The night Elara went into labor—
The heavens changed.
Dark clouds gathered without warning.
Stars shimmered unnaturally.
Golden and silver lightning intertwined across the sky.
Across Frostwind, cultivators stopped what they were doing.
"This phenomenon…"
"It's a Heavenly Birth Omen!"
Imperial Medical Hall
Inside, chaos reigned.
"Heating array ready!"
"Spiritual herbs prepared!"
"Stabilization formation active!"
Dozens of healers worked frantically.
Elara lay on the jade bed, sweat on her forehead, gripping the sheets tightly.
Arin stood beside her.
Holding her hand.
Not letting go.
"I'm here," he whispered.
"You're doing great."
She smiled weakly. "You'd better… not faint."
He laughed nervously. "Me? Never."
Seren paced outside like a tiger.
Mira analyzed spiritual fluctuations nonstop.
"The child's spiritual output exceeds standard parameters."
"That's… concerning."
Outside — Palace Roof
Lightning roared.
A massive dragon phantom coiled among clouds.
A phoenix silhouette appeared beside it.
Yin and Yang energies intertwined.
The entire capital was bathed in sacred light.
Foreign spies trembled.
"This child… is terrifying."
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Divine Birth Event Detected
Heavenly Favor: Active
Suddenly—
Boom!
A wave of killing intent surged from outside the city.
Three masked figures appeared in midair.
Upper Realm assassins.
"Kill the heir."
"Now."
City Defense Array
Arin's eyes turned cold.
Without leaving Elara's side—
He raised one finger.
"Authority: Suppress."
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Authority Domain — Full Release
Boom!!!
The assassins froze.
Midair.
Blood burst from their mouths.
Their bodies collapsed like broken dolls.
Dead.
Instantly.
Seren stared.
"…He didn't even move."
Mira whispered, "Reality manipulation…"
Inside — Medical Hall
Elara cried out.
Light exploded.
A baby's cry pierced the heavens.
"Waaaah!"
At that moment—
The clouds split.
A pillar of divine light descended.
Stars aligned.
Dragon and phoenix phantoms bowed.
"He's born!"
"A prince!"
"No—"
"A divine prince!"
Arin rushed forward.
The healer carefully placed the baby in his arms.
A boy.
Black hair.
Golden pupils.
Tiny scales shimmering faintly.
A small phoenix mark glowed on his chest.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Second Heir Registered
Name: Ardyn Drayke
Bloodline: Dragon-Phoenix Hybrid
Grade: Supreme Divine
Arin froze.
"…Ardyn."
Elara smiled weakly.
"He has… your eyes."
Seren leaned in.
"…And your trouble-making talent."
Mira nodded. "Genetic superiority confirmed."
Suddenly—
Ardyn opened his eyes.
The room trembled.
Everyone felt their souls vibrate.
Then—
He yawned.
And fell asleep.
Silence.
Then laughter.
Later — Midnight
Arin sat beside Elara.
Holding both sons.
Auren on one side.
Ardyn on the other.
His heart was full.
"I'll protect you…"
"No matter what."
Far Away — Upper Realm Council
An elder slammed the table.
"Two divine heirs?!"
"This dynasty cannot be allowed to rise!"
"Prepare… intervention."
Destiny moved.
War approached.