A family of three elite mages has defeated Oscanion, a would-be tyrant mage-emperor who had made himself an enemy of humanity. But, it does not feel like victory to white magic prodigy Menelyn: her adoptive father and sister did not survive Oscanion's suicidal final attack, her inadequate shields failing to protect them.
Grieving, ashamed, and seeking the peace she has never known, Menelyn withdraws from the world for a millennium, her vast white mana halting her aging, until troubling signs coax her out of seclusion. Is she able--is she willing--to be what the world needs her to be?
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The first 35 chapters, the original plan, is a complete, finished story. The short story tag is included at the suggestion of many readers because that original story can and should be read in a single sitting, and that is Royal Road's definition of a short story.
Then, there are sequels still being updated, if you want more. The Tale of Twilight, the one currently in progress, is not a short story, already significantly longer than the original.