> Place : DIafh Aush ( Dlafh City)

> Realm : Ignis

> Ethan’s Status : 11 Zyk in Fairy age (21 yr in human age), 6’5’’ft, Adult.

> Time : Morning, 1041th Rev of Timestar.

> Population : 90.256946% (Astrylra Realm wiped completely, nine realms left)

As Emberis and Jiya hurry down the fiery streets of Ignis, the blazing light of the sky above casts a soft glow over them, igniting the atmosphere with vibrant reds and oranges. Emberis suddenly halts in her tracks, her eyes locking onto a poster nailed to a charred wall. The figure depicted in it seems to mesmerize her.

Jiya, her younger sister, tugs at her hand impatiently.

Jiya (grabbing Emberis's hand): "Nyna, let's go! We're going to be late! What are you staring at?"

Emberis (gazing at the poster): "Jiya, look at this... He is our savior, Ethan." Her voice is almost dreamy as she speaks, her fingers brushing the edges of the poster as if it were something sacred.

Jiya (tilting her head in confusion): "What's 'he'?"

Emberis (chuckling slightly): "Umm… like how we say ‘she’ for us, we say ‘he’ for him. That’s how it works for... well, for someone like him.."

Jiya (frowning, still puzzled): "What’s 'him' now? And who is this?" she points to the poster, It doesn’t look like a fairy like us."

Emberis (nodding, eyes soft): "You're right. He’s not a fairy like us. They say... he isn’t even from Ignis. He was sent by the Phinixes to save us . Her voice lowers, trailing off ominously, *"To save us from Zo—"_

Jiya (genuinely curious): "Save us from who? Zo"

Emberis opens her mouth but hesitates, her gaze flickering nervously.

Emberis (lowering her voice): "Shh... don’t even think about that. It’s too dangerous."

Jiya (pouting, frustrated): "What’s too dangerous? Nyna, you’re not telling me anything!"

Just as Jiya’s complaints grow louder, a familiar voice echoes from the distance, cutting through the fiery breeze.

Quvera (shouting from afar): "Emberis! Come here, quick!"

Emberis’s head snaps up, her expression brightening. She grabs Jiya’s hand, and the two of them run towards the voice. As they reach Quvera, Emberis’s friend, they find her standing among a bustling crowd, her excitement palpable.

Emberis (panting slightly): "What’s going on, Quvera?"

Quvera (pointing eagerly): "Look! Our savior, he's here!"

The three fairies stand on their toes, straining to see over the heads of the crowd, but their heights aren’t enough to catch a clear view. Without missing a beat, they start to push their way through the crowd.

Jiya (trailing behind): "Nyna, slow down!"

Quvera (grinning over her shoulder): "Come on, Jiya! You don’t get to see our savior every day!"

Finally, they manage to break through the sea of onlookers, but just as they reach the front, Ethan is already moving past them, surrounded by his guards. All they can see is the back of his figure, mysterious, as he disappears into the distance.

Quvera (groaning dramatically): "Oh no! We missed!" She pouts, looking as though she might cry. "Our only chance!"

Jiya looks equally disheartened, but Emberis stands there smiling, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of admiration and hope.

Quvera (noticing Emberis’s expression): "What are you smiling at? Hey, Emberis!" She waves her hand in front of Emberis's face, trying to bring her back to reality. "Emberis! Snap out of it!"

Emberis blinks, as if waking from a daydream, and turns to her friend with a start.

Emberis (playfully defensive): "What? Can’t a fairy dream about her favorite person in the whole realm for a moment?"

Quvera (rolling her eyes): "Oh please, Em! He’s the favorite of everyone! Every fairy in Ignis, and probably all ten realms! You’re just one of the many, many admirers."

Emberis (grinning confidently): "I don’t mind. One day, you’ll see. I’ll be fighting right beside him, saving Ignis together."

Quvera (scoffing lightly): "Dreams, Emberis. Just dreams."

Emberis's smile doesn't waver, her gaze still fixed on where Ethan had been moments before, a fire of determination burning just as brightly as the flames of Ignis itself.

As Emberis and Jiya step into their home, the warmth of the hearth greets them, casting a soft glow over the fiery-streaked walls of their Ignis dwelling. In one corner of the room, their mother, Ely, sits on couch with their elder sister, Flisa, the two of them deep in conversation. Jiya, excited and full of energy, immediately darts towards her mother.

Jiya (running): "Mum!"

Ely (smiling warmly as she opens her arms): "My child, you're late today. Why are you both so late?"

Jiya stops right in front of her mother, fidgeting slightly as she begins to explain.

Jiya: "Nyna stopped—"

Emberis (quickly interjecting, trying to cover): "We... we stopped because Quvera ran into us."

Ely raises an eyebrow, her knowing eyes fixed on Emberis, clearly unconvinced.

Ely (with a sharp look, her tone probing): "Oh, really? Is that true, Jiya?"

Jiya glances nervously between Emberis and her mother, clearly torn.

Ely (firm, her voice warning): "Jiyaa…?"

Jiya hesitates for a moment, but then, under her mother’s stern gaze, blurts out the truth.

Jiya (quickly): "Nyna stopped to look at the poster of our savior. And then we stopped to watch the march."

Flisa (looking up from her seat, curious): "Whose march?"

