Day 2 of
Steez's irritation was impossible to miss. His jaw clenched tight as Mom declared me the winner. I understood his frustration—losing by such a slim margin stung, especially for someone like Steez, who shared my drive to grow stronger. Among my three siblings, Steez was the only one with that relentless hunger for power. The twins took after our mother more in their outlook, preferring a quieter life away from the public eye, content with simplicity and peace.
Life in Talasi, our semi-poor town in the center of Velonica, wasn't exactly where dreams of grandeur were born. People here scraped by, living off the land and making do with what little they had. The town's infrastructure was a mix of rustic charm and worn-out necessity. Streets of packed dirt wound through humble houses, each one bearing the marks of age and the elements. The few market stalls in the central square offered basic goods—fresh produce, handmade tools, and the occasional trinket. The scent of wood smoke and the earthy aroma of livestock hung in the air, mixing with the chatter of townsfolk going about their daily routines.
I glanced at a nearby merchant, his face twisted in frustration as he examined a pile of outdated axes. "Damn things are useless against those beasts," he muttered, slamming one down in disgust.
It was a stark reminder of how dangerous life had become in Talasi, where even the tools meant to protect us were falling behind.
Artists and entertainers rarely ventured into Talasi. The town's location in one of the more dangerous parts of Velonica made it an undesirable stop for those seeking fame and fortune. The local noble clans, known for their strength and martial prowess, disdained those who weren't M-Cees. They carried themselves with an air of superiority, their egos inflated by the constant threat of mana beasts and the rugged environment. Weaker and Non-M-Cees were often the targets of their bullying, a twisted way for the clans to assert their dominance and remind everyone of their place in the pecking order.
Gaia's telecommunications system was a peculiar mix of old and new. In Talasi, message birds were still the primary means of sending important letters, especially to rural areas like ours. Meanwhile, richer towns had access to crystal balls for live broadcasting, allowing them to communicate across distances with ease. It created a divide—those with wealth could stay connected with the world, while the rest of us were locked into our local spheres. Yet, despite the technological disparity, rumors and stories spread like wildfire. Humans and Sociovores alike loved to gossip, and it wasn't long before whispers of the "Devil of Velonica" began circulating town and beyond.
I knew the rumors were about me. Majins have a weird reputation with other Sociovores. We're not always welcomed, as many believe Majins to be bringers of bad omens. I didn't mind, though. I had plans to make a name for myself eventually, so an early start didn't bother me. What I didn't know was just how far the rumors had already spread, or what the people were truly saying about me.
Steez walked beside me, his hands resting behind his head in that casual, carefree way of his.
"Just so you know, Xi, I won't lose again in the future," he declared, a determined glint in his eyes.
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Hahaha, I bet. But just so you know, I won't make it an easy win," I shot back with a grin, meeting his gaze.
Steez was more than just my baby brother; he was my first rival, a constant reminder to stay sharp. Being the new top dog from our clan, the one everyone looked up to, was intoxicating. In my last life, I had never known what it felt like to be the center of attention, to be validated by those closest to me. As late in life dreams of chasing music fame didn't last long. Dying before I fully got the chance. So it was a powerful feeling that I didn't take for granted. But beyond that, the competitor in me relished having someone like Steez to challenge me, to push me to be better.
Mom, ever practical, broke the banter with a smile. "Thanks to that race, we made it back home in just two minutes. The extra meat we caught will be fresh when I take it to the butcher."
Steez's curiosity piqued. "Wait, Mom, did you run here as well?" He looked at her, realization dawning as he remembered how quickly she had caught up.
Mom laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Oh no, I used [Lover's Rock: By Your Side]. You know that skill instantly teleports me to anyone I've marked. Which, of course, includes all of you."
I remembered the moment she'd marked me—back when I was born. Knowing that Mom was always just a heartbeat away was a comforting thought.
Tsukuyomi (within): The [By Your Side] marking has been analyzed. We can remove it if you like.
Xiro (thinking): Nah, I'd never remove Mom's mark.
Tsukuyomi (within): Understood.
We arrived at the butcher's shop, dropping off five of the six Moltenfang Direwolves, three of the four Crystalback Boars, and one Thunderhorn Stag. The butcher, a gruff man with hands like iron, nodded in approval as he inspected the haul. This was life in Talasi—hunting, trading, and making sure we had enough to get by. After the butcher, we made our way to Grandma Fann's home, the familiar path taking us through the heart of the town we called home.
