---
Chapter 5: Lineage of Stark
The marble hall of the Castle of Creations shimmered beneath the golden sunlight pouring through its high windows. The air hummed faintly with energy — the kind that only those born of Creation itself could feel.
Sai looked around in awe, his eyes wide as he took in the grand arches and the glittering pillars of crystal.
"Oh my — this is huge," he said breathlessly. "So you live here, Paul?"
Paul smiled faintly, his presence calm and regal.
"Aye, I do. Welcome to the Castle of Creations — or as some call it, the Kingdom of Creations."
---
Flashback: The Story of Aaron Matthews
(Ten years ago)
The morning sunlight crept through the blinds of a modest home in the city. Aaron Matthews Ramsey, thirty-three, hurried through the living room searching for his lunchbox.
"Mom! Where did you keep my lunchbox?" he called. "I'm going to be late for work again!"
"I'm coming, Aaron," his mother's gentle voice answered from the kitchen. "Breakfast is almost ready."
"Leave it, Mom," Aaron said, grabbing his briefcase. "I'll get something to eat at work."
"Can't you just wait, son?"
"Mom, it's my first day as manager," he said with a grin. "What kind of person would I be if I showed up late?"
"At least take the leftovers from last night's dinner."
"Thank you, Mom, but no."
Moments later, Aaron started his car and sped off, muttering, "Late for work already… just this and that and we're good to go."
The road ahead shimmered in the heat. Then —
A flash. A blaring horn.
A truck appeared out of nowhere, slamming into his car with devastating force.
Everything went black.
When Aaron opened his eyes again, he stood in a vast temple filled with light — golden pillars and celestial markings stretching endlessly in every direction.
"Huh? Am I dead?"
A radiant figure stepped forward — a goddess, her eyes filled with timeless wisdom.
"Welcome, Hero 7785, to the Temple of Unity. My temple," she said. "Pick any skill you desire, Aaron."
"Skill?" Aaron asked, still dazed. "I have a job to get to — my mother's waiting for me at home. I don't have time for this. Who are you, anyway?"
"You don't need to know that," the goddess replied softly. "You died, Aaron. A runaway truck crushed your car. I know much about you."
She raised her hand, and a floating script appeared.
Name: Aaron Matthews Ramsey
Age: 33
Sex: Male
Status: Single
Occupation: Manager
"You could've left out the 'single' part," Aaron muttered. "So… how did I die exactly?"
"A Creation caused your death," the goddess said simply.
Aaron frowned. "Creation? What are you talking about?"
"Yes. A certain being of Creation opened a portal in the middle of the road — your death was the result. If you seek justice, I can give it to you. Kill that Creation, and I will summon your mother here."
Aaron's fists clenched. "Is it possible to pick all the skills on board?"
"Yes, of course, my hero."
"What's the name of the creation?"
"Catherine, Daughter of Dessers Stark."
Without hesitation, Aaron accepted. "I'll do it."
---
Ten Years Later — Present Day
The skies above the Earth Realm darkened as storm clouds rolled in.
"Ashley, can you stop flying around?" Kyle shouted, hovering in midair.
"Why? I'm the next Head of Creations," Kyle grinned proudly.
Ashley crossed her arms. "I know, but you haven't even seen other realms yet."
Kyle frowned. "Are you mocking me?"
"Yes," she said with a teasing smile. "You don't even know where the Castle of Creations is — or the Kingdom of Creations, whatever they call it."
Kyle sighed. "I knew it. You totally took Mom's personality."
"Of course," Ashley said, smirking.
Suddenly, thunder rumbled — deep, powerful, and unlike any they'd heard before.
Ashley's eyes widened. "Don't tell me that's Catalyst again."
A familiar voice echoed. "I'm here, Ashley. Did you call the police to arrest me again?"
Ashley turned, confused. "Then who the hell is that?"
Kyle looked up. "That thunder isn't coming from our world."
The sky split open — and a massive figure stepped through the rift.
"Hello, Lineage of Stark," said the man, his voice cold and sharp. "I am Hero 7785 — Aaron Matthews."
Kyle stepped forward. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
Aaron's lips curled into a cruel smile. "To kill you, of course. I heard you call yourself 'Head of Creations.'"
Ashley narrowed her eyes. "Kill us? You must be insane."
"Insane?" Aaron laughed bitterly. "No, it makes perfect sense. You Creations think you're unkillable — but you've caused nothing but pain. My mother died because of your kind."
Kyle stiffened. "Your mother?"
"Yes," Aaron said, his voice trembling with fury. "Your fight with Mythol — the Realm Beast — destroyed the path she was traveling on. She was going on vacation. She never came home."
Kyle lowered his gaze. "That wasn't me. Mythol attacked first. I'm sorry you lost your mother… but neither of us wanted that."
"Sorry?" Aaron spat. "You killed her four years ago. My mission was to kill Catherine Stark — but since I can't find her, I'll settle for killing you two instead."
Kyle's aura flared. "Someone sent you, didn't they? Who is it?"
"You'll never know," Aaron replied. "Because you'll die here."
Energy surged as both sides unleashed their power.
"Elemental Release — Temp—" Kyle began.
"Stop, Kyle!" Ashley shouted. "You haven't mastered full control over the Element Temple yet!"
Aaron smirked. "Too late." His fist glowed as he struck, sending Kyle crashing into the earth.