Emberis (sighing, realizing the secret is out): "Ethan's, of course."

Ely’s expression hardens as she stands up, moving towards Emberis with a scolding look in her eyes.

Ely (her tone firm, full of disappointment): "Emberis, how many times have I told you? Why don’t you understand?"

Flisa (jumping in, echoing her mother’s disapproval): "It’s too dangerous! You’re not going anywhere near that. You haven’t even reached your ignition yet."

Emberis (frustrated, her voice rising with defiance): "So what?! It doesn’t matter! I want to do something for our realm! I’ll fight, and I’ll kill Zo—"

Before she can finish her sentence, Ely grabs her arm tightly, her voice sharp and commanding.

Ely (interrupting, scolding): "Emberis! Shut your mouth! Don’t say that name!"

Flisa (stern): "You are not going anywhere. To your room. Now."

Emberis clenches her fists, her face flushed with anger and frustration. Her gaze is defiant, but she knows there’s nothing she can do right now. With a huff, she turns on her heel, storming off towards her room.

As the door slams behind Emberis, Jiya, who had been standing quietly, speaks up in a small, scared voice.

Jiya (nervously): "Mum?"

Ely softens, pulling Jiya into a tight hug, her voice gentle now.

Ely (reassuring): "It’s alright, little one. Don’t worry."

Jiya (peering up at her mother): "Why did you scold Nyna?"

Ely lets out a soft sigh, stroking Jiya's hair as she smiles down at her.

Ely (lightly teasing): "Oh, it’s nothing. Sometimes she gets stubborn. Just like you."

Flisa, sensing Jiya’s discomfort, tries to lighten the mood, flashing her a playful smile.

Flisa (playfully): "Come here, you silly fairy."

Jiya giggles and quickly darts into Flisa’s arms, wrapping her arms around her elder sister. Flisa hugs her tightly, the playful spark in her eyes dimming slightly as she glances at Ely, both of them silently acknowledging the unspoken worry they share.

Flisa (in a soft, soothing voice): "Emberis sometimes gets angry, but don’t worry. She’ll always be your funny, teasing Nyna."

Jiya (still curious, her little voice cautious): "But why is she angry? Is it because of Zo?"

Both Ely and Flisa freeze at the mention of the name, their smiles faltering for just a second.

Ely (her tone sharper than she intended): "Who told you about that?"

Jiya (innocently): "Nyna. She said our savior is saving us from Zo. But what is Zo?"

Flisa, pulling Jiya closer, forces a smile, trying to hide the truth.

Flisa (gently): "It’s nothing, Jiya. Just one of Emberis’s silly jokes."

Ely and Flisa exchange a look—one full of understanding, concern, and resignation. It was getting harder each day to hold Emberis back.

Jiya, unaware of the deeper tension between the two older fairies, cuddles closer to Flisa.

Flisa (whispering reassuringly): "**Don’t worry, little one. Everything will be okay."**

But as she says this, Flisa’s eyes drift towards Emberis’s closed door, her heart heavy with worry.

Emberis and Quvera sat on the edge of an old stone wall that overlooked their realm, the crimson light of the setting sun casting a fiery glow across the sky. It was their usual meeting spot, where they talked every evening. But today, their conversation had taken on a more serious tone. Emberis, still frustrated from her earlier confrontation with her family, stared off into the distance, her mind burning with thoughts of the war they were trying to avoid.

Emberis (voice tight with frustration): "I don’t know why they don’t see what’s coming. One day, there won’t be anyone left to care for if we don’t fight today."

Quvera, always the calmer one, listened carefully. She was smart, friendly, but far from as ambitious as Emberis. She had her own fears and weaknesses, often relying on her more fiery friend when things got tough.

Quvera (gently, trying to soothe her friend): "Emberis, you know they care about you. They don’t want to lose you."

Emberis (her voice softening just slightly): "**I know. And I love them too. But Quvera, look around us."** She gestured broadly to their surroundings, as if the empty horizon symbolized their future. "We’re just sitting here, waiting for our realm to get destroyed. Like the other three realms that were wiped out. We can’t just sit back and let that evil consume us too."

Quvera's gaze dropped to the ground, uncertain. She agreed with Emberis in some ways, but the danger was overwhelming.

Quvera (sighing): "You’re right. But it’s not our task, Emberis. We’re still just children. We haven’t even reached our ignition. We can’t even make a spark from our fingers yet."

Emberis (bristling, her determination flaring up): "I don’t care about that! I just want to join the force. Fight alongside Ethan."

Quvera raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a teasing smile.

Quvera (playfully): "Oh. Now I get it. It’s all about Ethan, isn’t it?"

Emberis (smiling, trying to hide her flustered look but failing): "Of course not! Well, maybe a little. But don’t get me wrong. I want to fight beside him. Like when he killed Tigath. And his last mission? He destroyed an entire fleet of Vith!"

Quvera (rolling her eyes with a chuckle): "Yeah, yeah. You and your Ethan. It’s never-ending."

Emberis (nudging her playfully): "Hey, don’t pretend you don’t like him too!"

Quvera (laughing, pretending to shrug it off): "Not as much as you do! And I definitely don’t want to join the force and risk my life like that."

Emberis (smirking): "Like you’re going to live forever. But I know why you don’t want to join the force."

