The underground training hall flickered with unstable mana currents. Klaus stood at the center, shirt half-burnt, body steaming with leftover energy. Sparks of violet-black lightning curled around his fists while the very air around him shimmered from the strain of constant power negation and element suppression.
He panted heavily, sweat pouring down his face, clothes clinging to his exhausted frame.
Nullification. Reversal. Absorption. Displacement…
He had tried it all. And now… his knees finally buckled.
Klaus dropped to the floor with a thud, chest rising and falling rapidly.
He winced, chuckling dryly to himself. "I think that's… enough."
Then his eyes snapped open. "Wait. Today's'—"
Moments Later
The hot shower hissed over his worn muscles. Klaus leaned his head against the tile wall, letting the heat ease away the fatigue. When he stepped out, he dried off quickly, slipped into a newly tailored black-and-midnight suit Kael had forced on him, brushed his hair, and made his way out.
The estate had transformed into a celestial dream.Glowing lanterns in floating clusters moved like constellations above. Cascading ribbons of enchanted silk sparkled like starlight, swaying in a gentle wind.
A delicate symphony played through invisible chords, and beneath a massive crystalline canopy, guests had begun arriving—robes, armor, and gowns of every culture shining under the ambient light.
It was a realm of elegance.
And at the center of it—
Sofie.
Surrounded by a small circle of nobles and guests, laughing, radiant in a soft rose-gold dress with ornate braids woven into her hair. She glanced up just as Klaus arrived. Their eyes met.
She excused herself and walked toward him, light on her feet.
"Happy birthday," Klaus said simply, stepping in and hugging her tightly. Then, with an almost tender pause, he leaned down and kissed her forehead.
Sofie's face lit up.
Then she did a small skip. "This is already the best day ever!"
One by one, the elite of the world gathered: generals, sovereigns, scholars, and merchant lords.
Then came the Monarchs.
Thalor, Warden of the North, stoic and storm-eyed.
Zephyra, air-elemental sovereign, wrapped in gowns of wind.
Kaleus stood tall, clad in obsidian and deep violet steel—his presence a looming silence, like shadow given form.
Elari, Forest Queen, elegant and distant.
Solene, radiant like the sun, laughter in her voice.
Zevarion, the youngest Monarch, cloaked in duskfire.
Each greeted Sofie warmly, offering gifts and blessings.
But then they noticed Klaus.
At the far edge of the crowd, arms crossed, watching silently.
Thalor narrowed his gaze. A pulse of killing intent radiated from him—subtle, suffocating, precise.
Klaus blinked slowly.
And returned a surge of pressure.
It was quiet, controlled—but it cut through Thalor's presence like a blade. The air shifted. Thalor's brow lifted—just slightly.
Then
The Sky Trembled
A hush fell. Space shimmered.
Emperor Malrik had arrived.
The most powerful human alive.
Adorned in an obsidian-black cloak lined with stars, flanked by six elite guards, he descended like a force of nature. Without a word, every soul in the estate bent the knee.
All but one.
Klaus remained standing.
Thalor's face twisted. "You dare—"
Mana flared. He sent a crushing wave of pressure at Klaus. Klaus didn't move. His aura nullified it like it was smoke.
The guards approached, weapons raised.
Klaus's eyes flickered.
The tension snapped—
Until—
"STOP!" Sofie stormed between Klaus and the guards. Her voice, pure fury.
"If you make him kneel," she shouted, "then all of you are shit bags!"
Gasps rippled.
"This is my birthday. My day. If anyone should be bowing to him, then get the fuck out, you political dogs!"
Everyone froze.
Lady Sera's soul nearly evacuated her body. Varion looked like he aged five years.
They exchanged desperate glances, trying to silently beg their daughter to shut up.
But she only huffed.
Then—
Malrik laughed.
A loud, deep, belly laugh that echoed across the estate. He raised a hand. "Stand down."
The guards lowered their weapons, albeit reluctantly. One looked ready to protest—
Until Malrik glared. And that was that.
Still laughing, he said, "What a firecracker. You've raised quite a daughter, Varion."
Then, ignoring the rattled guests, he walked straight to Klaus.
Klaus didn't bow.
Didn't greet.
Didn't flinch.
"Meeting for the first time," Malrik said with a friendly smile. "You're… interesting."
No response.
"I've heard of your fight with the Nexomorph.
No response.
Kuro..."
At that name—Klaus looked up.
Malrik grinned. "Ah. So he gets your attention."
"…What about him?" Klaus finally asked.
"Still alive. His mission's on hold. But he'll return."
A pause.
Klaus allowed a faint smirk. "Good."
Malrik chuckled again and walked away.
Sofie stood with Varion, Lady Sera, and Kael beside an enormous multi-tiered cake enchanted to sparkle like stars. As the music started, a burst of confetti rained down and a talented bard began to sing Happy Birthday with a magical voice that harmonized itself.
Everyone clapped. Even Klaus—standing in the crowd, smile faint but real.
