unexpected and rare materials.

"Take a look! There's nothing you can't imagine that I can't get!"

'All kinds of ores and magic props are available!'

Rare minerals on clearance sale! Don't miss out, or you'll have to wait another year!

With the opening of the trading port, the Rain Clan's square was instantly bustling with activity. In this era that scorned merchants, traders had long been constrained by geographical limitations and societal prejudices; now, they had finally found a haven where they could trade freely. And it was clear to everyone that Sophia's actions were not merely for the sake of taxes; there must be a deeper scheme behind it.

Among the many merchants flooding into the territory, a middle-aged man named Glev stood out. Unlike the other merchants, the ores and magical tools he brought were perfectly suited to the requirements of forging the Holy Sword, many of which were materials that even the magicians of the Rain Clan had never heard of. Although no one knew the origin of these rare materials, thanks to his contribution, the forging of the Holy Sword was significantly accelerated. To express their gratitude, the clan minister specially invited him to the palace.

'Mr. Gleev, thanks to the materials you provided, we have been able to advance this great undertaking.'

"You flatter me, sir." The unshaven, shabby-clothed merchant rubbed his hands nervously. "I'm just a wandering peddler; it's already a great honor to be of any help."

Compared to the well-dressed guards around him, Glev's attire looked completely out of place. He nervously glanced around the magnificent hall, his eyes darting from corner to corner, feeling extremely uncomfortable sitting on the exquisite chair.

"Don't be nervous," the minister said with a kind smile, "Just make yourself at home."

'This is the first time I've received such courtesy... I'm truly flattered.'

Meanwhile, in the residence specially prepared by Sofia, Liliana, now a young woman, was engrossed in her books. For sixteen years, she had devoted herself to studying the documents of this era, hoping that one day she would no longer need the clan's protection. Suddenly, as if remembering something, she gently closed the heavy book.

'Sophia mentioned today that the forging of the Holy Sword is nearing completion; it's time to go check on the progress.'

As she passed through the reception room, she couldn't help but stop—there she saw the usually arrogant minister chatting amiably with a ragged merchant. Her appearance immediately silenced the room.

"What brings Your Highness out for a stroll today?" the minister asked hastily, rising to greet her.

"And who is this?" Liliana asked sharply. "You've always disdained associating with merchants; why are you making an exception today?"

The minister was speechless. This official, who was always sycophantic and had never cared about the poor or out-of-town merchants, had long aroused Sophia's dissatisfaction with his obsequious behavior.

'Well... Mr. Gleev did provide those... materials after all...' he stammered as he explained.

"Never mind," Liliana sighed softly, "as long as I don't cause Sophia any trouble."

She was about to turn and leave when she suddenly felt a strange chill as she passed the merchant. The feeling was fleeting, yet so vivid—the kind of alertness that only arises when facing hostility. Why would this merchant, whom she had never met before, evoke such a reaction in her?

Liliana left the drawing room without looking back, her footsteps fading into the distance. Behind her, Gleev kept a close eye on the 'princess' until she disappeared around the corner of the stairs. In a secluded corner, unnoticed, the merchant's lips curled into a meaningful smile—as if he had discovered a treasure more precious than anything else in the world.

'Heh heh heh... Naive little girl.' He thought to himself, 'You think all this will go so smoothly? Enjoy your sweet dream for now; you'll have plenty of bitterness to suffer later.'

At the same time, Liliana, who had just stepped into the underground foundry, suddenly shivered, nearly getting burned by the splashing molten iron. A worker rushed forward with concern: 'Your Highness, are you alright?'

"It's nothing..." she forced a smile, her heart churning with turmoil. (This ominous feeling again... what's going on?)

Sophia noticed her unusual behavior and leaned down to ask softly, "What's wrong? I've never seen you so flustered before."

'Perhaps I didn't sleep well last night.' Liliana tried to remain calm, but her fingertips unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes.

