#8 - A Lamp in A Niche
"He is the giver of light to heaven and earth, a parable of light that is like an impenetrable pit of niche. Yet, within it is none other than a great lamp."
Cale's heart was stunned, hearing how that sentence slowly and gently touched his heart.
"The great lamp seemed to be in a small glass but had the luster of pearl-like stars. They shone so brightly, whispering of the beauty that only shines when darkness surrounds the lamp."
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Finally, we fulfilled the Altalune chapter this week 🥺🤧Thank you to our beloved Beta Reader, Kalina (aka Cinnabon27) for kindly editing this chapter xixixi ('▽'ʃ♡ƪ)💛🌻✨
Also to the readers who have stay in this fic until now! 🥺🥺🥺
Good news for you guys that this fic will end soon, then accompanied by a Side Story that hmm hmmm~ ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)
WARNING :
For readers who have knowledge of Astronomy, please read the last NOTE I wrote before judging me, okay?〒▽〒)
This chapter contains an explanation of Cale's Fragment power. I wrote it based on a small reference from astronomy... my brain is not capable of combining these two astronomical sciences into a fantasy form so, yeah... enjoy... ???? ੭ ᐕ)੭*⁾⁾
HAPPY READING, GUYSSS 🌊💙✨
Don't forget to COMMENT, VOTE and FOLLOW meeEehhh~!!!
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Sweet comment, please? 🥺
(Not accepting comments that are just 'next' or 'pls update' :D)
[Past]
[Cale Henituse's POV]
"I saw a lot of paintings of The Absolute One in some of the temples," Cale said suddenly, as they were exploring the palace of Velaris together with the King in the second week of their visit.
The man with bright white hair looked back and forth between Cale and the palace ceiling, then smiled slightly.
"As you know, our family worships The Absolute One. The Velaris family's history with this God is quite long, as his presence is firm." It was Cale's turn to blink in surprise at that explanation.
"Firm?" asked Raon, who had been flying around them. His slit blue eyes looked very interested.
"Yes, Firm. Like, The Absolute One always shows a bit of His power?"
"What kind of power is that, Your Highness Ashborn?" Asked Choi Han, who accompanied them as Cale's bodyguard curiously. The young king then chuckled and pointed at himself.
"We are his form of power!"
Silence engulfed the atmosphere.
Cale gave a flat look, Choi Han blinked innocently and Raon giggled softly. Seeing their unimpressed reactions, Ashborn blushed in embarrassment.
"Ehem! I mean, his power has consistently manifested from generation to generation. The power of Velaris, or light-" a hand then stretched forward and a small light shone there.
"Woah... almost like the power of the sun god?!" Raon was amazed. Then frowned as he felt the difference.
"Yep. The power of Velaris' light is slightly different from that of a sun god."
The three watched in fascination as the light spread out and formed into a sword.
"Wow! Like Taerang!" Raon exclaimed, then closed his mouth in shock as he realized he was revealing Alberu's power. Choi Han chuckled nervously and Cale snorted.
"Is... it okay if His Majesty explains his power to us?" Cale asked, almost hesitantly and Ashborn's face strangely flushed bright red. Why was this King blushing? Was he feeling hot?
"A-ah... p-please just call Ashborn, Young Master Cale!" The red-haired man's brow furrowed.
"I-I insist..." Raon and Choi Han chuckled at Cale's side. Seeing the color of the other young man's face was now like a boiled crab.
"Alright... Ashborn-nim." The Viceroy let out an unsightly held breath.
"That's fine. I don't mind explaining the power of Our Family! Especially to a future ally of the Velaris Kingdom," Ashborn replied finally, giving a sharp, defiant smile with silver eyes twinkling with determination.
Those eyes then glanced at Cale, strangely having a... gentle expression?
"Thank you for your cooperation, Young Master Cale." The ex-commander of Roan nodded casually.
"In that case, just call me Cale." Gray eyes shone brightly, as if given a gift.
...what a strange young man.
"W-well, ekhem, Cale." Ashborn cleared his throat a few times, still with flushed cheeks. The snow-haired man nervously re-demonstrated his power.
"Then Velaris' power can be manifested in various forms. It can be a weapon and even transform into the elements." Hey, doesn't the power sound very OP?
