I ascended to the top of the lighthouse, taking in the view of the lake below. Snow fell gently, covering the vibrant green below with a pristine layer of white, transforming the scenery into something almost magical.0

Primien, who had followed closely behind, commented, "If your thoughts are correct, then this is certainly remarkable."0

The idea was simple—somehow, the book seemed to be exerting some kind of influence over reality itself.2

"Is such a thing even possible?"0

"It isn’t out of the question," I replied.0

It seemed absurd that a single book could hold such power. Yet, if enough people had read it, the story itself might transform into an origin—a kind of source that could manifest through magic, almost like a miracle.0

"So, the mage called Demian in the story would actually be you, Professor Deculein. It appears that you’ve become the main character. Congratulations."2

The real issue, though, was how the book ended.0

… She gave herself to him completely, then pierced his heart with the sword.10

It was the last line of volume one, a subtle hint of what was to come.0

"Discovering who she is in the novel would hold the key," Primien remarked.0

The book’s main character was known only as she, her true name left unspoken, just like the identity of the mage she struck down.0

"Primien, have you ever taken a moment to question the remarkable popularity of this book?" I asked.0

"Could you clarify what you mean by that?" Primien asked.0

"Even the Empress,...0