Velonica was home to a myriad of noble clans, each boasting its own strength and history. The most prominent were The Mikazuki, Haru, Soleil, Aylin, Chandra, Nox, and Vega clans. These Celestial Clans had been rooted in Velonica since it descended back to Gaia, becoming a country within the Arcadian landmass. Of the Seven Clans, The Mikazuki clan held the title of regional Demon Lord, a status that set them apart as the mightiest. Though most of our clan no longer lived in Talasi, our family was scattered across Velonica, with many living average lives as non-M-Cees. In Talasi, it was just my Grandma and Aunt who remained of the Mikazuki.
This situation gave the children of the other clans a sense of security in their attempts to bully us, driven by their parents' disdain for my mother, Vericka. Yet, these attempts always ended in failure.
Vericka's position as the reigning Demon Lord had caused an unusual stir. By not taking up the throne to rule Velonica in a matriarchal manner, she inadvertently plunged the region into a temporary state of anarchy. As Velonica rebuilt, new towns emerged, forming small self-sustained governments with the help of noble clans. Recently, there's been a more vocal desire for Vericka's title. She once let slip that she didn't plan on holding onto the Demon Lord title much longer. The reason? Women Demon Lords who had families rarely retained their magical strength for long. During pregnancy, a Sociovore mother loses more of her mana than the father, as creating a child transfers and consumes an enormous amount of mana. This imbalance often forced female artists to retire earlier than their male counterparts.
Even though I could sense that Mom had become weaker than when I was a toddler, I doubt I ever saw her at full strength. Compared to the other artists who occasionally passed through Talasi, she could easily crush them in battle.
Talasi lacked the amenities of a larger city, like an RIAA Guildhouse. The closest one was 380 miles west, in the bustling city of Lashun. Instead, Talasi had a simple Job Board for wandering artists, usually filled with requests from townsfolk. However, only registered artists could earn money from these tasks.
Despite its lack of wealth, Talasi was known for its lumber trade. The trees in the surrounding forests were rich in mana, making the blackwood far more resistant to decay and physical damage. The wood's subtle glow and shimmering patterns made it highly sought after for decorative and prestigious projects. Mana-infused lumber was invaluable for constructing magical buildings, crafting enchanted items, or creating Mana Beacons. But with the increasing dangers from local beasts, merchants had begun to reduce their visits, stalling the town's economic growth.
Vericka often discussed the town's growing difficulties with Grandma Fann. Each year, the town's equipment became more outdated, making hunting and logging increasingly dangerous. Grandma Fann was hesitant to take extreme measures that might destroy the ecosystem. The abundance of mana had given rise to packs of Moltenfang Direwolves, creatures that were normally pack leaders but now roamed in larger numbers. The flora and fauna in the mana-rich lands were growing fatter, almost unnaturally so.
As we talked, Vericka expressed her concerns. "Hunting is becoming too dangerous for anyone lower than C-Class. The town will die out at this rate."
Artamis, my younger brother, chimed in, "The material has been of great quality. I've made a lot of awesome stuff."
Vericka frowned slightly. "Your creations are quite dangerous, son. While I admit they are unlike anything I've seen before, I can easily recognize the potential destruction they hold."
Artamis grinned, his calm demeanor unwavering. "Big booms, Mommy. Big booms are fun."
Vericka sighed, her tone gentle but firm. "Just be careful where those big booms are. Never turn your weapons against your family."
"Of course, I won't, Mom," Artamis replied, his usual calmness masking the excitement he clearly felt for his inventions.
I thought about the nights of Steez and Artamis using Steez's [Memory Collection] to watch many of the action movies from my past life. Art fell in love with guns, and thanks to [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] and [Absolute Memory], I was able to draw up the blueprints of many for him. And after playing around with creating them with the help of [Transmutation] he's started creating prototypes that use powerful fire runes instead of gunpowder. And just as Mom said, he would blow stuff up, experimenting.
As we arrived at Grandma Fann's home, Aunt Glynis greeted us warmly at the door. Steez, brimming with energy, darted forward, wrapping his arms around her before rushing to hug Fann. His voice was filled with pride as he eagerly recounted his battle with the Thunderhorn, boasting about how he had punched it into a tree. Art and I followed more slowly, exchanging embraces with both of them. These warm, welcoming hugs were something I deeply treasured. The women in my family were incredibly loving, a sharp contrast to their formidable, non-human nature.