Quvera raised an eyebrow, curious.

Quvera: "Oh? Enlighten me, then."

Emberis (grinning mischievously): "You’re afraid of the Virgons. You know you can’t even stand in front of them!"

Quvera straightened up, putting her hands on her hips, pretending to look confident, even though Emberis had hit a nerve.

Quvera (defensive): "Oh, come on, Emberis! They’re just mindless creatures. I know how to handle them."

Emberis (teasing): "Oh really? Then let’s enter the contest and see who’s better."

Quvera hesitated, biting her lip. She knew she wasn’t as strong or confident as Emberis, but she couldn’t let that show.

Quvera (hesitating): "Mmm... You… You know…"

Emberis (grinning wider): "Yes, yes. Say it. Say you can’t."

Quvera puffed out her chest, trying to act braver than she felt, her voice louder than usual to hide her nerves.

Quvera (determined, with a bit of false bravado): "Who said I can’t? I can control them. I’m in. I’ll show you."

Emberis (laughing, her voice playful): "**Oh, we’ll see about that on jyte, we’ll find out who’s worthy and who’s just showing off."**

Quvera (with a mock glare): "And who’s running in the opposite direction!"

They both burst into laughter, the tension between them melting away as they stood up and began walking back towards their homes.

After three days, Emberis and Quvera found themselves standing in the massive Arena, its towering walls casting long shadows across the ground. They had snuck in, hiding from their mothers, and now they were surrounded by other contestants—most of them older, taller, and far more powerful. Some had reached the peak of their ignition, their bodies glowing with energy, wings of flame, or hands blazing red. The air crackled with the raw power of fully ignited fairies.

But different from the crowd were the three outliers: Emberis, Quvera, and another young contestant they hadn’t seen before. None of them had reached ignition yet, and compared to the seasoned warriors around them, they looked like children playing with fire.

Quvera’s eyes darted to the unfamiliar girl standing nearby, looking as out of place as they felt.

Quvera (whispering): "Hey, Em. Look at her. Another fool like us, risking her life for this."

Emberis glanced at the girl briefly before turning back with a sharp look.

Emberis (smirking): "A fool like you. I'm going to take that Virgon down."

Before Quvera could reply, a muscular, towering contestant next to them, with her arms glowing red from her fully ignited power, laughed mockingly.

Muscular Fairy (chuckling): "**You really think you can take down a Virgon? And what are we, then? Go home while you still can, child."**

Emberis' face darkened, her eyes blazing with a fury that cut through the air. She took a step forward, glaring up at the muscular fairy.

Emberis (voice full of venom): "How dare you call me a child." She stared hard into the fairy’s eyes, and for a brief moment, the taller contestant flinched, unnerved by the raw determination in Emberis' gaze. "**You pathetic piece of—"**

Quvera (panicking and tugging at Emberis’ arm): "Emberis... Emberis, stop..."

But Emberis, fueled by anger, yanked her arm free from Quvera’s grip and, without hesitation, swung a punch square into the face of the muscular fairy. The hit landed with a thud, and the muscular fairy stumbled back, more surprised than hurt.

Emberis (smirking triumphantly): "Now tell me who’s the child."

The taller fairy, now enraged, retaliated with a powerful punch of her own. The force knocked Emberis to the ground, but she quickly scrambled to her feet, ready to strike back. Before she could launch herself at the muscular fairy again, Quvera frantically grabbed her and dragged her to the other side of the row, struggling to keep her from escalating the fight.

Quvera (frantically): "Emberis, stop! You can’t do this! Stop!"

She turned back to the muscular fairy, still holding Emberis by the arm.

Quvera (hurriedly, trying to calm the situation): "We're sorry. She just... gets angry sometimes."

Muscular Fairy (sneering): "Yeah, you'd better take her home now... before she gets hurt, poor, pathetic child."

Quvera finally managed to drag Emberis away to the other side, where the younger contestant stood, quietly observing the chaos. Emberis shook off Quvera’s grip, her anger still boiling.

Emberis (growling): "Let go of me!"

Quvera (exasperated): "You’ll kill yourself one day with this temper, Em."

The young contestant, standing close by, spoke for the first time, her voice low and calm, but carrying a certain weight of understanding.

Younger Contestant (quietly, almost detached): "**We’re all going to die one day. What’s the difference now?"**

Quvera threw her hands up in frustration, turning to Emberis with sarcasm dripping from her words.

Quvera: "Great! Just what I needed. Another psycho like you, Emberis."

Emberis (her voice sharp): "I’m not a psycho!"

Before the argument could continue, a booming voice echoed across the Arena, silencing the chatter of the contestants. The announcement was cold and ruthless, lacking any warmth or encouragement.

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Announcer (voice booming across the Arena): "**Welcome, contestants. Today’s event will determine who among you is worthy of joining the force. You will face the wild and untamable Virgon—those who can control the beast will be deemed worthy. The rest of you? You can crawl home in defeat, as the failures you are. There will be no second chances. If you are weak, you have no place here. Prove yourselves, or be forgotten."**

The crowd fell silent. The weight of the contest settled heavily on the three younger fairies. Quvera swallowed nervously, feeling the eyes of the other contestants boring into them. Emberis stood tall, unshaken, her fists clenched with determination. The younger contestant beside them stayed eerily calm, her gaze fixed ahead, as if already accepting whatever fate awaited them.

