The modern world has evolved significantly since the beginning of the new era. Previously, individuals lacked the knowledge to harness their power effectively, utilizing it primarily for agriculture, fishing, and daily labor. This paradigm shifted following the ascension of the 10th King of Power.
Lee 'The Black Rose' Ji-eun, the 10th King of Power from the Bane nation, shattered every expectation as the first and only woman to claim the title of the world's mightiest mortal. Her brilliance and command over the ocean's depths made her legendary, but it was her vision that truly reshaped the age of power.
After Lee Ji-eun held the title, she established a new system worldwide that changed history forever. She created a job for people with powerful magic to be heroes who eliminate the world's bad side. She called it the Magic Knight. In the modern day, whoever graduated from the Noveum Academy will automatically be a Magic knight and serve the world.
Over time, the Magic Knight organization evolved into an independent agency, supported and recognized by nobles worldwide.
Lee Ji-eun not only became a symbol of hope and peace, but also a symbol of the modern era for people around the world. She held the title for 25 years before passing it on to the next in line.
Following Lee Ji-eun, no individual from the Bane nation held the title until Baek Joo-won became the 17th King of Power. Renowned for his swift water magic and combat agility, Baek Joo-won holds the record for the longest tenure, maintaining the title for 50 years after being crowned at age 24.
Baek Joo-won is also the founder of the Baek agency, but after the coronation, he must hand over leadership to someone else. He handed it to his little brother, who happens to be Baek Sa-on's father.
At age 25, Baek Sa-on was appointed head of the Baek Agency by his father. Under his leadership, the agency became one of the 'big three' and achieved global recognition as Baek Sa-on's reputation expanded.
Two years later, Baek Sa-on stood unrivaled, second only to his uncle, the 17th King of Power. No challenger dared approach his summit.
But it all came down from here for Baek Sa-on after a young man from the Modos nation named Alaric Balthazar rose to the top after just graduating from the Noveum Academy.
Upon graduation, Alaric was recruited by leading global agencies due to his exceptional flame magic. He declined these offers and instead established his own agency, utilizing his family's resources.
By age 21, Alaric was already compared to Baek Sa-on and regarded as a potential successor to the title of King of Power. However, a supporter of Baek Sa-on orchestrated a scandal, falsely accusing Alaric of impregnating two women from the Bane nation. Despite Alaric's denials, the allegations significantly damaged his reputation. The truth was revealed only after the 17th King of Power personally investigated the matter. Following the resolution, Alaric expressed his gratitude to the King of Power for exposing the falsehood.
"Thank you for everything. I hope I can repay you in the future, my King!" said Alaric, bowing his head toward Baek Joo-won.
"Raise your head, you have a bright future ahead of you, Alaric. I expect great things from you," said Baek Joo-won, smiling with hope at Alaric.
Baek Sa-on remained unaware that the scandal involving Alaric was orchestrated by his own supporter until his uncle, Baek Joo-won, informed him.
Baek Joo-won confronted Baek Sa-on, accusing him of disseminating the scandal about Alaric to the public.
"Sa-on, be honest with me now. Did you initiate the scandal involving Alaric?" Joo-won shouted at Sa-on in anger.
Baek Sa-on was shocked and confused by his uncle's accusation.
"What? I never do such a thing! How can you accuse me out of nowhere like this?" Said Baek Sa-on with a displeased expression.
Then Joo-won stated,
"The individual responsible for the scandal involving Alaric is your most ardent supporter. That is why," said Joo-won, looking at Sa-on with disappointment.
"I knew nothing about the scandal, let alone started it!" Sa-on shouted at Joo-won angrily before leaving.
After leaving, Sa-on felt devastated, as the person he admired most had accused him of an act he did not commit.
From that day forward, Baek Sa-on refused to speak to or even look at his uncle. No matter how many times Baek Joo-won tried to apologize, Sa-on's silence remained unbroken.
Three years passed, and Baek Sa-on's resentment only grew, reaching its peak on the day of the 18th King's coronation. He expected to be named successor, but his hopes were crushed when Alaric was chosen instead.
The rivalry ended in an instant as Alaric was declared the 18th King of Power. Sa-on struggled to maintain his composure in public, but behind closed doors, his fury erupted.
"I will kill you! I will kill you! I will kill you! I WILL KILL YOU!"
"All these years I looked up to you, and this is what I receive?"
"I will not forget this, you spiteful old man!"
Now, at 35, Baek Sa-on remains at the helm of the Baek Agency and is a father himself. Yet the fire of his anger toward the former King of Power has never dimmed, burning as fiercely as ever.
At 79 years old, the former King of Power's health is rapidly deteriorating. He is largely bedridden and unable to speak coherently. The attending physician has declared that he has only one month to live. The family is devastated by this prognosis, with most members overcome by grief, while one individual in the corner observes with a sinister smile.