Reckless tendencies, an ambition with the sword, and a cheerful attitude towards life has always marked the way for young Shadow Guidan. Never more than a few steps behind lies his womanizing, gambling addict best friend Kale. Ever since they were children they have caused more than a few headaches for Shadow's father Magus, who happens to be one of Gaia 's most respected General 's. While Shadow despises his lifelong boring job as a messenger that his father has burdened him with since he can remember, he is tired of hearing the word "no" when he asks if he can join the army. After returning home from a mission Magus pays Shadow a surprising visit, a visit that is even more shockingly followed by a new duty. Shadow has been ordered by his father, and the King, to accompany Princess Emerald as an extra bodyguard during her Day of Rising festivals. At least that is what everyone is lead to believe. Magus secretly tells Shadow that his real purpose is to spy on her two powerful Luna trainers, Sage and Katrina, and to report to him everything that they do. Any man knows that messing with the power of Spirit that the Luna are born with is a dangerous move, making Shadow wonder why his father would give him such a daunting task. What truly does not help his edginess about the situation is Emerald's compassionate nature and beautiful smile that send him stumbling over his words every time he lays eyes on her. Being around beautiful women is not something that he knows anything about. How is he supposed to tell her that he caught her sneaking out of the castle one night and followed her to a secret meeting with General Bachir? More importantly, how does he talk to her? When an attempt on Shadow's life by the Aakesh Race forces him to use the power of Spirit that he unknowingly possesses, Shadow is saved by a mysterious man that claims he is destined for great things. With secrets piling up, and far more questions than there are answers, Shadow turns his attention to help Emerald in a desperate attempt to save her Kingdom from Civil War. Their journey together will lead them down a path of love, betrayal, and sacrifice that they never thought existed. Shadow learns the truth about his father's past and his connection with the Luna. An ancient evil is set to be unleashed. In order for it to be stopped, Shadow must uncover the secrets behind a legend that has been hidden from the world for over a thousand years, a legend that will demand the ultimate sacrifice in exchange for its salvation, and make him ponder the thought of allowing a world filled with deceit and lies to be destroyed by a man that despite his darkness might actually make sense. In order for a hero to save the world, he must first believe in it.