This wasn’t just a test of strength—it was a fight for survival, and Emberis had no intention of backing down.

Then the workers marched into the arena, they hauled carts filled with gleaming weapons—bows, swords, hammers, ropes, and all manner of deadly tools. The crowd of contestants shifted, eying the selection with nervous intensity. The announcer’s voice boomed once again, cutting through the murmurs.

Announcer (cold and distant): *“Contestants, choose your weapons and tools wisely. You will have no second chance. Once selected, your choice is final. Remember, only those who control the Virgon will be deemed worthy. You will earn the right to either become a Guardian — fighting alongside the Savior and protect the realms — or a Sattira. Decide your fate.”

Emberis’ eyes gleamed with fierce determination as she grabbed a double-edged spear, testing its weight in her hand.

Emberis (with a confident smile): “Guardian. That’s all I want.”

Quvera (nodding, trying to steady her nerves): “Of course. But first… we have to survive the Virgon.”

Before Emberis could reply, the younger contestant chuckled, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.

Younger Contestant (chuckling quietly): *"You two are amusing."

Quvera (frowning): *“Hey, why are you laughi—?”

But before Quvera could finish, the loud clank of gears shifting filled the arena. The massive iron door across the battlefield groaned as it slid open with a deep, ominous creak. The air grew thick with tension as a monstrous roar echoed from the darkened space beyond, sending shivers down every contestant’s spine.

The Virgon. The beast everyone feared.

Announcer (with a menacing edge): *"Let the game begin."

The contestants scrambled to grab their chosen weapons, muscles tensed, breaths held. The ground trembled, and a chilling silence fell over the arena. Then, with a deafening roar, two towering Virgons emerged from the darkness.

Their scales glistened with a red glow, and their enormous forms seemed to shimmer in the air from the intense heat emanating from their bodies. Each step they took sent cracks through the ground beneath them. Their necks stretched high, muscles rippling as flames licked from their mouths, eyes burning with fiery rage. Their claws, long and razor-sharp, tore into the earth, scattering debris with each strike.

The sight alone made Quvera step back, instinctively getting behind Emberis, who stood her ground, her gaze locked onto the beasts with fearless resolve.

Quvera (her voice trembling, full of fear): *"Emberis…"

Emberis (her voice unwavering, not even sparing a glance): *"Hide somewhere, Quvera. I’m not coming with you."

Quvera (panic rising): *“This is madness, Emberis! Run. You can’t do this!"

The younger contestant, still calm and composed, spoke up without even looking their way.

Younger Contestant (with eerie calm): *"Don’t push her, Quvera. She’s made her decision. You can leave if you want."

Before anyone could react, the Virgon let out another thunderous roar, their eyes glowing brighter as they charged forward. The ground beneath them cracked and quaked, fire spewing from their mouths, creating trails of scorching heat in their wake.

The contestants sprang into action. Some launched arrows with swift precision, while others rushed in with swords raised high, aiming for the beast’s underbelly. Arrows flew in a flurry, but the Virgon's molten breath melted them mid-air, turning them to ash before they could even reach their target.

One of the larger contestants swung a massive glowing hammer at the Virgon’s legs, hoping to cripple the creature. The hammer landed with a loud crack, but the Virgon, unfazed, whipped its flaming tail, sending the contestant flying across the arena.

Emberis (gritting her teeth as she watched the carnage unfold): *“Fools. They’re making it angrier.”

Contestants tried different strategies—some using ropes to climb the beast’s neck, hoping to control it by force. A few managed to hook onto the Virgon’s fiery mane, but the moment they got close, the flames engulfed them. Screams echoed as they were thrown off violently, the heat searing their skin, their ropes snapping as if made of paper.

One contestant wielding dual swords rushed forward, slashing wildly at the Virgon’s flank. Sparks flew as the swords collided with its scales, but instead of wounding the beast, the heat from its body softened the blades, bending them uselessly.

The Virgon's fury grew. Its fiery breath melted weapons, and with a single swipe of its massive claw, it sent another group crashing into the walls of the arena. The chaos only fueled the beast’s rage, and it unleashed torrents of flame, incinerating everything in its path.

Quvera, still trembling, watched in horror as the contestants were tossed around like ragdolls.

Quvera (her voice barely a whisper): *“We’re all going to die…”

But Emberis didn’t waver. She gripped her spear tighter, her eyes never leaving the Virgon. The younger contestant next to her, still unfazed, simply watched with that knowing smile.

The Virgon charged once again, and this time, its glowing eyes locked onto Emberis.

As the Virgon rushed toward Emberis, its thundering footsteps shook the very ground beneath her. She leaped gracefully, narrowly dodging the beast's fiery maw as it crashed into the space she had just vacated. The Virgon snarled, its glowing eyes fixated on her, unrelenting in its pursuit. Emberis didn’t fight; she dodged, moved swiftly, evading each attack with agility and precision, but she refused to strike back.

Virgon rushed toward Emberis, its massive, flame-spewing form seemed unstoppable. But just as it lunged, Emberis leapt into the air, narrowly dodging the creature’s fiery charge. Her feet barely touched the ground before she was airborne again, avoiding another attack.

