A loud cry echoed through the grand mansion, signaling the arrival of new life. A newborn baby rested in the hands of the midwife, his small frame wrapped in delicate silk. On the bed, a young woman as beautiful as a blooming flower lay weakly, yet her face radiated joy.
"Congratulations, ma'am. You have given birth to a healthy baby boy," the midwife announced, gently handing the infant to his mother.
Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud bang, and a handsome man rushed inside, his face filled with anxious anticipation.
"Bella, don't be sad. I know we will succeed next—" he began, but before he could finish, a soft, melodious voice interrupted him.
"Mark, it's a boy. He's alive and well," Bella whispered, her eyes brimming with warmth and relief.
Mark stood frozen for a moment, staring at the tiny child in Bella's arms. Then, as realization dawned, a wide smile spread across his face, and he let out a joyous laugh. "Robert, as we agreed?" he asked, his voice trembling with happiness.
Bella nodded with a soft smile, sealing their son's name. Mark was overjoyed—after everything they had endured, their son was finally here. Many had discouraged their union, deeming it impossible for a fairy and a half-elf to conceive a child. Even Bella's father, the Fairy King, had doubted them. Fairies were not born like mortals; they were creations of the World Tree itself. Yet, through sheer determination and a divine bargain, Bella had conceived.
But their joy was bittersweet. The price of their child's existence had been set by the God of Life himself. Robert was to be sent to the lowest plane, the realm of the weak, where he would have to forge his own path—just as Mark had done. Mark's smile stiffened at the thought, but he reassured himself: they still had three months. Three months to cherish their son before fate tore them apart.
"Bella, rest now. I'll take care of Robert," Mark murmured, carefully lifting the baby from her arms.
He gazed down at his son, nestled in silk, and placed him gently in the cradle. As he watched the tiny child sleep, his mind drifted back to his own past. He had once been a young, spirited half-elf, renowned as the strongest warrior of the lower planes, having mastered both swordsmanship and magic. His journey had led him to Bella, a fairy princess traveling through the planes to gain experience. Through hardship, talent, and sheer will, he had ascended through the realms, reaching the highest plane in just a century—a feat thought impossible.
Marrying Bella had been his greatest triumph, but it had come with a new trial. To conceive a child, they had sought divine intervention, and the God of Life had granted them a miracle. However, the price was set—Robert would have to start his journey in the lower realm, far from his parents' protection. It was a cruel fate, but they had no choice but to accept it.
Time passed swiftly, and the dreaded day arrived. Three months after Robert's birth, the God of Life descended to take him away.
Mark and Bella stood helplessly as their son was enveloped in divine light. Tears streamed down Bella's face as she clung to Mark, her sobs muffled against his chest. They had done all they could to prepare Robert—feeding him body-strengthening medicine, soaking him in medicinal baths, and implanting a memory shard into his consciousness. The shard contained guidance on power levels, ensuring that he would one day reach the celestial realm and return to them. Friends and allies had bestowed their blessings upon him, sending him off with hopes for his future.
As the God of Life disappeared, taking Robert with him, silence filled the chamber. Bella wept, and Mark held her close, whispering reassurances. "Our lives are nearly infinite. At our level, we can wait. One day, he will return to us."
Their friends slowly departed, leaving them alone in their sorrow. The separation was heartbreaking, but they did not waver. Their faith in their son was absolute. Anyone might wonder why they were so confident—but that, perhaps, is a tale for the future...
The end of Chapter 1.