Kaseun had been busy since the morning. As soon as he woke up, he received word that mercenaries had committed a murder within the castle. Upon learning that the victims were Yuda Arshe’s family, he quickly prepared to head out and made his way to the temple.
After hearing a brief account from Paladin Seron, Kaseun sought his advice. Was there any way to help the child? Seron mentioned the concept of guardianship, explaining that since the child belonged to a fallen noble family, becoming a guardian would require the lord’s permission.
The process wasn’t overly complicated. The lord of Serenia Castle quickly granted approval and issued a certificate. Afterward, Kaseun went straight to the mercenary guild to confront them about the incident. In an unprecedented move, the guild confiscated all the assets left behind by the two deceased mercenaries and handed them over as an apology. Normally, receiving such compensation from the mercenary guild was nearly impossible.
This was only possible because of the influence wielded by Kaseun Sabnak.
Though he had retired from the front lines, in his prime he was one of the rare mercenary kings who held a platinum badge as a〈Spirit Sword Bearer〉. He had even been granted the honorary noble title of Baekje.
With such a reputation backing him, the mercenary guild had no choice but to comply when he demanded compensation for the child he’d taken under his wing as a guardian.
Above all, he was a source of pride for the guild—a living legend.
After settling everything, Kaseun went to find Yuda.
Seeing Yuda gazing up at the statue of Holy King Yophiel in the temple’s chapel tugged at his heart, though he also felt a sense of pride. Yuda wasn’t shedding tears or wallowing in despair.
There was an air of acceptance about him. Kaseun approached, exchanged greetings, and led Yuda out of the temple.
On the other hand, Yuda couldn’t help but wonder about the oddly satisfied expression on Kaseun’s face.
Why would a legendary hero with a platinum badge, a 〈Spirit Sword Bearer〉, feel indebted to Yuda’s father and go to such lengths to help? According to the setup, it was simply stated that “Yuda’s father had helped him settle in Serenia Castle.” The way the story tied together intrigued him, but the timing didn’t feel right to ask. He decided to save it for later. For now, the key point was that Kaseun had become his guardian. Nothing else mattered.
“By the way, there are so many people here.”
Explaining now, but the castle named Serenia is also known as the homeland of adventurers. Relics from the ancient Magical Empire have been pouring out of this region. These artifacts fetch high prices, drawing adventurers hoping to strike it rich overnight.
But all that remains here is the glory of the past. Now, it’s a treacherous land overrun by monsters, devoid of living humans or intelligent non-human races.
Even so, as adventurers kept flocking in, the population naturally grew large enough to establish a city. Two hundred years ago, a man resolved to build a settlement here.
Blessed with remarkable charisma and leadership, he was the renowned 〈Spirit Sword Bearer〉named Piercen. He rallied adventurers, mercenaries, and merchants, constructing a castle at the only pass between two mountain ranges. Naming it after the region, he called it “Serenia Castle.
He poured his entire fortune into the endeavor, working tirelessly for the settlers’ convenience and securing supplies from outside through his connections. He also appealed to two neighboring nations—〈The Knight’s Land, Philoria〉 and 〈The Land of Revelry, Urun〉—for support.
Blessed with remarkable charisma and leadership, he was the renowned 〈Spirit Sword Bearer〉 named Piercen. He rallied adventurers, mercenaries, and merchants, constructing a castle at the only pass between two mountain ranges. Naming it after the region, he called it “Serenia Castle.”
He argued that as long as Serenia Castle stood, the monsters in the area wouldn’t spill into the inland regions. Moreover, adventurers seeking the Magical Empire’s relics would naturally visit those nations, bringing profit. His diplomatic efforts paid off, and all the nations of the First Continent agreed to designate this area as a neutral zone.
Lord Piercen had no reason to object. If nobles from other nations caused trouble here, extraterritorial rights wouldn’t apply. The nations that supported the neutral zone had already signed a treaty: if their nobles committed crimes in Serenia Castle, they wouldn’t protest even if the lord executed them on the spot. Thanks to this, Serenia Castle quickly stabilized, and other countries came to view it as a small city-state. Even if a handful of rowdy troublemakers stirred up chaos, they were like boars kicking up a fuss in front of an elephant—no match for the lord, a 〈Spirit Sword Bearer〉, and his skilled subordinates.
Through military might and diplomatic finesse, Serenia Castle achieved both stability and growth—an accomplishment from 200 years ago. Fifty years after its founding, fragments of Ferlnern fell from the sky, attracting even more adventurers, mercenaries, and nobles.
Serenia Castle flourished brilliantly, gradually expanding its territory. Today, it stands as a fortified citadel protected by triple walls. Remarkably, the Piercen family seems to have some secret knack, as they’ve maintained the prestigious title of 〈Spirit Sword Bearer〉 across generations.
…A know how? Hardly.
“It’s just how I set it up.”
But while he knew the broad strokes, the finer details eluded him.
One thing was certain: even now, the floating population within the castle was sizable, and it would only grow in the future. That much was clear.
And for good reason—most of the fragments that had fallen across this world had already found owners. Yet the fragment said to have landed in the Serenia region remained undiscovered, even after 150 years. In a territory so vast it rivaled an empire, finding a fragment whose location was unknown—deep within monster-infested lands—was a daunting task for most adventurers and mercenaries.
Still, if one could claim a fragment, it might be worth risking their life for. Many ventured in without hesitation, though a great number never returned.
