(FIRST VOLUME COMPLETED--ENDS AT CHAPTER 20) Persecuted for the actions of his ancestors 200 years ago, Yushia and his people are finally discovered. On the day of his wife's birthday and their anniversary, everything he cherishes is taken from him. Yushia is enslaved and forced to work in the mines of CM-22, searching for an ancient relic known as the Vermillion Bird. During an incident of petty vengeance, the floor and ceiling of the mines collapse on Yushia, sending him into a freefall. Another cavern awaits Yushia, and so does a shrine. Curiosity gets the better of him as he tampers with it and unseals a short-tempered, haughty woman named Suzaku who declares herself as the Vermillion Bird. A pact is formed between the two: if Yushia can help regain Suzaku’s former glory and the powers she calls her Seven Mansions, she will assist in finding his wife and changing the image of his people. Becoming the wielder of a historic presence is no easy feat, however—not when your people hold infamy. What lies in the dark seeks what it lacks, and it'll do anything it can to take it. FOR MORE INFO: https://www.royalroad.com/forums/thread/141617?page=1#pid1421430