The knock upon the polished wooden door echoed gently through the spacious castle room. Snow-pale light filtered in through glass panes, casting faint reflections over the marble floor.
"Come in," Nova's voice called—gentle now, lacking the confident sharpness he once carried like armor.
Ai stepped inside, holding a thick paper bag against her chest. Her footsteps softened as she approached, noticing Nova seated near the tall window where clouds brushed the highest spires of the castle.
A steaming cup rested beside an untouched book, its pages marked midway. It looked as though he had been reading but his eyes were searching someplace far beyond these walls.
Without a word, Ai tossed the bag lightly toward him. Nova reached out and caught it with practiced ease.
"Thank you," he said, smile warm and faint—not the smug grin he once wore like a habit.
"That's fine," Ai exhaled, crossing her arms.
"But you just woke up last week. Why are you trying to go out already? You were told to rest. To stay in your room."
Nova leaned back slightly, shoulders relaxed, gaze returning to the window view—a kingdom built into mountains and valleys beneath a sky dusted with falling snow.
"I'm tired of resting," he replied softly, voice slower, calmer. "This room feels too big. The castle feels too large. And I… I'm not royalty. I'm just a normal human."
Ai studied him closely—his eyes were different. There was weight there now, wisdom that only suffering could carve.
"You've changed," she murmured, almost accusingly.
Nova chuckled faintly. "Perhaps."
Silence lingered, laced with unspoken memories neither wished to revisit.
"How is Jennie?" he asked.
"Better," Ai said. "But she barely leaves her bed. She just… stares. Like she drifted away and forgot the way back."
Nova's expression turned somber. "Is someone staying with her?"
"Miwa was last time I checked."
"That's good," Nova nodded. "Jennie shouldn't be left alone with her thoughts. They echo too loudly."
Ai's gaze drifted into a corner of the room as though shadows held answers. "So much went wrong. So fast."
Nova didn't respond. He too looked away, grief flickering briefly in his eyes.
"Any news of Zazm?" she asked at last.
Nova shook his head. "They're not telling us anything about him. And I think that's by his choice."
Ai sighed. "I assumed the same."
Nova pushed himself up from the chair, taking slow steps toward the bathroom. "We can only be patient. And trust him."
Ai stood too. "I'll go check on the others. Just… return quickly."
Nova smiled—tired yet sincere. "Of course."
She slipped out, closing the door gently behind her.
---
Moments later, Nova emerged dressed in a thick dark-green hoodie and rugged black pants—ordinary clothes, fitting a man trying to vanish into crowds.
He paused in the center of the room. His shadow darkened unnaturally beneath him… and swallowed him whole.
He rose from the darkness of a narrow alleyway far below the mountain.
Stepping out into the bustling kingdom streets, he turned for one last look. The castle stood impossibly high—top towers disappearing into the clouds like a fortress of gods.
"Hard to believe," he whispered to himself, "this kingdom is larger than Europe, Asia, Antarctica, and Africa combined… and the castle is as far from here as continents apart."
He exhaled a faint laugh. "Euphoria… is absurd."
The air tasted of winter and roasted food. People walked in cloaks with heated earmuffs and boots glowing faintly with embedded mana-threads. Crystal-lamps flickered along the street while carriages rolled beside groups riding unicorns shrouded in thin thermal capes.
Then—
"Mom! It's snowing!"
Heads tilted upward in unison as small white crystals descended from the gray sky. Children squealed in delight. Merchants cheered at the sudden crowd shift. Someone rushed to grab coats fresh out of an electric-powered dryer.
Nova raised a hand. One snowflake landed on his palm… then melted instantly.
'I barely feel the cold.'
'The vana in my body keeps everything balanced… even now.'
He smiled faintly, eyes reflecting the playful chaos around him.
"It's strange," he whispered. "Dad used to nag Mom to wrap me twice over if winter even breathed near the house."
He continued walking—hands in pockets, footsteps slow and unhurried. There was peace in his movements now rather than arrogance.
A vendor's call broke his thoughts.
Nova stopped, eyebrow lifting.
"…That looks good."
He walked over with a soft grin.
"Two, please."
"Here you go!" the vendor beamed, handing him a paper pouch filled with the fragrant skewers.
Nova raised his wrist, tapping his bracelet lightly against the vendor's band. A soft blue flash confirmed the payment.
"Thanks," Nova said.
"You're welcome! Stay warm out there!"
Nova took a bite, but as he walked past an alley, something caught his eye—two little girls huddled against a brick wall, clothes thin and torn, trying to hide their shivers.
