Chapter 1: The Birth of a Legend
In the boundless skies above Arcania—a world a hundred times the size of the Sun—something extraordinary was happening.
The mana in the atmosphere stirred unnaturally, forming whirlpools of light that stretched across the heavens. Stars shone brightly in defiance of daylight, and streaks of rainbow-colored lightning rippled through the clouds. Beasts and mortals alike turned their gazes to the sky as a great pulse of energy echoed through the world. It was a moment destined to be etched into the memory of all who witnessed it.
High atop the floating cliffs of the Dragon Continent, the capital city of Drakmor shone like a gemstone amidst a sea of clouds. Towering spires of crystal and obsidian stretched toward the sky, humming with ancient magic. At its heart stood the Royal Starfire Palace, a structure forged from starsteel and draconic crystal, pulsing with living mana. It was the seat of the Dragon Emperor, and today, it was a place of anxious reverence.
Inside the palace's central chamber, layered in runes of protection and divine enchantments, Empress Rose Nightshade, the ruler of the Vampire Continent and the most beautiful woman in all of Arcania, lay upon a celestial bed woven from phoenix feathers and dragon silk. Her obsidian hair shimmered like the night sky, cascading over her pale shoulders, and her crimson eyes glowed fiercely as she braved the pain of childbirth. Beside her stood her beloved, Emperor Rudeus Bennith, the strongest being in the world.
Rudeus was a towering figure, his presence alone enough to make lesser beings fall to their knees. His long silver-white hair flowed like molten starlight, and his draconic eyes—golden and sharp—were filled with both power and concern as he held Rose's hand.
The world held its breath.
At exactly the tenth chime of the Celestial Bell, a brilliant burst of violet and crimson light exploded from the chamber. A shockwave of divine mana swept across the continent. Trees bloomed with golden flowers. Storms calmed. Volcanoes halted their eruptions. Even the World Tree on the Elven Continent shimmered, acknowledging the arrival of something — someone — destined to change everything.
Then came the cry.
It was not like a normal infant's wail. It was the roar of a dragon, the whisper of a vampire's breath, the call of destiny itself. It echoed through the palace, through the city, through the sky.
Phoenix Bennith Nightshade had been born.
---
The chamber fell into silence. Light faded gently, revealing a newborn child cradled in Empress Rose's arms. His skin was pale as freshly fallen snow. His hair was a mysterious dark violet, and his eyes—though barely open—gleamed red and violet, swirling like twin galaxies.
The nurses, all master-class healers and mages, stood in awe. Not from duty, but reverence. The mana around the child was not chaotic, but perfectly balanced, even though it was dense enough to suffocate a mountain beast. He radiated purity and power, innocence and sovereignty.
"He's beautiful," Rose whispered, tears trailing down her cheeks as she kissed his forehead.
"He's perfect," Rudeus added, placing his hand gently on the boy's chest. He could feel the twin mana cores inside—one dragonic, one vampiric—both already developing. That should have been impossible.
A few seconds later, the grand doors to the chamber burst open. Nine divine auras flooded the room.
"Move!" shouted Celestia Flameheart, her fiery red hair trailing behind her like a comet.
"Don't shove me, you brute," muttered Ravina Duskvale, brushing past with a stack of magical scrolls floating behind her.
"Is he here?! Our baby brother?!" squealed Elara Starwing, practically teleporting across the room to Rose's bedside.
One by one, all nine princesses entered, each more radiant and powerful than the last. Warriors, scholars, assassins, oracles, and empaths—they were feared and adored across Arcania. And now, all of them crowded around their newborn baby brother like giddy children.
Lyra, the healer, immediately began casting gentle detection spells to check his health. "Perfect vitals," she said, smiling.
Selene Drakonis, clad in silver armor, looked down with quiet awe. "Even as an infant, he has more presence than most generals I've fought."
Aurora Bloodrose leaned over with a wicked smile. "He's going to break so many hearts."
Sylvera Nightbane, the eldest, stood at the back, arms crossed. Cold and intimidating to most, she now wiped away a single tear. "I will protect him with my life," she whispered.
The room was filled with laughter, tears, warmth—and above all, an unspoken understanding: this child was the future.
---
Beyond the palace, messengers carried word of the birth across the world.
In the Elven Continent, Empress Athena Yggdril stood beneath the World Tree, her eyes closed. "A new branch has been born," she murmured, and the ancient tree rustled in response.
In the Demon Continent, the Seven Sin Lords gathered, unusually silent. Pride, Wrath, and Envy exchanged glances. "A being above us all has entered this realm," Envy whispered, eyes narrowing.
In the Dwarf Continent, Emperor Dew Smith banged his forge with renewed vigor. "The world's finest blade will one day be wielded by that boy."
On the Floating Continent, Empress Claire Skyfall flew above the clouds, watching the mana trails. "The wind sings his name."
Even the criminal continent—lawless and forsaken—felt the shift. Mercenaries paused mid-battle. Assassins stopped mid-strike. Some shivered. Others smiled. The future had changed.
---
Back in the Starfire Palace, Rose had finally fallen asleep, exhaustion overtaking her. Rudeus stood near the balcony, holding Phoenix in his arms, gazing out at the horizon.
"My son," he whispered, "you are destined to stand above gods. But for now… just rest."
As the infant blinked slowly, a warm breeze passed through the open balcony. Somewhere far beyond, the cosmos responded.
And so began the life of Phoenix Bennith Nightshade, the hybrid prince of Arcania.
The world had changed.
And it would never be the same again.