The kingdom of Herotica had long been a land of splendor, a realm where magic and might intertwined to protect its people from external threats. Yet, even such strength could not prevent betrayal from within. Eight years ago, the war against the Demon Lord raged on, and Isla's parents, the greatest swordsman and sage of their time, led the charge. Their bravery inspired legions, but envy and greed planted seeds of treachery in the hearts of their own captains. Poisoned and stabbed in the midst of battle, her parents' deaths plunged the war into a bitter stalemate, leaving the kingdom fractured and its people struggling to rebuild.
Now, Isla, an orphaned eight-year-old girl, stood as a shadow of her lineage. Her parents' legacy was whispered among the people of Herotica, but the same voices turned sharp with disdain when speaking of Isla. Despite her goofy, silly, and often mischievous nature, her heart carried a heavy burden—to prove she was more than just a tragic afterthought in her parents' legacy.
She attended the Academy of Magic and Swordsmanship, hoping to follow in her father's footsteps as a magic swordswoman. But control over mana eluded her, and her constant mistakes in class drew frustration from her teachers and ridicule from her peers. Unable to bear the isolation, Isla often sought attention in other ways: pulling pranks on townsfolk or causing harmless mischief around Herotica. Yet, these antics only deepened her reputation as an outcast.
One day, after a particularly embarrassing failure during a mana control lesson, a teacher named Jax approached her. His demeanor was kind, and his words were honeyed. "Isla, you have great potential. Your father's blood runs in your veins, and I know a way to unlock your true power," he said, crouching to meet her wide, curious eyes. "There's a scroll hidden in the Hall of Relics. It contains ancient techniques that could elevate your sword skills beyond anything taught here."
Her heart raced at the possibility. "Really? Why hasn't anyone told me about it before?" she asked, skepticism flickering briefly.
Jax's smile faltered only slightly. "Because they don't believe in you. But I do."
The words cut deep, resonating with her insecurities. That night, Isla snuck into the Hall of Relics, her small figure darting through the shadows. She found the scroll exactly where Jax had said it would be. Its leather casing glowed faintly under the moonlight, and an ominous chill prickled her skin as she unrolled it.
The forbidden scroll was unlike anything she'd seen before. The runes danced on the parchment, whispering promises of unparalleled power. Drawn by the allure, she began to read.
By the time the first rays of dawn painted the horizon, Isla had memorized the contents of the scroll. But her triumph was short-lived. Jax appeared, his once-friendly expression now twisted with greed. "Hand it over, girl. That scroll isn't meant for you."
Her homeroom teacher, Troy, arrived moments later, his face etched with concern. "Isla, put the scroll back. It's forbidden for a reason. It's dangerous."
Confused and afraid, Isla clutched the scroll tightly. "But… I can use this to become stronger! To prove to everyone—"
"That scroll will only bring ruin," Troy interrupted. "It's not worth the risk."
Before Isla could respond, Jax drew his blade. "She's seen too much. The scroll is mine!" He lunged at Isla, but Troy intercepted the attack, their swords clashing in a flurry of sparks.
The battle was fierce, but Jax's cunning proved deadly. With a feint and a sly maneuver, he delivered a devastating blow to Troy, who collapsed to his knees, blood staining the ground.
Fear surged through Isla as Jax turned his attention to her. But in that moment, the knowledge from the forbidden scroll awakened within her. The runes she'd memorized glowed faintly around her, and her body moved instinctively. Her father's sword techniques, amplified by her mother's magic, surged through her like a storm.
With newfound strength, Isla countered Jax's attacks, her blade glowing with ethereal energy. Their duel was brief but decisive. In a final, desperate strike, she unleashed a technique from the scroll, disarming Jax and incapacitating him.
Moments later, the town's army arrived, alerted by the commotion. They arrested Jax and tended to Troy's wounds. As he was carried away, Troy weakly smiled at Isla. "You're more important to this town than you realize," he said. "You have a long road ahead, but you don't have to walk it alone. I'll be here to help you become the swordswoman you're meant to be."
Tears blurred Isla's vision as she nodded. For the first time, she felt the weight of her potential—and the burden of her choices. Her journey was just beginning, and Herotica's fate might one day rest in her hands.