Darkness had no shape. No sound. No end.
Elarion drifted through the void, his soul untethered, his memories flickering like dying embers. There was no pain, no fear—only a strange calm, as if the universe itself had paused to watch him pass.
Then, light.
A sudden shift, like reality folding in on itself, and Elarion found himself standing in a hall so vast and majestic it stole his breath. Polished marble stretched endlessly beneath his feet, etched with runes that shimmered faintly in hues of silver and violet.
Pillars rose like towers, carved with celestial beasts and ancient symbols he couldn't recognize. The ceiling arched high above, painted with constellations that moved slowly, as if alive.
He blinked, stunned. This… this rivals Soren's imperial hall, he thought. No—this surpasses it.
He turned slowly, searching for signs of life. But the hall was silent, empty. Only his own breath echoed faintly.
Then he noticed his hand.
It was translucent—ghostlike. He could see the floor through his palm, the runes glowing faintly beneath his skin. He flexed his fingers, then examined his body. He was wearing his old adventurer's gear: the worn leather coat, the twin blade harness, the boots scuffed from years of travel.
This must be… soul form, he realized. The legends of Avalonia spoke of it, but no one ever confirmed it. And now… I'm living it.
A thrill ran through him. Despite everything, despite death and loss, he was experiencing something no mortal had ever truly described. He felt light, unburdened. The weight of flesh, of pain, of time—it was gone.
Then the space before him rippled.
The air twisted violently, and from the distortion stepped a woman.
She radiated majesty. Her presence alone bent the atmosphere, her aura both beautiful and deadly. Her figure was graceful, yet powerful—like a blade wrapped in silk. But her face… it was obscured, veiled in swirling fog that refused to part.
Elarion squinted, trying to pierce the mist. He couldn't see her features, but he could feel her essence. She must be… breathtaking. And terrifying.
Suddenly, the air thickened.
A crushing pressure descended, like gravity multiplied a hundredfold. Elarion's knees bent slightly, his spirit groaning under the weight. He gritted his teeth, trying to resist, but his efforts barely made a dent.
So strong… this pressure… it's like the world itself is pressing down on me.
But then, something stirred within him.
His heart ignited. The fighting spirit that had carried him through wars, through loss, through the final battle against the Demon Emperor—it flared to life. His eyes burned with light, and he roared silently within, pushing against the invisible force.
Minutes passed. His soul strained, cracked, and then—relief.
The pressure lifted.
A wave of warmth washed over him, like a healing spell cast by a master mage. His spirit felt whole again, rejuvenated.
Then he heard it—clapping.
He looked up. The woman stood before him, her face now visible.
And it was… divine.
Beauty that could topple empires. Eyes like twin galaxies, lips curved in a smile that held both kindness and power. Elarion stared, dazed, his thoughts scattering.
She's… beyond mortal comprehension.
Desire flickered. Agitation stirred. But he shook his head, banishing the thoughts. No. Focus. This is no ordinary woman.
She smiled, amused. "You're stronger than I expected. It's been a long time since I found a spirit like yours in the lower realm."
Elarion blinked. "Lower realm?"
She tilted her head. "You're wondering what that means. I'll explain."
He nodded slowly, still trying to process her words.
She's not from Avalonia… she's from somewhere else entirely.
Then she spoke again, her voice echoing with ancient power. "I am Seraphyne. The goddess your church reveres."
Elarion's breath caught.
Seraphyne… the name whispered in prayers, carved into temple walls… she's real.
He had always been skeptical. The gods had never answered. The prayers during the Demon Emperor's invasion had gone unanswered. But now, standing before her, he knew—this was no illusion.
"I believe you," he said quietly. "You could crush me with a thought. There's no point in doubting."
She smiled again. "Wise."
He took a breath. "Why am I here? What do you want from me?"
Seraphyne stepped forward, her aura softening. "You're here because you earned it. Your actions during the battle against the Demon Emperor saved countless lives. You accumulated immense karma. I've come to reward you."
Elarion's eyes widened. "Reward?"
"Any wish. Any desire. Speak it, and I shall grant it."
He paused, then sighed. "I don't want power. I don't want glory. I just want peace. Reincarnate me. Let me live a quiet life."
Seraphyne closed her eyes, her expression unreadable. "I can do that. But your memories… they're fading. The bonds you forged, the adventures you lived—they're slipping away."
Elarion smiled gently. "It's alright. I'll make new ones. Just… give me a loving family. I was an orphan. I want to know what it feels like."
For a moment, Seraphyne's divine composure faltered. Emotion flickered in her eyes.
Such a simple wish, she thought. So rare… so pure.
She nodded. "I will grant it."
Then she asked, "Is there anything else you wish to know?"
Elarion hesitated, then spoke softly. "Why didn't you help? When the people prayed… when the church begged for your intervention… why did you stay silent?"
Seraphyne's gaze darkened. "We are forbidden. Gods and goddesses cannot interfere directly. If I had acted, the Demon God who favored the Demon Emperor would have intervened as well. The balance must be maintained."
Elarion's mind spun. So that's why…
He felt dizzy. The scale of divine politics was beyond him. He was a warrior, not a god. He knew his limits.
"I understand," he said. "Thank you for telling me."
Seraphyne raised her hands, chanting in a language older than stars. The runes on the floor glowed brighter, and a portal opened—a swirling vortex of light and warmth.
She turned to him. "This world is peaceful. You will live as a common man. No battles. No bloodshed. Just life."
Elarion stepped forward, then paused. He turned back, eyes burning with curiosity.
"How… how can I reach your level of strength?"
Seraphyne laughed softly. "Even now, your spirit burns. But this world is not for warriors. Live fully. Live happily. That is your path."
He nodded, deeply. "I will."
He walked toward the portal, his steps steady. Halfway through, he heard her voice again.
"If fate allows… we will meet again."
Elarion smiled. Fate… such a beautiful word.
And with that, he stepped into the light.
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Author's Note:
What u think will happen next? If u wish to know more, then add it to ur library and stay updated with me.