The warmth of supper had faded into quiet comfort. Stars bathed the corridor in soft silver glow as the crew walked slowly--serenity in their steps, echoing faint laughter. Down the hall, Void ling had already slipped into his chamber, asleep beneath celestial silence. The lights were dimmed. A stillness filled the air, but anticipation stirred beneath it. Seraphina Nyx walked beside blaze, whispered with a soft smile.
Seraphina Nyx:
(Quietly)
"Tomorrow's Void ling's birthday...and look at him--out like a light."
Blaze Vortex, dragging his feet and wearing the most exaggerated bored expression imaginable, groaned playfully. And then he spoke.
Blaze Vortex:
(Jokingly)
"Ugh...but I've got Dark Eternity training tomorrow. Can't we celebrate later?"
Seraphina Nyx:
(Mock--annoyed)
"Would you put that aside, silly? One day of joy won't stop your destiny."
Ryder:
(Teasing and laughing)
"If Blaze can survive Void ling's birthday, he might survive Dark Eternity too."
Celestina:
(Flaoting just above the stone floor)
"It'll be nice to see Void ling smile. He's earned more than battles lately. He deserves it."
Kaia:
(Hands on her hips)
"I already asked Ryuu to start on his favorite dish...and you know Ryuu doesn't hold back."
Glacior:
(Lightly)
"I would be great to see how Void ling's birthday goes tomorrow."
They all turned different hall, laughter fading into hums. Dreams waited. Celebration were being seeded silently. And Void ling, Asleep beneath the stars...had no idea what storm of affection was about to find him.
The skies gleamed with celestial light, stars winking even under daylight as an usual warmth blanketed the realm. It was peaceful...celebratory. Today was no ordinary dawn---it marked the birthday of Void ling. In his chamber, Void ling stirred awake, slowly opening his eyes to--Seraphina Nyx, standing right in front of him with a gentle smile, her wings softly folded behind her.
Void ling:
(Blushing slightly)
"Seraphina...? You're here already..."
Blaze Vortex, leaning against the doorframe with crossed arms. And then he spoke mockery.
Blaze Vortex:
(Playful)
"You sleep like a fossil, Void. Wake up--we've got a kingdom throwing cake at you."
Seraphina Nyx:
(Giggle and nodded)
"Everyone's waiting, birthday boy."
As Void ling stepped into the hall, he was met with sea of light. Crimson banners fluttered overhead, a towering cake stood like a monument, and the table overflowed with grilled rip of meat, celestial fruits, ember sweets, and dimension--flavored snacks. A grand red carpet unfurled beneath his feet as he entered. Everyone stood and together shouted--
All:
(Joyously)
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VOID LING!"
King Ryder, Ryuu, Kaia, Kai, Glacior, Takashi, and Celestina each greeted him with proud smiles and warm wishes. Seraphina,now seated beside Void ling at the long royal table, blushed and whispered:
Seraphina Nyx:
(Whispering to Void ling in a blush)
"You look handsome today...but also powerful. Happy birthday, Void."
Celestina:
(Mocking, gently)
"Careful, Seraphina...those cheeks are
glowing brighter than the birthday candles."
Blaze Vortex:
(Laughing)
"Twenty--four years. Congrats, Void ling. You've lived more lives in those years than half the hall."
Everyone laughed, warmth filling every corner. And Void ling spoke with gratitude and gratefulness. And then he spoke.
Void ling:
(Gratefully, with steady tone)
"I didn't expect this. Honestly...I'm overwhelmed. But seeing all of you here--laughing, showing up for me--it means more than any power I've gained. Here's to family. And to the journey ahead."
The aroma of flame--roasted meats and nebula---seasoned rice swirled gently in the grand halls, where laughter danced between chandeliers and joy was carved into very plate. Void ling's birthday wasn't just event--it was a convergence of warmth after war. King Ryder, standing by the kitchen entrance with arms confidently folded, turned toward one of the top chefs.
Ryder:
(Lightly commanding)
"Serve them whatever they want. Today's not about rations--it's about memories."
Plates began arriving in bursts of magic light. Blaze, notably, had no glass--just a towering flame--grilled rib in one hand and a mischievous smirk on his face. Void ling, leaning a bit toward Seraphina at the long table, his voice low but since.
Void ling:
(Softly)
"Thank you...for being here. Today feels unreal."
Seraphina Nyx:
(Gently)
"Of course... I wouldn't miss it. Not for all the stars in the sky."
