The Kastoria Kingdom, a renowned realm within the vast expanse of the Holy Continent, proudly stood as a beacon of prosperity and resilience. Nestled precariously close to the foreboding Demon Kingdom of Tenebria, Kastoria had, for centuries, fortified itself against relentless demon incursions.
Its reputation was one of enduring strength and unwavering courage, a testament to its people’s tenacity and the divine favor of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu.
Despite the constant threat posed by its nefarious neighbor, the kingdom thrived, its citizens growing accustomed to the demonic presence that loomed just beyond their borders. This familiarity bred a unique fearlessness, setting Kastoria apart from other realms that quaked at the mere mention of demons.
Blessed by the radiant Amaterasu, the kingdom’s spirit remained unbroken, a shining example of divine protection and mortal resolve.
A year prior, the kingdom’s fortunes took a remarkable turn. With Amaterasu’s blessing, the legendary Moon Princess Kaguya summoned a group of Heroes. Unlike a typical princess, Kaguya was more akin to a celestial envoy, a divine messenger sent by Amaterasu to guide and support these summoned saviors. Her presence was a tangible link to the divine, an assurance of the gods’ favor upon Kastoria.
The summoned Heroes, originating from a distant land called Japan, quickly adapted to their new roles. Far from being disoriented by their abrupt transition, they embraced their destiny with enthusiasm. Their rapid progress and growing strength were clear indications of the potent blessings they received.
This was no mere coincidence; their homeland had a storied tradition of heroic summons, and they welcomed the call to arms with an almost predestined readiness.
Within the grand confines of Kastoria’s palace, the very hall where the Heroes had first materialized stood a figure of ethereal beauty and grace. Kaguya, the Moon Princess, possessed an otherworldly allure. Her jet-black hair cascaded down to her waist, a striking contrast to her alabaster skin.
Clad in a pristine kimono-like dress, her serene countenance and pure white eyes exuded an aura of calm and divine authority. She gazed at the statue of Amaterasu with a contemplative, neutral expression, lost in silent communion with her goddess.
Her reverie was interrupted by the slow creaking of the hall’s massive doors. A guard’s respectful voice echoed through the chamber, “Lady Kaguya, the Heroes are here.”
The sound of numerous footsteps followed, heralding the arrival of the summoned saviors. A tall, robust young man with distinctly Japanese features stepped forward, his grin brimming with confidence. “It’s finally time, huh?” he exclaimed, his voice filled with eager anticipation.
This was Futaki Yusuke, the most physically imposing among his peers, his muscular frame a testament to his formidable strength.
“You’re being noisy, Futaki-kun,” a lean, bespectacled young man retorted, adjusting his glasses with a sigh of exasperation. This was Hondou Kazuto, known for his sharp intellect and calm demeanor.
“Fuck off, Hondou!” Yusuke shot back, irritation flickering in his eyes.
“Please stop fighting, guys,” interjected a third voice, exuding calm authority. This young man, with his short brown hair and light armor, was Nakamura Ryuuki. His striking handsomeness drew the admiring gazes of many, but it was his unparalleled skill that truly set him apart.
Possessing an SSS-rank skill as his primary ability, he was the undisputed leader of the Heroes, a mantle he wore with effortless grace.
“Why do you bother replying to him, Ryuuki-kun?” a pretty Japanese girl interjected, her tone tinged with annoyance. Her light brown hair was elegantly tied back, complementing her light brown eyes. This was Suzuki Yumiko, one of their school’s most admired beauties. Her delicate features belied her formidable strength, having awakened an SS Skill.
She wore a light armor, her skirt hemmed just above her knees, showcasing a tantalizing glimpse of her thighs, while her legs were encased in snug tights. Her proximity to Ryuuki hinted at a possible affection for him, a crush that seemed almost evident.
“Do we really have to go somewhere? I’m already exhausted,” complained another strikingly beautiful girl with honey-blonde hair meticulously tied back. Her attire was more ornamental than practical, accentuating her graceful figure. Her demeanor and appearance exuded the essence of a young lady from a noble Japanese household.
This was Yanagi Rena, flanked by two of her friends who nodded in agreement.
“It can’t be helped, Rena-san.”
“Do they really need us for mere demons?”
“Stop acting foolish, you two,” an irritated voice cut through their complaints.
The two girls turned, their grumbles stifled into silence. Before them stood two stunningly beautiful twins, the very embodiment of perfect Japanese beauty. The one who had spoken had her jet-black hair tied in a side ponytail, her attire resembling a kimono top paired with a knee-length skirt. Her eyes were such a deep brown they appeared almost black. This was Arima Ayaka.
Next to her, silently exuding a calm and cold yet serene aura, was her twin sister, Akane. With long dark hair tied with a black ribbon, she wore an expression of composed tranquility, enhancing her already striking features. Unlike Ayaka, Akane was clad in a black kimono, her legs fully covered in black pantyhose. Both sisters had katana hanging from their waists, and both possessed SS rank skills.
“Would you stop bullying my friends, Ayaka-san?” Rena asked, her smile not reaching her eyes. There was a palpable tension between her and Ayaka, a mutual disdain rooted in their equality in beauty and intelligence. Though Rena held an S-Rank skill, it paled slightly in comparison to Ayaka’s SS Skill, a fact that pricked at Rena’s pride.
Ayaka’s dark eyes narrowed slightly, but she maintained her composure. “We’re not here to coddle each other, Rena-san. If you can’t handle a bit of honesty, perhaps you should reconsider your place among us.”
Rena’s friends shifted uncomfortably, glancing between the two with nervous expressions.
Alongside Rena and Yumiko, they were considered the four greatest beauties of their class. Their allure was so captivating that they were frequently wooed by the nobles of Kastoria, yet none had succeeded in winning their hearts. Despite their exceptional beauty, it seemed to diminish in the presence of the figure before them.
“Thank you for coming early,” Kaguya said, turning to face them.
All the males in the room swallowed nervously. They had often seen Kaguya and her transcendent beauty, yet every encounter left them awestruck, their admiration mingled with a touch of intimidation. She was exactly as they had imagined the Princess Kaguya from their world, her ethereal presence both enchanting and overwhelming.
“Lady Kaguya,” Ryuuki stepped forward, his voice steady. “We are all ready to face the demons.”
“I hope so, my Heroes,” Kaguya responded with a small, graceful smile that made all the boys’ hearts skip a beat, much to Yumiko’s annoyance.
“But the demons will not be your main enemies,” Kaguya continued, shaking her head slightly.
“The Hero of Darkness.”