They saw the sword weapon crack, then shatter and take the shape of... fire? It was still emitting white light, but the shape was like fire.
"Whoaahh, this feels hot like fire! Try touching it human!" Raon marveled, trying to touch the light.
Ashborn smiled. The flickering light then turned liquid-like and circled around them elegantly.
"Water?" Choi Han's voice sounded equally astonished.
Not stopping there, the water-like light then took the form of an arc of wind that then shot out and blew violently, making Cale's red hair fly. Raon clapped his hands cheerfully, along with Choi Han. Commander Roan looked equally impressed, still with a messy hairstyle that had the back of the hair, covering half of his face.
"Hihihi, human! Why is your face like that?!" The Black Dragon laughed, earning a chuckle from Cale.
"S-sorry! Can I-" Ashborn's voice sounded nervous and the commander from another Continent nodded. Then he felt a large, warm hand start to touch his hair. The hair-covered gaze then landed on the handsome face of the taller man. Flushed cheeks - strangely cute - that accentuated his fluffy white eyelashes.
"Uh oh.. ma-sorry I-"
"No problem. Your power is interesting," Cale replied simply, giving a small soothing smile.
"Please continue."
"O-okay. So, back to our powers and the story between our ancestors and The Absolute One. Back then, our ancestors were the only humans to make it to this continent. However, the ancestors, who were nomads, did not expect this place to be a snowy continent. Because without any preparation, the ancestors almost died in the cold. So The Absolute One, with his life light, provided many benefits. As you can see, it can take the form of weapons, fire, flames, wind and such."
"Very different from the power of the sun god! The light of the sun is only affiliated as a form of light, it is healing but has no elements like your family's light!" Raon continued, nodding wisely at his own opinion.
"What about darkness? I think there's one picture that represents another story?" Cale asked purely out of curiosity. But seeing the worried expression on that handsome face, made him feel bad.
"I'm sorry if-"
"It's okay, Cale. Your observations are very astute," the young king chuckled, his eyes looking at one of the pictures with dark purplish paint that was fading.
"Well, light does not exist without darkness and darkness does not exist without light," Ashborn muttered. His silvery gray eyes were filled with nostalgia, giving off an aura of wisdom at such a young age.
"How do we know that the sky has turned to night?"
"How did we humans learn the map of the world and engrave it on paper?"
"And how do humans know that little lights like stars exist?"
A wide smile was etched on that face.
"Everything exists because the beginning is darkness itself."
"Darkness and light make everything balanced."
Cale agreed with that opinion. Reddish-brown eyes saw the Young King looking back at the painting of their Lord. His eyes were adoring, appreciative and so gentle in touch as well as desire. So unpretentious as if Ashborn had felt the figure himself.
In stark contrast to that damn Clopeh Sekka.
"Although we believe in The Absolute One as the owner of 'light', there is not much history that explains 'darkness'."
The eyes of all the spectators saw Ashborn pointing at the carved figure in the robe, who held two lights in his hands. One with the color of the carving, the other like a shadow.
"My family history doesn't explain who this 'owner' is specifically. It's just that... his nature is so evil. She is a whisperer of chaos, favors hatred, and resides in a layer of darkness." The little dragon involuntarily shivered as Ashborn explained in a grim, almost agitated voice.
"That darkness used to be so warm, embracing the night and soothing sleep. It felt..." gray eyes widened with the emotion of sadness.
"It felt like The Absolute One himself was also the 'darkness' itself." White hair framed the handsome face, which now had a serious expression.
"But now... that 'darkness' feels threatening and piercing. It's as if someone else is controlling The Absolute One's 'darkness' power." The Viceroy's hand rose up, gently stroking the surface of the painting.
"Because I know, The Absolute One's 'darkness' is very different." Silvery eyes glanced at Cale, a gentle smile etched on the handsome adonis' frame.
"He is the giver of light to heaven and earth, a parable of light that is like an impenetrable pit of niche. Yet, within it is none other than a great lamp."
Cale's heart was stunned, hearing how that sentence slowly and gently touched his heart.
"The great lamp seemed to be in a small glass but had the luster of pearl-like stars. They shone so brightly, whispering of the beauty that only shines when darkness surrounds the lamp."
Seeing the puzzled faces of the audience, Ashborn smiled in embarrassment.
