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Chapter 26 - Chapter 26: The Calm Before the Journey‎

‎The sun peeked through the gentle clouds, casting a warm golden hue over the peaceful city. For the first time in a while, life felt stable. Laughter echoed through the quiet home as the family prepared for something special—Crystal's birthday.

‎She was turning 7 soon, and the once-timid little girl with light pink hair and red eyes had grown bolder, louder, and more playful. Amethyst, her older brother, was already running around with her and Lina in the yard, the three children weaving games of tag and pretend battles, their joy filling the air like springtime music.

‎Inside the house, Mikaela was dozing off on the couch, her soft blonde hair messy and lips slightly parted. She'd been up late, again, helping Amethyst cook. He was learning quickly and was proud to be the one making breakfast for Crystal's birthday week.

‎Near the back of the house, Lyra sat cross-legged in silence. Her long white hair flowed gently with the breeze as she meditated under the shade of the tree. Magic runes faintly shimmered around her as she channeled her mana through every fiber of her body. Next to her, Theodore trained hard—his small hands glowing with a soft blue light as he struggled to control a new type of magic: barrier reinforcement. He glanced at Lyra from time to time, quietly admiring her strength.

‎Meanwhile, deep in the nearby forest, Aizen hunted monsters with focused fury.

‎With every clash of his claws and crack of thunder in his voice, he released his frustration. Not because he hated the monsters—but because he hated feeling behind.

‎Earlier that day, rumors swirled through the city streets: a young "Hero" had been chosen to challenge the Demon King. Aizen overheard it all while returning from the guild with the latest bounty.

‎They claimed the Demon King was terrifying, a force unmatched by most mortals. Yet what burned in Aizen's mind was the whispered comparison:

‎"The Dragon King is at least five times stronger than the Demon King."

‎That thought... infuriated him.

‎"I'm still not strong enough."

‎"Even now... I wouldn't survive a single blow from a real Dragon King."

‎His storm-infused eyes darkened. Lightning danced along his fingertips.

‎He roared—and a bolt of raw lightning tore through three beasts at once, leaving smoke and scorched earth behind.

‎But his rage wasn't just about power—it was fear. Fear that one day, the family he loved would face those monsters... and he wouldn't be strong enough to protect them.

‎---

‎Training Arc – Final Month in the City

‎That night, after returning home with fresh meat, Aizen called everyone together.

‎"We're leaving in a month," he said firmly. "After Crystal's birthday."

‎The children paused in their games. Lyra gently lowered her tea cup. Amethyst looked surprised, but nodded. Mikaela, still half-asleep, gave a thumbs up.

‎That month became a beautiful mix of preparation, training, and bonding:

‎Aizen climbed mountains and meditated during lightning storms, allowing his body to absorb and adapt to harsher currents of magic. His control improved, and his eyes began to flicker like a real storm.

‎Lyra trained with ancient scrolls to master new spells that could warp gravity and pierce even thick dragon scales. She also helped Lina control her physical strength during training.

‎Theodore mastered barrier formations and began creating floating orbs of mana, small but stable—his potential growing faster than anyone expected.

‎Mikaela, though often sleepy, secretly trained in high-speed buff enchantments to support her siblings in emergencies.

‎Amethyst grew sharper in his cooking, swordplay, and even stealth skills—he began leaving traps around the training yard, which sometimes caught Aizen off guard.

‎Crystal began learning basic energy sensing—her small hands glowing faintly during games, and her confidence blooming under Aizen's praise.

‎---

‎Crystal's Birthday

‎When the day finally arrived, their small home burst with joy.

‎They decorated with colored paper, Mikaela baked a soft cake, and Aizen carried Crystal on his shoulders the whole afternoon. Amethyst gave her a ribbon he bought with his own money, and Lyra gifted her a beautiful dress enchanted to be fireproof.

‎Crystal hugged each of them and, with shining eyes, said,

‎"This is the best birthday ever. You're all my real family."

‎Even Aizen, normally quiet during emotional moments, smiled gently and whispered,

‎"Happy birthday, princess."

‎---

‎Departure Day

‎A month later, their bags were packed. The once-busy house now echoed with silence.

‎Lina clung to the doorway for a few seconds longer, whispering goodbye. Crystal held onto Amethyst's hand, looking back at her tiny room.

‎"I'll miss this place," she murmured.

‎"We'll make a better home next time," Aizen said, his voice soft but steady.

‎As they left the city gates together—Lyra beside Aizen, the children behind them—they didn't just leave behind a house.

‎They left behind memories, peace... and comfort.

‎What lay ahead was uncertain.

‎But they would face it together.

‎---

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