Ten Years Later
Under the endless skies of Aetheris, ten long years had passed. The world itself seemed unchanged — only the faces of men had grown older, and their hearts more cautious.
The so-called peace that reigned was one born of fear.
Across the lands, Lucifer and Kaelen had scoured the seven regions in their unending search for the mythical crystals. Yet even they knew — the Crown of Life would not reveal itself so easily.
Their true purpose was far darker. The search was a facade. Aetheris trembled under their iron rule, and each passing day, Kaelen's army grew stronger — feeding off the terror that spread through the mortal realm.
Lucifer had gifted Kaelen fragments of his dark army, monstrosities forged from the abyss. Wherever Kaelen's banners rose, those creatures followed — and none dared oppose them.
Kingdom after kingdom bowed in surrender. Resistance became myth. Hope became memory.
Among mortals, they called Lucifer "The Shadow of Death." His legions numbered in the millions now — a sea of darkness bound to his will.
Morvain, once frightened by those horrors, now stood beside his master with hardened resolve. His hair had streaks of grey, his eyes cold yet thoughtful.
He glanced at the swarming dark warriors and muttered, "So it begins again. I suppose you're ready, my lord?"
Lucifer turned slowly, his eyes burning like dying embers. A smile crept across his lips — sharp and cruel.
"Almost," he replied, his voice echoing like thunder through the dungeon. "There's just one thing left to do."
The warriors froze, their guttural growls silencing. A suffocating stillness filled the air.
Even Morvain felt a chill crawl up his spine as Lucifer's laughter broke through the silence — deep, hollow, and promising ruin.
---
Meanwhile, in Wilfred's Domain, far away from the chaos, peace truly existed.
The sun hung low in a golden sky as Olivia sat by a tranquil pond, cross-legged in deep concentration.
She had grown into a breathtaking young woman — graceful, with calm yet determined eyes that held wisdom far beyond her years. Her long silver hair shimmered faintly in the light, and the faint mark of divinity glowed faintly on her wrist.
Her breathing was steady. Around her, the air rippled faintly, distorting like heat over stone. She was forming her core — the center of an immortal's strength, the vessel that would one day let her hold the power of the mythical crystals.
Wilfred stood behind her with his hands clasped behind his back. His face bore the lines of age, but his eyes were sharp and proud.
Leofric stood nearby as well, his once reckless energy softened into maturity. His hand often brushed against the woman beside him — Edith, whose belly was round with child.
Over the years, love had bloomed between them, their union witnessed by Wilfred and Olivia beneath the stars.
Leofric glanced between Edith and Olivia and smiled. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine," Edith replied softly, one hand resting on her stomach.
"And the baby?"
Before she could answer, she flinched, gasping softly as her hand tightened on her belly.
Leofric's smile vanished. "Edith? What's wrong?"
She exhaled shakily, then chuckled. "He just kicked. That naughty boy must have heard you talking about him."
Leofric let out a sigh of relief. "He's already strong like his mother," he teased, fetching a small chair.
"Here, sit for a while."
But Edith didn't respond. Her eyes were locked on something behind him.
Leofric followed her gaze—
And froze.
A whirlwind had risen around Olivia. Leaves and petals danced violently in the air, spiraling in luminous circles. The wind shimmered with fragments of light and darkness entwined.
Olivia remained perfectly still, her eyes shut, her expression calm. Her hair floated weightlessly as radiant energy surrounded her, humming in divine rhythm.
Wilfred, who had been standing behind her, stepped back and then ascended lightly onto a nearby tree branch to observe from above.
The energy intensified. The pond beneath Olivia reflected a thousand colors as seven radiant spheres appeared above her head, each pulsing with a different hue — White, Red, Black, Silver, Deep blue, Emerald Green, and Light Blue.
Each orb released a distinct pressure, blending together in a harmonic storm that shook the domain.
Wilfred's cloak billowed as he gazed in awe. "She's… different," he murmured. "She's the true child of the gods."
Leofric shielded Edith from the violent wind. "What's happening!?"
Wilfred's voice carried over the roaring air. "Those are cores — seven of them! The seven that mirror the mythical crystals themselves. No immortal has ever borne more than one. This… this is beyond comprehension."
The earth trembled once, then silence fell. The seven orbs merged into Olivia's chest in a radiant flash.
Olivia opened her eyes — glowing with divine light — and exhaled softly. Her voice was calm, almost serene. "I can feel it… flowing through me."
Then, the light faded. The wind stopped. And the world seemed still again.
Olivia blinked, dazed but smiling. "I feel… stronger. Lighter."
But before Wilfred could speak, Edith gasped suddenly, clutching her stomach. Sweat ran down her face.
Leofric turned instantly, panic in his voice. "Edith! What's wrong?"
Her voice trembled. "The baby… he's coming."
Without hesitation, Leofric helped her up and shouted toward the tree, "Wilfred! It's time!"
Wilfred landed beside them, his calm composure now urgent. Together, they guided Edith into the cottage.
Olivia, sensing their distress, looked toward the house and smiled faintly. "My nephew is about to be born," she whispered with excitement.
Still brimming with divine energy, she rushed toward the cottage.
Inside, the air was tense. Edith lay on the bed, gripping Leofric's hand tightly as pain rippled through her body.
Leofric tried to soothe her, his voice trembling. "You can do this, love. Just breathe."
Wilfred stood by the doorway, ready to assist. Olivia stayed beside Edith, wiping her sweat and whispering softly.
"Push, Aunt Edith," Olivia said gently. "He's almost here."
Edith cried out as she pushed again, tears glistening in her eyes.
Leofric held her close. "You're doing well. Just a little more!"
But the child wasn't coming easily. Olivia checked, her voice rising slightly in concern. "Uncle Leofric, it's not coming out!"
Wilfred stepped forward, his tone firm but calm. "Steady yourselves. Now, Edith, give one last push."
Summoning every ounce of strength, Edith screamed — and the room was filled with the sharp, pure cry of a newborn.
For a moment, time stood still.
Olivia, trembling, caught the tiny infant in her arms. His skin glowed faintly, as though kissed by divine light. She wrapped him carefully in a white cloth, tears of joy spilling down her face.
Smiling brightly, she handed the baby to Leofric. "Here, Uncle. He's beautiful."
Leofric stared, speechless. His eyes glistened as he held his son — the life they had longed for.
Edith reached weakly toward them, her voice faint. "Let me see him…"
Leofric guided the baby into her arms. She smiled faintly, her fingers brushing the child's cheek.
Just then, Wilfred stepped forward, his expression soft. "Congratulations," he said warmly. "A new light is born into Aetheris."
Olivia giggled softly, wiping her tears. "He's going to be strong, just like you two."
Wilfred smiled, looking between the three of them — Leofric's love, Edith's courage, and Olivia's divine glow.
"Perhaps," he said quietly, "the gods have blessed us twice today."