In the far north of the world, where ships vanish into the vastness of a sea as blue as the sky and airships glide over lands that look like gifts to the eye, lies a territory that takes your breath away. Dense, ancient forests embrace crystal-clear lakes like souls poured into immaculate gardens. The sunsets here do not fade away—they wait for their turn to paint the horizon with fire and gold.
Endless mountain ranges guard landscapes sculpted with divine patience. The northern lights draw themselves across the sky like nameless canvases—masterpieces only a god could breathe life into—illuminating the heavens with a radiance beyond beauty. In these lands, time does not advance; it stands still, a witness to the eternal splendor of creation.
This is Galar, a country that knows no limits. Its depths hold coveted minerals; its plains yield cereals and grains that feed entire nations; its shipyards and factories are the pride of engineers and artisans; its universities draw the brightest minds; and its ports, always alive with activity, connect to every corner of the globe. A powerful nation, rich not only in resources but in ambition—and in the indomitable spirit of its people.
But within its cobbled streets and walled, prosperous cities, a rot festers: what they call the Plague of Galar—the Omeraje Clan. A breeding ground for assassins spread throughout the country. The Guardians of Galar not only wage their eternal war against the Arkanos and the Draguld, but also against this criminal legion, driven solely by greed, without allies, always working for the highest bidder.
Their leader is Patriarch Kijon Cohen, a man as ambitious as he is powerful, who sees his members as weapons. They possess the rare ability to control Draguld and wield cursed weapons—making them a feared and ruthless organization.
In one of the clan's mansions, deep in its dungeons, prisoners from all over the world are held captive. Kidnapping, extortion, and large-scale murder are among their trades. In one of those cells sits little Estrella, huddled in a corner, feeling the winter chill and the damp, musty air. Her eyes remain closed as the icy currents from the vents make her shiver.
In the distance, hurried footsteps echo, followed by the creak of a door. A short, obese man enters, walks to the child's cage, unlocks it, and lifts her into his arms. Without a word, he carries her to the kitchen.
— Feed her! —he ordered before leaving.
The cooks fuss over her. They serve her warm bread and noodle soup. For a moment, Estrella forgets her fear. Then, a shadow flits across the corner of the kitchen and slips behind the door. The child freezes, sensing something amiss.
— What's the matter, little one? —asked an older woman.
— I feel like someone's behind that door —she said, pointing a small finger.
The hidden figure smiled and vanished. The cook calmed her, and after eating, they washed her and dressed her in clean clothes. A while later, the obese man returned.
— We're leaving, little one.
— Where to? And… where's my mommy? I don't want to go —she whimpered.
— We have to go. Your mother is dead… and your father too. There's nothing left for you here.
Those words were like lashes to her soul.
— That's not true! My mommy and daddy aren't dead… you're a mean, ugly man! —she stomped on his foot and threw a tantrum.
The man yelped in pain.
— Brat, don't test me. —He raised his hand to strike her, but another hand caught his wrist mid-swing.
— What do you think you're doing? —The newcomer's presence made the obese man quake— That's no way to discipline a child.
— Sir… Gino, I was just…
— Don't say a word. Who is she? —he asked calmly. Estrella stared at him, wide-eyed.
— She's Minao's daughter. Word came that he's dead; there's no point in her staying here.
The girl broke into a hollow sob that stirred something in Gino. He crouched to her height.
— Crying won't fix anything, little one —he said, resting a hand on her head— You see… the world is a cruel place, a jungle where only the strongest survive.
She quieted a little, her sad eyes meeting his cold, unblinking gaze.
— That's better. What's your name?
— Estrella —she sniffled.
— Estrella… I like it. Maybe you'll become a light that shines through this eternal night.
She studied the bandages on his arms that reached to his elbows, his white open-collared shirt revealing a tattoo of circles within circles, his unshakable eyes, and the serpent-shaped scar across his face.
— You're a bad man —she said, reading his expression.
Gino smiled without showing his teeth.
— Depends who you ask.
— My mommy says bad men look bad… and feel bad.
— She might be right… but she's dead now. And so is your father.
Tears welled again.
— Crying won't get you anywhere. You have to take that pain and turn it into strength. Tell me, what are you going to do?
— I… don't know.
— Do you know what revenge is? —The girl looked up.
— It's hurting the one who hurt you first.
— Exactly. So what are you going to do?
— Avenge my father's death.
— No. Your father's death doesn't need avenging. He was a killer, born under a curse. Do you know what curse?
She shook her head.
— His surname. He was an Omeraje… a cursed clan. Your father died fulfilling his purpose. A killer like him isn't avenged—his legacy is continued.
— What about my mother?
— Her… you can avenge. Do you want to?
The girl thought for a moment.
— Yes.
Gino smiled and rose to his feet.
— Listen, idiot, the girl's coming with me. She'll carry on her father's legacy.
— But sir… her father didn't finish the job. We were going to offer her as collateral.
— Listen closely: if anyone lays a hand on this girl… I don't care who it is… I'll kill them. Do you understand?
— Sir… and the job Minao left unfinished?
— It's on hold. —His eyes darkened— We can't move while the target is sheltered in one of the Silver Union's nations. That wouldn't be a smart move.
— Understood, sir.
— Have him watched. Once he's in our sights… eliminate him.
— As you command, sir.
— Now tell me… was it you who killed this girl's mother?
— Yes, sir.
Gino's smile twisted.
— Then hide where I can't find you… because one day, she'll come for your head.
The fat man swallowed hard.
— Come on, little one —said Gino, walking toward the exit. The girl followed.
Days later, Gino sat in the courtyard of his home. Little Estrella played with a colorful ball in the pool. He watched her until a presence approached.
— What the hell are you doing here? —Gino snapped.
— I couldn't believe what I heard… you adopting a girl. Now that's rich.
— Get out —Gino growled.
— The girl is collateral, since the mission failed.
— I'm not handing her over. She has our blood too.
— I doubt the Patriarch cares. A deal's a deal.
— This one's off. She's with me now, and I'll kill anyone who comes near her.
— We knew you'd say that, so I came to offer you a deal.
— A deal?
— Yes. —The silence between them was suffocating.
— Spit it out, damn it.
— The Patriarch wants you to enter Rundoria, kill the king, and bring back the three divine scrolls they keep.
Gino said nothing.
— What do you say? If you do this, no one will bother you about the girl… and we'll pay you a fortune.
— Fine. But if anyone touches her while I'm gone…
— Yes, yes, we know that threat already.
Estrella's ball rolled to Gino's feet. She ran to retrieve it. He bent down, picked it up, and handed it to her.
— Mr. Gino… who's that man?
The visitor, cloaked in invisibility, froze—the child could see him.
— A friend. Keep playing.
— Now I see why you kept her… she has an amazing gift.
— Get out. Tell the Patriarch I'll leave tonight.
That night, blood would run in Rundoria.