Dancing on the golden ashes

Wherever my eyes fell, I felt myself being overwhelmed. It was too much to take in all at once. The first time I was transported to this world had already felt like a dream come true, but this...

If someone could live in days like these, the days before the fall—this was a time worth dying for.

"Let's go explore!" I shouted, my voice brimming with excitement.

For the first time in ages, I felt like a child again. Everything fascinated me, and I wanted to see it all—every street, every shop, every treasure.

My friends exchanged puzzled glances, clearly taken aback by my enthusiasm. But I didn't care about the weird looks. This place was too incredible to ignore, and nothing could dampen the pull of discovery that burned within me.

"Look at that!" I exclaimed, pointing at a golden plate displayed prominently on a vendor's stall. Etched with mysterious characters, it emanated an aura that felt alive—pulsing faintly as if it held a secret waiting to be uncovered.

"Good eye, my friend!" the old vendor said enthusiastically, his long beard swaying as he leaned closer. "Are you interested in buying this exquisite golden plate? For someone with eyes as sharp as yours, I'll offer a discount. How about... twenty million soul stones? Cheaper than anywhere else in the world!"

His hopeful gaze locked onto me, clearly mistaking my extravagant dress for wealth and status. I wanted to tell him I didn't have a single soul stone to my name—but then again, why not play along?

"Pffft... Do you take this young mistress for a fool?" I scoffed, crossing my arms with exaggerated indignation. "At best, I can offer you one million soul stones—and that's already generous. I can't believe it. I've barely set foot in this square, and I'm already being scammed."

I put on my best performance, ignoring the increasingly baffled looks from my friends.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Who is that, dressed as Gaon?" Eun-Woo whispered to Kim Seong-Hoon, though his attempt at discretion was futile—I could hear every word.

"That's the princess for you," Kim Seong-Hoon replied, grinning. "Not only is she beautiful, but she can also act."

Without hesitation, I delivered a sharp elbow to Kim Seong-Hoon's stomach. He doubled over with a gasp, but his grin didn't falter.

"Young lady, don't be like this to an old man," the vendor pleaded, his tone almost pitiful. "I'm only trying to make a living. I can't go less than ten million..."

I was only playing around, but the situation had become so amusing I couldn't bring myself to stop.

Suddenly, an extravagant-looking young man stepped up beside me. His sharp aura radiated authority, and his facial features were impossibly refined—like a living K-pop star carved from marble.

"I will pay for this beautiful lady," he said, his voice calm and composed. "Five million. No more."

With his hands clasped behind his back, he stood as immovable as a mountain, his posture exuding an air of effortless superiority.

Who is this shithead? Trying to win me over with his wealth... good luck. I smirked internally, curious to see how far he'd go. But seriously, having that much money? So annoying. Why am I broke?

I need to make some money fast if we want to survive here.

"Thank you, big brother. May I know your name?" I said sweetly, my expression perfectly composed despite my inner desire to murder him and loot every last soul stone he had.

"I'm Lin Feng," he replied, clasping his hands together as he bowed slightly before me. With a courteous gesture, he extended the golden plate toward me. "And may I have the honor of knowing your name, miss?"

"My master does not need to answer to you!" Kim Seong-Hoon suddenly interrupted, his voice booming.

My eyes widened in disbelief. What the hell is he doing?!

All I wanted was to accept the plate, promise to meet this overly polite rich guy later, and then never show up. If Kim Seong-Hoon ruined my plan for a quick buck... I swear he's going to regret it.

Their gazes clashed, and for a moment, it felt like I could see literal sparks flying between them.

"I'm sorry for that," Lin Feng said coldly, his sharp voice cutting through the air. "But I wasn't speaking to the dog."

Those words hit a nerve. Who does this bastard think he is to talk to my friends like that? Even if what he said about Kim Seong-Hoon was partially true, I was the only one allowed to insult him like that.

"We will take our leave now," I said sharply, my glare locking onto Lin Feng. His expression darkened, his pride clearly bruised.

Before we could step away, he teleported in front of me, his movement so fast it made my stomach churn.

"My apologies, miss." His voice softened, laced with a false humility that only irritated me further. "Here, take this as compensation. I hope we meet again, and perhaps I'll earn the privilege of knowing your name."

