Chapter 24 - "The Awakening and the Gift"
In the royal capital, inside the grand castle, a girl about 14 years old with beautiful blonde hair awoke in her bedchamber. Just moments ago, she had been sleeping peacefully. But now, with a sudden gasp, she shot up, shouting an unknown name.
"No! I will not forgive you, Eternal Empress of Oblivion!" She panted, clutching her chest, confusion and fragments of memories filling her gaze. "Where… where am I?" she murmured, looking around at her surroundings. "I remember fighting the Eternal Empress with the other gods, and… I died, didn't I? But why am I here?"
The girl looked down at her hands, small and delicate, like a child's. Her breathing steadied, and as she glanced around her room, a feeling of familiarity washed over her. "This… this scent… this bed…" She traced her fingers over the fabric as if it could tell her a story. "Isn't this my bedroom from when I was still a princess?"
Puzzled, she rose from bed and moved to the nearby mirror, her movements hesitant. When she gazed into the glass, she froze, staring at her own reflection. "This… this face… it's me, from when I was young, before everything happened." Her mind reeled, desperately trying to make sense of it. "Could I have… gone back in time? No… I'm certain I was erased from existence, along with the other ancient gods."
As she tried to convince herself it was only a dream, a familiar voice called out from outside the door. "Sister Celestia, are you awake? Father said he wants to see you. He told me to make sure you're quick," the boy's cheerful voice echoed before he darted away.
Her eyes widened. Kayne? she thought. But… he was supposed to be dead… Her heart pounded as she whispered, "Did I really return to the past?"
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Meanwhile, back in the tower…
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CHING! An ethereal announcement echoed through the air.
| CONGRATULATIONS! EIRA NIVARA AND MIRA WINDWHISPER ARE THE FIRST TO CONQUER THE 13TH FLOOR. THEIR NAMES WILL BE FOREVER ETCHED IN THE TOWER'S RANKINGS AS LEGENDARY PIONEERS! |
Frostara and the Sword God exchanged looks, awe sparking in their eyes—especially the Sword God, who had never made it past the 7th floor in her own youth. She glanced at Mira, who was carrying the sleeping Eira without a care, and chuckled to herself. "Even though they faced greater challenges than I did, Mira's only focus seems to be on staying by her side. Hm… she really cherishes her first love."
Moments later, the group found themselves in a massive, icy room filled with gold coins, jewels, high-grade weapons, and gemstones glittering in piles that stretched like small mountains. The sheer size of the chamber was like that of a castle, with thirteen thrones of different colors and shapes arranged at the far end. Frostara's gaze fell on a blue throne radiating a powerful chill, and with a spark of excitement, she called out, "Mira, come here! I have a gift I want to give to my child."
Mira glanced at Frostara and nodded, trusting her. She carried Eira closer to the throne, with Frostara watching them closely, her expression softening as she took in Eira's peaceful, childlike face. How could this little one, who felt like a god moments ago, now look so innocent and fragile? She felt a pang of affection. I wish I could take her to the spirit world, but I know she'd refuse… So instead, she resolved to pass on her legacy to Eira.
"Hand her to me; I'll carry her to the throne and give her my gift," Frostara said eagerly.
But Mira snorted. "No, I'll do it. I can manage on my own." Without waiting, Mira stepped forward and gently placed Eira on the throne. Frostara, left speechless by Mira's dismissive attitude, let out a frustrated sigh. "You disrespectful brat! This is a matter between ancestor and descendant. You have no right to interfere," she huffed, frowning.
Mira only ignored her, focused on Eira as if no one else was there. Frostara bit back her irritation, silently grateful to Mira for helping save her child, even if Mira's behavior grated on her.
Resigned, she approached the throne herself, activating it with a touch. Cold energy began to surge, filling the chamber with a freezing chill. Mira watched Eira with concern, while Frostara gazed at her with proud anticipation. Despite the intense cold that could freeze even high-ranking monsters, Eira, sleeping peacefully, remained unaffected, a faint warmth surrounding her.
A soft ding sounded from Eira's system.
["DING" CONGRATULATIONS! YOUR PHYSIQUE HAD BEEN UPGRADED, PLEASE CHECK IT'S DETAILS IN YOUR STATUS.]
Moments later, the cold deepened, freezing even the towering piles of gold and jewels around them. But Mira's aura shielded her, and Eira's unique bloodline seemed to protect her from the harsh chill. Another notification quietly sounded:
["DING" CONGRATULATIONS! YOUR BLOODLINE HAD BEEN UPGRADED MAKING YOU THE FIRST DESCENDANT TO HAVE ACQUIRED AN UPGRADED BLOODLINE. PLEASE CHECK IT'S DETAILS IN YOUR STATUS.]
Gradually, the cold began to recede, and Eira's body glowed with a faint light as subtle changes took place. Her physique refined slightly, her height grew just a bit, and even her previously flat chest now hinted at maturity, matching that of a 14-year-old. The transformation was stunning; her newfound beauty and charm reached a level that captivated everyone in the room.
Frostara, Mira, and the Sword God—all three found themselves mesmerized by the change, each feeling an overwhelming urge to reach out and hold her. Eira's beauty now radiated a presence so powerful, it felt as though even kingdoms might be willing to fight over her.