The reason they kept coming was the immense power these fragments held.
Obtain a fragment, and fear becomes obsolete. It could secure a high-ranking position in the empire or even a marriage into a royal family. It promised not just a fortune but glory beyond imagination. Naturally, countless others would continue to pour in, chasing that dream.
Lost in such thoughts as he walked, Kaseun spoke up beside him.
“Aren’t you hungry?”
True enough, he hadn’t eaten anything since the soup and bread he’d had for breakfast.
After running around the temple all morning at such an active age, it was only natural his stomach would growl.
“Yes, a little.”
“Then let’s go eat something delicious.”
Kaseun led him to a bakery specializing in sandwiches. When Yuda stepped inside, he was taken aback. Naturally, this world had “magic”, and it was surprisingly commonplace. The place was as clean as a modern chain store, and a refreshing coolness greeted him as he entered. It wasn’t just his imagination; he could feel the pleasant chill on his fingertips and skin.
“Haha, why do you look so surprised? It’s like it’s your first time here.”
Yuda forced a smile.
“…Oh, it is my first time here. It’s amazing—hot outside, but so cool in here.”
“That’s the power of magic and money.”
Maybe this world wasn’t such a bad place to live after all. Sure, there were no computers or TVs, but with magic’s unique power, things like refrigerators, air conditioners, fans, and lights were easy to replicate. Of course, enjoying such luxuries required money…a critical resource. He glanced at Kaseun beside him.
With a former platinum-badge mercenary king by his side, why worry about funds?
Until he came of age, he could surely live comfortably.
“Here, pick whatever you want! Today,” Kaseun said, thumping his chest with a hearty thud, “I’ll treat you to everything!”
Yuda chuckled at his bold declaration. Taking him at his word, he selected about six sandwiches from the display. Kaseun didn’t ask if he could finish them all—instead, he said to grab more later if it wasn’t enough.
As soon as Yuda picked his sandwiches, Kaseun paid and they sat at a table.
Wow—
They looked delicious. The sandwich he lifted with both hands was impressively hearty. Between soft bread slices were layers of sweet jam, crisp cabbage, juicy fruit, and tender meat.
Taking a big bite, he found it even tastier than he’d expected.
He devoured one in no time and reached for the next.
“Eat slowly, and have some milk too,” Kaseun said.
Yuda didn’t refuse. With his mouth stuffed full of bread, he washed it down with generous gulps of milk whenever it got stuck.
It was delicious and filling. By the fourth sandwich, Kaseun laughed, saying, “You eat well, it’s nice to see.”
By the fifth, Yuda finally felt his stomach getting full, and his eating pace naturally slowed.
“Listen while you eat,” Kaseun began. “I asked for your parents’ bodies to be buried in the communal cemetery. You can visit them tomorrow.”
“…Okay.”
“You’ve probably heard, but I’m your guardian now. You know what that means, right?”
“Yes. It means you’ll look after me until I’m an adult.”
Kaseun nodded.
Though his body was that of a child, the soul inside was twenty-four years old.
Sure, it was a pitiful soul that had aged without much wisdom, but he at least understood the meaning of basic terms.
“How about living with me at my house from now on? It’s not far from here, so you could visit your old place anytime you feel nostalgic.”
“…No, I’d rather keep living in my old house.”
It was a kind offer, but not something to decide rashly.
“Then what about food?”
“I can manage. If I have ingredients, I can cook well enough.”
He had lived on his own for about two years. Mostly ordering takeout, sure, but he wasn’t hopeless at simple cooking. Sensing his firm resolve, Kaseun frowned slightly. He doubted a kid could cook anything impressive but held his tongue. Deciding to let it slide for a few days, he nodded.
“Don’t worry.”
“Hm?”
Kaseun flinched, widening his eyes. Yuda paused his eating, looked up at him, and continued.
“It’s not stubbornness. I just thought that, given the situation, I should learn to live on my own. It’s something I’d have to do eventually, right? I’m just starting a bit earlier.”
“…”
It was almost as if Yuda had read his mind and responded—though it was surely a coincidence. Still, those weren’t words a child would say. No seven-year-old thinks like that. It made Kaseun worry more, but it also forced him to reassess Yuda.
…He’s mature.
This wasn’t an ordinary kid. Realizing he’d been left alone in the world, he was already preparing to stand on his own. Growing up so fast at an age when he should be carefree felt bittersweet, but Kaseun found himself admiring the boy. Becoming his guardian didn’t seem like a mistake.
“Alright, then live on your own for a while. If it gets tough, you can come to my place anytime. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you.”
“For what? It’s only natural as your guardian. If anything troubles you, just tell me.”
Kaseun gave a warm smile and finally picked up the sandwich in front of him.
It seemed he’d have his work cut out for him until he could bring this kid home.
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***Author’s Note***
Q: But author, if the protagonist painstakingly collects all 24 fragments and other lords get greedy, start a fight, or try to steal them, won’t the protagonist just die?
A: Haha, that could happen, but this world is built on a game’s foundation. As long as the story follows the game’s narrative, there’s no need to worry about that. Even if it comes to that, there are about three safeguards in place:
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Ferlnern, the owner of the fragments, isn’t dead yet.
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Yuda has a reliable backer in 〈Sian〉—though whether they’ll help is uncertain.
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Even if he dies, he’ll revive back to the day he acquired the fragment.
Looks like there’s nothing to worry about!