Even as I basked in the warmth of their affection, a small thought nagged at the back of my mind. Why hadn't I met any males in our family? It wasn't something I was overly concerned about—Sociovores, being demi-humans in a sense, had a culture vastly different from what I was used to. Family dynamics were just one of the many things that were different here. I wasn't tripping, though. I hadn't had a father in my previous life, so not having one now didn't bother me too much. It was just funny, in a way—two lives with brown skin and both fatherless. Consistency across realms, I guess.
Vericka, my mother, was next to speak, breaking the small silence. "Glyn, I thought your message said we wouldn't see y'all until next week?" she said as she hugged her sister tightly, then turned to embrace her mother. "Did you master that flying art spell you were working on?"
Glynis shook her head with a light laugh. "Girl, no, that spell was stressing me out. My hubby here summoned a Cloud Runner for me to ride on instead." She turned slightly, gesturing to a tall figure who had just risen to his feet. "Speaking of hubby, this here is Shukaku."
Shukaku stepped forward with a calm, steady presence. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Vericka. Your sister speaks of you often."
Vericka smiled, a mix of curiosity and warmth in her expression. "So you're the Tengu who won Glynis over, huh? About time I met you!" She extended her hand to him, and after a firm handshake, she offered him a small, welcoming embrace.
Vericka's gaze then shifted to the small child standing by Shukaku's side. "And this must be the little fireball, Alex. You're the spitting image of your father, with just the right touch of your mother."
"Hi, Auntie Vericka," Alex responded, his eyes lighting up as he rushed forward to give her a big hug.
As we settled into the room, Grandma Fann made a comment that piqued my interest. She mentioned that many of her grandchildren had a strong affinity for fire or wind, which she attributed to her being Half Fairy and Half Celestial before her last evolution. It was at that moment that I learned something new about her—she was once a Spirit Creature, existing in the Anima Realm, before my grandfather, a Celestial, created an art spell that allowed her to fully transition into the mortal realm.
Gaia exists at a unique nexus where multiple dimensions intersect: the Anima Realm, the Mortal Realm, the Inferno Realm, and The Heavens. The Anima Realm is the domain of spirits, where most spiritual creatures reside. Those who manage to escape into the Mortal Realm often settle in Gaia's forests, with Janell Forest being one of their favored sanctuaries. The Inferno Realm is home to demons without physical forms, a place where the Majin races draw their power. While Majins on Gaia are naturally weaker than their Inferno Realm counterparts, their potential for power remains the highest.
As for The Heavens, my knowledge was limited. I had been there once, but the only being I met was The Creator. Beyond that, the true inhabitants of The Heavens remained a mystery. The Mortal Realm, where my current universe existed, was the youngest of the grand designs orchestrated by The Prime Realm System, which intricately laced all these dimensions together. Wormholes and portals acted as gateways, allowing beings to cross between realms, adding layers of complexity to the world we navigated.
Lost in these thoughts, I couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and trepidation. This world, with all its intricacies and mysteries, held so much more than what was on the surface. And though I felt a deep connection to my family here, the shadows of my past life lingered, reminding me that there were still many unanswered questions. But for now, in the warmth of Grandma Fann's home, I let those thoughts drift away, focusing instead on the love and laughter that filled the room.
After we settled into Grandma Fann's cozy living room, a question nagged at the back of my mind. I had been thinking about it for a while, ever since laying eyes on Glynis's husband Shukaku, and their son, Alex. With so many different races and species in our family, I wondered how genetics played a role in shaping us. I finally decided to ask.
"Grandma Fann," I began, catching her attention as she sipped her tea, "how do bloodlines work with interracial Sociovores?"
Before she could respond, I felt the familiar presence of [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] stirring in my mind, ready to offer a detailed explanation. "The genetic makeup of interracial Sociovores can be analyzed by considering the dominant mana signatures from each parent. Typically, the—"
"Hold up," I interrupted quickly, raising my hand as if to physically stop the flow of information from Tsukuyomi. "I appreciate the assist, but I'd rather hear this from Grandma Fann."
[Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] fell silent, and I turned back to Grandma Fann, watching us warmly.
Artamis, who had been sitting quietly beside me, suddenly piped up, his tone light and teasing. "Xi, I'm shocked. You don't know something? I thought you had all the answers."
