The sun blazed high in the sky, casting its golden rays over a vast, open land where trees bent to the wind and the soil smelled of freedom. After nearly a year of peace in the village, the group of five had finally stepped beyond its protective borders—hearts sharpened, spirits matured, and bonds unbreakable.
Lina dashed across the field with surprising agility. Once a timid, starving child, she now leapt between boulders and slashed with her claws like a seasoned warrior. Her short yellow hair flowed with every move, and her bright green eyes burned with purpose. She let out a small roar as she lunged at a goblin, striking it down with precision.
"Stay back, ugly!" she yelled, flipping midair before landing on her feet. "You're not hurting my family!"
A dozen more monsters crept forward—but before they could get close, a sudden storm gathered.
A gust of wind howled.
Lightning danced through the clouds above.
And then… thunder struck.
Aizen stood tall with both arms raised, a storm crackling in his eyes. The monsters turned toward him—only to be greeted by an onslaught of sharpened wind blades, electricity, and raw beastman fury.
Within seconds, they were gone.
The earth quieted. Only the sound of Aizen's slow, calm breath remained as the storm above cleared.
He stood among the fading mist, his black hair now longer and tied loosely behind his head, strands falling around his golden, narrowed eyes. His muscles had filled out, making his cloak stretch slightly at the shoulders. A faint glow of energy flickered around his body, as if nature itself obeyed his will.
He had become... devastatingly powerful. And undeniably handsome.
Lina sprinted back and stared up at him, tail wagging with excitement. "Papa! That was awesome!"
Aizen gave a small smile, ruffling her head. "You did well too. I saw how fast you moved."
As Lina beamed, Aizen turned his eyes to the distance.
I've grown... But am I ready to face the dragonkin that destroyed everything?
No. Not yet. If I'm not at full power, I'll lose everything again.
He tightened his grip on his sword. But soon.
A gentle breeze carried the scent of lavender.
Behind him, Lyra approached, her long silver-blue hair dancing in the wind like moonlight on water. Her beauty had only deepened with time—elegant, powerful, breathtaking. Her horns curved gracefully, her royal cloak fluttered behind her, and her emerald eyes burned with confidence and love.
She stood beside Aizen, summoning a radiant sphere of light between her hands, which burst outward—cleansing the area of dark energy. Her magic was potent now, capable of shielding cities and destroying entire armies.
And yet…
"It's still not enough," she whispered. "The dragons that took everything from you, Aizen... they were monsters."
He looked at her, eyes softening. "We'll become stronger. Together."
Mikaela and Theodore ran up, joining them on the hill.
Mikaela's black devil tail flicked as she smiled mischievously. She had grown taller and could now cast High Buff Magic, enhancing Aizen's strength until the earth cracked with his every step.
"Papa, I made you stronger earlier. Did it work?" she asked, eyes shining with pride.
Aizen chuckled. "The earth nearly split in half."
"Yay!" she grinned, spinning around.
Theodore followed quietly, holding his staff tightly. His magic had grown more stable, and he could now summon shields and protective barriers for his siblings. His angelic wings fluttered nervously.
"I'm... still not as strong as you, but I'll protect Lina next time," he mumbled, looking determined.
Lyra knelt down, hugging him gently. "You're already strong in heart, Theo. And that's what counts."
---
A City of Chaos
By late afternoon, they arrived at a cliff overlooking a massive city in the distance.
Unlike the peaceful village they left, this place pulsed with energy and danger. Giant structures rose like teeth, streets were crowded with merchants, mercenaries, thieves, and monsters all living under the same banners. Smoke coiled in the air, and echoes of yelling and laughter filled the wind.
"Welcome to Eravor," Lyra said, frowning. "A city of lawless freedom. No empires, no kingdoms… only power."
As they entered, Lina clutched Aizen's cloak tightly.
People stared.
Not just at Aizen's black lion heritage or Lyra's dragonkin nobility—but at the entire group. A human-shaped storm, a divine dragon, an angel, a devil, and a golden-furred cat princess… walking side-by-side.
The city felt wild. Unpredictable.
But Aizen smiled to himself.
This was the perfect place to grow stronger.
And to prepare—for the war that would one day return.