Snow fell in soft sheets, blanketing the world in calm silence. The streets of Raiden Edge City sparkled under the pale silver light of winter, breath clouding the air with every step, essence a gentle hum in the peaceful quiet.
Inside a mountainside estate, hidden behind sleek essence wards and quiet serenity, warmth filled every room.
This home now belonged to Riku Hayashi and Yumi Aoyama.
The walls were lined with dark polished wood and illuminated by golden lanterns powered by soft essence cores. An elegant banner hung above the hearth — stitched with the clan symbol in pristine detail: the crimson lotus blooming in obsidian shadow, the silver swirl pulsing at its heart, and the kanji for 「絆」—bond—glowing faintly in the firelight.
A photo on the mantle caught the eye first.
It was from seven months ago, their wedding.
Riku stood tall in an immaculate white suit, the clan symbol etched across his chestplate in silver. Beside him stood Yumi — radiant in a snow-white dress that shimmered like frost over moonlight, trimmed with the same clan emblem sewn into the train of her gown. Around their necks, matching necklaces gleamed — small crystal pendants carved into the clan crest, essence-linked to one another.
Each necklace was more than symbolic — they let them sense each other's energy, no matter the distance.
A gift from Riku to Yumi on her birthday.
One she wore every day since.
Now, in the present, Yumi sat on a cushioned bench by the frosted window, one hand gently resting on her growing belly. Her hair was tied in a loose braid, her other hand cradling a warm tea cup. She watched the snowfall quietly, a gentle smile curving her lips.
A secret shared by only a few.
Only those closest to them — Sayuri, Yuki, Reina, Takumi, and Renji — knew.
Even the world, which still chanted Riku's name like a song, had no idea that their greatest hero was about to become a father.
Riku entered the room moments later, hair damp from training, still wearing his modified Raiden Edge cloak over a soft thermal shirt. He moved silently, leaning down to press a kiss to Yumi's forehead before sitting beside her.
"You alright?" he asked softly.
Yumi nodded. "The baby kicked earlier. Felt like a mini you already."
He chuckled, his hand finding hers. Their matching necklaces glowed faintly, pulsing in sync like two connected heartbeats.
"I've been thinking," she whispered.
"Mmm?"
"When they're born… I don't want them to be known as his child. Not the child of the strongest Essence Warrior. I want them to be… themselves. Free. Loved."
Riku nodded, tightening his grip gently. "They will be. That's why we're keeping it quiet. No titles. No powers. Not until they choose to step into this world."
The two sat in silence, snow whispering against the windows.
Just outside the city, Sayuri and Yuki now lived in the other Hayashi residence — closer to the guild, closer to family. Yuki was progressing fast in her training. Sayuri had resumed painting again.
The world had calmed — at least for now.
But inside their quiet home, a new storm was gently growing.
One that bore the blood of legends.
And the heart of two people who simply wanted their child to live freely before choosing their path.