The audience shifted in their seats, whispers of curiosity spreading as they noticed her strategy. The judges leaned forward, intrigued, sensing that something different was happening.

Quvera (in shock): *“What? What is she doing?!”

Yet, while others fought fiercely, Emberis wasn’t attacking. Instead, she kept dodging, evading the beast’s relentless assaults with swift, calculated movements. The Virgon, growing more frustrated, charged at her again and again, but she slipped through its fiery grasps each time.

Why wasn’t she fighting? Emberis planted herself firmly on the ground, her chest heaving from exertion as the Virgon roared, towering over her.

Without a word, she dropped her spear.

Gasps echoed throughout the crowd.

Quvera's heart raced when she saw Emberis drop her spear to the ground, standing tall and defiant, her hands free. The Virgon growled, momentarily confused, but then it let out a terrifying roar and charged once again.

Quvera (mumbling to herself, panicked): *“Oh... Ely’s going to kill me today…”

The audience gasped audibly as Emberis stood unarmed, bracing herself. But this time, as she leaped to dodge, the Virgon was faster. Its massive neck swung with brutal force, catching Emberis mid-air. She was thrown across the arena, her body crashing hard against the stone floor.

A chorus of boos erupted from the crowd, disheartened by the sight of her falling so violently.

Emberis lay there for a moment, the wind knocked out of her. Pain shot through her body, her vision swimming as she struggled to breathe. But she was far from finished. Slowly, stubbornly, she pushed herself up again, blood trickling down her arm as she forced herself to stand.

Her eyes narrowed on the Virgon, still glowing with untamed rage. It roared, furious, and charged again, faster this time. Emberis gritted her teeth, trying to move, but the beast was relentless. It slammed into her with its head, sending her flying to the far side of the arena like a ragdoll, skidding across the ground.

She lay there, her breaths coming in short, painful gasps. Her vision blurred, the world spinning as her body screamed in agony. For a moment, it all seemed to slip away. Emberis closed her eyes, her mind drifting to her family—her younger sister, Jiya and Ethan. Flashes of their smiles filled her thoughts, the sound of their laughter echoing in her mind.

From the corner, Quvera, now shaking with fear, called out desperately.

Quvera (voice cracking): *“Get up, Emberis! Get up... please... please get up...”

But Emberis didn’t move. The Virgon was closing in again, its massive form bearing down on her.

Quvera (her voice growing louder): *“For Jiya, Emberis! Get up for Jiya! For Flisa! For Ethan! Please, get up!”

Those words cut through the haze of pain like a sharp blade, stirring something deep within Emberis. A surge of energy, unlike anything she had ever felt before, jolted through her body. Her heart pounded as the warmth spread, her wounds closing, her strength returning. The crowd watched in stunned silence as her body began to glow—a bright, fierce orange-red, her hands igniting with a fiery brilliance.

Emberis slowly stood, her eyes burning with a fiery red glow, her body radiating power. She clenched her fists, the flames within her pulsing stronger, her once-battered frame now whole again.

Quvera (eyes wide, whispering): *“What… what is happening?”

Emberis, fully ignited, stood her ground. As the Virgon charged one final time, Emberis didn’t flinch. Instead, she extended her hand toward the beast, her palm open, as if commanding it to stop.

The audience gasped, watching in disbelief as the massive creature came to a screeching halt, its claws digging into the ground as it slid to a stop mere feet from her. The air hung still, thick with tension, as the beast—once unstoppable—now stood frozen before Emberis.

The Virgon’s chest heaved, its fiery eyes now calm as it slowly knelt down before her, bowing its head. Emberis, her body still glowing, reached out with her red-flaming hand, gently placing it on the beast’s enormous head. The flames in her palm flickered softly, not burning, but soothing the creature.

For the first time, the Virgon was calm. The arena, once filled with chaos and noise, now stood in complete silence. The audience was speechless, jaws hanging in amazement at what they had just witnessed.

Emberis had done the impossible—she had controlled a Virgon.

The judge stood up slowly, his eyes filled with a mix of awe and respect, while Quvera collapsed to her knees, tears of relief streaming down her face. The Virgon let out a low rumble, not of anger, but of submission, as it remained kneeling before Emberis, completely under her control.

The announcer’s voice cracked through the silence, shaken but proud.

Announcer: *“Yalzet Emberis… has controlled the Virgon!”

Cheers erupted from the crowd, louder than ever before.

As the victorious energy of the arena slowly faded, Emberis and Ryznith, standing proudly at the center, shared a moment of mutual respect. Ryznith's swift swordsmanship had left her Virgon subdued and still, while Emberis had achieved her victory through sheer will and an extraordinary bond. Their shared smile was one of acknowledgment—not just of their triumph, but of the shared understanding that they were now part of something much bigger.

The announcer's voice boomed through the arena, filled with pride:

Announcer: *“Out of all the contestants, two stand above the rest—Yalzet Emberis and Yalzet Ryznith! Only these two have proven worthy to control the Virgon. Congratulations! Tomorrow, you will choose your fate: Guardian... or Sattira!”

The crowd erupted, chanting their names in excitement. Emberis, her body back to its pale, glowing beauty in the sunlight, approached Ryznith, a small grin on her face.

Emberis: "Ryznith, huh?"

Ryznith (grinning back): "Emberis!"