Nova's heart tightened.
He approached slowly, steps noiseless over the fresh snow.
"You two alright?" he asked gently.
The older one blinked up, cheeks red from cold. "We're fine. My sister just twisted her ankle."
Nova knelt, inspecting quietly.
"You must be freezing…" he murmured.
"It's okay!" the younger girl replied, smiling through trembling teeth.
Nova lifted his hand over the older girl's ankle. A soft, emerald glow flowed from his palm—warm and gentle like spring rising through winter.
Both girls stared in awe as the magic faded.
"Try walking," Nova encouraged.
She stood—tentative first step… then another. The stiffness was gone.
"You're a superhuman, right?!" she burst out in wonder.
Nova blinked. "A… what?"
"You use vana!" the elder explained shyly. "We call people like you superhumans."
He smiled. "Then I suppose… that's what I am."
The younger girl gasped. "Can you fly?! Can you create stuff out of nothing—like—like—!"
Her sister flicked her forehead and bowed apologetically. "Thank you. Truly."
Nova laughed softly. "It's fine. What are your names?"
"I'm Hannah," the elder said. "And this is Fiona."
"How old are the two of you?" he asked.
"Eleven," Hannah replied.
"And I'm eight!" Fiona chimed proudly.
'eight and eleven… yet life already demands she be stronger than their age allows.'
He stood and offered a gentle gesture.
"Come with me."
"We can't," Hannah said quickly. "We need to go to the orphanage. It's our home."
Nova nodded. "Then… let me walk you there."
Hannah hesitated. "Why?"
He chuckled—warm, light. "I'm not a thief. I'm just trying to help."
Her cheeks turned pink. "I-I didn't mean that…"
"You're too young to worry about every shadow," Nova said softly, placing a kind hand atop her head.
The girls led the way—across snowy lawns and through streets where technology and magic intertwined: drones shaped like birds delivering bread, chimneys releasing steam directed through mana-pipes, majestic unicorns tied beside sleek spell-forged vending stalls.
Then they reached it.
A massive orphanage—three great manor-like houses linked by a vast fenced lawn. Fire-crystal lamps warmed the grounds. It was clean, tended to… but resources were clearly thinning.
"We're home!" Hannah called.
An elderly woman rushed out, gathering them into her arms.
"Where were you?" she scolded, though her voice trembled with relief.
"Fiona twisted her ankle," Hannah confessed.
"But that uncle helped us!"
'Uncle..?'
Nova blinked.
'I'm only twenty-two… But I guess that makes me an uncle indeed.'
He stepped forward.
"Hello. I'm Nova. It's a pleasure."
Gratitude fell on the woman's face as Fiona pointed excitedly.
"He's a superhuman!"
The woman stiffened—then bowed her head deeply.
"We did not realize a noble protector stood before us. Thank you for helping my children."
Nova raised his hands quickly. "There's no need for that."
"I am Rureion," she introduced. "I run this orphanage… for as long as I still can."
Nova's gaze drifted to the thin coats, cracked windows temporarily patched with runic foil, children sharing scarves.
He understood.
"Funds are running out," he deduced quietly.
Rureion hesitated. "When the battle of Uroun took their families… more and more children arrived. Three hundred and twelve now. We do our best."
Nova looked at Hannah and Fiona. Their smiles were brave shields.
"Have you asked for donations?" he asked.
"We have," she sighed. "But even Euphoria has too many in need. We must wait our turn."
Nova lifted his bracelet.
"How much would sustain you? Clothing, food, care?"
Rureion looked at him slight surprised, "A few hundred would be enough for us to last this entire month."
"I see." Nova replied as he raised his bracelet.
"I have some spare money."
Rureion raised her own bracelet and Nova transferred her money.
Rureion's eyes widened as she looked at the amount. "No, no… I cannot accept that much—please, even a small help would—"
"Take it," he insisted softly, tapping his bracelet against hers. "I have more than I will ever need. And nothing to truly spend it on."
He looked up at the winter sky.
"And it won't follow me past the grave."
Her voice cracked as she bowed deeply. "I will swallow my pride for their sake. Thank you… thank you…"
Nova smiled—a real smile, heartfelt. "There's no debt here. This is for my own peace."
He stepped back, turning to leave.
"So soon?" Rureion asked. "At least let me treat you to something."
Nova paused, then chuckled—a weary yet hopeful laugh.
"I'm already running late… But if you truly wish to do something for me…"
He glanced back over his shoulder.