I grinned sheepishly at him. "Why pass up on a chance to learn from true wisdom?"
Grandma Fann chuckled, setting her tea down. "I'm always happy to teach my grandkids anything I know," she said, her voice full of warmth and pride. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes twinkling as she began to explain.
"When it comes to interracial Sociovores, the dominant mana signature usually determines the race or species of the child. If one parent has a significantly stronger mana signature, the child is more likely to take after that parent. This holds true unless one of the parents is human. Human DNA is a bit more stubborn, always maintaining a 50% influence on the child's traits, regardless of the mana involved. Majins, on the other hand, have even stronger genetic dominance—90% of the time, a Majin's traits will prevail, no matter who the other parent is."
As she spoke, I noticed Alex listening intently, his young face full of curiosity. Grandma Fann's gaze shifted to him, and she continued. "Now, even though Tengu are classified as Majin, they have a strong Yang Affinity. This often leads their newborns to follow the stronger mana signature, just like other combat species. In Alex's case," she said, turning her full attention to him, "you're more Celestial than Tengu right now because Glynis has the stronger mana signature between her and Shukaku. But that may change when you evolve."
As she continued, [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] stirred again, providing a different perspective. "Glynis does indeed have a higher mana signature, but Shukaku possesses greater combat skill and experience. In a duel, Shukaku would likely win seven out of ten times."
I filed away that information for later, appreciating the added insight, but keeping my focus on Grandma Fann's words. She then turned her attention to me, her expression becoming more serious, almost reverent.
"You, Xiro, are the first Mikazuki born with a Moon-titled Vessel Skill since our clan's founder, Synga Mikazuki."
The room seemed to grow quieter, the weight of her words settling over us like a thick blanket. My thoughts drifted back to my training sessions with Mom, where she would speak of her sword with a deep respect that bordered on reverence. I remembered her telling me its name—Mikazuki, one of the Tenka Goken Swords. She had mentioned that it once belonged to someone named Synga Mikazuki.
Could this be the same Synga she had spoken of? It felt like a missing puzzle piece had just clicked into place, connecting my present to a deep and ancient past I was only beginning to understand. The legacy of the Mikazuki clan was something I had always known was important, but hearing it spoken by Grandma Fann, with the weight of history behind it, made it feel even more real.
As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, I couldn't help but dwell on the significance of what Grandma Fann had just told me. The name Synga Mikazuki echoed in my mind, intertwining with my memories of Mom's sword. The burden of living up to such a legacy felt heavier now, but it also fueled a fire within me. Whatever lay ahead, I knew I wasn't just living for myself—I was carrying forward the honor and strength of the Mikazuki name.
After Grandma Fann finished explaining the intricacies of our family's genetics, the room settled into a comfortable silence, the kind that only happens when everyone feels completely at ease. I leaned back in my chair, still mulling over everything I had just learned. That's when I noticed Alex slowly making his way over to me, his expression curious but determined.
As he got closer, he extended his hand toward me. "Hi, I'm Alex," he said, his voice steady despite his young age.
Without thinking, I reached out to shake his hand in the standard, formal way. But something in me—maybe muscle memory, or just a slip in my usual character—had me switch it up at the last second. Instead of a simple handshake, I went in for the classic hood dap: a two-hook hand clasp followed by a shake. I'd been showing it to my siblings and Aunt Glynis, making it unknown to the masses. I didn't know what to expect, but to my surprise, Alex didn't miss a beat. He matched the rhythm perfectly, finishing the handshake with an effortless smoothness that caught me off guard.
I couldn't help but grin. "Hey, Auntie Glynis show you that?" I asked, genuinely impressed.
Alex smiled back, a bit of pride shining through his youthful face. "Yeah, and I've been practicing," he replied, and I could tell he meant it, even if he was just joking.
Before I could say anything else, Steez bounded over, his energy as contagious as ever. "What's up, cuz!" he exclaimed, reaching out to dap up Alex in the same way. Alex mirrored Steez with the same smoothness, and the two of them shared a grin as they completed the handshake.
"Glad to meet you, bro," Steez added, his voice full of enthusiasm. "You're gonna have some great times hanging with us."
Alex's smile widened, and he nodded eagerly. "I'm looking forward to it. I hope I can learn a lot from all of you."
