Flashback — 200 Years Ago
The Calamity War had finally come to an end. Black smoke still lingered in the sky, yet the world rejoiced under a single name—Celis Meyer—the hero who had struck down the Demon King with unparalleled lightning magic. The title Phantom Thunder spread across the continent, whispered with awe and reverence.
In the land of Farmedas—then a newly established kingdom of humankind—Celis walked casually through the marketplace alongside his younger brother, Barthold. The market was warm and lively; merchants called out to customers, children ran between stalls, and the wind carried the scent of freshly baked bread.
"Look! That's Hero Celis!" some townsfolk exclaimed when they noticed him.
Celis turned and smiled. He approached a small child staring at him with sparkling eyes.
"Hello there, little one," he said gently, patting the child's head.
The child giggled. More people gathered, respectful yet friendly.
"We heard today a new king will be crowned," one of them said. "They say he'll be the first human king of Farmedas."
Celis nodded. "That's right. As for my brother, Barthold Meyer, he'll be staying here as a citizen of Farmedas."
Barthold greeted them with a shy smile, earning warm nods in return.
"Then what about you, Sir Celis?" the man asked. "Will you stay here as well?"
Celis looked up at the sky for a moment before answering. "It seems I'll be returning to my homeland… Alcarius."
The townsfolk looked disappointed. "That's a shame. Many people here hoped you would become our king."
Celis laughed softly, his expression warm yet carrying unspoken secrets. "Haha… that won't happen. The world still needs me elsewhere."
He waved lightly, his steps unburdened, as if the weight of the world had never rested on his shoulders.
"I should go meet the new king now. Until next time," he said, walking away with Barthold.
The people watched his retreating figure—a simple man wielding power capable of shaking the world. None of them realized that this small conversation would mark the beginning of a tragedy that would echo two centuries later.
The coronation that day was magnificent. From the balcony of the newly built palace, King Albert addressed the people with a dignified smile. Cheers filled the air, banners fluttered, and royal music echoed throughout the plaza.
Standing beside the king was Celis Meyer, hero of the Calamity War, accompanied by elite soldiers who had once fought alongside him. His presence ignited the crowd even more; the name Phantom Thunder was shouted more often than the king's own.
As noon approached, Celis was seen relaxing in the palace garden with Barthold and Barthold's wife, who was pregnant with their first child. A cool breeze drifted through the garden, giving the moment a peaceful air.
"You're really settled on staying in Farmedas?" Celis asked, plucking a blade of grass between his fingers.
"Yes," Barthold replied, smiling gently at his wife. "The Meyer family is treated well here, just like in Alcarius. There's nothing for you to worry about. Besides, my wife is a native of Farmedas."
Celis nodded. "That's good to hear. I'll be meeting King Albert shortly. He said there's something important he wants to discuss."
"Then we'll take our leave," Barthold said.
They waved goodbye, and Barthold returned home with his wife. Celis headed into the palace, his steps light—unaware of the dark shadow already waiting inside.
In the main hall, King Albert paced restlessly. Before him stood the Prime Minister, posture impeccable, eyes glinting with calculation.
"This is a serious problem…" the king muttered, rubbing his face. "I'm receiving too much criticism. The people want Celis as king, not me."
The Prime Minister bowed politely. "You're right, Your Majesty. Celis's popularity threatens your position. However… there is no need to worry. I have a proposal."
The king stopped and looked at him eagerly. "What is it?"
"Celis will be meeting you tonight, correct?"
The king nodded.
The Prime Minister smiled thinly—a smile that promised no good. He leaned in and whispered a plan into the king's ear.
The king fell silent… but he did not refuse.
As dusk slowly descended, the first act of betrayal against the Meyer family began to move.
That night, the Farmedas palace was lit by torchlight. The cool night wind flowed through the long corridors leading to the throne hall. Celis arrived slightly late—the clock had passed seven thirty—yet the hall doors stood wide open, as if waiting for him.
He stepped inside with firm strides, his white cloak swaying gently. At the far end of the hall, King Albert Adnan sat upon his throne, gazing at Celis with a faint smile.
"King Albert Adnan," Celis said, bowing respectfully. "I've come to report."
"What is it, Celis? Speak," the king replied calmly, though something in his gaze felt off.
Celis raised his head. "I will be returning to Alcarius for quite some time. There are important matters I must attend to."
The king frowned slightly. "What matters?"
"First, I must report that the mission to liberate Farmedas from the Demon King was a success," Celis answered. "After that, I'll be heading to the Silver Holy Sea."
"The Silver Holy Sea?" The king looked surprised.
Celis smiled faintly. "Yes. I'll resume leadership of the Phantom Hunters. For the next fourteen years or so, we'll work to prevent potential world-ending calamities—or at the very least, pave a path of hope for my descendants, for the world, and for the future."
The king nodded slowly. "In that case… accept my gift, Celis."
He raised his hand. "Guards!"
Two soldiers stepped forward, carrying a gleaming sword atop a black cushion. Celis turned to receive the gift, his expression gentle and respectful toward the symbol of inter-kingdom friendship.
But as he reached out—
THUD!
The sword in the soldier's hands pierced straight through his chest. Celis's eyes widened, blood spilling from his mouth.
"You… bastard…!" he hissed.
He tried to raise his hand, attempting to summon magic. But before mana could gather—
SWING!
In a single swift strike, King Albert himself beheaded Celis from behind. His body collapsed, as if time itself had frozen.
That grand hall became the witness to the darkest betrayal in Farmedas's history.
The king stared at the headless corpse of the hero and spoke calmly, as though he had committed no grave sin.
"From this night onward… Celis Meyer no longer exists."
By royal command, Celis's body was concealed. The next day, the kingdom announced that the hero had vanished without a trace. The Meyer family's noble status was stripped away, citing Barthold's alleged negligence in protecting his brother.
King Albert added one final, horrifying decree:
"Anyone who speaks of Celis Meyer… or questions my decision… will be deemed an enemy of the kingdom."
And from that night on, the name Meyer sank into fear and oppression that would last for two hundred years.