Eren stepped through the shimmering portal, leaving the otherworldly hospital behind. The familiar landscape of Valestria, nestled within the magic kingdoms, materialized before his eyes. In the distance, the impossibly tall Tower pierced the sky, its upper floors lost in swirling, ethereal clouds.
The beauty of Valestria unfolded before him, breathtaking enough to leave him momentarily speechless. Towering spires of crystal and stone reached toward the heavens, glimmering with hues of gold and silver.Lush gardens adorned with exotic flowers surrounded the castle, their vibrant colors dancing in the gentle breeze.
The air was infused with magic, a palpable energy that made every breath feel alive.People moved through the streets, riding magnificent creatures—majestic griffins soared above, while sleek, ethereal unicorns pranced beside their riders.
Soldiers practiced their drills nearby, their synchronized movements a testament to years of training.As he made his way toward the Valestrix estate, flashes of memory assaulted him.
He saw himself exploring treacherous dungeons, facing trials that defied comprehension. These proving grounds were where Awakeners honed their skills before daring to challenge the Tower itself.
The Valestrix Castle training grounds came into view, a vast expanse where magic itself seemed malleable. He watched as his family members and soldiers prepared, honing their skills for both the dungeons and the Tower. Some practiced techniques of breathtaking beauty, their movements leaving trails of ethereal light in the air.
"Eren! You're back!" A familiar voice called out, pulling him from his thoughts. He turned to see Lyra, a distant cousin, jogging toward him. Her hair shimmered with starlight, a common trait among the Valestrix bloodline.
"We heard about your exploits in the dungeon," she continued, her eyes wide with admiration. "A hundred goblins, all by yourself! That's incredible, even for a Valestrix. You'll be ready for the Tower in no time!
"He nodded, still trying to piece together his fragmented memories. At sixteen years old, he was already making waves within the family. "Thanks, Lyra. It's... strange to be back."
As more family members approached to welcome him, his mind raced. He was Eren Valestrix, the youngest son of the fifth wife of the Patriarch. The Valestrix, a dominating power in the magic kingdoms, were both his legacy and his burden.
The history of the Valestrix family unfolded in his mind like a tapestry of cosmic proportions. They had risen to power in the early days of the Merged Realm, their innate magical abilities setting them apart.
Over generations, they built an empire that spanned multiple dimensions, their influence reaching into the very fabric of existence itself.Yet with great power came great internal strife.
He remembered the whispers of the upcoming Hereditary Games, a brutal tradition held every twenty-five years. In just five years, the heirs would challenge each other in a contest that bent reality itself.
The victor would be deemed the successor to the Patriarch, granted the right to lead the Valestrix into the next era of their dominion.As he exchanged greetings with his relatives, he felt the undercurrents of tension. The reactions of his half-siblings were particularly varied.
Some, like Vestra, the eldest daughter of the Patriarch's third wife, regarded him with barely concealed disdain. Her lips curled into a sneer as she passed by, pointedly ignoring his presence.Others, however, seemed more welcoming. Taryn, a half-brother from the second wife, clapped him on the shoulder with genuine warmth.
"Well done in the dungeon, little brother," he said, his voice carrying a hint of respect. "Perhaps we'll tackle the Tower together someday."Eren nodded, grateful for the show of support amidst the sea of complex family politics."Eren!"
A melodious voice cut through the crowd. Iris, his older full sister, materialized beside him, her presence causing the air to shimmer with an otherworldly light. "Thank the Tower you're alright. We were so worried when we heard about your... adventure."He smiled, genuinely glad to see her.
"Iris, it's good to see you." As he spoke, he noticed several of his half-siblings shift uncomfortably at her presence. The memory surfaced: Iris, the Martial Saintess, regarded as the eight-star prodigy of the Valestrix.
Although not as great as their brother Kael, she was considered the second greatest prodigy in the Current Era of Valestria.
As they walked through the training grounds, more memories surfaced in his mind. He remembered Kael, his older full brother, also born to the fifth wife of the Patriarch. Kael, the prodigy among prodigies, hailed as the greatest talent in the history of the Valestrix family.
Eren's brow furrowed as he recalled the whispers and rumors that had circulated before his venture into the dungeon. Kael had been missing for some time, his absence a source of both concern and... something else among the family."Iris," he began hesitantly, "Kael... he's still missing, isn't he?"Iris's expression tightened, her eyes darting around to ensure they weren't overheard.
"Yes," she whispered. "No one's seen or heard from him in months. Father is... displeased, to say the least."The memory of Kael's prowess flooded Eren's mind. He saw him performing techniques of breathtaking beauty and perfection that left even the most seasoned Valestrix elders in awe.
Kael had mastered every aspect of their family's arts, his control and precision pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible."I remember now," Eren murmured. "The day Kael demonstrated his ultimate technique in the highest dungeon. The way he moved... it was like watching perfection given form."
Iris nodded, a mix of pride and concern in her eyes. "There were rumors, Eren. They said that within the next five years, Kael would surpass even Father. His potential seemed limitless."As they walked, Eren noticed the reactions of their half-siblings and their retainers.
There was an undercurrent of barely concealed excitement among some, a palpable relief at Kael's continued absence. The competition for power within the Valestrix family had always been fierce, but with Kael gone...
"They're glad he's not here, aren't they?" Eren asked, his voice low.Iris's lips pressed into a thin line. "Many of our dear half-siblings see opportunity in Kael's disappearance. With him gone, the path to succession seems clearer. For them, at least. But not all feel that way.
Some genuinely miss him, while others are more concerned with what his absence might mean for the family's standing."As they approached the main hall of the estate, Iris's expression grew serious. "Father has called for you, Eren. No doubt he wants to hear about your experiences in the dungeon. But be careful. With Kael gone and your recent success, the dynamics in the family have shifted dramatically. Some will see you as a threat, others as a potential ally."Eren nodded, steeling himself for the encounter. He may not remember everything, but he knew one thing for certain: in the world of the Valestrix, every interaction was a test, every word a potential weapon. And now, with Kael missing and his own memories fragmented, the stakes were higher than ever.
The game had begun, and Eren was determined to unravel the mysteries of his past—and his future—no matter the cost. The disappearance of Kael, the greatest prodigy in Valestrix history, added a new layer of complexity to an already intricate web of family politics and magical power.
As he prepared to face his father, he knew that his journey was only just beginning.Taking a deep breath, he stepped toward the ornate doors of the Patriarch's chambers, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The fate of the Valestrix family, and perhaps the entire magical realm, hung in the balance.