The Fateful Three-Legged Race

Once, the world was torn apart by the war of demons, but legendary heroes who mastered mighty magic managed to drive them out and wrest the land back for people. People immediately fought among themselves, founding many countries. The most powerful state is considered to be the Roland Empire, sprawling across the south of the continent. But it too suffered greatly from a recent clash with neighboring states, in which the ruler and the cream of knighthood perished.

The new emperor was chosen from the hero of that war—a young nobleman Sion Astal—who relied on comrades from the Imperial Academy, where the best mage-warriors are trained. Sion took on the heavy cross of power, knowing that he didn’t win the war himself—so the friend who truly created victory must not be allowed anywhere near the throne—even by a kilometer! The best friend’s name is Rainer Luth, and he is the most terrible person in the world. First, because he possesses the Alpha Stigma—an ancient gift that allows him to recognize, copy, and reproduce any magic. And second, because he doesn’t need anything at all in life. So where can you put someone like that? Preferably farther away, so he can go search for the artifacts of legendary heroes—and maybe the throne will be strengthened, since the old aristocracy has already started showing claws.

But since Rainer won’t go far on his own, the treacherous Sion assigns him a partner—the swordswoman Ferris, a smart and sharp-tongued girl, though she has her own weaknesses. And for extra insurance (power corrupts people), the emperor has kept the mission secret so thoroughly that neighboring countries believe Rainer and Ferris are spies, while his own people think they’re fugitives and traitors. And so the sweet couple goes wandering the world, periodically asking: does it all need to happen to them? But it will… (c)