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A vast continent where humans and heteromorphic beings coexist.

Some call it dark, others call it mysterious; people named this land 'Hyeonryuk'.

To the west of Hyeonryuk lies a country where red earth and black volcanoes stretch endlessly. Its name is 'Jeokhong'.

It is a kingdom where 'Sahyuk', a vengeful imugi who lived a thousand years but failed to become a dragon, coils upon the throne.

A tyrant imugi who could not ascend as a dragon god due to his cruel nature. How could his resentment not be deep!

The grudge and obsession harbored for a millennium finally turned into a blood-colored madness that swallowed the whole country. People say it is because of him that blood, conquest, and power became the highest values.

When Sahyuk laughs amidst the red mist, slaughter ensues; when he clicks his tongue in boredom, the flags of war flutter across the borders.

The tyrant's whim is the law, and the tyrant's desire is the mandate of heaven. It is no wonder the Kingdom of Jeokhong is twisted under such madness!

Even the place where Sahyuk rests is called 'Jeokryong Palace'. The palace, built entirely of red pillars and black timber, was meant to have dragons carved into the ceiling, but it remains filled only with unfinished sculptures. People whisper that these are the lingering regrets of a king who could never become a dragon.

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Alas! Even in the midst of madness stained with blood, flowers still bloom!

It is called 'Honghwawon'.

'Offering beauties for His Majesty.'

Does it not sound like a lovely name? As the Chaehwasas traveled across the eight provinces to select and bring in exquisite women, the people of the world thought it was merely the King's grace.

However, Honghwawon is not a place for flowers to bloom, but the most magnificent yet saddest prison where flowers are plucked and discarded for the tyrant's momentary amusement. Among the women there, some cried, some laughed, and some crumbled away without even leaving a name.

Those beautiful flowers were given a red wooden tag called 'Hongpae'.

It is a mark proving one is a woman of Honghwawon, and at the same time, a blood-colored shackle that can never be removed while alive.

Today, the heavy gates of Honghwawon, where the scent of expensive silk and thick powder mingle, closed with a heavy thud.

Behold, that splendid banquet!

Wine glasses clink, and eerie laughter and songs fill this dark night, yet beneath that splendor, someone's head rolls on the floor.

Laughter and screams intertwine to dye this long night red. If this is not called a frenzy, then what is!

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Now, listen closely.

The story I am about to tell is of a single flower walking on its own feet into the maw of that red serpent.

Whether that flower will bloom fully enough to enchant even the red serpent, or be trampled and wither on the blood-stained floor, no one knows yet.

Now, new flower!

Try and survive inside the maw of that red serpent!