In the endless cycle of time, the air shimmered with a strange aura swirling around. A woman walked slowly yet steadily, her steps unhurried, carrying an unshakable confidence. Her smile was warm and soothing, though her face remained hidden beneath the shadow of the hood covering most of her features. Her bright yellow dress glimmered faintly under the strange light of the time cycle, standing in stark contrast to the darkness surrounding her.
"I swear… this time, I will succeed," she whispered softly yet firmly, as if encouraging herself. That smile radiated warmth and confidence amidst the suffocating silence.
Before her, a portal flickered with hues of violet and blue, its light reflecting across the cycle of time. She turned briefly, her eyes fixed on the portal, and her mysterious smile widened. With unwavering steps, she entered the portal—SWUS!!
The portal vanished instantly, leaving behind a silence even heavier than before. No one knew where she had gone—only the lingering echo of her smile remained in the air.
---
In the Training Hall.
The academy's training hall was filled with golden sunlight streaming through large windows, reflecting on polished wooden floors. Celestienne stood with a relaxed yet attentive posture, her gentle eyes watching Veyron as he practiced basic strikes. Her smile radiated joy, filling the room with warmth and serenity.
"Ah… how nice it is to live peacefully, even for just one day," she murmured softly, glancing toward the window, basking in the sunlight. Yet an uneasy feeling slowly crept in. "But why… why does it feel like I'm being watched again? I wonder how that second concubine is doing… she was gravely injured…"
Though curiosity stirred within her, Celestienne brushed the thought aside, refocusing on Veyron. Why waste time worrying about her, when I should be training my brother to grow stronger? Her eyes softened with affection as she watched him, though a trace of curiosity lingered about the identity of the old man's second wife.
But from afar, a killing intent began to seep through. A man stood cloaked in the shadows of the trees, his crimson eyes glowing with rage. His expression was one of uncharacteristic fury—Caelvorn, who could not forgive Celestienne for touching his beloved wife.
"Mark my words, Celestienne Aurelith. You will die by my hands. This is my vow before my god," he hissed coldly, shaking the air around him.
The union members nearby, who were used to seeing Caelvorn calm and composed, were taken aback.
"This is the first time we've ever seen Lord Caelvorn truly angry," one whispered nervously.
"Yes… I can't believe it either," another replied, his fear barely contained.
Caelvorn heard their whispers, but his rage remained undiminished. His focus was entirely locked onto Celestienne—the woman who had dared to harm his wife. The academy grounds grew heavy with tension, though Celestienne herself, still smiling warmly at Veyron, was unaware of the looming threat.
---
In the Holy Church.
Within the Holy Church, flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the marble walls carved with ancient symbols. The scent of incense mixed with fresh flowers filled the air, creating an aura of sanctity and calm. Yet beneath the surface, darkness lurked in the heart of one of its worshippers.
A young woman knelt before the great altar, hands clasped over her chest. Her beautiful face glowed under the candlelight, her gentle smile exuding piety, deceiving anyone into believing she was a devout servant of the divine. But behind that smile lay a heart rotten, deceitful, and cruel—a demon cloaked in beauty.
"Oh, my god… I will serve you for all eternity," she whispered sweetly. Yet her voice dripped with falsehood, like honeyed poison seeping slowly. Her smile widened, but her eyes remained cold, devoid of sincerity.
She rose slowly, her gown brushing softly against the marble floor. As she stepped away, her form began to change. Her plain white dress morphed into a robe marked with the blazing sun at her left side. Her silver hair shifted into golden strands that shimmered like midday light. The once-gentle face was now cold, stripped of all warmth.
Outside the grand steps of the church, a group awaited her arrival. Cloaked in pitch-black robes, their faces concealed by deep hoods, they emanated an oppressive aura that weighed heavily on the air.
The moment she appeared, they all knelt in unison. Their voices echoed in reverence:
"Welcome, Princess."
One among them asked in a low but commanding tone, "What is our next destination, Your Highness?"
Her gaze, sharp as a blade, cut into him. "We march toward Celestienne Aurelith."
Without hesitation, the followers bellowed as one:
"Yes, PRINCESS! We shall head for Princess Celestienne!"
