Night fell over Skyfall Valley.
Fires still burned.
Smoke curled into the heavens.
But the battlefield was silent.
The war…
Was over.
For now.
Temporary Camp — Medical Zone
Rows of wounded soldiers lay on spirit beds.
Healers moved nonstop.
Soft green light flowed everywhere.
Arin walked slowly among them.
Every soldier he passed tried to stand.
"Your Majesty—"
"Rest," he said gently.
"You've done enough."
Their eyes shone with loyalty.
Central Tent
Elara sat on a bed, her arm bandaged.
Arin rushed over.
"Why didn't you tell me you were hurt?!"
She smiled softly.
"It's just a scratch."
He held her hand tightly.
"I can't lose you."
She leaned forward.
"You won't."
Seren entered.
Her armor was cracked.
Blood stained her hair.
But she grinned.
"Did you see me?"
"I killed at least a hundred."
Arin sighed. "You're injured too."
She waved it off.
"Tch. Worth it."
He pulled her into a hug.
She froze.
"…Hey, not in front of everyone!"
But she didn't pull away.
Mira's Report
Mira placed a tablet on the table.
"Casualties: 7%."
"Enemy casualties: 89%."
"Strategic victory."
Arin nodded.
"Good work."
She adjusted her glasses.
"…I was worried."
He looked at her.
"About?"
"Losing you."
He smiled.
"Not happening."
Her cheeks reddened slightly.
Night — Private Tent
Later…
Only Arin and Elara remained.
Soft lantern light flickered.
Rain tapped gently outside.
She sat beside him.
Quiet.
Thoughtful.
"Today… I was afraid," she admitted.
He pulled her close.
"I was too."
They held each other.
Warm.
Safe.
Her fingers traced his arm.
"Promise me…"
"No more disappearing."
He kissed her forehead.
"I promise."
She looked up.
Eyes shining.
He leaned down.
Their lips met.
Slow.
Tender.
Full of emotion.
Outside—
Thunder rolled softly.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Bond Strengthened
Affinity +15%
Elsewhere — Hidden Cave
Deep beneath shattered mountains…
A shadow moved.
A surviving Immortal.
Half-dead.
Wrapped in darkness.
"Arin Drayke…"
"You think you've won…"
A crystal pulsed in his chest.
"Master will awaken…"
Second Heir — Same Night
Back at camp—
Ardyn stirred.
Golden and crimson light swirled.
Runes appeared in the air.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Second Heir Awakening
Stage 1 Initiated
Mira sensed it instantly.
Her eyes widened.
"…Another phenomenon?"
Above — Star Realm
An ancient eye opened.
"The younger one awakens…"
"This changes everything."
Storms gathered again.
Destiny was not done.