He passed me the golden plate, bowing gracefully. But as he turned to leave, he shot Kim Seong-Hoon a bloodthirsty look that set my teeth on edge.

I can't let that pass... but if I start a fight here, what kind of trouble would it bring?

"Follow me," I ordered the group, heading for an alley a bit farther from the crowd.

Once we were out of sight, I turned to Kim Seong-Hoon, my frustration boiling over.

"What the hell are you doing, Kim Seong-Hoon? Have you lost your mind? If we make a scene here, it's all over!"

I could see the regret in his expression. He'd only wanted to help, but his actions had thrown everything off balance. Damn it, I don't need protection. I'm the one who protects others.

"Look," I continued, my tone harsh but controlled. "That guy is nothing. I could probably kill him with one swing of my scythe. But this isn't the place for a fight, and we can't afford the attention. Got it?"

"Sorry... it's just..." Kim Seong-Hoon's gaze met mine, filled with a mix of regret and frustration.

"It's okay, brother," Eun-Woo said, placing a reassuring arm over his shoulder. "She won't understand. Let's go find a pub or something. Maybe we can pick up some information—and leave the girls alone. They'll be fine."

"But!" Kim Seong-Hoon started to protest, but I cut in, thinking it was actually a good idea.

"Go with him," I said calmly. "It's okay. Jieun and I will take care of ourselves. Besides, I want to see if I can resell this plate and get us some money."

Reluctantly, Kim Seong-Hoon let Eun-Woo guide him away, casting one last concerned glance over his shoulder.

As their figures disappeared into the crowd, Jieun turned to me, her curious eyes darting between the golden plate and the busy square.

"So, what now, big sister Gaon?"

"I want to find a quiet place to study this thing." I held up the plate, its golden sheen catching the light. "There's something about it... It's like it's calling out to me. I can't explain it."

We wandered through the square until we found a beautifully decorated wooden bench in a quieter corner. Settling down, I began inspecting the plate. It was adorned with unknown letters, their intricate designs mesmerizing.

Curiosity burned within me as I tried channeling my soul energy into the plate. But nothing happened.

"What are you doing, big sis?" Jieun asked, watching me intently, her eyes brimming with curiosity.

"I'm channeling my soul energy into the plate," I explained. "Testing if it's connected somehow. I can feel something from it... something calling to me."

"You can use soul energy like that?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.

Continue your saga on empire

"Yes. All you have to do is jus—!"

Before I could finish, Jieun instinctively rotated her soul energy. In an instant, she radiated a pure, celestial energy, so powerful and natural it left me speechless.

I stared, dumbfounded. How... how is she doing this so easily? For me, it had taken time, effort, and practice. But this kid managed it on her first try.

The celestial light spread in all directions, filled with life and completely devoid of destruction.

"This is so cool, big sister!" Jieun shouted excitedly, her face glowing with joy.

I wanted to cry. A part of me felt bitterly jealous, but another part couldn't help but feel proud of her.

"Good job," I said with a weak smile. "Now... I wonder how to activate this thing."

"You should try using your golden flames! They're both golden—your flames and the plate!" she suggested, her tone innocent but insistent.

It sounded ridiculous, but I decided to humor her. With a flick of my wrist, I summoned my golden flames and let them touch the plate.

To my surprise, it worked.

The plate lit up instantly, the unknown characters glowing with a radiant golden light. It bound itself to me in a flash, forming a soul connection. An overwhelming aura surged from it, filling the air with an intense energy.

The ground beneath us shook violently, and a wave of powerful soul energy spread in all directions, drawing the attention of everyone in the square.

"What is that person doing?"

"Does she have a death wish?"

"Who in their right mind would test a treasure item in the middle of town? GUARDS!"

Before I could react, guards in golden armor swarmed us. Among them stood the man I had encountered earlier. His face carried a complicated mix of frustration and disbelief.

"You again?" he said, his voice laced with exasperation. "No matter if you're the Goddess's disciple or not, you need to follow the rules. You will follow us to your master, and you will issue an apology to the entire town later."

Before I could protest, golden chains wrapped around both me and Jieun, stripping away all my powers. In the blink of an eye, we were teleported to the front of the diamond castle.

I think I really messed up this time...