As all the mysterious beings turned their gaze toward Ivan, they seemed to recognize the lingering aura of the Elven man. Yet none of them reacted — as if that presence, however ancient or powerful, no longer mattered.
This time, the beings weren't physical. They had taken the form of pure energy, each one radiating a different essence.
Though they all shared a similar shape, they were distinguishable by the unique colors and overwhelming auras they emitted. Some radiated scorching heat, others a bone-chilling cold, while a few pulsed with the raw power of nature itself — as though they were the embodiment of the elements.
In the next instant, they moved in perfect synchrony.
Their powers surged outward, weaving through the air before flowing directly into Ivan's body. Streams of elemental energy — fire, water, wind, earth, and more — coursed through him. Then, something incredible began to happen.
Magical runes started forming on his body — on his hands, his feet, his chest, and his back. Each rune glowed with a distinct light, corresponding to the energy that birthed it. Anyone witnessing the moment could feel the immense power sealed within those symbols.
And then, as quickly as they came, the beings began to fade away — their mission complete.
With the runes fully engraved, something inside Ivan awakened. He felt it — power, pure and boundless. With a single thought, he could now sense and even control the elements. Fire, water, wind, earth — all of them answered his will.
His perception of the world changed entirely.
He could see everything more clearly — not just the physical world, but the very threads of elemental energy that surrounded it. He noticed a special kind of energy filling the air — spiritual energy — and instinctively understood its nature and how to draw upon it.
As the last of the energy beings vanished, the once-shattered space around them began to heal, the chaos smoothing back into calm. Within seconds, it was as if nothing had happened at all.
Elena and Hugo, who had been frozen during the phenomenon, finally returned to their senses. They looked at Ivan, then turned to each other — silent, overwhelmed.
It was Hugo who finally broke the silence. "Honey... did you see what I saw?"
Elena hesitated, then softly replied, "No. I didn't see anything."
They held each other's gaze for a long moment — and without saying more, they both understood. This event must remain a secret.
Hugo turned his gaze toward the midwife, who had been quietly standing to the side the entire time. Feeling the weight of his stare, she immediately bowed.
"My Lord… I didn't see anything. I swear. I will go inform the maids about the young master's birth."
Without waiting for permission, she hurriedly left the room.
Hugo frowned slightly. Elena noticed and gently placed her hand on his arm.
"Don't worry, love. I'll handle it."
Just as they turned back to check on Ivan, the door suddenly burst open with a loud thud.
A stunning young woman in her early twenties stepped in with confident grace. She wore a deep blue gown adorned with fine accessories, her entire appearance radiating luxury and elegance. Her silver-white hair flowed down her back, and her skin was as smooth as porcelain. Her rosy cheeks and red lips framed a breathtakingly beautiful face, and her deep blue eyes sparkled like the ocean. Standing tall at 1.75 meters, her figure was flawless.
Her name was Lina de' Spellbound.
"Mom, I'm back! Where's my new baby sibling?" she exclaimed excitedly. "Is it a boy or a girl?"
"I rushed out of the capital the moment I heard the news! I just had to be here!"
Before Elena could answer, another voice followed behind her — softer, but firm.
"Big sis, how can you still be so childish at your age? Show some manners."
It was a slightly younger girl — around 14 or 16 years old — with long flowing white hair and a smooth, youthful face. Her snow-pale skin seemed to glow, and her golden eyes held a calm, mature light that didn't match her age.
This was Yuna de' Spellbound, the second daughter of the Spellbound family.
She wore a sleek black dress with stylish shoulder cuts that gave her an effortlessly elegant, slightly alluring look. A black band adorned her head, decorated with a delicate black butterfly resting just above her right temple.
Though much younger than Lina, Yuna carried herself with the poise of someone wise beyond her years.
----------------------------------------------------