His sincerity was clear, and I found myself liking the kid even more. It wasn't every day you met someone so young with that kind of attitude—a mix of humility and a genuine desire to grow.
Artamis, who had been leaning against the wall on the other side of the room, gave a small wave in our direction. "Hey, Alex," he said in his usual laid-back manner, his voice carrying that easygoing chill that was just so him. "Nice to meet you. Don't worry, you're in good hands."
Alex waved back, his excitement tempered by the calm reassurance in Art's voice. "Thanks, Art," he replied, clearly feeling more at ease.
I watched the exchange, feeling a sense of pride swell in my chest. Here was a new member of the family, fitting right in like he'd always been with us. It was a good feeling, knowing that we were welcoming someone who already felt like he belonged.
As the energy in Grandma Fann's office home began to settle down after the introductions, Artamis stood up from his spot by the wall, stretching his arms over his head. "I'm about to head out," he announced casually, though I could see the flicker of excitement in his eyes. "Got a new project I want to work on."
Mom, always quick to anticipate trouble, shot him a pointed look. "Just make sure you don't blow up the house again, Art. If you're gonna experiment, take it out back. I don't want to come home to another crater in the living room."
Art chuckled, nodding as he grabbed his bag. "No worries, Mom. I'll keep it outside." With that, he gave us a quick wave and headed for the door, just as Kimmi came bounding in from the back of Grandma's house.
Kimmi was all energy, her ponytail swinging as she practically bounced into the room. After giving Mom a big hug, she turned to me and Steez, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hey, guess what? I just beat up Beau—with Alex's help!"
I couldn't help but laugh at the image that popped into my head. Beau had been a thorn in my side for a while now, always picking fights he couldn't win. The thought of Kimmi and Alex teaming up to take him down was just too satisfying.
"Good girl," I said, giving her an approving nod. "That guy's been asking for it ever since he tried to jump me and lost three times. I had hoped that saga was finally over."
Kimmi beamed at the praise, flexing her small but impressive muscles in a playful show of strength. Glynis, who had been watching with a proud smile, walked over and ruffled Kimmi's hair. "I'm proud of you, sweetie," she said warmly.
Kimmi grinned up at her. "Thanks, Aunt Glynis! You want to see how hard I can punch now?"
Glynis laughed and shook her head. "How about you help me unpack instead? I could use a strong helper like you."
Kimmi eagerly agreed, and as Glynis and Shukaku prepared to leave, Glynis turned to Mom. "I need to give you your item bag back so I can get my necklace back," she said.
Mom waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry, your Dawnstone necklace is safe and sound with me."
Glynis smiled in relief before turning to Alex. "Alex, why don't you ask Xiro to show you how to find your new home? I'm sure he wouldn't mind."
I nodded, smiling at the thought of showing Alex around. "Sure thing. I'd be happy to help."
As Glynis and Shukaku said their goodbyes and headed out, Mom's attention shifted back to Grandma Fann. "By the way, Mom," she began, her voice taking on a more serious tone, "have the other clans been active lately?"
Grandma Fann sighed, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "The new alliance named the Illuminati of Velonica has been stirring up trouble. They're planning to challenge you for the title of Demon Lord in five years."
Mom frowned, her eyes narrowing in thought. "I'm not too worried about them as long as I have my ace up my sleeve, but I need to find a way to keep the title out of their hands and make them submit."
Grandma Fann considered this for a moment before she spoke. "You could pass the title on to Xiro," she suggested, her eyes shifting to me with a hint of expectation.
Mom didn't respond immediately, her gaze locking onto me with a mixture of pride and contemplation. "I've been thinking about that for the last three years," she admitted. "But he'd need to evolve before he could take on that kind of responsibility. His current body wouldn't be able to handle the amount of mana a Lord Seed would produce."
I tilted my head slightly, curiosity getting the better of me. "Mom, why don't you want to rule the country with your Demon Lord title? You've got the power, so why not use it?"
She smiled softly, a touch of weariness in her expression. "I'm not that ambitious, Xiro. The Mikazuki clan has always been the Demon Lords of Velonica, and while I didn't want the job, I also didn't want to let our clan down by losing its legacy. But ruling a country… that's a heavy burden I'm not eager or willing to carry."
Her words hung in the air for a moment before she looked at me, her gaze turning serious. "But what about you? How would you feel about continuing the legacy?"
