THE LEGEND OF ALPHONSE

In the Kingdom of Xénec, power belongs to those who possess wealth, influence, and above all, magic. The secrets of magic are hidden within ancient labyrinths scattered across the world, but the knowledge they contain is fiercely protected. Passed down through bloodlines, these secrets have allowed noble families to maintain their political and military dominance for generations. But Alphonse was born at the very bottom of society. Abandoned in the slums of Lanslet at the age of six, he was taken in by the Chérif Clan, a notorious group of thieves and criminals. There, he learned how to steal, fight, survive, and above all, never show weakness. Alongside the other children of the clan, he finally found something resembling a family. But the fragile life he had built would not last forever. A single mistake, a stolen purse, and a violent encounter with a rival clan will set Alphonse on a path that will eventually cost him everything. With nowhere else to go, he will turn toward the military. For a boy who cannot read, has no noble blood, and possesses no magical knowledge, climbing the military ranks should be impossible. Yet Alphonse has something the nobles cannot teach: the instincts of someone who grew up fighting to survive. He is fast. Agile. Intelligent. Ruthless when necessary. And as he rises through the military hierarchy, he will discover that war is not simply about strength. It is about strategy, sacrifice, politics, and knowing when to obey—and when to find a way around the rules. To rise above his origins, Alphonse will have to enter a world where magic determines who holds power. And to obtain that power, he will eventually have to face the ancient labyrinths that have shaped the kingdoms of the world. But the deeper he climbs, the more he will discover that the greatest battles are not fought on the battlefield. In a world where knowledge is power, Alphonse intends to take both.