As they made their way through the corridors, the air shimmered with light, each step echoing with a sense of purpose. SinRung felt a surge of anticipation; he knew that their meeting with the True God would unveil revelations that could change everything.
The Throne Room
They both bowed and replied, "Sorry, Your Majesty."
SinRung looked around and asked with curiosity, "Your Majesty, may I ask why Raphael is here? (Of course, to disturb me as always… she used to.)"
"She will be the new caretaker for SinRung on his journey," said God.
Uriel's eyes widened in shock. "What? She!?"
"Yes, indeed."
"Why not me?" Uriel asked, a hint of jealousy in her voice.
"Well, you see, my child Uriel," God replied gently, "your duty was to give SinRung knowledge while he was in Heaven. But in this journey, there will be many dangers that could harm him. Even though SinRung has regeneration, it is still weak against the Devil Lord. Raphael is the best choice to accompany him because she is the Healer of Heaven."
"See, Uriel? In this, I'm better than you," Raphael said with a smug smile.
"Cheh, you always act like you're better," Uriel said, looking away to ignore her.
"Hah! What is with that look!?" Raphael shouted.
"But SinRung will also need information in that world, so why can't I go too?" Uriel asked God.
"It may be true," God said kindly, "but you are needed here in Heaven to continue guiding the other angels with knowledge."
While they were talking, SinRung asked curiously, "Your Majesty, what is my journey about?"
God smiled. "SinRung, you can call me Father."
Both Uriel and Raphael were shocked. 'What did God just say!?'
"So, SinRung," God continued, "your journey is meant to give you adventure and experiences that will help develop your powers."
"It sounds interesting," SinRung said softly. (Though most of it is out of my mind...)
"SinRung and Raphael," said God, "you may leave now. I give both of you my blessing — and Uriel, you have done a great job taking care of SinRung."
"It's my pleasure, Your Majesty," Uriel said, bowing gracefully with one hand raised.
The three left the Throne Room and walked toward the Teleportation Chamber.
The room was quiet and empty, with a large glowing magic circle on the floor and a giant divine blue crystal hanging from the ceiling.
"Wow, what an amazing room," SinRung said, amazed.
"It is, Lord SinRung," Raphael replied proudly.
"Don't try to act silly, Raphael."
"What? Where am I being silly?"
"Whatever," Uriel said with a disguised smirk.
"What's with that attitude?" Raphael snapped.
"Lord SinRung, I'm going to miss you so much," Uriel said sadly. "Even though fifteen years isn't that long, it feels like we've known each other forever."
"Don't worry, Uriel," SinRung said kindly. "We're not going away forever."
"Ahh, Uriel! Why are you ignoring me? I'm talking to you! Can't you hear me? Do you need my healing magic on your ears?" Raphael shouted in irritation.
"Yes, it's true that you're not going forever," Uriel replied softly, "but sometimes I will come to meet you."
"Sure, Uriel. I'll be happy if you do," SinRung said with a calm smile. "Hey, don't you think you should talk to Raphael? She's been shouting for a while now."
"Oh, her? Ah, no problem, my Lord. She's always like that — no need to worry."
"Oh, ah… okay, if you insist."
"Don't talk to me, Uriel! I hate you!" Raphael pouted.
"Don't act like a child in front of Lord SinRung, Raphael."
"You're the one acting like a child!"
"Alright, alright," Uriel sighed. "Sorry. It's time for both of you to go."
"Fine! If you say sorry, then I forgive you," Raphael said with a grin.
'She's so easy to manipulate… Raphael will never change,' Uriel thought helplessly.
"Bye-bye, Lord SinRung! Safe journey to both of you!" she shouted, waving her hand.
The magic circle and the crystal began to shine brightly, and in an instant, both SinRung and Raphael were teleported to another realm — Earth.
---
The Earth
When they arrived, they found themselves surrounded by green plants and tall trees covered in beautiful flowers that SinRung had never seen before. The sky was bright blue, and the sun shone warmly. Nearby, a small, clear river flowed gently.
"Wow, what an amazing place!" SinRung said with excitement.
"Indeed, my Lord," Raphael replied.
"The water is fresh and clean, with fishes swimming around… No wonder this is the same Earth I came from."
"Yes, my Lord, but this Earth is not as advanced as the one you once knew."
"Raphael, can you tell me more about this Earth?" SinRung asked with curiosity in his eyes.
"Of course, my Lord. It will be my pleasure. In this world, there are six Empires, each containing several kingdoms."
"What are these Empires you're talking about?"
"When two or more kingdoms unite to form a larger nation, it's called an Empire in this world. But only humans have Empires. The other tribes don't get along with each other — for example, the humanoid Cats and Dogs have been fighting for a very long time."
"What do you mean by 'humanoid cats and dogs'?"
"They look like humans — they walk on two legs, wear clothes, and speak like us — but they have fur-covered bodies, tails, and animal ears. Some rare species look almost human except for their ears and tails."
"I'm so excited to see them! Are there other tribes too?"
"Yes, my Lord. There are several. The most powerful tribe is the Dragons, followed by the Tiger tribe, then the Wolf tribe, then the Cat and Dog tribes I mentioned before. There are also the Mermaid tribe — they live in water and can use magic to walk on land, though it's rare. And lastly, the Fairy tribe — they are known as the Guardians of Nature but rarely show themselves to others."
"There are seven tribes, so that means seven kingdoms," SinRung said thoughtfully.
"Yes, you are correct, my Lord."