They clasped hands firmly, both knowing they had made history.

As the audience's cheers grew louder, Quvera dashed into the arena and threw her arms around Emberis, tears of joy in her eyes.

Quvera (hugging tightly): “Emberis! Emberis! Oh, I'm so happy! You did it! You really did it!”

Emberis (laughing softly): *“And I'm glad you're safe.”

Ryznith, leaning casually on her sword, smiled knowingly.

Ryznith: *“I told you, Quvera. I saw it in her eyes—she made her decision long before the battle started.”

At that moment, the muscular fairy limped over, wincing but smiling through the pain as she approached. Muscular fairy (apologetic): *“You did great, I’m sorry... I underestimated you.”

Quvera (teasing): “Oh, you'd better thank me! If I hadn’t stopped her when she punched you, you’d be on bedrest by now!”

Emberis (laughing): “Quvera, stop it.” She turned to the muscular fairy. *“Thank you. I hope one day you’ll be able to control one too.”

The muscular fairy nodded, limping away with a smile. Meanwhile, the crowd rushed into the arena, lifting both Emberis and Ryznith into the air, their names echoing across the grounds in celebration. It was a scene of joy and triumph, the kind of moment that would be remembered for generations.

But the celebration would not last long.

Later that day, Emberis and Quvera returned to her home, still basking in the afterglow of their victory. Emberis swung open the door with a bright smile, calling out for her mother.

Emberis: *“Mum! Mum! Nyna!”

Quvera beamed beside her, her voice filled with excitement.

Quvera: *“Oh, Emberis, they’ll be so proud when they hear this!”

But the moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere changed. Standing in the middle of the hall were Ely and Flisa—Emberis's mother and elder sister—both with stern, unreadable expressions on their faces. Their usual warmth was gone, replaced with a cold stillness that sent a shiver down Emberis’s spine.

Emberis and Quvera's excited smiles faltered, the weight of their silence bearing down on them.

Ely (her voice sharp and commanding): *“Quvera... leave us. We need... family time.”

Quvera glanced nervously at Emberis before stepping back toward the door, her voice barely a whisper as she retreated.

Quvera: *“Okay...”

She slipped out, closing the door behind her, leaving Emberis standing alone before her mother and sister, their faces void of any joy. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a blade.

Emberis’s heart sank as she searched her mother’s face for any hint of approval, of pride. But Ely’s eyes, cold and steady, offered nothing. Something was wrong. Very wrong. She stood frozen, the tension in the air suffocating her, her heart sinking with every passing second. She opened her mouth to speak, her voice shaky.

Emberis: "So, I thi—"

But before she could finish, Flisa cut her off, her voice sharp and filled with a fierce anger Emberis had never seen before.

Flisa: "Just shut your mouth, Emberis. Don't say another word!"

The force of her sister’s words hit her like a wave, silencing her immediately. Emberis's eyes widened, and her throat tightened. She could feel the sting of tears building, but she fought them back. Before she could respond, Ely's voice—usually so gentle—cut through, equally laced with disappointment and fear.

Ely: "You didn’t even care to tell us…" Her voice trembled, but the anger was clear. "You just went off to fight that monster without a word."

Emberis (pleading): "I wanted to, but—"

Flisa (raising her voice): "But what, Emberis?! Do you even know what you were doing?!"

Emberis flinched at her sister's fury.

Ely: "What if you hadn’t managed to control that beast? What if it had killed you? We could’ve..." her voice broke, and tears began to well in her eyes, "we would’ve lost you."

Emberis: "But I did it, Mum! I controlled it, I won!"

Flisa (sarcastic and bitter): "Oh, so now you're proud of it, huh? What about us? What if one day, you just die out there on that battlefield, Emberis? What then?"

Ely's composure finally shattered, her face crumpling into silent sobs.

Ely (voice shaking): "Oh... I... I can't..." Her words barely made it through her tears.

Emberis: "Mum, please don’t cry," she whispered, her heart aching at the sight of her mother in so much pain. "I’ve always wanted to join the force... to protect you, to protect Jiya."

Flisa (voice cutting like a knife): "And who’s going to protect you, Emberis? Who?" Her voice was hard but cracked slightly, betraying her worry. "Don't say Ethan. He’s only using us. He isn’t a savior."

Emberis (defensive but soft): "No, Nyna. It’s not like that."

Ely wiped her face but her tears kept coming, her eyes pleading with her daughter.

Ely: "Why don’t you see, Emberis? The world is falling apart in front of us. He’s no different from the Phinixes. When everything crumbles, he’ll leave, just like they did... and we’ll be left with nothing."

Emberis dropped to her knees before her mother, taking Ely's hands in her own, her voice breaking with emotion as she tried to comfort her.

Emberis (softly, wiping Ely’s tears): "Mum... please don’t cry. I know the Phinixes abandoned us... left us to suffer. But Ethan is not like them. He cares about us, Mum. He’ll protect me too, I promise."

Ely broke down completely, her sobs deep and filled with a mother's worst fears, collapsing into Emberis’s arms, her body trembling. She clung to her daughter as if she were holding on to her for dear life.

Ely: "Please, Emberis... I beg you. Don’t leave us. I can’t lose you."

Flisa stood off to the side, her own expression hard but her voice soft and resigned, as if she had accepted the inevitable.

