Chapter 3 The Tower Master
A memory suddenly flashes in my mind.
I remember that people on Earth believed Lumea Hartiei was the "Paper World," a place where fictional characters from books existed.
Children with vivid imaginations thought that this world was real because they had seen it in their dreams.
Adults, however, claimed that everything was merely fiction—a creation of our imagination.
Their theory about this world was never proven true.
Because Lumea Hartiei is not real.
Is it?
There are things that can be seen and things our human eyes cannot perceive, making our world full of mystery.
Even brilliant scientists struggle to provide solid evidence for their beliefs about the cosmos and human existence.
Behind every door and every path lies a hidden mystery; we only need to believe—and be willing to consider the unimaginable.
I spent six years learning everything there was to know about this world.
During that time, I discovered that I had transmigrated into a world called Ghradeus and that I am one of the Ghlorexian race, inhabitants of the Upper World—where the Kingdom of Chrolexia, also known as the Kingdom of Magic, is located.
The world of Ghradeus is one of the many hidden dimensions unknown to humans. According to my research, this world consists of seven great kingdoms and two distinct races.
In the Upper World, there are:
Chrolexia (the Kingdom of Magic)
Ellioness (the Kingdom of Beasts)
Taurel (the Kingdom of the Green Forest)
Egon (the Kingdom of Warriors)
In the Underworld, there are:
Shuiyang (the Kingdom of Water)
Animarum (the Kingdom of Souls)
Sapientia (the Kingdom of Wisdom)
The two races are the Ghlorexians, who live in the Upper World, and the Zhaldeus, who inhabit the Underworld.
Although this world is different and their ways of life are outdated, it is still comparable to Earth.
Their fashion and architecture resemble 18th-century styles, combining Georgian and Victorian elements.
Living here feels like living in an old era on Earth.
People do not use automobiles or advanced technology; instead, they rely on pure magic and magic stones.
Because in this world, magic truly exists.
The more mana you possess, the more gifted, wealthy, and respected you are.
Witches, monsters, wizards, fairies, and other fantastical creatures—those that exist only in Earth's storybooks—are real here.
Crazy, right?
For six long years, I lived among these people and slowly accepted the fact that I could never return to Earth.
Well, people because of some circumstances.
I failed.
Yes, I'm still with the supervillain, Vladimir. Regrettably, my attempt to stop associating with him failed.
I am currently 18 years old—the same age as Vladimir.
If I remember correctly, my first month here was the most chaotic of all.
Yet, I blended in rather well with the locals.
Of course, I experienced cultural shock—especially since I had just turned thirteen at that time.
Thanks to the novel, I remembered every detail about Lady Estelle and the world of Ghradeus.
I decided I would not associate with the real villain.
But I didn't know he could be so terrifying.
And possessive.
He wouldn't let me go.
I first met the villain in my garden...
Flashback
I developed a liking for sunflowers, so I often strolled through the garden.
I was busy admiring the flowers when someone suddenly grabbed my left wrist. I nearly lost my balance, but the person unexpectedly steadied me.
Whoa, that was close.
But what the hell is wrong with this person?
His cold voice and emotionless face sent shivers down my spine.
He looked pissed. Was it me? Did I offend him?
Wait a minute.
This kid... no way.
Enigmatic sharp black eyes, long lashes, perfect brows, a sharp nose, hair as black as night, fair skin, tall for his age, and rosy red lips.
Just as described in the novel.
This must be the villain—Vladimir de Russ.
He dragged me into the mansion and forced me to sit on a chair. This brat! We're just thirteen-year-old kids, but his strength is unbelievable!
I watched him silently while he prepared tea on the table.
I had a plan, right?
I shouldn't get involved with him.
I should tell him to piss off.
He stopped pouring the tea. The atmosphere instantly turned cold.
I should act like a child, right? That should work. My body is thirteen, but I'm Iris—a young adult from Earth.
Was I supposed to write him letters?
The air in the room suddenly felt heavy.
What is this pressure?
Sh*t. The room is getting ominous and dim.
He wasn't even looking at me, yet I could feel the sharpness in his words. It felt like something was wrapping around me—choking me. I was terrified. I couldn't move. My breathing became heavy.
Is he trying to kill me?
hiccups
I was so scared that I hiccuped unconsciously.
He moved away from the table, and the chair I was sitting on slid toward him—while he remained seated.
Magic.
His face was suddenly close to mine. I could hear my own heartbeat pounding loudly in my ears.
He's just a kid.
But he radiates too much pressure.
It's dangerous.
He pointed at my nose with his index finger and said—
So that was the flashback.
I couldn't run away from him. He was too possessive of our friendship. He hated it when I hid from him, avoided him, or refused to eat the food he gave me.
He's too controlling!
I don't deserve this!
I have my own life too!
Was I evil in my past life to deserve being treated like this?
Argh!
Now I'm staring at him with a dissatisfied expression.
His face looks innocent and beautiful—that's why it's hard to believe he's the villain of this world.
As I was about to sit beside him on top of the terrace railing, I suddenly realized—
We were at the top of the tower.
I immediately stepped back.
He looked at me with innocent eyes, no emotion visible on his perfect face.
He hates it when I swear.
I turned my back on him.
I turned to look at him as the cold wind passed between us.
door opens
Vladimir's secretary entered.
Though only eighteen years old, his responsibilities as the Tower's Master are immense. He is the most powerful wizard in Ghradeus. Even kings and soldiers fear him. He was born powerful—a genius.
Luckily, he hasn't gone insane and slaughtered all the kings.
Why?
Because he's infamous for being abrasive, cruel, domineering, and wicked. He has killed thousands simply because he was pissed.
That's why he's called the "Angel of Death."
Although feared by many, some women are still attracted to him because of his heavenly yet lethal beauty.
Nonsense, right?
The worst part?
There are rumors about him and me.
They say I'm unfortunate. That I'm tied to the devil. That death will come for me and haunt me in my dreams.
Well...
It's not entirely false.
Anyway—
I suddenly realized something.
This terrace connects to his room.
Wait.
This is his ROOM!?
Is he crazy!?
Why did he bring me here? I'm a lady!
That stupid, know-it-all jerk! So unethical!
clang
The door is locked!
He locked me inside his room!
These past few months, I've definitely offended him. But it's because he won't listen! Every time I reject him, his obsession only grows stronger.
What is missing here?
How did we meet in the original story?
What does he mean when he says he will always be with me?
The novel never mentioned our first meeting.
Something is missing.
bang!
I turned around at the loud noise.
A man stood there, dressed in black, wearing a black mask.
An assassin.
I tried to run toward the bathroom to hide, but he was faster.
The assassin used wind magic to attack me. I was blown backward and slammed into the wall.
A mage?
F*ck, my back hurts like hell.
I'm dizzy...
Just as he was about to attack me again—
I saw Vladimir.
He was using his magic to choke the assassin midair.
The last thing I remember was his face.
Was I imagining it?
He looked anxious.
He was shouting my name.
Everything became blurry before my eyes closed.
cracking sounds
The wall began to crack from the pressure of his overwhelming magic.
The tower started shaking.
Vladimir looked at Estelle and gently caressed her pale face.
Thunder