The vast expanse of the merged Primordial Void and Metaphysical Plane shimmered around Lucien as he stepped back from Hoshigami's training. Her aura flickered with energy, her movements still hesitant but improving under Malthior's meticulous guidance. Lucien allowed himself a small smile. She's in good hands now. Let him teach her what I cannot directly impart without overshadowing her growth.
With Hoshigami under Malthior's watchful eye, Lucien drifted above the Obsidian Crest, his Abyssal Eyes scanning the horizons of Nax. Stars blinked in impossible sequences, the metaphysical currents flowing like invisible rivers around the peaks. He could feel the ebb and flow of the plane, the whispers of energy as reality adjusted itself around him. All was as it should be… until a familiar, slightly chaotic presence pierced the serenity.
"Ah! There you are!"
Lucien turned, lips twitching with amusement, as Kaelith materialized nearby. The man's ever-arrogant stance and flamboyant grin contrasted sharply with the solemn grandeur of Nax. His blue hair, streaked with the signature red strand, caught the light of distant stars as he gestured dramatically. "I've come to grace you with my presence. Do not be alarmed. It is not every day one receives a visit from a legend of my caliber."
Lucien's expression remained calm, but a faint eyebrow raised. And there it is.
"I see," Lucien replied, his voice measured yet carrying that subtle amusement reserved for annoyances that didn't quite warrant anger. "And what brings you here, Kaelith? You've already caused chaos in three realms, I hardly think Nax was on your schedule."
Kaelith's grin widened. "Chaos? Pfft. Mere experimentation. Besides," he said, twirling an invisible blade between his fingers, "I had a favor to ask. For my disciple, you see."
Lucien's gaze sharpened, though he didn't interrupt. Kaelith's humor often masked intention, but he wasn't above granting small requests. "Go on."
Kaelith flourished theatrically, nearly losing balance on the metaphysical wind currents. "I need a sword. A masterpiece. Not just any blade… it must resonate with the essence of my disciple, strike fear into enemies and elegance into allies. You, Master of the Primordial Void and beyond… I believe only you can forge such a weapon."
Lucien's lips twitched into the faintest smirk. "You want me to make a weapon for someone else's student. Interesting. And you think I'll simply acquiesce?"
Kaelith leaned forward, placing one hand dramatically over his heart. "Oh, Lucien! You wound me with doubt. Surely the God of Void, The Creator, the Sole Exception would not refuse a humble request such as mine? Consider it… a small act of friendship."
Lucien shook his head slowly, allowing a chuckle to escape. Humorous, chaotic… yet predictable. "Very well," he said, stretching his hands toward the void. The metaphysical currents pulsed obediently, flowing around him like liquid shadows. Within moments, fragments of pure metaphysical energy coalesced, swirling with light and darkness intertwined.
Kaelith clapped his hands gleefully. "Ohhh, this is going to be good!"
The blade began to take shape, the core forged from threads of primordial existence, tempered with laws of the metaphysical plane, yet bound with a subtle resonance tailored specifically to Kaelith's disciple's potential. Its edge gleamed with impossible reflections, as if the void itself had been captured and folded into it.
Lucien's eyes softened ever so slightly. "This blade will grow with them. It will adjust to their strength, attune to their essence, and remind them that power without discipline is meaningless."
Kaelith's grin turned sheepish, an unusual break in his arrogant facade. "Ah… yes, yes! Just a bit dramatic, but that's why I came to you! Who else could craft something… this perfect?"
Lucien allowed himself a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Do not mistake this for indulgence. I expect reports on its usage. Misuse, and the blade will temper their understanding in ways far less… pleasant."
Kaelith waved dismissively, though a faint flicker of unease crossed his features. "Of course, of course! I shall ensure it is wielded responsibly. Now… may I take it to my disciple?"
Lucien's gaze lingered on the swirling blade, feeling its resonance pulse faintly toward the realms Kaelith intended to visit. "Take it. But remember, Kaelith… power is nothing without clarity, and even a sword forged from the void is useless in the hands of a blind heart."
Kaelith's grin returned, exaggerated and theatrical as ever. "Ahh, wise words from the one who literally owns everything. Truly inspiring, Lucien. Truly inspiring."
As Kaelith floated away, chuckling to himself and spinning the newly forged sword with dramatic flair, Lucien turned his gaze back to Nax, the Obsidian Crest shimmering beneath him.
Time to check on the others.
He opened his perception, scanning the merged Primordial Void and Metaphysical Plane. Hoshigami was still under Malthior's guidance, her aura flickering with learning and resilience. Kaelitharion and Kaelix would arrive soon, drawn by the news of Kaelith's antics and the promise of observing Lucien at his usual detached, yet omnipotent, composure.
Lucien leaned back against a metaphysical current, letting the stars of Nax swirl lazily around him. The calm of observation suited him, the strategic patience of a god who understood all threads of causality, yet allowed minor chaos to flourish around him.
After a moment, he muttered to himself, almost whimsically, "And so the universe spins, swords are made, and disciples are tested. Perhaps… this is the most entertaining part of being a god."
Above, the metaphysical winds whispered, the currents bending gently around him as if acknowledging his presence, while Hoshigami struggled under Malthior's slight corrections, oblivious to the grand designs unfolding just beyond her perception.
Lucien's Abyssal Eyes twitched faintly. All is as it should be. Yet… there are always mysteries lurking, even here on Nax.
And with that thought, he let the void fold around him, observing silently, as Kaelith bounded through the space between peaks, the newly forged blade catching distant starlight like a harbinger of mischief.