Flisa (quietly, almost a whisper): "She’s made her decision, Mum. There’s no point in stopping her now."

Emberis held her mother tightly, feeling her heart tear in two. She rested her chin on Ely's head, fighting back her own tears, her voice thick with emotion.

Emberis: "Mum, I have to do this. I have to protect you all... it’s the only way I know how. And look... once I become a Guardian, we can live in Arcaneum. We’ll be safe there. We won’t have to suffer here anymore. You’ll have a good life... a happy life. Please, Mum. I love you all so much."

Ely lifted her head, her tear-filled eyes searching Emberis’s face. There was so much love and fear in them, and Emberis felt her chest tighten painfully. She nodded, a faint, trembling smile breaking through her sobs.

Ely (voice trembling): "Emberis... remember, Everything has a cost. You’ll have to pay it one day." She cupped her daughter’s face gently, her thumb brushing Emberis’s tear-streaked cheek. "Go. Be a Guardian. But always remember... you have a home. You have a family who loves you."

Emberis nodded, her own tears finally falling as she embraced her mother again.

Emberis (softly, her voice thick with emotion): "I’ll always come back. I promise. And I’ll always love you."

Flisa stepped forward then, her voice low but filled with a sense of finality.

Flisa: "If you’re really going to protect us, Emberis... then be the best Guardian there is. Work harder than anyone. Be our protector." She smiled, her tough exterior cracking just enough to let her love for her sister shine through.

Emberis pulled Flisa into the embrace, and they stood together, the three of them holding on tightly, each trying to find strength in the others. It was a moment of love and fear, of hope and sorrow. They knew the world outside was harsh and unforgiving, but for this brief, fragile moment, they were just a family, holding on to what they had before everything changed.

Ely (whispering through tears): "You’ll always have us to come back to... always."

And in that moment, they clung to each other, bound by love, knowing that no matter what came next, they would face it together, even if the fear of loss never left them.

The day of the ceremony dawned bright, the sky a mix of soft golden hues as Emberis, her family—Ely, Flisa, and young Jiya—entered the grand Elden's Chamber. It was a rare and almost unthinkable moment for them, a family of modest standing, to step foot inside the luxurious halls of Elden’s Fort. The air was rich with the scent of incense, and the vast chamber was decorated with cascading silk drapes, gold-trimmed banners, and shimmering crystal chandeliers that sparkled like starlight.

Jiya (wide-eyed, her small voice filled with awe): "Wow... Nyna, look at that! It’s so beautiful!"

She pointed to the ceiling, where hundreds of floating lanterns hovered, their golden glow casting a dreamlike light across the room.

Emberis chuckled softly, holding her sister tightly in her arms.

Emberis (teasing): "You like it, huh?"

Flisa (equally captivated by the grandeur, whispered): "Emberis, you’ve really done something... I don’t think any of our ancestors have set foot in this chamber for ten generations. Not like this."

Ely (beaming with pride, her eyes still moist from the emotions of the previous night): "I am so proud of you right now."

Emberis smirked, nudging her mother playfully.

Emberis: "Oh, is this my same sweet Mum who was crying yesterday, begging me not to go? Are you sure you’re the same person?"

Ely let out a soft laugh, shaking her head.

Ely (laughing through a sniffle): "Emberis, you’re impossible!"

As the family shared this brief moment of joy, the doors to the chamber boomed open with a powerful thud. The room fell silent as the deep, authoritative voice of the announcer echoed through the chamber.

Announcer (booming voice): "All rise for her grace, Aisling, Elden of the Ignis Realm!"

A wave of murmurs ran through the chamber as everyone stood, eyes turning toward the grand entryway. The towering doors opened wider, revealing Aisling, the Elden of Ignis. Her entrance was nothing short of majestic—Aisling’s royal robe, woven with threads of molten gold and deep crimson, shimmered in the flickering candlelight. A grand crown of obsidian and ruby adorned her head, and her very presence radiated power and grace. Her eyes, piercing yet kind, surveyed the room with a commanding calm.

As Aisling strode forward, her steps were light but carried the weight of authority. Two soldiers flanked her, holding ceremonial spears encrusted with glowing embers, a visual reminder of her dominion over the Ignis realm. The atmosphere was electric, filled with a reverence that bordered on awe.

Emberis straightened, her heart pounding in her chest. Beside her, Ryznith—another warrior who had trained for this moment—stood tall and poised. Both were clad in their ceremonial garb, their posture strong and unyielding. Emberis felt Jiya’s grip tighten around her as the Elden approached.

Archos, the supreme commander of Ignis, stepped forward, his voice loud and clear.

Archos: "We gather here today to honor two worthy warriors, Yalzet Emberis and Yalzet Ryznith, for their courage. They have proven themselves in Arena, and now, they stand before us to choose their fate."

As the chamber held its breath, Aisling, with all the regality of a queen, addressed the crowd.

Elden Aisling (her voice commanding, yet gentle): "I congratulate both Yalzets on this great achievement. You have shown strength, wisdom, and courage in your trials. But now, the time has come to choose your destiny."

A soldier stepped forward, carrying a tray in both hands. Resting upon it were two cloths—one a deep, rich blue representing the path of the Sattira, and the other a vibrant green, symbolizing the role of a Guardian. The room fell silent as the weight of the moment bore down on them.

