My Love Debts Are Everywhere!

The City Palace...

At the edge of Selindra stood a large palace, its lustrous walls gleaming in the light. It looked grand and spacious.

Of course, compared to the palace of the Demon Empire or the Holy Hall of the Holy Orthodoxy, it was far less magnificent. Even so, it still carried a majestic and dignified air.

The palace grounds stretched wide, carpeted with grass that added a touch of life to the otherwise barren surroundings. As Selindra lay in the Valley of a Thousand Whispers, no trees or flowers grew here.

As a result, the grounds held no ornate decorations—only a wooden statue at the courtyard's center, depicting a human figure in armor with a sword in hand.

A faint smile curved the statue's lips, and an air of arrogance and pride lingered in its gaze.

Walking beside Ruri, Leon couldn't help but feel surprised. He narrowed his eyes at the statue and asked, "Whose statue is this? Why does it feel so familiar?"

He didn't know who it was, yet a vague feeling stirred inside him, as if he had seen it somewhere before.

Ruri smiled and said, "It's the statue of humanity's hero from long ago, the Fated One. If I remember right, his name was Luminus Troya."

Leon's eyes widened, his body stiffening. His gaze locked onto the statue once more as he muttered, "Luminus Troya? That's him?"

He had never known what Luminus Troya looked like—no one had ever painted or sketched his likeness.

Moreover, Luminus Troya had been erased from history—past, present, and future.

Everyone had forgotten him except for a select few. Now, standing before the statue, Leon couldn't help but wonder, "What truly happened? And why would the Spirit race possess this?"

Ruri glanced at him, noticing his confusion. Her gaze softened as she said, "The hero Luminus Troya and my ancestor were close friends. The story is long, but as I recall, their bond was like that of siblings. After the hero's death, when everyone had forgotten him, my ancestor secretly recorded his story and passed it down through the generations."

Leon gave a small nod, as if he understood. Still, doubt lingered in his mind, and he asked subconsciously, "How did your ancestor manage to record the life of Hero Luminus Troya?"

The truth was that Luminus Troya's erasure wasn't mere forgetfulness—it was complete removal. His existence had never been recorded in any history, as though he had never lived at all. That was why no trace of him remained.

"My ancestor used a special technique called soul-writing," Ruri explained. "He used his life force as ink to write in a special book. At first glance, the book appears blank. But if you channel your life force into it, the words will reveal themselves."

"Soul-writing?" Leon's eyes widened. "I didn't know such a technique existed."

Using life force as ink was unheard of—at least among humans and demons. After all, life force was essential for all living beings; without it, they would die.

"Yes," Ruri nodded. "If you want to read it, I'll take you to the library later."

Leon's eyes lit up. "I want to read it!"

They continued walking until they reached the palace doors—tall, massive, and guarded by several soldiers.

Upon seeing Ruri, the soldiers bowed their heads respectfully.

"Welcome, Princess," they greeted in unison.

Ruri smiled and gave a small nod. "Thank you."

She walked past them and led Leon inside, where two people—a man and a woman—were already waiting.

The man on the left was young and handsome, with pale white hair, gray eyes, and skin as fair as Ruri's. The same symbol that adorned Ruri's forehead was also etched into his.

The woman beside him bore a striking resemblance to him. She was beautiful, sharing about eighty percent of Ruri's features, and the symbol on her forehead was identical to those of Ruri and the man.

"Ruri!" the woman cried out, rushing forward to embrace her tightly. "Where have you been, dear? Do you know how worried I was?"

A pang of guilt welled up in Ruri's chest as she returned the hug.

"I'm sorry, Mother. It's my fault," she said with a sob. "If I hadn't gone so far to play, none of this would have happened."

"It's alright," her mother soothed, gently stroking Ruri's hair before loosening her embrace. "What matters most is that you're safe and sound."

"Mm!" Ruri nodded and wiped her tears. "Thank you, Mother."

She then turned toward her father, her gaze lowered in guilt.

"Father, I'm back," she said softly.

The man's indifferent expression softened. He offered her a faint smile and a small nod.

"Welcome back, Ruri. I'm glad you survived," he said tenderly.

Relief washed over Ruri, and she smiled at him.

"By the way," the man continued, his gaze shifting to Leon as he eyed him up and down with suspicion. "Who is this man? I can smell a human scent on him."

His eyes narrowed, and a dangerous aura flared from his body. The air instantly grew tense, as if the space itself was being crushed under his power.

"Honey, what are you doing?" The woman scolded, her tone edged with irritation. She pursed her lips and snapped, "Why can't you control your temper? If he's with Ruri, that means he's a guest—or maybe even her partner."

That single word stunned not only Ruri and Leon but also the man himself. His expression stiffened, and a vein throbbed visibly on his forehead.

"Ruri's partner? Absolutely not! I won't allow my daughter to have a partner—at least not until she's old enough," he declared.

His wariness toward Leon spiked, and the tension in the room rose again.

"Father, you've got it wrong!" Ruri blurted, her face flushed. "He's not my partner or my enemy—he's my friend. He saved me and brought me back here safely. So please, don't be rude to him."

But her panicked tone, paired with cheeks as red as apples, only deepened the man's suspicion.

"Boy, tell me your name. What's your purpose in approaching my daughter?" he demanded.

He raised his right hand, and in an instant, four daggers made of aura materialized in the air.

Up close, each dagger glowed faintly with a menacing red light.

Ruri's eyes widened, and she protested sharply, "Father, what are you doing? He's my savior!"

She hadn't expected her father to summon four soul daggers. These were his signature weapons—capable of wounding the very soul of any living being in this world.

Anyone struck by all four would inevitably fall into madness.

Unfortunately, he ignored her outcry completely. His gaze stayed fixed on Leon, filled with anger—and even a trace of murderous intent.

Yet, under that crushing pressure, Leon remained calm. A faint smile touched his lips as he gave a slight bow.

"No need for such anger, Spirit King. Allow me to introduce myself—Leon Kruger, the Fated One."