They walked through the imperial corridors—vast and winding like a grand labyrinth. Even after half a day, they had barely covered three percent of the palace grounds.
"I am Isolde," the princess said with grace.
"Rene Sirus Dravenhart!" Rene blurted, beaming like a boy meeting his first crush.
Felix was still too weak to stand on his own, supported by both Hendo and Lumina.
"And the rest of you?" Isolde asked.
"Relio, Your Highness," Relio answered politely.
"Hendo," said Hendo.
"Lumina," replied Lumina briefly.
Isolde smiled softly. "Princess Lumina of Celestian… who doesn't know your name? Daughter of Lady Soneta da Lucia, the Moonlight Goddess—said to be the most beautiful woman in the entire empire."
Lumina let out a sigh. "Yes… everyone only ever mentions my mother."
"But her beauty clearly lives on through you," Isolde replied sincerely.
"And her fierceness? More savage than a lion," Rene added with a laugh.
"Scoundrel," Lumina muttered, glaring.
"See?" Rene grinned, nudging Isolde.
Then Isolde turned her gaze to Felix.
"He was brave… standing up to Magnus Belzore without flinching."
"His name is Zen Felix," Rene quickly added.
"Well then, Lord Felix. I understand this is your first time in Astranova," Isolde continued. "Very few ever get to meet Magnus in person. Even fewer than those who meet the Emperor himself."
"So… he knew we were coming?" Relio asked, surprised.
"Most likely. I believe something about your group intrigued him."
"The pendant Felix wears," Rene blurted.
Isolde looked at Felix—her gaze sharp, yet gentle. "I suspect you carry quite the secret, Lord Felix."
Once they reached the inner gates, Isolde gestured to the guards, signaling them not to search the party.
"May I ask—where will you go next?"
"To Ardenta," Lumina replied.
Isolde hesitated. "I was hoping you'd stay longer in Astranova. As an apology for my brother's behavior… but I suppose you're eager to leave."
"If you came with us, we'd gladly stay," Rene offered hopefully.
"No," Lumina cut in coolly. "We're not nobles. We don't have the right to remain here, not even for a moment."
"But Felix still needs healing!" Rene argued.
"All the more reason to keep moving," Lumina snapped.
And so, they began walking away.
"Felix," Isolde called softly. "I know you carry a grudge against my teacher, Mirelda Bloodrune. But if that day comes… I ask only this: let the choice be yours alone. Though she's strayed from the empire's path… she's still my mentor."
Felix said nothing. He simply walked on—without looking back.
In Bernaum…
Rain poured down in torrents.
After nearly half a year of merciless drought—when all life in the Bernaum savanna was on the brink of collapse—the sky finally answered. Rain fell like a divine blessing. Cracked earth softened. The air cooled. Cheers echoed across the humble homes of the village.
"He kept his promise…!" the village chief cried, eyes lifted to the heavens. "On the third day—just as he said. That boy isn't human… he's a god!"
"We underestimated him," an elder added. "If he ever returns… we'll welcome him not just as a hero, but as a king."
The drought that had nearly erased the entire village and the surrounding plains… ended in a heartbeat.
Felix had kept his word—though the cost was steep: his own freedom.
Meanwhile, deep in the heart of Astranova, two legendary figures were engaged in a heated conversation.
"I can't believe this... Even the affairs of children now, Magnus?" muttered Zean Zong, the Earth Sorcerer—one of the Four Pillars of the Empire.
"Hahaha!" Magnus laughed effortlessly. "Master Zean, you've always been rigid. Yes, I know you're the Grandmaster… and Magnar's teacher no less. But trust me—I'm not meddling in their affairs. I simply… do as I please."
Zean narrowed his eyes. "You're getting too involved. Magnar told me you interfered on his behalf. That's a matter for the young, Magnus."
Magnus stepped forward, his gaze turning icy. "Zean. For the last time… what I deal with is mine to deal with."
The tension thickened. Two legends, locked in a silent storm of power.
"Enough, gentlemen! What petty thing are you quarreling about now?" came a voice both calm and commanding.
Emperor Garron Tarrion had arrived.
"My liege," Magnus and Zean said together, bowing and withdrawing their auras.
The Emperor stood tall and resolute. "You three were once the core pillars of this empire. But ever since these allegations against Mirelda Bloodrune… that foundation has begun to crack. I know all three of you—Magnus, Zean, and Mirelda—built Astranova's legacy. But one of you is missing now."
"Your Majesty," Magnus said firmly. "I advised removing Mirelda as Head of Magical Affairs over two years ago. That counsel was ignored."
"Because we had no evidence, Minister," the Emperor replied. "We cannot cast down a pillar on mere suspicion."
"He's right," Zean added. "Mirelda commands the loyalty of thousands—mages at royal level. Some even sit in the Judicial Council."
