omewhere in Aeonia behind the rifts, in a wide compound, a series of little children ran up and down. Barefooted, they played in the compound. They kicked after a round ball of energy, laughing and enjoying their day. The sun hung high, casting its brilliance on them.

They had humanoid figures, but a unique trait was common to all: on their backs, a pair of little golden wings.

She stood on the large tree, dangling her bare foot in the void.

"Hey Mira, will you play with us?" a little girl stopped by the tree, shouting above.

Mira glanced downward, a little smile on her face. "Not now," she shook her head. Then rose to her feet, walking on the dense net of tree roots. She glanced at the horizon. A large blue wall separated them from the forest.

"Why do you keep observing the rift? There is nothing new about it," another approached. Wearing a light shirt and trousers, he had a delicate face, almost feminine. His pair of golden wings curved backward, exuding an aura of elegance and mystery.

"I think I felt something change there, like a ripple. Will you take me to the rift, Lio?" she asked.

He turned away. "No, the elders said we shouldn't get that far," he crossed his arms and vehemently shook his head. She hopped to his side, holding his arm. Her huge puppy eyes pleading. "Please..." she dragged her voice.

FeyLio frowned, flashing an embarrassed smile as he focused his gaze away, but eventually gave in and sighed. "I hate when you do that."

"Thank you," her voice was energetic and enthusiastic. I knew Lio would never refuse me anything. He is so cute when he plays strong before giving in, she giggled.

She walked to the edge of the trees. Circling his hands around her waist, she was lifted off the ground. "Damn, Mira, what have you been eating these days?" he asked, holding his breath.

"Hey!" she cried out. The view from above was breathtaking. They maneuvered in the sky. The winds caressed her delicate skin. She smiled like a newborn discovering the world for the first time. "If only I could fly like you," she sighed.

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"Don't worry. The elders said your Feyfolk wings will definitely appear," FeyLio's voice sounded from above. The flapping of his wings melding with his voice.

"I really hope they do." Her voice was laced with sadness. Could you imagine being born in a world where everyone around you could fly but not you? She always felt lonely despite all the love which was given to her. Fortunately, FeyLio was always there for her. Thinking of him, she couldn't help but smile. Shaking off all her dark thoughts, she focused on enjoying the ride.

After a few hours of flying, the duo landed several meters before the rift. Mira walked around, her senses guiding her. From birth, she had always had that innate instinct that guided her to certain things. Although most of the time dangerous. Still, she couldn't hold her curiosity in place.

A loud thud could be heard as if a body had crashed on the ground. She jolted in fright, staring at FeyLio. "Lio, will you take a look for me?" she asked.

"Why me?" He retreated, his gaze turned in the direction they came from. "You aren't going to let me go alone, right?" she said, using her puppy eyes.

"Mira Fey... ah... you are abusing that," he grumbled but cautiously advanced. Mira stood behind him, clinging to his body. The duo advanced furtively, and a figure came into view.

He was immaculate in blood. The scarlet red substance had started drying, painting a macabre scene on the ground. His well-sculpted body quickly caught her sparkling eyes. She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Compared to the people she was used to seeing, he was huge, at least in her perspective. A dark tattoo on his neck down to his chest, covered in light fur and metal plate armor. On his side, a giant double-edged axe. His hands were firmly gripped around it as if he feared it would be taken away.

"A barbarian," FeyLio jumped back, crashing into the shocked Mira. "Wait, you mean a real barbarian?" She walked to the figure, crouching and touching his face. It was cold. So cold her body trembled. "He is dying. If we don't bring him to the village, he will certainly die here," she said, turning to FeyLio.

He stepped back, his wings forming an arc. "No way. It's a real barbarian. Mira, get away from him now!" FeyLio's voice rose so much she felt a little shocked. He had never been this harsh with her.

"But—"

"No buts, Mira. We are going," he said, forcefully taking her hand. She pushed him aside and stumbled back on her butt. Then felt a cold palm fall on her shoulder. She trembled, frozen on the spot. "Help me," the voice said.

His bloody hand falling to the side, painting her robe red with his blood. She was uncertain of what to do. Her mesmerizing eyes able to see the life escaping his body. Without a second thought, she went into action.

Pulling him onto her shoulder, she desperately tried to raise his frame. Despite her effort, he was simply too heavy for her. Suddenly, FeyLio walked to her side and lent a hand. "You will have to explain this on your own, Mira."

The duo dragged the barbarian's frame back to their village.