............The scene exudes a sense of longing and farewell, with the man's gesture conveying a desire to reach out to the woman even as she moves further away.The use of warm tones and soft lighting enhances the emotional depth of the painting, evoking a bittersweet sentiment of separation and yearning."Excuse me, Uncles! May I share my thoughts? I have some knowledge of paintings," Phia's voice rang out confidently, catching the attention of the two middle-aged men."Oh, young lady, do you want to give it a try? Go on, express your thoughts!" The first middle-aged man smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with curiosity."Alright, go on. Young people often have much better views than us," the second middle-aged man nodded, gesturing for Phia to approach the painting."Thanks, Uncles!" Phia smiled appreciatively before stepping closer to the artwork. With a focused gaze, she studied each brushstroke and detail, immersing herself in the layers of meaning woven into the canvas."The p
............"Yes, how did you recognize me?" Phia nodded, surprised by the plump man's keen perception."From this card, young Miss, and coupled with the news we received from the church about the arrival of Young Miss Lumara and Young Miss Starcrest to our city," the plump man explained, pointing to the card and indicating they were aware of their presence.He then bowed respectfully to Astrid, acknowledging her presence."You don't seem like an ordinary worker here. Are you?" Phia inquired, noting his demeanor and respectful attitude."Yes, I am the manager of this Crystal Pavilion, and I oversee the layman members working here," the plump man confirmed, introducing himself and explaining his role."Alright, please complete the billing procedure and have someone load this package onto our car outside," Phia instructed, nodding in understanding."No need to pay, please don't worry about anything. The church has given us strict orders not to accept any payment from Young Miss Lumara
............Meanwhile in the capital,In the heart of Eldoria stood a majestic building, adorned with the words "Council Hall" in bold letters.The Council Hall holds immense importance, serving as the place where the five ruling families have been shaping the destiny of the Realm of Elandor for centuries.The walls, intricately designed despite their age, exuded a magnetic charm.Inside the grand building, a spacious hall unfolded, featuring six elevated platforms, each adorned with a throne.These thrones belonged to the heads of the five ruling families, while the sixth, the most significant, belonged to the highest authority of the Crystal Healing Organization, the Pope.In recent days, after the Current Generation Divine Heir was chosen, the organization sensed division among the five families. Some wanted to serve the Divine Heir faithfully, while others sought to control them for personal gain.Today, Thaddeus Lumara, head of the Lumara Family, informed each family head abou
............"What... They contracted several Divine Beasts? How on earth did they succeed?" Thaddeus's curiosity deepened, his disbelief growing even stronger."Using live humans and forbidden rituals," Rajendra replied in a chilling tone, his words hanging heavy in the air."As for the rest of the information, here, take a look. I've gathered all the details from my family's informants," Rajendra said, tossing a bundle of papers to Thaddeus.Thaddeus's face contorted with disgust as he scanned through the papers. "This is... damn it, that's just fucking messed up!" he cursed under his breath, his anger boiling over.Thaddeus had sent his own men to quietly gather secrets from the Everglen family, but they hadn't succeeded yet. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy towards Rajendra Chauhan's success, even though Chauhan's family had lost fine soldiers in the process."Lord Lumara, please mind your language," Pope Aurelius admonished him, his voice firm."Here, see for yourself
............"This is a cursed tool, Mother, different from divine tools. They possess various abilities, but unlike divine tools, they come with negative drawbacks," Eirik explained, observing his mother's admiration for a gleaming one-handed short sword emitting dense killing intent.High Druidess Elowen Everglen, the head of the Everglen Family, may appear gentle and calm, but everyone in the family knows better than to anger her. Despite her serene demeanor, she commands respect and fear like no other.Eirik Everglen inherits his mother's cruelty, capable of killing with a smile on his face. The family knows not to cross him either."How unfortunate that we can't get our hands on these wonderful tools. Anyways, how is the Divine Heir? Have you seen him up close?" Elowen paused her play with the short sword, placing it back in its wooden box and closing it before turning to her son with a serious expression."Yes, I have. And I'm quite disappointed. He's pathetic, Mother. My Divin