Ashley's rage ignited. "What did you do to my brother? Elemental Release — Gravity Control!"
Aaron barely flinched. "It's useless, Ash. I know every trick a Creation can do. You only control gravity — nothing more."
Kyle struggled to his feet. "Get away from my sister, you bastard! Elemental Release — Anti-Gravity Control!"
Aaron chuckled darkly. "Still useless. Elemental Release — Space and Time Control. See it, both of you — the real power of a summoned hero."
Ashley gasped. "Kyle, I can't breathe…"
"Hold on," Kyle choked. "I'll fix this."
"Don't bother," Aaron said coldly. "The more you move, the faster it suffocates. Feel what your victims felt — then join your father in the afterlife."
Ashley, her voice faint, whispered, "Do you think your mother would be proud of what you've become?"
Aaron froze, rage breaking into sorrow. "What do you know about my mother?"
Moments later, both Ashley and Kyle collapsed — their auras fading.
Aaron raised his hand. "Time to finish this. Elemental Release — Crest of Orde—"
A calm voice interrupted him.
"Isn't that a little fast, moron?"
Aaron turned — and saw Paul standing there, power radiating from him like the dawn.
"How did you get in here? No one has ever entered my space-time barrier!" Aaron shouted.
Paul chuckled. "You call this space and time? Looks like everyone creates something dumb and gives it a fancy name."
"You're the new Head of Creations, aren't you?"
"I am," Paul said. "And I can see you've already done some damage to my cousins."
Aaron growled. "Then I'll just kill you all at once! Elemental Release — Crest of Ann—"
Paul smiled faintly. "What's wrong? Can't use your powers?"
Aaron staggered. "What… did you do?"
"Oh, I just rewrote your barrier," Paul replied casually. "Only I know the rules now. Here — a little gift. Elemental Release — Dimensional Explosion."
Aaron screamed as light tore through the air. Falling to his knees, he whispered weakly, "Look at me, Mom… nothing but a failure who couldn't avenge you…"
Paul knelt beside him. "You fought well, Hero 7785. What was your name again?"
"Aaron," he said softly. "Thank you… for releasing me."
Paul smiled. "Your mother will be happy to see you again. Rest now."
As Aaron's body faded into light, Paul looked toward his unconscious cousins. "You two are nothing but trouble. How am I going to carry you to Aethoria Realm now?"
---
Three Weeks Later
A gentle voice broke the morning calm.
"Good universal morning, sir."
Kyle opened his eyes slowly. "Where am I?"
Ashley smiled beside him. "Good morning, brother. You've been asleep for three weeks. Thank God Paul healed you."
Kyle blinked. "Paul? Our cousin?"
"Yes. He said to meet him in the chamber once you woke up."
"Alright," Kyle said, rising to his feet.
"Whatever happens," Ashley warned, "don't be surprised by what you see or hear."
Kyle nodded.
---
(Inside the chamber of the Castle of Creations.)
Paul turned, smiling. "I can see you're doing well, moron."
Kyle groaned. "Who are you calling moron? So this is the Castle of Creations."
"Yes," Paul said. "Do you know why I called you here?"
"If you're offering me the title of Head of Creations — forget it. I'm not interested."
Paul raised an eyebrow. "Why not? It's your birthright."
Kyle clenched his fists. "No, it's not. My father told me when I was five—"
Paul sighed. "Then be my right-hand man."
Kyle froze. "What? Why me?"
Paul's voice deepened. "Do you dare defy your king's request?"
Kyle stiffened. "No, my king. I'll gladly accept."
Paul smiled. "Good. Now, come — I want you to meet someone."
Two figures entered — Fujimoto Sai and Maya Reyes.
Sai bowed. "You must be Kyle Stark. It's an honor, my king."
Paul nodded. "Someone go call Ashley."
Moments later, Ashley arrived, bowing slightly.
Valot frowned. "It seems you lack respect toward your king."
Ashley sighed. "Please forgive me, my king."
Paul waved it off. "Enough of that. You're free to call me whatever you like."
He looked around. "Now then — where's Riley?"
Ashley replied, "He's with Mom, handling business matters."
Paul turned to Valot. "Summon him at once."
Once everyone had gathered, Paul's tone grew serious. "Everyone leave — except Kyle, Ashley, and Ezra."
Kyle folded his arms. "If this is about my father, I don't care."
Paul's gaze softened. "You're getting the wrong idea about him."
Kyle snapped, "Do you know when I last saw him? Before you went missing, Paul! I'm twenty, and I haven't seen that old man since Riley was born!"
Ashley looked down, tears forming. "I don't hate him… just—"
Paul's voice was calm. "At least hear what happened — and how he died."
Kyle hesitated, then slowly nodded.
"In your father's lighthouse," Paul began, "I found a secret — something he meant to give to you."
Kyle clenched his fists. "I don't want to hear it."
Paul's voice hardened. "A right-hand man defies his king's order?"
Kyle sighed. "Ezra — what's the old man's story?"
Ezra bowed. "Then listen well. Your father, Harry Stark, was the second child of Dessers and Ava Stark. But what you don't know is — he had a brother."
Ashley blinked. "Mom never said anything about that."
"Please," Paul said quietly. "Let him continue."
And so, Ezra began to tell them the story — the forgotten past of the Stark lineage, the betrayal, the forbidden power known as Ether, and the night the Stark family fell apart.
That night — the world of Creations changed forever.
---
To Be Continued…
---