Sofie cut the cake, giving pieces to her parents first, then to Kael, who immediately dropped a slice on his own shoe.
She paused… then turned, eyes scanning.
Klaus was already halfway toward the shadows.
"Oh no you don't."
She appeared in front of him with uncanny speed.
"You're getting cake."
She shoved a piece into his hand.
Laughter erupted around them.
The host emerged with a booming voice and perfect timing. "Ladies and gentlemen! A dance to celebrate our radiant birthday girl!"
Varion bowed with practiced elegance. "May I have this dance, daughter?"
She grinned and took his hand. They danced with grace and pride. Then Lady Sera joined.
Then Kael.
Who immediately stepped on her toes, nearly tripped, spun too fast, and almost flung himself into a bush.
"I WAS BORN FOR THIS," Kael cried mid-spin.
"NO YOU WEREN'T," Sofie laughed.
Everyone burst into laughter.
Then the host called out again. "Now! One last dance! The birthday girl shall choose her partner!"
Klaus took another bite of cake.
Too late.
Sofie was already pulling him into the spotlight.
"I don't dance," Klaus muttered.
"You don't need to," she said. "Just follow my lead."
She took his hands. "Ready?"
He hesitated. "No."
She smiled.
"Too bad."
They danced.
Hands intertwined.
Steps in sync.
Sofie's dress flowed like sunlight as they moved, while Klaus's long coat swayed with controlled grace. She led with natural rhythm, guiding him with her smile, her touch. He followed, awkward at first—then less so.
Their movements softened.
Turn. Step. Catch.
Twirl. Close.
Time melted away as their figures spun like celestial bodies in orbit—connected.
Klaus looked down at her, breath stilled.
And for that one moment…
He forgot the wars, the power, the gods.
All that remained was her smile.
And the rhythm of two hearts dancing.
The music swelled.
---
As Klaus and Sofie danced in the center of the ballroom—graceful, in perfect rhythm, and lost in each other's gaze—a ripple of energy swept through the guests.
One by one, the watchers smiled, hearts warmed, and a collective decision was made—
Everyone wanted to dance too.
Suddenly, nobles, knights, merchants, and family members reached for their partners with eager grins. The ballroom exploded in movement and laughter as hundreds joined in the moment. Elegant couples twirled across the marble floor, some graceful, others awkward but joyful.
Lady Sera was laughing as she spun with a distant uncle. Kael, dramatically bowing, dragged a blushing servant girl into a clumsy, foot-stomping whirl. Even Varion, ever the grump, was stiffly pulled into a dance by an older aunt, who cheerfully told him, "Oh hush, you big oak."
Laughter echoed. The chandeliers shimmered. Flower petals fell from the enchanted ceiling like soft snow.
The celebration felt alive.
Guests slowly filtered out under the starlit sky, the warmth of the party still glowing in their smiles.
Sofie, radiant even in her exhaustion, stood at the grand gates, bowing and thanking each guest.
"Thank you for coming!"
"You looked beautiful, Lady Sofie!"
"Happy birthday again!"
Once the last of the carriages departed, Sofie turned and… collapsed face first onto the velvet living room sofa with a groan.
Sofie muffled"I'm dead. Bury me here. Right on this couch."
A moment later, Lady Sera marched in, arms crossed.
"Oh no you don't, young lady. You will open your presents."
Sofie "I can't even blink anymore…"
Lady Sera "Presents."
Sofie let out a long suffering sigh—and suddenly sprang to life like a ravenous beast.
Boxes flew. Ribbons were torn apart. Cards scattered.
Sofie attacked the pile of gifts with wild glee, opening each with hopeful eyes—then setting it aside with speed.
Dress.
Perfume.
Gemstones.
More dresses.
Hairpins.
One suspiciously large fruit basket.
Then she paused. Her eyes narrowed. Something was missing.
Sofie said quietly:"…Where's his."
Her head turned toward Klaus, sitting calmly at the far end of the room with his arms crossed.
Their eyes met.
Predator. Prey.
Klaus blinked.
He was already inching away when Kael casually stepped behind him and slipped a small black box into his hand.
Kael whispering"You owe me one."
Klaus sighed, turned, and approached Sofie with the box in hand.
She snatched it like a dragon claiming treasure.
She opened it—then gasped.
Inside, a delicate silver necklace shimmered in the warm light. At its center was a violet gem, shaped like a tear and laced with wind-carved etchings—subtle, intricate, beautiful.
Sofie breathless"You…"
She stood up, turned around, and pulled her hair aside.
"Put it on me."
Klaus, hesitant, stepped forward and gently fastened it around her neck.
Sofie beamed"It's perfect."
In the corner of the room, Varion lay dramatically face-down on the floor, mumbling"She didn't even mention the fire-forged circlet I got her… or the custom battle armor… she just wanted a necklace…"
Kael patted his back sympathetically."There there, big guy. You got outshined by a shiny rock."
The room burst into laughter as Sofie tackled Klaus with a hug, proud and giddy.
And in that moment—it was perfect.