Samuel_Mafua_7207

Jean Luther, the youngest daughter of the prestigious Luther Clan, is both a rising swordswoman and the Emissary of Light, chosen by the goddess Celeste. After graduating from the Luther Academy, she is required to undergo a two-year assessment as an Envoy Knight, an elite order of Transcendent Master swordsmen loyal to the clan.

Upon her return, Jean is thrust into a brutal succession war for the Patriarchy of the clan. She embarks on a perilous journey to become the strongest swordsman in the world, accompanied by her divine guardian—a powerful dire wolf named Whitney.

LIGHTBEARER: THE CHRONICLE OF JEAN LUTHER

The Iron Empire was a land of unbroken discipline.

Black towers rose across the plains like iron spines. Rail lines crisscrossed the capital of Draventh, carrying soldiers and automatons alike. Banners bearing the sigil of the Iron Empress—a sword wreathed in chains—snapped in the wind.

Jean's party stood at the gates of the imperial city.

She wore a dark travel cloak, Luxclade hidden beneath its folds. Whitney stayed at her side, his silver fur cloaked in illusion. Kaelis remained close, watching the skies. Silvia kept her hand near her blade.

"We won't be welcomed," Silvia said.

"We're not here to be welcomed," Jean replied. "We're here to warn them."

Inside the obsidian citadel of the Iron Empress, discipline turned to dread.

The court was silent as Jean was brought forward. Imperial knights, clad in rune-etched armor, lined the chamber. The tension was thick enough to cut.

And on the throne, surrounded by Ducal advisors and clad in armor forged from starmetal, sat the Iron Empress herself—Valessia Drakon, one of the few living Transcendent Masters.

She regarded Jean with eyes as cold as steel.

"So," she said, her voice like a blade drawn across stone. "The Emissary of Light walks into my empire."

"I bring warning," Jean said. "Antares is awakening. The Tear of the Sky has revealed itself. The dragons are moving."

"And you expect me to believe this? That a girl from the Luther Clan—whose blood feud with my Empire spans generations—comes bearing prophecy?"

"I don't care if you believe me," Jean said, stepping forward. "But when your skies burn, and your people scream, you'll wish you had."

The court erupted in murmurs. Jean's aura surged slightly—just enough for light to flicker in her eyes.

The Empress studied her… and then, to everyone's surprise, smiled.

"You have fire. I respect that." She rose. "Come with me, Emissary. There is something you need to see."

They descended into the lower halls of the citadel. Past guarded vaults. Past sealed relics. And finally into a cold, silent chamber.

Valessia placed a gauntlet against a wall of obsidian.

Chained in place. Covered in runes. Pulsing with fire.

"It was found six weeks ago in the ruins of Karth Vale," Valessia said. "Dormant for centuries. Until now."

Jean stepped closer, the heat burning against her aura. She could feel the ancient rage inside it.

Valessia nodded grimly. "They're no longer waiting. The Flamekind are preparing."

Jean looked up at the Iron Empress.

"Then the world has less time than we thought."

CHAPTER 95. THE IRON EMPRESS.