This was definitely not due to lack of sleep. She recalled the warning she received when she left the Paradise: every Paradise fairy who carries out a mission will encounter a destined obstacle. These people appear and disappear mysteriously, specializing in sabotaging the Paradise fairies' missions. Could she have been targeted so quickly? She shook her head vigorously, trying to dispel the thought, unaware that this unusual behavior had already been noticed by everyone.

'Princess...' Sophia hesitated, wanting to say something but stopping herself.

Several months later, in the Tekeli region

In the dead of night, when the moonlight is swallowed by thick clouds, a secret transaction is taking place deep in an alley.

"Is the information correct?" the richly dressed old man asked in a low voice.

"Absolutely true." The masked man handed over the scroll. "This is what I saw with my own eyes—the Rain Clan does indeed harbor the fairies of Paradise."

This is the gathering place of the remnants of the King's Clan. After their defeat in the great war, the survivors rebuilt their homes here, forging a blood feud with the Rain Clan. At this moment, the old man trembled as he unfurled the scroll. The instant he saw the portrait, veins bulged on his forehead, and the paper creaked between his fingers.

'They're actually fairies from Paradise... How dare such heretics trespass into the Fairy Kingdom!'

"Even more suspicious," the masked man added, "this paradise fairy infiltrated the Rain Clan sixteen years ago and is now instigating them to forge some powerful weapon. Why do you think Sophia suddenly opened trade routes specifically for ores and gems?"

The old man suddenly realized what was happening, stuffed three gold coins into the informant's hand, and hurriedly left. The masked man chuckled, toying with the gold coins: "Impatient old man... the show is just beginning." With that, he disappeared at the end of the alley.

The old man returned to his mansion and went straight to his study. The moment the lights came on, the luxurious furnishings were on full display—he was none other than the current patriarch of the royal clan. He slammed the portrait heavily on the table, its wrinkles mirroring the furrows in his heart.

"Why is the clan leader in such a hurry so late at night?" the young man who came after hearing the noise asked.

"What else could it be but the Rain Clan?" the old man roared, pointing at the portrait. "They dare to protect the fairies of Paradise!"

The young man's pupils contracted slightly: 'This is the heretic?'

'Contact other clans immediately! If this is left unchecked, the entire fairy kingdom will be plunged into bloodshed!'

Hours later, in a sealed room illuminated only by a deep blue crystal.

The old man sat at the end of the long table with a tense expression, while blurry and distorted magical projections floated in three other directions. Due to the instability of long-distance transmission, only the outlines of two men and one woman could be barely discerned, but the grim atmosphere was clearly perceptible.

'Convening an emergency meeting at this hour…' The male projection at the head of the table spoke first, his voice carrying a subtle crackling through the magical medium, 'You'd better have a good reason.'

"The Rain Clan is trampling on our last line of defense!" The old man slammed his fist on the table, causing the crystal chandelier to tremble slightly. "They're not only harboring the fairies of Paradise, but they're also secretly forging weapons powerful enough to destroy the entire Fairy Kingdom!"

The female projection on the left leaned forward slightly: 'No wonder Sophia suddenly opened trade routes and purchased large quantities of magical ores...'

"We must never let history repeat itself!" roared the projection on the right, its image pulsating violently with emotion. "Do we want Britain to be plunged into war again?"

"This is a blatant betrayal of the ceasefire agreement!" The projected voice from the main seat was icy. "It seems the lesson from sixteen years ago wasn't profound enough."

A cold glint flashed in the old man's eyes: 'To eliminate future troubles, the Rain Clan and that heretic must be completely eradicated!'

"Agreed." The female projection's voice was as sharp as a blade. "It's time for these traitors to pay the price."

**Rain Clan Royal Palace - One Night**

Liliana rolled over in the down mattress, moonlight filtering through the sheer curtains and illuminating her serene sleeping face. Sixteen years had sculpted her from a tender toddler into a beautiful young woman, though her fairy-like nature had kept her youthful appearance unchanged. She smacked her lips softly, completely oblivious to the impending storm.

-

The rising sun bathed the Rain Clan's territory in golden light. Liliana stretched and walked to the window, her fingertips just touching the carved window frame—

boom!!!