"I'm sorry, that's how the sentence is written. I-I don't really understand-"
"It's okay, Ashborn-nim. We enjoyed your amazing family history," Cale said honestly, as he was completely mesmerized by this Velaris family tree.
"How about we continue our tour there-?"
"Come on! Snow King! This great and mighty dragon can't wait any longer!"
As the black dragon and bodyguards began to follow the King's lead, Cale found himself staring at the painting on the ceiling.
His gaze wandered, as if lost in thought.
At the painting of The Absolute One and the Darkness in the corner.
There was... something strange...
On the black ball floating in the center of The Absolute One and Darkness.
What is that... a black orb with golden light surrounding it-?
"Cale?" The reverie broke and Cale did not realize that his breathing was now panting and sounded rough.
"Cale-nim?"
"Human! Are you okay?! Why do you look so pale?! Eat this apple pie-!"
"It's okay, Ra," Cale cut in immediately. Feeling uncomfortable to eat something right now. Eyes then unintentionally looked at Ashborn, where the snow-haired man had a faraway look there.
Both hands were raised weakly, as if wanting to reach out to Cale with an expression that was so gentle, covered in worry.
Surprisingly, Cale's heart fluttered by that face.
"Cale?"
The soft glow around Ashborn's face gave off an angelic image. A handsome face with aristocratic features combined with a pair of beautiful liquid silvery gray eyes. It felt like the painting came to life in an instant for some reason.
The figure of light itself, perhaps now in front of Cale right now-?
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[Sung Jinwoo's POV]
"Cale."
As the red-haired man accepted his hand, Jinwoo's heart swelled with so much devotion and love.
He then raised his other freed hand, to rub the tip of the redhead's eyes. Smiling softly at the sight of the smaller man leaning into his touch.
Seeing that the Ice Monarch had disappeared, the Korean Hunter man then grasped his lover's slender waist and teleported to where Go Gunhee was under Raon's care.
"How was it, Ra?" asked Cale, upon arrival they immediately knelt down at the side of the dragon who had now transformed into his human form. It was probably the first time the dark-haired man had seen the ancient dragon's human form in his new identity as Sung Jinwoo.
"He can't maintain his vessel. If we want to save this old man, then the parasite must come out of his body," Raon muttered. Slit blue eyes stared coldly at Gunhee's body that gave off a faint glow. Signaling that the Fragmented Rulers were still taking over the Korean Association Chairman's consciousness.
"Fragment of Luminosity," Jinwoo called, casting his dark glow behind Cale. It was threatening and warning. That if the Rulers tried to touch the red-haired man, then he would be destroyed in an instant.
"Fragment of the Brilliant Light...," said the Rulers in Gunhee's body in a soft voice.
"Are you here to seize Cale-nim's power?" asked Choi Han with an innocent face, but Jinwoo knew that behind that small smile, eyes sparkled with a deadly threat.
At the Black Knight's question, glowing golden eyes glanced at Cale. Fists clenched and the dark forces within him cried out ferociously at the sight of greed flashing in the Rulers' eyes.
"Why would the Creator give that last Fragment to a human like you?" Raon growled at those words.
"Watch your voice, you Ruler bastard." Cale ignored them, his reddish-brown eyes glancing at Rulers with calm eyes, almost void of any emotion.
"You have to give it to us! Those bastard Monarch's! They have gathered and will destroy this world in a month! We have borne all the pain of this war, preventing them from destroying the world-" a chuckle from the red-haired man stopped the Fragment of Luminosity's fiery proclamation.
"Why are you laughing?! Despicable human-ugh! H-how could-?!" Raon said nothing, the dragon claw appeared in his hand then gave Go Gunhee's human neck a small squeeze. But Jinwoo saw how the invisible claw grasped the Fragment of Luminosity's soul cruelly, without mercy.
"Oh? You're protecting the world?" asked Cale, voice hushed and lilting but Jinwoo's blood pumping with the embers of jealousy. In an instant he wanted to crush the ears of the bastard Rulers' who had gotten the chance to hear that beautiful, seductive voice so easily.
"How many worlds have been victimized by your war? Even with the betrayal of the Fragment of the Brilliant Light? There is your own Creator? You are too blinded by your version of Justice," sneered the garnett-eyed man, his gaze condescending and hateful.
