The night was calm.
Too calm.
No wind.
No insects.
No sound.
Even the flames in the camp burned silently.
Medical Tent — Midnight
Ardyn lay in a floating cradle of jade light.
His tiny chest rose and fell steadily.
But—
Around him…
Energy twisted.
Golden dragon patterns.
Crimson phoenix flames.
Silver star threads.
They wove together like fate itself.
Mira rushed in first.
Her glasses glowed.
"…Energy levels are rising exponentially."
Seren followed.
Sword half-drawn.
"If this explodes, I'm cutting it."
Elara entered last.
Holding Auren's hand.
Arin stood beside the cradle.
Eyes serious.
"Let's stay calm."
Suddenly—
Boom.
The air collapsed inward.
A miniature vortex formed.
Spiritual energy from miles away was sucked in.
Soldiers screamed as their cultivation shook.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Heir Awakening Phase 1
Bloodline Fusion: 43% → 67%
Auren felt it too.
He clenched his fists.
Golden light answered.
"Little brother…"
A faint resonance formed between them.
Twin dragons circled in the air.
Ardyn's Eyes Opened
Slowly.
Deliberately.
Not like a baby.
Like…
An ancient being awakening.
Golden pupils.
Crimson flames within.
The tent trembled.
Everyone felt pressure.
Even Arin's heart skipped.
"…That gaze," Mira whispered.
"It's not infant-level cognition."
Ardyn raised his tiny hand.
Space rippled.
A spark appeared.
Then—
A flame.
Not fire.
Law-flame.
Pure concept.
Seren backed away.
"…That's illegal."
Arin stepped forward.
Placed his palm gently on Ardyn's head.
"Easy."
"I'm here."
The dragon ring glowed.
Bloodline authority flowed.
The flame stabilized.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Parental Authority Applied
Awakening Stabilized
Ardyn blinked.
Pressure vanished.
Then—
He yawned.
And grabbed Arin's finger.
"Da…"
Everyone froze.
Elara burst into tears.
"He said it…"
"He said Dada…"
Hidden Realm — Same Moment
Deep in void space…
An ancient seal cracked.
Crack.
Crack.
A voice echoed.
"…Two heirs…"
"…Dragon and Phoenix…"
"…The Gate can open…"
Mysterious Figure
A robed man stood before the seal.
Half his face was crystal.
"Soon, Emperor."
"You will beg."
Royal Family Chamber — Dawn
Back at Frostwind.
They moved Ardyn safely.
Auren sat beside him proudly.
"My bro."
Seren snorted. "He's one."
"Still."
Mira recorded: "Sibling bonding initiated."
Arin watched them.
Heart full.
"…I'll protect this."
No matter what.
Heavenly Star Map
High above—
Stars rearranged.
Forming a symbol.
The Twin Sovereigns.
A forbidden omen.