In an instant, their cloaked figures dissolved into shadows, vanishing into the night, leaving behind a chilling stillness. She stood alone upon the grand stairs—not in solitude, but in the presence of her own looming threat.
Her lips curled into a cold, sinister smile.
"I'm coming for you, Celestienne Aurelith…" she whispered, her voice echoing like a cursed promise in the air.
---
In the Forest Behind the Academy.
Sunlight pierced through the dense canopy, scattering golden rays across the forest floor. Birds chirped, branches rustled, as if bearing witness to the siblings' training. Celestienne stood nearby, watching Veyron strike down small monsters with his training sword.
"Come on, my dearest little brother, keep going!" Celestienne cheered warmly, her smile softening the intensity of the hunt. She was truly happy, cherishing every moment spent with him.
Sweat poured down Veyron's face as he gripped his sword tightly, his eyes burning with determination. "I will grow stronger… strong enough to stand as your equal!" he shouted, his voice fierce despite his trembling body.
Celestienne's heart swelled with pride, even as she knew his dream was far too lofty for now. At least he has found his resolve…
When their hunt ended, Celestienne patted her brother's shoulder gently. "Veyron, stay here, alright? I'll return to my room for a moment."
Veyron, panting heavily, nodded. "Okay, Sis…"
But as Celestienne took only a few steps away, Veyron's body suddenly faltered. His eyes shut, his breath hitched—and he collapsed onto the ground with a heavy thud.
"VEYRON!!" Celestienne cried out in panic, sprinting back. She dropped to her knees, clutching his limp, chilling body close to her.
Without hesitation, she carried him in her arms. Though his weight pressed heavily against her, she did not falter. Fear and desperation burned within her chest as she rushed toward the academy's infirmary.
"Why… why did my brother suddenly collapse like this?" she whispered, her voice breaking, eyes brimming with tears.
---
In the Infirmary.
"Why did my brother collapse, Doctor?" Celestienne's trembling voice broke the silence as her anxious gaze locked onto the physician.
The old man with a long white beard examined Veyron's body—checking his pulse, temperature, and breathing carefully. At last, he looked up with furrowed brows.
"What was your brother doing before this, Princess Celestienne?"
Celestienne clasped her hands tightly. "He was training with me… but just as I was about to leave, he suddenly collapsed."
The doctor sighed heavily. "His body seems perfectly healthy. No injuries, no signs of illness. I can't find anything."
Celestienne closed her eyes briefly. Deep down, she already knew the reason. Her brother was too strong—his fragile body simply could not contain the overflowing power within him.
Opening her eyes, she spoke firmly, "Thank you for examining him, Doctor. The rest… is up to me."
The doctor stared at her for a long moment, then nodded solemnly. "Very well. May you succeed in saving him, Princess Celestienne."
With determination, Celestienne lifted her brother once more, carrying him to her room.
---
Once inside, she gently laid Veyron upon her soft bed, covering him with a blanket. Her tender gaze lingered on his peaceful yet fragile face.
"Spirit at the edge of the sword," she whispered shakily. "You know, don't you? Why my brother collapsed… You must know."
From the ancestral blade hanging on the wall, a deep voice resonated.
"I know, Princess. He fainted because his body cannot withstand his own power. The energy flowing within him is far too great for such a fragile vessel."
Celestienne clenched the blanket. "Yes… my brother is too strong, even for his own body." She inhaled deeply, then straightened. "Spirit of the blade, raise the barrier."
"As you command."
The sword gleamed, releasing waves of light that spread across the room. Walls, floor, and ceiling trembled briefly before settling. An invisible barrier now enveloped Celestienne's chamber, sealing them off from outside interference.
The spirit's voice grew steady. "The barrier is in place, Princess. Now you may enter your brother's consciousness without fear of disturbance."
Celestienne lowered her head in acknowledgment, her expression resolute though burdened. "Very well…" she whispered. She leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair from Veyron's face before closing her eyes.
Channeling her special technique, she reached for the doorway into Veyron's inner world.
In that instant, her body remained in the room, but her spirit drifted away—descending into the depths of her brother's consciousness, where his deepest secrets lay hidden.
---
Chapter 9 Part 1 Completed.