............Eirik swiftly made his way inside the estate, his footsteps echoing softly as he navigated the familiar halls.With practiced ease, he located a hidden passage concealed behind a tapestry and slipped inside.The narrow corridor twisted and turned, leading him deeper into the bowels of the mansion.After a while, Eirik emerged into a spacious cave, the air heavy with a musty scent. Strange markings adorned the ground, illuminated by the faint light filtering in from cracks in the ceiling. Among the markings lay scattered bodies, their lifeless forms arranged as if part of some macabre ritual.Eirik moved to the center of the cave and took a seat amidst the eerie scene. With a steady hand, he retrieved a shimmering marble ball from his cloak and placed it gently in his lap. Closing his eyes, he focused his mind, delving into the depths of his consciousness.As he concentrated, the cave began to pulsate with a soft glow, the markings on the ground coming to life with an
............"Alright, leave!" Celestius dismissed the servant and took the parchment, his hands trembling slightly as he unfolded it.His mood soured even further as he read its contents."Bamn...Crash...Freaking Bastards!" In a fit of rage, he swung his hand, shattering a nearby cupboard into pieces before throwing the parchment aside."What's happening, Lord Head?" The guards rushed in at the sound of the commotion, concern etched on their faces as they saw Celestius's furious expression."Nothing... call all the core members of the family for a meeting!" Celestius ordered, his anger subsiding as he regained his composure in front of the guards.He knew the situation was dire and they were ill-prepared for it.Though he had anticipated this outcome, the speed at which it had occurred took him by surprise.Just like the Starcrest Family, the Moonshroud Family head had also received the parchment.In the eastern part of the capital city, nestled within a humble neighborhood, lay the
............"Family Head, Elders... I apologize for the disturbance, but there's a man from the Everglen Family asking for a meeting with the Family Head," the servant informed them, expressing his apologies before delivering the message."See, the Everglen Family has already made their move," Isolde remarked, her expression sly as she confirmed her prediction. The men present looked at her with surprise and wonder, impressed by her spot-on instincts."Alright, send him in!" Isolde gestured for the servant to bring the man from Everglen into the hall."Yes, Family Head!" The servant replied before bowing and taking his leave.A few moments later, the man sent by the Everglen family entered the meeting hall. After exchanging greetings with the Family Head and others, he informed them about the intentions of his Family Head, the High Druidess.Once the representative from Everglen left, Isolde and the others discussed a few matters and decided who would accompany the Family Head to th
............Emilia's thunderous encouragement made her men roar and hold their shields high before a large dome-shaped barrier was released by all the defenders standing on the city outskirts.As the enemy surged forward with deafening roars, the defenders braced themselves.The first clash of the enemy landed on the barrier spread out like a blanket over them and the city, keeping them safe from the initial onslaught. The healers stood behind, weaving their spells with practiced precision, ready to assist if the enemy breached the barrier and clashed with the defenders.Amid the chaos, Emilia’s gaze remained steady. "I won't let you pass and destroy my homeland, where I worked hard to create a peaceful and loving family.".....Back in The The Realm of Elandor,Capital City, Eldoria,"My Lord, the heir of the Goddess Astraia has arrived and is expecting your presence. She seems distressed!" Cardinal Gabriel announced as he entered the vast library where Aarav was deeply engrossed i
............"What... do you know them? Who are they?" Emilia asked in a serious tone, hearing that Aria was familiar with the attackers."Yes... these are the same people who attacked Elandor's domain a while back. And I am pretty sure you can guess whose forces these are," Aria said with a contemplative look before she gave a glance at Emilia, who seemed to understand what Aria was trying to point out."I know... looks like we can’t overlook it any longer. Lady Aria, may I request you to get reinforcements, as I am not sure about the extent of the destruction these forces can cause in our land?" Emilia nodded, her face turning even graver before she bowed towards Aria and made her request."Please, you don't have to request it from me. I will help you either way, as it's also a threat to our land. While I go and gather reinforcements, can you hold on for a while?" Aria asked, stopping Emilia from bowing to her as she smiled in determination and agreed immediately."Yes, we will hol
............"You will be even more amazed, Lady Emilia, if you meet Lord Veridian in person. He is an amazing Divine Heir of God Elandor, from how he conducts himself to the way he carries the light with him," Aria said with respect in her tone, showing how great an impression Aarav Veridian had left on her."Now I am even more eager to meet Lord Veridian. Let's hope he is as great as your words describe him to be," Emilia said with a slight smile, raising the corner of her mouth as she met Aria's eyes, who returned her gaze with a confident stare.After that, Aria and Emilia talked about their plans—how they were going to weather the upcoming storm.The discussion went on for hours before they decided to walk out of the temple."By the way, Lady Emilia, if you are busy and have something important to attend to, then you don't have to personally accompany me," Aria said as she walked alongside Emilia, who had decided to show her around their capital city, Phelia."No way, Lady Aria.