"Tell me, Fragment of Luminosity." The three dark-haired men watched as their beloved figure brought his face closer to the Rulers' vessel. Smirking a little as his right hand reached out to pull out the last Fragment of The Absolute One that both sides were referring to.
All eyes watched as a light shone brightly there, before turning to darkness in the center of the ball of light. A second later, the light thinned but still glowed magnificently as it formed a ring around the dark power.
"Are you protecting the earth for humans? Or protecting the earth for resources?"
At this question, the Fragment of Luminosity fell silent. Their voice was choked to the point of speechlessness. The silence was proof that the two statements were not even answers.
"Aigooo, aren't you Rulers the same as the Monarch?"
"How dare you consider us the SAME?! MERE HUMAN-!!!" the claws tightened and the Rulers stopped. But his eyes stared at Cale so fiercely, filled with both hateful and hungry desire. At the power shining in the redhead's right hand.
"You're an 'imperfect' light, fading away as the darkness erodes," Cale whispered, his voice pitying.
"Hmmmm... 'absorbing' you back won't be fun." Raon released his claws and Jinwoo and Choi Han watched as the light around the black orb began to spread and envelop Go Gunhee's body beautifully.
"Tell the other Rulers, that-"
Under four pairs of eyes, which stared cruelly, saw how the Rulers screamed in pain. As the light of Cale's power separated the two souls in a slow and agonizing process for the Fragment of Brilliant Light. Everyone watched as the Fragmented Rulers began to be 'sucked' into the dark orb floating above the Moon lover's hand.
"-Cale Henituse has no mercy."
Silence engulfed the atmosphere.
Nature solemnly watched as the face shone beautifully by the light of power, the spreading red hair framing it with melodious strains and-
[ "MY QUEEN! YOUR SPEECH WAS AMAZING! I HAVE NOTHING BUT ADMIRATION FOR-!"
BERU.
"King, you must practice your speech to be more majestic-"
"Please stop, Iron-nim. Don't make him even more craz-"
"Newbie-nim, how about you shut up? Let the King practice his speech!" ]
Raon stifled a laugh. Choi Han who looked at Cale with a twinkle in his eyes of gentle devotion. And Jinwoo who held back his annoyance. With different emotions, they watched as the soul slowly disappeared, leaving only Go Gunhee who was now gasping in pain.
"What about the wound, Ra?"
"I've healed the critical wound. It just needs regular medical care," the little dragon replied. It giggled playfully as his human stroked the black hair, a proud look that would make anyone's heart melt to see such a sweet picture.
"Beru," Jinwoo called. Ignoring the inner annoyance as the shadow chimera appeared in front of him in a strange prostrate position.
"I am ready to fulfill your summons, my Great Liege!"
"Bring Woo Jinchul here." Raon laughed out loud as Beru got up, trembling for a moment at the sight of Cale with a blush on his shadow armor. Then made a strange gesture like a Korean army salute and disappeared in shadow teleportation.
"Is that bastard Sekka reincarnated or something?" laughed the black dragon again, earning Cale's grinning face in return.
"Don't compare Beru with that crazy bastard."
"Maybe Beru-nim is some sort of incarnation?" teased Choi Han again. Immediately he looked away as Cale gave him a disgusted look.
"Shut up, Choi Han."
"It's true what Cale said, hyung. Your arguments aren't very valid." Jinwoo scolded in a playful voice. Those silver-silver eyes curved with a teasing grin like Choi Han's.
"Because that incarnation of Clopeh Sekka is now more sane-aww. It hurts~" Cale turned his head so that they couldn't see his beautiful face. Cale's cheeks puffed up so cutely that Jinwoo's inner self had to refrain from biting into the rosy mochi-like bundle in an instant.
"President Go?!"
The friendly atmosphere around them broke instantly as Beru appeared with Woo Jinchul. The Vice Chairman was pale-faced, looking one by one at the faces there, then at the unconscious form of the man in the center.
"Call your subordinates. The President needs medical attention," Jinwoo ordered with calm eyes. They moved out of the way for Jinchul to approach and kneel at Go Gunhee's side. The brown-haired man shakily reached for his cell phone, then ordered his subordinates to go up to the floor of the Association President. Faintly, the sound of a helicopter could also be heard from outside.
Jinwoo chuckled softly.
The atmosphere was getting noisier and now Cale looked exhausted.
