I had no idea my life had turned out the way it had.
Illuminating waves of energy shimmered through the night sky of Novaria. Each rhythm pulsed like the gentle flow of a running river. This event, known only as the Astral Shimmer, occurred every century.
Even from within the small village of Corslyia, the view of the shimmer was vividly clear under the energized barrier that protected the village. Many of the villagers all peered their attention at the celestial colors swaying across the heavens.
Alpha Lyra, standing near the edge of the village, felt the charge of energy surging through his bones. “Incredible,” he murmured, his breath visible in the chilly air. Adjusting a mechanical artifact over his eyes he was able to take a closer look through a small pair of lens. “You can almost feel the astral energy breathing through you!”
“It's beautiful, isn't it?” Astaria Ceres, mentioned.
Glancing back at the female voice behind him, his face lit up. “Beautiful like you,” He spread his arms wide and embraced her tightly. “Where were you?” He questioned, giving her a kiss. “You were supposed to let me know what time we were gonna meet up.”
“Just getting a few things done at the house. Did the Astral Shimmer just start?”
“Yeah just started about an hour ago! Take a look.”
He handed her the artifact, and she peered through the crystallized lens. The sight of the astral waves was unlike anything she had ever seen. Colors of every hue pulsed gently, as if they were alive and breathing.
“I've never seen so much energy at once! All astral activity is apparently heightened during this as well,” Alpha stated.
From a young age, he had been captivated by the flow of astral energy. Studying this mysterious phenomenon and uncovering its source had always been his greatest goal. Witnessing this spectacular event was undoubtedly a highlight of his life, or at least, about to be one of them.
“Novaria just couldn't be more breathtaking,” Astaria murmured. “Do you think Paradise could be this beautiful?”
Alpha shrugged at her question. “If it even exists.”
Many devoted their entire lives to searching for Paradise. Despite being a mere rumor, many believed this mythical world to be the source of astral energy and artifacts that harness it. Yet to this day, no one truly knew who or what had created these remarkable devices.
Paradise had always been envisioned as a place of sanctuary for those who sought it. Those seeking it were known as Seekers of Paradise, and surprisingly, a significant number of people spent their lives in pursuit of it.
“You ready to see the rest of the village?”
“Most definitely!”
I've been so blessed to experience the things I had always dreamed of doing.
The village was already in full swing with the festivities. Lanterns casted a warm glow around the surroundings, their light creating playful shadows that danced in sync with the flames. Villagers adorned in brightly colored garments bustled around the center of the village. Delicacies of all sorts lined the booths, their steamy aromas filling the air with the scent of hot cooked meals.
A crowd of people danced and laughed under the festival lights. Several others chatted around a bon fire, with a tiny artifact sphere with intricate designs. It's presence allowed the fire to burn without the need to consume wood, also giving the flames a beautiful hue of reds and blues. It's effects were also enhanced by the Astral Shimmer.
“Aha! Look who finally shows up!” a merchant called out from a couple booths down. “Decided to join the fun, have we?”
“Can't seem to get away from you guys,” Alpha teased with a grin.
“Ahah! Its easier to get away from you!” The merchant replied playfully. His eyes landed on Astaria. “I've heard the big news! Congratulations on earning the title of Champion!”
“Thank you! But theres no need to treat me on a pedestal,” Astaria replied with a smile.
“It's a big deal, you know! Never thought a Champion would come from here! And with the Astral Shimmer happening, I'm surprised you're not wearing your regalia!”
Champions were rare but powerful individuals wielding numerous deadly artifacts. Each held a title that distinguished them from the rest. What set the Champions apart were their use of regalia.
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Regalia, gear forged with astral energy, granted wearers abilities far surpassing those of normal humans, enabling them to face the wild beasts of Novaria. However, the origins of these gear remained a mystery, with even champions like Astaria offering no clues on where to find them.
Astaria, known as the Radiant Winged, had been trained by the retired Champion, Adora the Berserker. Alpha never had the chance to meet Adora during their expeditions, but he's often heard stories of how tough her mentoring style was. Since the very first day Alpha met her, she had worked tirelessly to reach her current level.
He couldn't be prouder of her.
“What do you two lovebirds have planned for the rest of the night?” the man asked.
“Just enjoying the shimmer,” Astaria replied, her eyes glancing back at the waves of colors in the night sky. “The more I look at it, it feels like I'm swimming in astral energy.”
“Well don't swim too far!” The merchant teased with a grin.
“We're about to head further down the village,” Alpha said, waving goodbye to the man. “Nice seeing you!”
“You two be safe!”
Astaria gave the man a warm smile goodbye, feeling Alpha’s hand grabbing hers. “We're leaving the crowd?”