A deafening explosion rang out! The reinforced glass shattered instantly, and the blast wave slammed her against the wall. Countless shards of glass flew like sharp blades, leaving bloody streaks on her arms and cheeks.

"Ugh..." She curled up on the ground in pain, with only a sharp ringing in her ears. Through the billowing smoke, she saw fireballs rising one after another outside the window, and screams ripped apart the tranquility of the morning.

"Reporting to the Commander! The first wave of the attack has been completed; the enemy's defense system is now paralyzed."

An elderly man with a long, snow-white beard leaned leisurely against his armchair, tapping his fingertips lightly on the armrest: 'Remember, don't take them alive. Especially that paradise fairy...make sure she's killed.'

**Rain Clan Street - At the Same Time**

A young fairy, dragging her blown-off legs, crawled through the rubble, leaving a horrifying trail of blood behind her: 'Help...help me...'

Another fairy knelt beside the severed limbs, laughing maniacally: 'Hahaha...it's all broken...all broken...'

The once bustling commercial district had become a living hell, with countless corpses lying beneath collapsed buildings. This was not a war, but a premeditated massacre.

-

'Liliana! Wake up!'

Sofia's voice pierced through her ears, and Liliana opened her eyes in excruciating pain. When she saw the hellish scene outside the window, she trembled uncontrollably: 'It's all my fault...if it weren't for me...'

"Calm down!" Sofia cupped her face tightly, her fingertips white with tension. "Protecting you is the path we chose! Over the years, we've long been prepared to bear the consequences!"

Suddenly, the entire corridor shook violently, and the ceiling began to collapse. Sofia grabbed Liliana and pulled her up: "Quick! The secret passage is down there!"

-

Twelve fully armed mercenaries were advancing rapidly. The captain suddenly raised his hand to signal them to stop—at the end of the corridor ahead, Sophia was leading Liliana toward the stairwell.

"Target spotted!" The captain gestured, and the two crossbowmen immediately raised their weapons.

However, just as the crossbow bolts were released, the decorative water tanks on both sides of the corridor suddenly exploded! The gushing water transformed into sharp blades, instantly piercing through the bodies of seven mercenaries. Before the remaining mercenaries could react, the water stains on the ground suddenly burst into blinding flashes of electricity.

"Ughhhhh!" Amidst screams of agony, another group of mercenaries collapsed to the ground, convulsing.

Sofia turned to look at Liliana, giving her a reassuring smile. But in that instant—

A dark figure suddenly emerged from behind a pillar! The mercenary captain's longsword drew a deadly arc.

puff!

The sound of a sharp blade slicing through flesh was exceptionally clear in the corridor.

'Sophia!!!'

Amidst Liliana's screams, gushing blood splattered onto the walls like raindrops. Through the slowly closing stone door of the secret passage, the last thing she saw was the mercenary captain's cold eyes, and on Sophia's head, which had rolled to her feet, a frozen, heartbreaking smile.

With a deafening roar, the rune-covered stone door of the secret passage slammed shut, shutting out the mercenary captain's furious shout. The dust kicked up by the heavy stone door as it fell filled the passageway.

Liliana slumped onto the cold ground, only jolting awake when the resounding crash of the stone door slamming shut echoed through the passage. Ancient blue magical runes on the walls on either side of the passage lit up one by one, their soft light dispelling the darkness and illuminating the bloodstains covering her body.

The faint screams and clashes of weapons emanating from outside the secret passage pierced her eardrums like needles. She gritted her teeth and used her trembling hands to prop herself up; with each movement, her wounds tore open with excruciating pain. Blood dripped continuously from her arms, blooming into dark red flowers on the dusty ground.

She forced herself to move forward, limping along the path indicated by the blue light. With each step, her injured leg protested violently, but she dared not stop.

-

Inside the makeshift command tent, the commander furiously tore the map on the table to shreds.

"A bunch of useless trash! They can't even catch an injured woman!" He kicked over the chair next to him and roared at the mercenary captain who stood with his head bowed.