'If we unite all the tribes together, we can form a great Empire… but since they are enemies, it will be difficult,' SinRung thought.
"What are you thinking, my Lord?" Raphael asked.
"Nothing much," SinRung replied. "Just wondering if we could form an Empire."
"That would be a great idea, my Lord — but every tribe sees the others as enemies."
"Raphael, is there any village or kingdom nearby?"
"Let me check."
"Search— My Lord, I can see a village where a few humanoid cats are being attacked by a red dragon!"
"Then let's hurry and save them!"
They both spread their white wings and flew toward the village, landing in the bushes nearby.
"My Lord, it would be better if we hide our wings now," Raphael whispered. "Only angels are known to have white wings."
"Got it."
SinRung raised his hand.
"With divine power, strike the dragon down!
A bright bolt of lightning flashed across the sky and struck the dragon, sending it crashing to the ground.
"I didn't use much power," SinRung said calmly, "because I want the dragon alive."
As the dragon fell, the villagers looked around in shock, searching for the source of the light. Soon, they noticed a young man in white clothes standing beside a lady with golden hair. The villagers rushed toward them, surrounding them with gratitude.
"I'm the village chief," one said. "On behalf of my people, we thank you for saving our lives."
"No problem," SinRung replied gently. "We were just nearby and thought to help."
"How kind of you, young man. Who might you two be?"
"We are Ang—" SinRung started to say, but Raphael quickly interrupted.
"We are actually travelers," she said with a polite smile. "I'm his maid, Raphael, and this is my Lord, SinRung Novan."
Then suddenly, the dragon opened its eyes and narrowed them sharply.
'Who is this man who struck me down in a single blow? I can sense an unusual aura from him… and from the lady beside him as well. Who in the world are these two?'
SinRung looked toward the red dragon. "Oh, you finally woke up."
The villagers gasped in fear and quickly stepped back.
The dragon growled softly. "Who are you? I can feel your aura… it's far greater than any dragon I've ever known."
SinRung smiled calmly. "We're just travelers wandering around."
Suddenly, a bright light surrounded the dragon's body. When the light faded, a beautiful girl stood in her place.
"You can transform!?" SinRung said in shock, his eyes wide with excitement.
"My Lord," Raphael said seriously, "this dragon seems to be of royal blood."
"Yes," the girl replied proudly. "I am indeed of royal blood."
SinRung stepped closer, studying her carefully. Her long red hair shimmered like fire, and faint scales glowed along her neck. Her eyes, deep red, carried both pride and pain.
"Royal blood, huh?" SinRung said softly. "Then why were you attacking this village?"
The girl looked down for a moment. "I wasn't attacking them by choice. I was wounded while fighting a group of hunters from a nearby kingdom. I lost control of my power… my flames went wild and reached this village."
"I see," SinRung replied, his tone calm. "So it was an accident."
Raphael crossed her arms. "Still, you should have been more careful. Your flames could have killed hundreds."
The dragon girl sighed. "You're right. I'll accept any punishment."
SinRung shook his head. "Punishment? No. I don't punish without reason. If your intentions were pure, then you are forgiven."
The dragon girl looked at him, surprised. "You're… forgiving me?"
"Of course," SinRung said with a gentle smile. "But instead of punishment, I have another request. Join us."
"Join… you?" she repeated in disbelief.
Raphael glanced at him, slightly surprised. "My Lord, are you sure?"
"Yes," SinRung replied. "Someone of royal dragon blood will be a great help on our journey. What's your name?"
"My name is Seraphina Draviel, princess of the Dragon kingdom," she said, bowing slightly.
"Seraphina," SinRung said with a soft grin, "welcome to our team."
Seraphina smiled for the first time. "Then allow me to serve you, Lord SinRung."
The villagers, who had been watching everything from a distance, stood frozen in disbelief. Moments ago, they had seen a terrifying dragon destroying their homes — and now, before their eyes, that same dragon had become a beautiful girl bowing before the stranger who saved them.
The village chief stepped forward nervously. "T-That dragon… she turned into a human?"
"Yes," SinRung said kindly. "But don't worry. She won't harm anyone."
The people exchanged worried glances, whispering among themselves.
"But… she burned our houses," one of the villagers murmured.
"She said it was an accident," SinRung replied calmly. "And she will help you rebuild what was lost."
Seraphina lowered her head. "Yes, I will. I promise to repay the damage I caused."
The village chief blinked in surprise, then slowly smiled. "A dragon offering help… truly, you must be no ordinary people."
SinRung chuckled softly. "We're just travelers passing through."
Raphael folded her arms. "More like travelers who can summon lightning and tame dragons, my Lord."
SinRung smirked. "Maybe a little more than that."
The villagers laughed lightly, their fear fading as the divine aura around SinRung softened. Even the wind seemed peaceful again.
One of the children tugged the chief's robe. "Grandpa, that black-haired man with blue-eyes looks like an angel!"
The chief smiled. "Maybe he is, child. Maybe he is."
SinRung turned to Seraphina. "There's a nearby kingdom, right? We should head there and learn more about this world."
"Yes, my Lord," Seraphina said. "The closest one is the Azel Kingdom, a human territory under the Western Empire."
"Then that's where we'll go next." SinRung looked at the two beside him, his eyes glowing faintly. "Let's begin our journey properly."
Raphael smiled. "As you command, my Lord."
Seraphina nodded. "I'll guide the way."
As the three set off down the dirt path, the villagers waved behind them, whispering blessings and prayers for the mysterious travelers who had saved their home.