I didn't hesitate. The idea of stepping up, of carrying on our family's legacy, resonated deeply within me. "I'd love nothing more," I answered, my voice filled with conviction.
The path ahead was daunting, but the thought of honoring my family's name, of protecting our legacy, made me eager to take it on.
As I stood there, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air, my thoughts began to drift. I couldn't help but think about Talasi—my hometown. It was a place full of memories, but also one that could use some serious improvements. My house was equipped with all the modern conveniences my Mom brought back from her travels: advanced appliances, self-regulating heating systems, and a lighting setup that would put most towns to shame. But when I stepped outside my door, it was like going back in time.
The rest of Talasi lagged behind in advancements. People were still cooking over wood-burning fireplaces, their homes filled with the scent of burning oak and the occasional crackle of firewood. It was charming in its own way, but it wasn't practical. At night, the town was lit by magic candles—soft, flickering lights that gave off a warm glow but didn't hold a candle (all puns intended) to the efficiency of electric lights. The air in Talasi was thick with nostalgia, but it was also heavy with the need for change.
As I considered this, a part of me couldn't help but think about how I could make things better. I could introduce modern technology, bring in more efficient energy sources, or even upgrade the town's infrastructure to make life easier for everyone. But it wasn't just about making life more comfortable; it was about making sure the town could thrive long-term.
Talasi might be a peaceful place now, but that peace was fragile. If it weren't for Grandma Fann's barrier, which kept the concentrated mana from suffocating the town, or Mom's presence, which deterred the mana beasts from overrunning us, Talasi would be in serious trouble. The mana that leaked from the ground was potent—almost suffocating at times. It attracted creatures far stronger than most of the townsfolk could handle.
As much as I loved Talasi, I knew I couldn't stay here forever. There was a whole world out there—Arcadia, with all its wonders and dangers—waiting to be explored. I wanted to see more of it, to experience everything it had to offer. Talasi was my home, and no matter where I went, it would always hold a piece of my heart.
One day, I'd return to Talasi and bring the changes it needed. But before I left I would make sure that the town was safe and prosperous, that the people here didn't have to rely on ancient methods or the protection of others to survive. I wasn't sure when that day would come, but I knew it was a promise I intended to keep.
Steez was the first to speak up after Mom asked me about continuing the legacy. "You already know I got you, big bro," he said with that signature grin of his. "I'll back you up as Demon Lord, being the Realest Nigga Alive and all that." His words were pure Steez—confident, bold, and full of loyalty.
Without even looking, I reached out and we dapped up, our hands meeting in a smooth, practiced motion. It was instinctual at this point, a bond between brothers that didn't need words. The no-look dap was our thing, a small gesture that meant, I got you, and I know you got me too. I couldn't help but appreciate the support. Steez was always down for whatever, and knowing he had my back made the idea of taking on the Demon Lord title a little less daunting.
Grandma Fann cleared her throat, shifting the conversation back to more serious matters. "Vericka," she said, her tone carrying that calm authority she was known for, "Prince Luda will be here in five days."
Mom nodded, not looking surprised in the least. "I figured Queen Dee would call in that favor sooner or later," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of resignation.
I frowned, curious about this sudden mention of royalty. "Who's Prince Luda?" I asked, glancing between them.
Mom turned to me, her eyes thoughtful as she explained. "Prince Luda is the son of my old party member, and he's the future king of the Kingdom of Braye. We fought together in the Elven Civil War, and Queen Dee—his mother—has always been a close ally. Luda's a hard worker, strong for his age, and people say he's a prodigy. They even believe he's the Chosen One."
I whistled, impressed. "That's kinda fye, not gonna lie," I admitted. The idea of meeting someone like that was intriguing. It wasn't every day you got to spar with a prince, let alone one destined for greatness.
Mom gave a small smile, nodding. "He's earned his reputation, from what I've heard. He doesn't just rely on his title; he puts in the work. It'll be interesting to see how he's grown."
As she spoke, my mind wandered back to my own birth. I could still hear Dr. Kai's voice in my head, talking about some prophecy. It was a distant memory, sharp around the edges, but it was there—whispering of things to come, of paths laid out before I was even old enough to walk them.
I shook the thought away, focusing back on the present. "I can't wait to spar with him," I said, feeling a rush of excitement. "He sounds like a fun fight."
As if on cue, [Midnight Star: Belial] chimed in, his rich dark voice resonating with approval. Indeed, he said, his tone carrying a note of eagerness. A worthy opponent can only bring out the best in us.
