Since the beginning of time, whether it was to satisfy their curiosity or open up doors to opportunities and go beyond our own limits, humankind had always been hungry for knowledge in some ways. And as technology continued to advance, our ambition too grew. We moved from simply uncovering the secrets of our planet to trying to uncover the mysteries of the great black void, otherwise known as the universe.

However, as if trying to solve the unsolvable, our confusion only grew stronger and stronger. That was until ten years ago, when [Infernum Online] came to be. Nobody knew who made it, and whoever cared enough to try and find out disappeared never to be seen again. Still, despite the possible dangers associated, the temptations were simply too... Great to ignore.

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Stationed inside the [Forbbiden Zone], near a small solar system that floated around indefinitely was an island the size of Japan. Its odd shape and the obviously man-made structures that stood high and tall defused any notions of it being just another random asteroid flying aimlessly through the vast cosmo. The still active mana barrier, which seperated this island and the space outside, only further strengthened this belief.

And if one took a closer look, they could most probably make out blurry figures of both humanoid and non-humanoid beings walking about, living their daily lives in peace and prosper on this very island. Perhaps, they might even mistake this for Heaven and the people who lived here for celestial beings, for to them, this was a sight that could never be found in the [Mortal Plane].

Unfortunately, this wasn't Heaven. But instead a Galatic Queendom governed by its one and only ruler, Her Majesty, Queen Lilith. Said Queen was also Julius' master. To the citizens of this Queendom, she might be nothing more than a figure they could never hope to reach, but that wasn't so for Julius. He had served the Queen long before she established this country. Back when she was still weak and inexperienced.

Lilith Encantado, that was her name.

In fact, it wouldn't be an overstatement to say he was the one who knew her the most. From her likes to dislikes, her worries to insecurities. As one could probably guess, the feelings he held for her weren't just simply that of a servant to his master or admiration, but also love. He didn't know how or when it happened, the one thing he did know was that he would protect her no matter what, or at least die trying. After all, she was his everything.

That was why he would most definitely not let her throw her life away like this. Thinking that to himself, Julius stood up, his hands moved towards the halberd hanging on his back. "I'm sorry your Majesty, but I cannot let you go." With that said, he drew his weapon, the same one she forged for him the day he achieved the [Human Form].

Looking at him weapon drawn, the Queen simply raised her eyebrow, unamused, while the other subordinates of hers, his comrades shouted in rage, demanding to know what he was doing. As all kinds of insults were hurled his way, Julius determinedly stood his ground. "You know you aren't my opponent, right?" She asked him, her voice seemed soft and relaxed, as if to coax a child into submission.

He knew she was telling the truth. He simply wasn't her opponent, she could probably defeat him with an eye closed. But that was fine, he wasn't going to fight her to begin with, just the thoughts of pointing a weapon at her made his heart ache. Instead, he put the blade against his neck. "I know." A soft yet helpless smile plastered in his face as he answered knowingly.

As expected, the moment she saw blood roll down the small, swallow cut on his neck. The Queen stuttered, her eyes widened in shock and confusion. "Wha-at are you doing?!" In her hands, golden glows of magic had already been ignited. If it really came down to it, she wouldn't hesitate to fight him, so this was the only way he could think of.

As her right hand man, he naturally understood how confident she was in her strength, that's why he never stopped her from doing all the reckless things she wanted. But that thing wasn't something that could be killed by normal means. Last time someone challenged that thing, they brought an entire army comprised of [Outsider], and still they were wiped out. He'd be damned if he willingly allowed her to fight that thing alone.

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In fact, if she was like the other [Outsider], he wouldn't mind her fighting it at all, but the Queen, her Majesty was different. Unlike those [Outsider], she couldn't revive after death. This was something she told him years ago. Meaning once she died, she died for good. There was no going back, no resurrection, at that time Lilith would be no more. And to him, a life without her wasn't that different from death itself.

He believed he wasn't the only one to think this. Most of the people in this Queendom, including him were once slaves, or those who were forsaken by their own worlds. It was she that took them in, gave them a home, a family, a purpose in life. Without her, it wouldn't be long 'till this Queendom started to fall apart. That's why...

"Your Majesty, I ask of you, please reconsider your desicion...!" He asked once more, hoping to reach her with his feelings. Then, in a tacit understanding, the others, his comrades, those who had also recieved her grace too fell down on their knees. "Please reconsider your desicion, your Majesty!"

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Lilith frown deepened as she stared at her familiars in frustration. She never knew NPCs could be this fucking stubborn since they normally listened to whatever she said. She couldn't even comprehend what was going on anymore. Exhausted, she fell on her throne, her eyes never once left these subordinates of hers. For a short moment she wondered if she had been too easy on them.

Familiars were beings tamed by an [Outsider], another way to call a player. As they're familiars, they could be controlled by ultilising the marks tattoed on them when the two sides made a contract. In other words, she could force them to do what they wouldn't normally do with magic. But the NPCs of [Infernum] were simply too... Real for her to do that. Controlling sentinent beings just felt wrong somehow.

She didn't mind killing one, however enslaving them was a completely different matter altogether. Perhaps she was being stupid, maybe she should've put them in line right away, then this would most likely not have happened. Yet, as a person who longed for love and regconition, knowing these NPCs genuinely cared and worried about her made her beyond happy. It was a feeling she never thought she'd experience again.

That said, she sadly couldn't back down. She had made a bet with her father, and she intended to win it. If she won, the man would drop the marriage matter as a whole, but if she lost...

Sighing to herself, Lilith grabbed Julius' shoulders and pulled him up. This guy was a [Sun Deer], a being born only in the hottest of suns, creatures whose bodies were deemed incomparably precious by others, so much so that many players, or [Outsider] would risk losing their progress to catch him. She first met him on the [Forbbiden Continent] of the training planet and he had been with her ever since.

He was her first familiar, the first to become a citizen of her Queendom. Although he was by no means strong, as Sun Deers were known for being literal walking treasures and not for their strength, she still somehow grew attached to him. Gods knew she wouldn't have reached this level so fast without the money from selling his fur.

Gently, she embraced him in her arms. Using the softest voice she could muster, Lilith whispered in his ears. "I'm sorry, but this is something I must do." Then, a golden light flashed through her eyes as she pushed mana into the seal on her hands. "Julius, by the power of the [Contract], I order you along with my other familiars to try your best to live. You may never give up on life no matter what happens."

Done, she locked her lips with his. The humanoid Sun Deer, still shocked from what she did, didn't dodge and instead stood rooted in place. "Protect this place while I'm gone, 'kay?" Lilith beamed the Sun Deer a happy smile before jumping out the window.

Her skin cracked open as wings and horns began to grow on her body, shredding the dress she wore to pieces. In less than a second or so, the once young Queen had disappeared, replaced by a black, menacing dragon with glowing golden eyes. The majestic being attached itself to the castle, giving off a mighty roar and soon flew away loftily.

Although she had half a month deadline to win the bet, Lilith wanted to finish this quickly. She had prepared all there was to prepare anyway. Not to mention, she doubted half a month time would be enough for her to increase her strength. Thus, this was for the best. If she lost then perhaps it was meant to be, she could blame no one but herself.