The late evening sun painted the yard in warm golds and cool shadows, casting long silhouettes of the new recruits training under the discipline of steel and sweat. Blades clashed, shouts echoed, and the scent of effort danced in the air. But beneath the tall silverleaf tree near the training field, a quiet realm existed where time felt slower.
A modest wooden table sat beneath the blooming branches, two chairs pulled close together. Kazimir leaned back, chewing on a skewer of grilled meat, his violet-blue eyes fixed on the recruits. Beside him, Riah sat with one leg crossed over the other, swirling her tea absentmindedly. The embers of the setting sun reflected softly off her crimson eyes.
Then without a word, she ignited.
Not with anger, nor power—but memory.
White flames shimmered around her form, curling with gentle reverence instead of rage. Her skin glowed faintly, her long hair lifted by the weightless heat of her Pyre of the Origin. Her transformation had always been beautiful—but now, it was sacred.
Kazimir turned his head slightly, watching her from the corner of his eye.
Riah: "Kaz... remember when I told you my power awakened from pure emotion?"
Kazimir: (nods) "Yeah, I do. What about it?"
Her gaze lowered, voice quieter. "A few weeks ago, while you were away… a High Dragon came to me. Her name is Elicia, said to be the strongest under Solaris—the only one who never turned rogue. She came with a message…"
Kazimir's brows drew together slightly, but he stayed silent, listening.
[Flashback: The Celestial Summons]
The world blurred as Elicia spread her celestial wings. In a single beat, she and Riah vanished, leaving Earth behind.
They emerged into a realm of heaven itself.
Waterfalls flowed from floating cliffs in impossible directions. The skies were a pristine blue, unclouded and eternal. Grass shimmered with life beneath their feet. And ahead—within a radiant hall of light—stood a colossal figure cloaked in purity.
Solaris.
The God of Light stood tall and wide as the heavens themselves, every movement echoing cosmic power. But as Riah approached, he shifted—shrinking into a form more human, more intimate.
Solaris: "Riah… flame of judgment and purity. You've carried the Phoenix's legacy well."
Riah: (kneeling) "My lord. I've seen the gift you gave Kazimir… the five-tailed lightning wolf he calls Rmir."
Solaris: "Yes… even though he stands under Nebula's shadow, I do not hate him. He is still one of mine. But you…" (he steps forward, raising his palm) "You've walked the righteous path with fire and mercy. Your light burns bright enough to rival Kazimir—the Maw of the End… the Eye of Nullity."
Riah's heart thudded, but she said nothing.
Solaris: "That is why I give you this." (A crystal of radiant light floated from his hand.) "A Fragment of Light. It will purify your flames. If the day ever comes when Kazimir loses control… this will be your answer."
As the crystal entered her chest, white light engulfed Riah—her flames grew clearer, her essence sharper.
Elicia: (tearing up, embracing her) "Congratulations, Riah. You've ascended… you are now one of the Satura. A demigod. A guardian equal in rank to the Nihility."
Riah: (softly smiling) "My path has always been to protect, to heal… not to destroy."
Elicia: "And that's why Solaris chose you. Oh—and one last thing."
She leaned in with a grin.
Elicia: "I'm Lilly's big sister. You can contact me anytime now. And… tell Kazimir thanks for keeping her locked up."
[Back to Present – Prismic Gathering Field]
The flame dimmed, and Riah's body returned to normal. The air still smelled faintly of sacred fire.
Kazimir exhaled through his nose.
Kazimir: "Meeting Solaris… ascending to a Satura… damn. That's a feat not even I can claim. Divine power suits you. I always knew you had something brighter in you. I was born into this chaos, but you? You climbed into the light."
Riah reached across the table, placing her hand over his.
Riah: "You're wrong, Kaz. This world's hope isn't just you. It's us. Together. The Exo Heart... Solaris told me what it does. It's a one-time use, but if we activate it... it'll fuse our beings. Our powers. Our minds. Two divine forces… as one."
Kazimir closed his eyes briefly, his grip tightening.
Kazimir: "A last resort… a final light. One that might be needed against them. I know."
The wind picked up, ruffling their hair and clothes. Around them, the recruits continued their training—unaware that beneath this simple tree sat two beings who now stood between salvation and annihilation.
For a moment, nothing needed to be said. The weight of the future rested in their silence, in the warmth of her hand, in the shared strength of their bond.
Together, they watched the stars blink into the sky, knowing that when the final darkness came...
It would be met by flame and storm—side by side.