Ryznith moved first, stepping forward with confidence. She knelt on one knee, her fist clenched to her chest in a sign of respect and loyalty to the Elden. Rising again with a firm expression, she reached out and took the green cloth. By her choice, she had declared her intent to become a Guardian, a protector of the realm.

Next, Emberis stepped forward, feeling the eyes of her family on her. She mirrored Ryznith’s actions, lowering herself to one knee and clenching her fist to her heart. She stood, her fingers trembling slightly as she reached out and took the green cloth. The moment she grasped it, a sense of pride and purpose washed over her—she was now a Guardian.

Aisling’s eyes gleamed with approval as she looked upon the two brave warriors.

Elden Aisling: "You have chosen wisely. To stand as Guardians, to protect not only your families but this realm. I am proud of you both. You will fight alongside our savior, for the fate of this world rests in your hands."

The crowd murmured their approval, and Emberis felt the weight of her decision settle in her chest like a heavy stone, but it was mixed with pride.

Archos then took a step forward, his voice once again commanding the room.

Archos: "Yalzet Emberis, Yalzet Ryznith, assume the Oath position."

Both warriors immediately complied, moving into the Oath stance. They stood with their feet shoulder-width apart, their hands clasped tightly behind their backs, their heads held high.

Aisling raised her hands, and her voice echoed throughout the chamber with solemnity and authority.

Elden Aisling: "By the power vested in me, I ask you to repeat the sacred Oath of Guardianship. Repeat after me: 'I swear upon my honor, my life, and my soul, to protect this realm with every breath I take, to shield it from harm, and to fight until my last drop of blood is shed.'"

Both Emberis and Ryznith repeated the words in unison, their voices strong and unwavering.

Emberis & Ryznith: "I swear upon my honor, my life, and my soul, to protect this realm with every breath I take, to shield it from harm, and to fight until my last drop of blood is shed."

Aisling nodded, her approval clear.

Elden Aisling: "From this moment on, you are Guardians of the realm. May your strength never falter, and may your courage never wane."

The room erupted into applause, but Emberis barely heard it. She glanced back at her family—Jiya’s wide, excited eyes, Ely’s tear-streaked face filled with pride, and even Flisa’s rare, approving smile. She had done it. She had become a Guardian.

The Oath had been taken, and her fate was sealed.

Quvera (playfully nudging Emberis): "Oh...Emberis...you're a Guardian now! A Guardian! Can you believe it? A Guardian!" (Her excitement was bubbling over, her words spilling out in a rush.)

Flisa (laughing as she pulled Emberis into a tight hug): "Of course she knows, you silly fairy! She's one of them now." Her voice softened with pride. "You've made us all so proud."

Jiya (smiling up from below): "**Nyna!"**

Emberis, her heart swelling with emotion, immediately scooped Jiya into her arms, peppering her cheek with kisses. "Aww, I’m going to miss you so much!"

Jiya (in her innocent voice, still unaware of the gravity of the moment): "Don’t worry, Nyna. I’ll send you letters."

Emberis (tears welling up in her eyes, though she chuckled): "You better send me letters, or else I’ll have to sneak in and steal you from Mum!"

Ely (voice trembling with emotion): "Emberis..."

Emberis (grinning through the tears threatening to fall): "Oh, Mum, don't start crying now. It’s hug time. Come here."

The whole family embraced in one large, heartfelt hug, tears finally spilling down their cheeks as the emotion of the moment washed over them.

Ely (holding Emberis tightly, her voice soft but full of strength): "Just stay safe. Show them who you really are."

Jiya (in her sweet, high-pitched voice): "Yes, Nyna! Beat them hard! I’ll take care of the rest!" (She parroted Emberis’ usual words of encouragement with pure innocence, making everyone laugh through their tears.)

Flisa, gently taking Jiya from Emberis’ arms: "Come here, Jiya. Nyna has to go now."

Before handing Jiya over, Emberis kissed her one last time on the cheek. "Mwah! I love you so much. Promise me you’ll take care of them, okay?"

Jiya (giggling, eyes wide with mischief): "**No. I like making chaos more!"**

Emberis chuckled through her tears, her heart breaking and mending all at once in the face of Jiya’s innocence.

Ely (her voice breaking again): "Go now, Emberis, or it'll only get harder."

Emberis wrapped her arms around her mother one last time. "I love you, Mum."

Ely (holding her tightly): "I love you too, Emberis. Just… come back to us. Please."

Emberis (pulling back, smiling with a tear-streaked face): "I will. I promise."

She then turned to Flisa, trying to keep the mood light despite the heaviness in the air. "Don’t cry too much when I’m gone. I don’t want you ruining your beautiful face, Nyna. It’d be tragic."

Flisa (laughing as she wiped away a tear, hugging Emberis tightly): "**You’re impossible. Go now, before I start ugly crying all over you."**

Finally, it was Quvera’s turn. She wrapped Emberis in a tight, warm hug, practically vibrating with excitement. "Say hello to Ethan for me, pleaseeeee!"

Emberis (teasing, her heart lightened by her dear friend): "Nope. Take down one Virgon yourself and say it in person!"

Quvera (grinning mischievously): "I’ll hold you to that!"