Magnus exhaled deeply. "Then if you all insist on waiting for proof... I won't. I'll honor the condition that boy gave me. He wants Mirelda dead."
Zean's eyes widened. "What?! So the boy truly bears a grudge against her? The one you… wish to make your student?"
"Heh..." Magnus smiled faintly. "Who said I wish for a student? I simply… choose who is worthy."
"So it's true?" the Emperor said, startled. "The Prime Minister seeks a disciple? And… a foreigner no less?"
"Don't pretend to be surprised, Minister," Zean pressed. "Magnar already told us everything—about that boy with black fire."
Magnus burst into laughter. "Just look at you two! Everything I do becomes headline gossip! I've already requested retirement, Your Majesty. I want to be free—free to pick a student if I choose!"
"No—please don't retire," the Emperor pleaded. "If I must, I'll go ask him myself to accept you."
"No need," Magnus waved it off. "He's already given me his condition—and I find it fascinating."
"Condition?" the Emperor and Zean said in unison.
Magnus laughed louder. "Isn't it remarkable? A boy with no real power... daring to set terms just to study under me? That's the kind of mind I seek in my old age. Not like you two—so terribly dull."
And without waiting for a response, Magnus turned and walked away—his laughter echoing through the palace halls.
The Emperor and Master Zean stood frozen.
"Master Zean," the Emperor said quietly, "I don't want this incident to push Magnus closer to retirement. You know as well as I do... ever since the Mirelda affair, the Empire's reputation has begun to falter. Please, resolve this carefully."
Zean bowed respectfully. "It's a minor matter, Your Majesty. But we must tread carefully. A rushed decision could lead to grave mistakes."
"Very well. I trust this entirely to you, Master Zean."
With that, the Emperor left, his robes trailing behind him—leaving Zean deep in thought… about the young man who had somehow managed to shake the very core of Astranova's Prime Minister.
Felix and his companions had chosen to rest for a while in the outskirts of Astranova, near the third gate—an area populated by farmers and common folk. Far from the splendor of the palace, but quiet enough to heal.
Felix was still bedridden, his body not yet fully recovered. A healer had been tending to him for the past two days.
"Felix?" Lumina's gentle voice pulled him from his daze. She sat at his bedside. "Are you feeling any better?"
Felix opened his eyes slowly, squinting against the light. "Mmm… I think so. But… where are we?"
"We're still in Astranova," Lumina replied with a soft smile. "Outside the third gate. You've been unconscious for two days."
"What?!" Felix shot up, startled. "I… passed out?!"
"Indeed, sir," Relio chimed in from the corner of the room. "The healer said you were suppressing something inside—whether physical wounds… or something emotional."
He added, in a conspiratorial whisper, "Maybe disappointment... or an overwhelming case of jealousy."
Lumina elbowed him—playfully, but not without force.
Felix flushed instantly. Of course—his jealousy over Lumina's closeness to Magnar had unsettled his focus. He knew it, and now they did too.
"I… I need more rest," he muttered, voice cracking, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Sir?" Relio stepped forward with a serious face. "Is there still… perhaps… a trace of jealousy lingering in your heart?"
"Relio!" Lumina snapped, half-laughing as she clamped a hand over her mouth to stifle her giggle.
Felix turned away, unable to look anyone in the eye—whether from shame… or frustration at himself.
Finally, he drew a deep breath and said, "Relio, I'm giving you a punishment. You must complete the second form of the Legend Sword technique. I told you four days ago."
"Already done, sir!" Relio replied with lightning speed. "I've moved on to level three. I couldn't forgive myself for failing to protect you, so I pushed myself these past two days—sharpened my mind, drilled every move you dictated. And I broke through!"
Felix sighed. He was losing control of the conversation fast—and his situation wasn't improving.
"Fine!" he blurted. "Then your new punishment is this—you're to wear more feminine clothing. Stop dressing like a man all the time. And… you'll learn makeup from Lumina."
"Eh? Sir?? Is… makeup really necessary to master swordsmanship?" Relio asked, eyes wide with innocent confusion.
"It is!" Felix replied with all seriousness. "It'll enhance the elegance of your swordplay."
"Very well, sir!" Relio saluted. "I'll do it. For you, I'll become the best!"
And with that, he left the room—either flustered or excited at the image of himself wearing makeup.
The door shut. Silence fell.
Only Lumina and Felix remained. And with them… the awkward tension.
"So?" Lumina broke the stillness, mischief dancing in her voice. "You lost control… because of jealousy?"
Felix glanced at her with stiff reluctance. "No," he said flatly. "Besides… you and Magnar are already betrothed. Why should I care?"
"Oh?" Lumina grinned. "So, you are hurt. You were jealous."
Felix looked down, lips tight.
But the blush on his cheeks said far more than words ever could.