I couldn't help but smile at that. A challenge was exactly what I needed, something to test my skills and push me further. If Prince Luda was everything they said he was, then our fights would be something to remember.
As the conversation continued, Alex chimed in, his eyes shining with a mix of excitement and ambition. "You know," he began, his voice filled with youthful determination, "I want to be a Demon Lord someday too."
I turned to look at him, seeing that spark in his gaze, and I couldn't help but smile. "You can do anything you believe in, Alex," I told him, my voice firm but encouraging. "If you put in the effort and stay focused, there's no reason you can't achieve that. Just remember, it's not gonna be easy—but if it's what you want, go for it."
Hearing my words seemed to light a fire in him. His eyes widened slightly before he nodded with newfound resolve. "Until I become one, I'll support and assist our family in any way I can," he declared, his voice steady and full of promise. There was a sincerity in his tone that struck me, a commitment that went beyond mere words. Alex wasn't just saying this to impress anyone; he genuinely meant it.
I watched him for a moment, feeling a sense of pride. His loyalty to our family was clear, and it reminded me of the depth of devotion that Celestials have for their clans. To them, family is everything—more than just a group of people they're related to. It's a bond that runs deep, woven into the very fabric of their being. For Celestials, their clan is their strength, their purpose, and their greatest source of pride.
I could see that same depth of care in Alex. He was young, but his commitment to family was already strong. In that moment, I knew he'd do whatever it took to support us, just as he said. His dedication was something to admire, a quality that made him a true asset to our clan.
I stood there, watching Alex, and I couldn't help but think how lucky we were to have him. His loyalty and determination would only grow stronger with time, and I was confident that one day, he'd achieve whatever he set his mind to—whether that was becoming a Demon Lord or something even greater.
As the conversation naturally wound down, Mom turned to Grandma Fann with a thoughtful look on her face. "Mom, I think it might be time for the boys to tackle their first Labyrinth," she suggested, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "They're all as strong as a C-Class party already, with Xiro being B-Class. After a bit more training, the Jerrica Labyrinth should be conquerable for them."
Grandma Fann raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "The Goblin King hasn't been eliminated yet, Vericka. He's an A-Class threat," she reminded her, the weight of those words hanging in the air.
Mom nodded, acknowledging the risk. "If needed, I'll go clear the cave out before I send them. But after watching them today, I'm confident they'll be fine—especially with Xiro there," she said, her tone firm with belief.
Hearing my name made me perk up. "What's this Labyrinth you're talking about?" I asked, curious about the challenge that was being discussed.
Mom shrugged slightly, a hint of mystery in her eyes. "I don't remember a lot of the history. I found its location from a book I had when I was a kid. I haven't been there in ages."
Before I could press further, Alex spoke up. "Xiro, would you mind showing me to Mom's house? I want to go help out."
I glanced over at him and nodded. "Yeah, sure. I'll walk you down the street," I replied. I was still curious about the Labyrinth, but I figured there'd be time to learn more later.
Mom gave me a quick nod of approval. "Be home before dark, Moonlight," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Got it," I agreed.
Before heading out, I walked over to Grandma Fann, giving her a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. She smiled warmly, her eyes filled with that familiar love and wisdom that always seemed to surround her.
With that, I turned to leave, Alex falling into step beside me as we walked out of the house. Behind us, I could hear Mom, Steez, and Grandma Fann continuing their conversation, but their voices quickly faded into the background as we made our way down the street. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows on the ground and bathing Talasi in a warm, golden light.
As we walked, I couldn't help but think about the day's events—the challenges ahead, the family ties that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment, and the promise of new adventures on the horizon. This Labyrinth Mom mentioned sounded like the perfect opportunity to test our strength, and I was eager to see what it had in store for us.
But for now, I focused on the present, guiding Alex toward Glynis's house. The air was cool, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees lining the street. It was a peaceful afternoon, and as we walked together, I felt a sense of calm settle over me.
This was just the beginning. There was so much more to come—new challenges, new discoveries, and new bonds to be forged. I couldn't wait to see where the path would take us next.
As we reached Aunt Glynis's house, I knew one thing for sure: whatever lay ahead, was going to be exciting. And with that thought in mind, I felt ready for anything. Especially that Labyrinth Mom was talking about.
[End of Chapter]