“I wanna take a look at the lake, if you don't mind.” Alpha interlocked his fingers with hers. “Apparently you can see astral energy swimming in the water like a fish!”
“Shut up you're lying!” Astaria chuckled, giving a gentle slap on the arm. “Really?”
“Nah, I'm just lying.”
“Alpha Lyra!” Astaria exclaimed.
“What?!” Alpha replied playfully, pulling her closer to him as they walked.
I've always felt like something had been waiting for me. A surreal feeling that cant even be described.
Following the illuminated pathway surrounded by glowing lanterns, they reached the outskirts of Cysloria. Patches of grass beside them held unique astral flowers called Promised Utopias, scattered throughout.
Their intricate petals often glowed with surrounding astral energy, but tonight they were brighter than ever. Each flower seemed to wave in the air, as if greeting the pair.
The lake came into view, reflecting the glow of the moon and the rays of the shimmer. It looked like a pool of breathing astral energy.
“Oh my-” Astaria choked on her words, struck by the lake's beauty. “It really does look like the shimmer is swimming!”
“It really does,” Alpha agreed. He took off his shoes, rolled up his pants to his knees, and stepped into the lake. The water was a bit chilly, but bearable. He turned back to Astaria and held out a hand, inviting her to join.
She took off her shoes, rolling up her pants, and grabbed his hand. She stepped into the water, grimacing at how cool it was for a few seconds. Once she adjusted to the temperature, they took a few steps deeper into the lake and stood close together.
“This is so beautiful,” She spoke softly.
“Astaria,” Alpha began, holding her hands and gazing into her eyes. “There is nothing on Novaria that can express my love for you.”
“Nothing?”
“Nothing!” He confirmed. “Which is why I truly want,” he continued, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a ring crafted from moon diamond, “to spend the rest of our lives together.”
Her eyes widen at the sight of the ring. “Alpha– I–,” She stammered, looking up into his eyes. His gentle gaze reflected his warm soul.
The world around them went silent. The shimmering colors of the sky surrounded them, with the Promised Utopias standing like an audience at the lake's edge.
“Please, Astaria,” He said softly, “will you spend your life with me?”
She glanced one more time at the ring, its moon diamond softly glowing with a faint blue hue. She looked back up at Alpha, unable to stop herself from smiling. “Yes Alpha,” She replied warmly. “I'll spend my life with you.”
Alphas's smile grew wider than ever as he gently placed his hands on her cheeks and kissed her. The universe's radiating colors celebrated their proposal, wrapping them in a ceremonial embrace.
It was this moment I had truly realized. That my feelings of uncertainty had something far bigger than anything Novaria could have had for me.
Her eyes watched as he slept peacefully in bed, the soft glow of the shimmer casting a gentle light through the window. He looked peaceful in his sleep, content with life as it was.
Don't misunderstand me though, Alpha.
She quietly placed the ring and a letter on the counter before turning around. Her regalia was equipped, a valkyrie-like armor adorned with glowing gold symbols. A symbol of wings were embedded on the back.
I've known for a long time that my journey wasn't meant to end here in this little village.
She stepped outside, gently closing the door behind her. The village was finally quiet, the world under the cover of the shimmer. Her eyes glanced back at their tiny home, remembering the memories they had shared, the laughter and the struggles.
I know this will be hard for you to understand. And I've fully accepted whatever thoughts you may have of me.
Astaria reached the edge of Cysloria. The barrier, projected from an artifact in the middle of the village, stood grand as ever. She gazed up at it one last time.
Some paths were meant to be walked alone, and this is a path I must walk alone.
Alpha’s eyes opened, seeing he was alone in bed. Sitting up, he gazed around the room, noticing only the ring and letter.
I've decided to find my own Paradise.
He stepped out of bed and walked slowly to the letter, sensing something wasn't right. Grabbing the ring and the letter, he nervously opened it, feeling his world fall apart.
This is my final goodbye, Alpha Lyra.
The ring slipped from his hand and crashed to the floor. He bolted out the front door, barefoot.
“Astaria!” He cried out.
Please don't come looking for me. Cause by the time you've already read this–
“Astaria! Don't leave me!” He shouted, racing down the illuminated pathway to the lake, tears streaming down his face. But she was nowhere in sight.
I'll be long gone by now. Farewell, Alpha.
“Why would you do this?!”
I truly hope, you find everything you want in Novaria.
“Astaria!”
Her gaze fixed on a glowing yellow star in the distance as the wind carassed her long hair. Her journey to find her Paradise was about to begin. “Just me,” She whispered, placing her hand on her stomach.
“...And you.”