"Pray that I find rest. I've forgotten how to feel it."
---
The pale light of early dusk filtered through the massive windows of the castle's west wing, stretching across the marble floor like liquid gold. The halls, usually filled with the sound of footsteps and distant conversation, had fallen into a rare silence. The grand room beyond those walls belonged to only one man.
Nova entered with the heavy creak of the gilded doors closing behind him. His long black coat brushed the edge of the carpet as he exhaled, stretching both arms outward with a quiet yawn.
"Back to a boring day,"
he muttered, voice flat, carrying that same careless calm he always wore — like a soldier long past the need for excitement.
"You're back,"
a familiar voice replied from inside.
Nova blinked once and turned. Seated casually on his armchair, legs crossed, was Ai. The light from the chandelier caught the sharp edges of her smirk.
"The last time I checked," Nova said, raising an eyebrow, "this room belonged to me."
Ai tilted her head, lips curling upward.
"And the last time I checked," she replied flatly,
"I don't give a fuck."
Nova let out a small sigh, dragging a hand through his hair as he approached the bed.
"What do you want?"
Ai leaned back, arms folded behind her head like a queen on her throne. Her gaze flicked lazily toward him.
"Well," she said, "your best friend just decided to show himself."
Nova stopped mid-step, his posture shifting just slightly — a brief ripple of alertness beneath his calm.
"Well," he said after a beat, a faint smirk tugging at his lips, "isn't that a surprise."
Ai gave him a look — the kind that said she could see straight through his tone.
"You talk like you're actually surprised," she said, her voice sharp but teasing. "You already knew he would come."
Nova shrugged.
"True. I knew he would come — not when."
Ai tapped her finger on the armrest.
"Well, yeah."
He sat down on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, head bowed slightly.
"So at least tell me the entire thing."
Ai crossed one leg over the other, her voice turning matter-of-fact.
"Not much. Queen Elziora called me after you left — well, she called you too, but someone had to escape."
Nova rubbed the back of his neck, eyes half-lidded with quiet amusement.
"Continue."
"She said that Zazm would be here today," Ai went on, "and that he had something to discuss with you all."
Nova hummed softly, leaning back on his hands.
"I wonder what that is."
"No idea," Ai said, shaking her head. "Guess we'll see once he's here."
The room fell into a still quiet — the kind that hummed faintly under the sound of a ticking clock. Then, suddenly, the door creaked open again.
Both Nova and Ai turned their heads.
Kiyomasa stepped inside, the warm light catching the faint silver edge of his uniform. He closed the door softly behind him before turning with a polite smile.
"Oh — hello. I didn't know you were here, Ai."
Ai leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her palm.
"Well, I had to tell this guy about the news too."
"That's what I came here for," Kiyomasa said gently, walking closer.
Nova, still sitting on his bed, motioned for him to take a seat.
"Let's just wait for now."
Kiyomasa nodded, hands folded behind his back.
"It's been a while since we all had a serious conversation."
Nova exhaled softly through his nose.
"Yeah," he said simply.
The light dimmed against the windows, the clouds rolling in — the silence that followed felt like the world holding its breath before a storm.
---
Far from the quiet of Nova's chamber, in the high spires of the citadel, the scent of rose tea drifted across an open balcony. The Queen of the Elara Dominion — Elziora — sat beneath a canopy of silken drapes, the sunset reflecting in the thin porcelain cup she held. Her blindfold of white silk covered her eyes, but her expression — graceful and composed — betrayed no weakness.
"Welcome," she said softly, her voice a melody touched with poise. "How have you been, Zeph?"
Zephyra sat across from her, back straight, long voilet hair brushing her shoulder.
"Great," she answered in that calm, detached tone of hers. "What about you?"
Elziora's smile widened just slightly — gentle, tired, the kind that could both soothe and sting.
"Just work, work, and more work... and work again."
Zephyra smirked faintly.
"The life of a queen is hard.
Elziora sighed quietly, resting her cheek on her knuckles.
"Sometimes I want to retire."
"Good luck with that," Zephyra replied, tone flat but laced with dry humor.
Elziora chuckled, the sound light and musical.
"How are things coming along?"
"Everything's going great," Zephyra said.
"Zazm has officially been accepted into the position."
Elziora's smile softened.
"That's good. When will they announce it officially?"
Zephyra shook her head.
"That, I don't know. But it'll be soon — as quickly as possible."
Elziora set her teacup down, the faint clink echoing across the quiet balcony.
"But one thing is bothering me," she murmured.
