✦ Inside the Fallen Castle
The halls of the former Dragon King's castle were silent, its once-proud banners now torn and faded. Within, Aizen and Lyra lay side by side, their breathing steady in sleep. But in Aizen's dream, shadows stirred.
A figure emerged—a woman cloaked in shifting darkness, her voice soft but commanding.
> "Aizen, you have not yet mastered your absolute power."
His golden eyes narrowed within the dream.
> "Who are you? Why speak to me like this?"
The woman chuckled lightly, her tone playful yet haunting.
> "Me? I'm just a random creature you can find anywhere… nothing more."
Before he could press further, the dream shattered.
Aizen awoke with a sharp breath, Lyra still asleep at his side. He brushed her silver hair gently, then rose and called for the maids.
"Prepare breakfast for the children. Wake them as well."
Soon, Lyra joined him, scales gleaming faintly in the morning light. At his side, his black fur and golden eyes glimmered like a living storm.
"Papa, look—it's fish!" Lina squealed, her green eyes sparkling.
"Yes, Lina," Aizen smiled. "I knew you were craving fish, so I had them prepare it."
Amethyst clenched his fists. "Father, let's train later! I want to grow stronger!"
But Aizen shook his head. "No. You must study and be a scholar. Strength is useless without wisdom."
Meanwhile, Mikaela, Theodore, and Crystal happily munched on eggs and fish, their laughter filling the hall.
---
✦ Academy Days
At the academy, Amethyst walked side by side with Theodore, while the three girls—Mikaela, Lina, and Crystal—followed together.
"Amethyst! Before class, can we play on the field?" Theodore grinned. "Papa won't teach me because I only use magic, but maybe you can?"
Amethyst chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Alright, Little Theo. I've got a few minutes."
He tossed Theodore gently into the air, catching him with ease. Theodore laughed until his stomach hurt.
"Time's up. Let's get to class."
"Yes, let's!" Theodore chimed.
---
✦ Beneath the Oceans
Far below, in the abyss where no light could reach, a colossal shadow slumbered. Leviathan.
Its massive body curled within the dark waters, its breaths stirring ancient currents. In five months, it would awaken. And when it did… the seas themselves would tremble.
---
✦ The Vampire Court
In the snowbound halls of the Vampire Queen, her ministers bowed low.
"My Queen," one spoke. "Your cousin and nephew now dwell on the Green Continent, not in the Snow Continent."
Another minister leaned forward. "This is our chance to strike the Snow Continent. The Green Continent is harmless to your kin."
Queen Liliane Vespera rose, her crimson eyes glowing.
> "Very well. We shall prepare for battle."
---
✦ The Celestial Council
In a colossal palace with a thousand rooms, twenty beings greater than the G.O.D.s themselves gathered. Their forms were radiant, their discussions eternal.
"Shall we bless the living across the galaxies? Or leave them under the Protector Gods' care?" their voices echoed.
The fate of countless worlds hung in their casual deliberation.
---
✦ Academy Rivalries
"Amethyst…"
A soft voice reached him. He turned to see a girl with shimmering silver hair and sharp blue eyes. She clutched her books nervously.
"Do you remember me? You helped me on your first day. I—I'm Cyanara Drakovia, the Duke's daughter and granddaughter of the Academy's Minister."
Amethyst forced a polite smile, though his heart raced. "Ah, Princess Cyanara. A pleasure to see you again."
"Then… will you walk with me to class?" she asked sweetly.
"Of course, Princess." His voice was smooth, but inside he panicked, desperate to escape.
From a distance, Lina nudged Mikaela. "Look! Amethyst is walking with the creep."
Mikaela sighed, crossing her arms. "You're right. She even took off her glasses to look prettier. Hmph… I'm jealous. Theo and Amethyst both have love lives, but I don't." Her voice dropped. "It… makes me sad."
---
✦ The Garden's Innocence
In the academy garden, Theodore sat on a bench with Lucien.
"Say ahhh," Lucien said, feeding him a cream puff.
Theodore's eyes sparkled. "Wow! This is so sweet and good!"
Lucien smiled warmly. "We can always share things like this, Theo. Time will pass, but we'll grow together."
"Hey, sister Lucien! Feed me too!" Crystal called out.
Lucien laughed, breaking another cream puff in half. "Of course, since you called me sister." He fed both Theodore and Crystal, their laughter ringing like bells.
---
✦ Higher Than Gods
In a shadowed realm, Olivierr's presence returned. A cloaked figure stepped from the darkness.
"Where have you been, Olivierr?"
"Oh, just reminding my daughter not to be lazy," she replied coldly.
"Hmph. Your daughter is proving useful. She may soon rank even higher than a G.O.D."
Olivierr's eyes narrowed, her aura sharp as blades.
> "Is that so? Then I'll ensure she surpasses even your expectations."
---
End of Chapter 52