Meanwhile, millions of miles away, within a floating city the size of a kingdom, a towering mage's spire rose high at its center. Countless magicians entered and exited the great tower, each of them carrying deep reverence in their eyes whenever they walked through its halls.
This was the only holy land for all magi.
On the very top floor of the tower, a young woman — who looked no older than twenty — sat at a large desk piled with documents. Her black hair, braided and reaching her shoulders, swayed gently in the breeze from the open window. Her crimson eyes glowed faintly, and her beauty was indescribable.
If the Queen's beauty was cold and distant, this woman was the type of beauty men dreamt of conquering.
An intense natural aura surrounded her. Even the air seemed to tremble around her, and the wind that brushed her hair only added to her mysterious presence.
Her robe concealed most of her figure, but even so, the elegant lines of her body were unmistakable — she was, without a doubt, blessed with a stunning physique.
As she worked quietly, the door to her chamber burst open. A woman in her thirties with brown hair and eyes entered. She was beautiful in her own right, though the sight of the black-haired woman made her pause in awe before she quickly regained composure and approached.
The black-haired woman lifted her gaze from the documents as the newcomer entered.
"Lady Agnes, we've received a message from your family — something has happened to your grandson."
The crimson eyes that had been so calm moments ago trembled. Without a word, the woman vanished from her chamber, ripping through space itself to reach her destination.
Royal Palace of Helios
At that very moment, several healers surrounded Zeref, pouring life energy into his body to heal his wounds. Slowly but surely, his condition was improving.
The news brought relief to those waiting outside — especially Shopia, whose heart had been restless since the incident. Aprilia and Erina stood near Zeref, refusing to leave his side, guarding him with unwavering resolve.
A few hours later, a beautiful woman in a mage's robe appeared at the palace. A wave of bloodlust erupted from her as she arrived.
When she saw Shopia's tear-stained face, the bloodlust vanished instantly.
"What happened?"
Her voice was soft, yet laced with worry. Shopia looked up at her and whispered:
"Mother-in-law…"
The woman before her was Agnes Fernandez — the mother of Zeref's late father, and thus, Zeref's grandmother. A woman of immense power and influence, even other kingdoms trembled at the mention of her name.
Agnes was a legendary military commander — someone countless soldiers and strategists aspired to become.
When the King arrived, Agnes gave him a small nod out of politeness, but beneath that calm exterior burned a rising fury. She demanded to know what had happened to her grandson, and the King showed her the recorded projection of the events from beginning to end.
Agnes's expression shifted many times as she watched. But in the end, a small smile formed on her lips as she saw her grandson's resolve and talent.
She felt immense pride swell within her — but alongside it, a seed of vengeance took root in her heart. The King's carelessness and Theresia's reckless actions would not go unanswered.
She would do nothing for now. But one day, those who endangered her family would face the consequences.
At that moment, the arrival of another woman was announced. She wore a black hooded cloak that concealed her hair and slowly approached Agnes and the others.
Agnes's expression softened as soon as she saw her daughter. The King's eyes, on the other hand, lit up with obsession, love, and desire at the sight of the hooded woman — though he quickly hid it.
As she walked forward, an invisible pressure emanated from her — unintentional, yet powerful.
The woman smiled gently beneath her hood and embraced Agnes lightly.
"It's good to see you again, Mother."
"Oya… oya… so you still remember your mother after all."
Agnes chuckled softly, acting far more relaxed than her usual self.
"I didn't expect you to arrive this quickly. You must have been worried."
"Of course. But now that I see how calm you are, I can tell the worst has passed."
The woman then turned to the King.
"You look well, Hady."
"Haha… yes, I'm fine. And how about you, Siska?"
"I'm doing just fine."
This was Siska Fernandez — Agnes's second child and daughter, a world-class beauty once courted by countless men.
From a young age, she had displayed terrifying magical talent. By the age of thirty, she had already reached the High-Grandmaster Stage — a once-in-a-millennium prodigy.
She became the disciple of the current Tower Master, a Saint who had reached the peak of magic itself. With her beauty, power, and background, many men — even kings of Helios and Calliope — had tried to win her heart, only to be rejected.
"Enough small talk. What happened to Zeref?"
Siska's tone turned slightly cold. The King sighed and played the same recording he had shown Agnes.
Unlike Agnes, Siska's expression remained unchanged throughout the viewing. But the faint flickers of emotion in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.
The more she watched, the more shocked and pleased she became. Unlike the others, she could clearly see Zeref's potential and future from this single event.
And she could confidently state that his potential might even surpass her own.
Not only that — he had awakened his bloodline, proving his potential was beyond extraordinary.
"My brother would have been so proud if he could see this," she thought.
Afterward, she approached Shopia and gently comforted her.
As she did, the door to Zeref's chamber opened, and an elderly woman stepped out. The moment she appeared, everyone rushed to her, anxious for news.
"Do not worry," the elderly healer said. "He is fine. He should wake up within an hour or two."
Upon hearing those words, everyone sighed in relief. Conversations resumed, and the heavy tension that had filled the palace slowly began to lift.