After the feast, the room quieted as a grand black--and--red cake was brought forward, shimmering with starlight frosting. Void ling stood holding the ceremonial knife.The hall watched. But then...Seraphina stepped beside him and gently placed her hand over his, guiding the motion together. The two stood close, aura wrapped in soft glow. Everyone watched.
Takashi:
(With wide grin)
"Seraphina, i have a question...Are you going to marry Void ling in the near future? Because you like being close to him."
Void ling and Seraphina froze, blinking rapidly as they stared at a one another. Her cheeks flared red; his eyes darted slightly. A pause swallowed the room.
Seraphina Nyx:
(Stuttering)
"I--uh...I--what...makes you say that..."
Void ling:
(Quietly with a smirk)
"That's...a bold question, Takashi."
Glacior:
(Deadpan)
"Enough. Let's them cut thr cake already. I don't care who's holding whose hand."
And with that,the blade sliced downward--symbolizing a year survived, a legend still writing itself. Everyone cheered. Laughter echoed through the grand halls as the final slices of the cake were devoured by friends and legends alike. Crumbs and frosting dotted plates--and Blaze's face.
Blaze Vortex:
(Eyes shining)
"This is the BEST cake I've ever tasted!"
Void ling:
(In a mocking way)
"Blaze...you're shouting like we're at battle again. I'm losing my appetite."
Ryder:
(Chuckling but firm)
"Blaze, finish up. Your training begins soon. So mind finishing up."
Blaze Vortex:
(Nodding)
"Alright, Mr Ryder."
As Blaze wiped his mouth, Seraphina leaned in with a soft smile. And then she spoke.
Seraphina Nyx:
(Light teasing)
"You've got cake on your face, flame head."
Blaze Vortex:
(Grinning)
"Oh--okay, thank you,Nyx."
King Ryder turned to his crew--Ryuu,Kaia, Takashi,Celestina, Kai, Glacior--addressing them directly and then he spoke.
Ryder:
(Serious but calm)
"I'm not talking about Nyx, Vortex, or Ling--I'm talking to my crew. I'm leaving the kingdom for now. Ryuu, you're in charge. Protect what stands."
Ryuu:
(Standing tall)
"Understood, Lord Ryder."
And then, with a press against the ancient sigil in the thrones foundation, a hidden chamber opened beneath the kingdom--vibrating with old echoes and pressure shifts.
Blaze Vortex:
(Looking around)
"What is this place...?"
Ryder:
(Gravely)
"This is where Dark Eternity begins. Training here is painful. Brutal. And only Void ling has survived in this training."
Blaze Vortex:
(Smirking with resolve)
"Then let pain meet me. I'll master it--no matter the cost."
Meanwhile. While at the Kingdom, Void ling stepped toward the gates. And then he spoke.
Void ling:
(Casually)
"I'm heading out for a bit."
Seraphina Nyx:
(Without hesitation)
"I'm going with you."
They vanished in a flash of purple and pink starlight--leaving a soft silence behind. Celestina, watching the two disappear, smirked with folded arms.
Celestina:
(Mocking gently)
"Those two really could be a power couple. If they ever get over the awkward pauses."
Kaia:
(Agreeing with a smile)
"She's always next to him--even when she's not needed. That's means something."
Kai:
(Quietly)
"Void ling's never been this stable. She grounds him."
Takashi:
(Half--laughing)
"They just look alike."
Meanwhile at Blaze and King Ryder, the heat already intensifying as they reached the core training grounds. King Ryder turned towards Blaze, tone solemn.
Ryder:
(Commanding presence)
"Listen, Dark Eternity has a 20--hour limit. Long enough for you to fight freely--not to waste it. There are 6 stages of mastery you need for Dark Eternity. Which is Collapse Chamber, Rupture Arena, Apocalypse Shroud, Mind Abyss, Dimensional Surged, and Nihilistic Rebirth. This path is brutal. Are you sure you want to master this?"
Blaze Vortex:
(Firmly)
"I am ready to face any consequences."
As the flames roared below, the scene cut to a the Empress Dynasty Kingdom. Where Empress Asuna and her council awaits new whispers from the Divine Fang and Elysian Universe. The Tournament prep is just beginning.
Asuna:
(Graceful and resolute)
"Revy...make sure you announce there will be a Grand Multiverseal Tournament."
Revy:
(Firmly)
"Yes Empress. It will be done."
NOW THE COSMOS BEGINS TO ANSWER.
NEXT EPISODE UPCOMING