Zephyra tilted her head, the faintest hint of curiosity in her eyes.
"What might that be?"
Elziora exhaled slowly.
"How did Supreme Commander Paul and Supreme Commander Gilgamesh agree? I mean, they would've... but I didn't expect them to agree so quickly."
Zephyra crossed one leg over the other.
"I'd tell you if I knew, to be honest. Perhaps Zazm or Rhyes did something."
Elziora picked up a fork and cut a small piece of cake, her lips curving faintly.
"That's the only possible option anyway. Why aren't you eating anything?"
Zephyra smirked, resting her elbow on the table.
"There are too many sweets. I'd rather not end up fat like y—"
She didn't finish. The fork in Elziora's hand flew at her face with lightning speed, slicing the air. Zephyra tilted her head just in time, the utensil whizzing past her cheek.
Elziora covered her mouth with a delicate hand, her expression the picture of grace.
"Oh, my apologies," she said sweetly. "My hand slipped."
Zephyra gave a small, nervous chuckle.
"Your hand slips nearly every time we meet."
Elziora shook her head, her tone still polite and serene.
"Oh, my dear friend, it's just that I'm so clumsy. Perhaps that doesn't make you hate me, does it?"
Zephyra smiled faintly.
"Not really."
Elziora's lips curled.
"Then how about you start eating? Or else my hand might slip again."
Zephyra picked up a plate with a small sigh.
"Someday that accidental hand-slipping will make my soul slip to the afterlife."
Elziora's smile softened, a faint act of sadness flickering in her tone.
"I knew you were disappointed in me," she said quietly. "I couldn't even become a good friend."
Zephyra gave a small laugh.
"You and your dramas."
Elziora chuckled, leaning back in her chair.
"Just tolerate it. I can't do it in front of anyone else, or they'll take me for a weirdo or something."
"Then why do it in front of me?" Zephyra asked, tilting her head.
Elziora smirked.
"Because, my friend — you're worse off than me."
Zephyra's laugh was soft, quiet — the kind that never fully reached her eyes.
"Fair enough," she said, taking a bite of the cake.
A pause followed — peaceful, almost too peaceful. Then Elziora spoke again, her tone drifting like a whisper.
"By the way, Zeph..."
Zephyra looked up, meeting the blindfolded queen's serene face.
"Have you ever thought about how you'd die?"
Zephyra paused for a moment, then nodded.
"I have."
"Let me fix the question," Elziora said, voice soft and melodic. "Have you ever wanted to die in a specific way?"
Zephyra tilted her head.
"You're not making much sense, Queen."
Elziora sighed faintly.
"Ah... I can't seem to put it into words. Let me just give you an example of myself."
Zephyra nodded slowly.
"Sure. Go on."
Elziora folded her hands on her lap.
"As you know, I can't see. I see people through their life force — their desires, in a way."
"I'm aware of that," Zephyra replied softly.
Elziora continued, her voice carrying a distant nostalgia.
"I lost my sight when I inherited this power from my mother. Before that, I could see. My father once took me to a far-off planet surrounded by stars and asteroids... combined with the rings of that world, it was heavenly."
Zephyra blinked, her tone softening.
"Several stars, rocks in the sky, and rings? That planet does sound beautiful."
"I wish before I die I could see that view once more," Elziora said with a faint smile. "It was so beautiful."
"How would you do that?" Zephyra asked quietly.
Elziora smiled, turning her blindfolded face toward the horizon.
"On the verge of death — let's say I get stabbed through the heart — I'd have three to five minutes to live. In that moment, my powers would drain... and I would gain back my sight."
Zephyra's voice held faint surprise.
"So you want to die on that planet, looking at that view?"
"Yes," Elziora said. "However, there's another way — to fully deplete my vana. But that would just make me go unconscious, so that's useless too."
Zephyra nodded slightly.
"Well, that's true."
Elziora smiled faintly.
"But these are all just desires. Who knows if I'd even be able to see it anyway. What about you?"
Zephyra looked down, expression unreadable.
"What about me... I don't know."
Elziora's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
"Well, fair."
After a pause, Elziora tilted her head.
"You have purple hair, right?"
"Purple hair and eyes," Zephyra answered.
"That's one unusual color," Elziora said softly.
"I wonder how you look."
Zephyra smiled faintly.
"You have RGB hair — it starts black then becomes pink. It looks great on you. Same for me mine is just darkish purple, but I'm just much more pretty."
Elziora laughed lightly, the sound chiming through the balcony.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Zephyra smiled — "Yeah."
____________________________________