............“LORD HEIR!” The crowd cheered again, even louder this time. Aarav raised his hand, gesturing for silence.“Alright, alright,” he said with a smile. “I get your enthusiasm. But we don’t just need high spirits—we need unity. We need all of you to step forward together, to face this reality as one and bring about a bright future.”His voice was filled with fervor, carrying a weight that seemed to stir the very air around them. The believers of Elandor below shook with goosebumps, feeling the power in Aarav’s words, which were infused with a subtle trace of Divine Energy.Aarav had intended to boost their morale—and it worked far better than he had expected. The crowd stood straighter, their faith and the fire burning brighter than ever.Aarav looked at the crowd one last time before waving to them. He stepped down from the podium and returned to discuss their next steps with the Pope and Cardinals.He wasn’t the only one making preparations. As Aria had promised him, she a
............A sudden, overwhelming pressure exploded from the throne, sending him hurtling through the air and crashing into one of the tree’s thick branches outside the temple."Cough, cough...!!" The High Prophet spat blood but slowly made his way back into the temple. Kneeling once again, he showed no anger or frustration at being injured—only trembling fear in the face of the figure’s fury on the throne.Sylas’s eyes, glowing with an unnatural light, cut through the darkness as he sat motionless on the throne, his presence suffocating. The High Prophet of Pestilence didn’t dare lift his head. The air around them was thick with the stench of rot and corruption, heavy with a crushing pressure.“Elandor’s Heir... and the Heir of Astraia,” Sylas muttered, his voice filled with disdain. “How dare she interfere in my plans?”His words echoed, each one pressing down harder on the High Prophet. Silence followed, broken only by the distant howling wind outside the temple. The elder remai
............“Thank you,” Aria replied, her movements graceful as she took a seat across from him. Between them stood a small circular table, with a basket of snacks and fruit placed in the center, adding a touch of warmth to the room’s otherwise solemn atmosphere."Mr. Aarav, what are your plans regarding the cultists? I’m certain they won’t stop invading this continent and causing chaos," Aria asked, sitting back in a relaxed position, her eyes steady on him.Aarav sighed, his tone dim and unconfident. "What can I do alone? Even with the Crystal Healing Organization backing me, I’m not confident in facing those lunatic cultists." He spoke with a heaviness, aware of the overwhelming power he had witnessed in their last battle.He knew his own limitations. The devastation left by the cultists was a harsh reminder. Even Pope Aurelius, with all his influence, wouldn’t be enough to turn the tide. Aarav understood that unless he reached the fourth stage, the *Virtuoso of Vitality*, he wo
............"Ah... thank you! And how should I address you?" Aarav quickly snapped out of his daze, expressing his gratitude before asking with a respectful tone."Aria... Heir to the Goddess of Stars, Astraia. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Heir..." Aria smiled, her face radiant like a flower blooming under the soft glow of moonlight. The sight made Aarav's heart race uncontrollably."Aarav... it's just Aarav, Miss Aria. Please, don't be so formal; it makes me feel uncomfortable." He interrupted her before she could speak too respectfully again, gently requesting that she call him by his name instead.Aarav didn’t want to come off like some spoiled young master, or as if they were stuck in some ancient civilization that hadn’t learned how to speak casually about simple things."Oh... alright, Mr. Aarav." Aria seemed a little surprised but then covered her mouth and chuckled. "Fufu...You don’t seem to like the ancient etiquette, do you?"Her soft laughter filled the air, the warm
............"Enough of this!" One of the cultists yelled, raising his hand into the air. A dark aura began swirling around him, corrupting the very energy in the atmosphere. The others followed, channeling the same malevolent force, preparing for a combined attack.Aarav could feel the shift—their power was immense. He flinched, sensing the ominous energy closing in around him."You think that’ll be enough to get rid of me?" Aarav’s voice cut through the tension. "You’ve forgotten who you're dealing with."As the dark energy swirled and gathered, Aarav took a deep breath and raised his weapon high. The blade gleamed with a blinding light, and the ground trembled under his feet as his divine power flared to life."Let me show you what true divine power looks like," Aarav declared, his voice steady. With one decisive motion, he shattered the one-use divine tool he carried, instantly replenishing the lost energy within him.And then, with explosive force, he unleashed it."Craaack... B
............"Clanngg....Boomnn...!!""Swiish....Bammn...!!""Ahh... Cough... Cough...!" Aarav took another relentless hit, sliding back a few steps before losing his balance and dropping to one knee, blood dripping from his mouth."Hahaha... Elandor's Heir, already broken? I was hoping to play with you some more!" The bald cultist cackled, his words dripping with contempt.Aarav wiped the blood from his lips, smirking. "Feeling smug, huh? It’s just a scratch, nothing worth mentioning." He rose to his feet, his body glowing as the injury healed instantly, as though it never existed.The cultist's eyes widened, then his expression twisted with anger. "Damn it! I forgot Elandor is the God of Healing and Medicine!" Realizing his mistake, fury replaced his shock, and he lunged at Aarav in a blind rage, furious at being humiliated.Aarav's smile turned cold. "Heh, let me show you what else I can do," he muttered under his breath."Swishhh... Whoosh...!!"The cultist attacked wildly, but A