They had immediately departed from the International Conference party, headed to the Ashborn Dungeon then faced off against the Ice Monarch and the Fragment of Luminosity. The taller man did not want his lover to face the mass media after all of this.
"We're leaving, Vice President," Jinwoo said again, casually carrying Cale in a bridal style. Making the smaller man's face flush with embarrassment, but letting the Shadow Monarch carry him. The younger man's heart fluttered as the red head rested on his broad shoulder.
"W-what about the International Conference?! There is a new schedule that has been published after the conference and they are planning to broadcast-"
"Which is more important now? Take care of the President's health first and I'll call White to take care of the rest of the plans." Woo Jinchul reluctantly nodded.
"Also, publicize the statement for the press conference in the afternoon. I'm sure the public will misunderstand the broadcast that will be distributed by the International Guild Association." The Vice President sighed and once again nodded obediently. Seeing how Jinwoo turned his face to focus on the figure in his arms.
"Where are we going, Mister Black?" asked Raon, still in the form of a 6-year-old child. Now the young dragon was in Choi Han's arms watching every movement with calm eyes.
"We're going back home." Choi Han tilted his head lightly.
"...home?" Cale smiled sleepily in Jinwoo's arms.
"Eomeoni and Jinah are there." At just that answer, Raon's blue and Choi Han's dark eyes widened. Both of them looked dazed, lost in memories before small smiles appeared on both faces.
Meanwhile, Jinwoo looked at Cale with a surprised look, at the nickname 'Eomeoni'. In an instant the warmth spread and the man couldn't help himself, immediately planting a sweet kiss on the top of the head of red hair.
Making some of the new audience (subordinates of the Hunter Association group) blush by Jinwoo's actions.
"Let's go home then," Raon said softly while Choi Han nodded slowly.
They were lost in the warm darkness.
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[Sung Kyunghye's POV]
That time while preparing breakfast, the front door of his apartment was knocked. Faded gray eyes glanced into the living room a moment later at her reflection below. She knew that her eldest son had placed a shadow warrior there. Seeing the negative reaction from the shadow, it meant that the visitor this time had no ill intentions towards the Sung family.
Turning off the stove fire, wiping his hands on her apron, Sung Kyunghye walked slowly towards the front door.
For some reason, her heart was racing. Thinking of last night's dream that was so hazy, the sound of faint laughter, the stares from various people but so warm and full of family. It was a sweet dream but when Kyunghye woke up, tears were already falling down her cheeks.
Inhaling, exhaling, a hand reached out and opened the door.
The face of her eldest, beloved son, Sung Jinwoo greeted the mother's eyes. Heart pounding at the sight of her son's sweetheart, Cale Henituse greeting with a sleepy smile in a warm tone.
"Eomma," Jinwoo called, his voice sounding embarrassed.
"Eomeoni," Cale murmured, his beautiful garnett eyes wide but Kyunghye's heart melting for her other son. Especially when her nickname had changed from 'Ahjumma' to 'Eomeoni'? Kyunghye's eyes darted to her son, who immediately looked away with flushed cheeks.
"Ah... Grandma?" a child's whispered voice distracted Kyunghye and as his dark gray eyes took in a pair of slit blue eyes, an unfamiliar but familiar affection welled up within her.
The little boy was about six years old, wavy black hair with a deep blue sheen. Pale alabaster skin, sharp eyes, as well as small fangs peeking through the thin lips. Wearing a simple gray shirt and knee-length black pants.
"A-annyeong," greeted another stranger, carrying the small child. The same messy black hair, alabaster pale skin, thick eyebrows with wide black eyes. Wearing her child's Guild uniform, she stood with an embarrassed expression beside Jinwoo and Cale.
"Annyeong," Kyunghye replied, voice a whisper as if in disbelief. Her gaze blurred, especially when the two figures with Jinwoo gave a gummy smile that was so sweet.
"Lets come in first, kids."
The woman with two children quickly opened the door wider, inviting everyone into the apartment.
"I'll take Cale inside." Kyunghye nodded, not forgetting to plant a small kiss on the red-haired man's forehead. It brought a sweet tinge to his pale rosy cheeks.
Then Jinwoo disappeared into the room, leaving Kyunghye with two new people in the living room. Instantly the black-haired woman blushed, remembering that her apartment was small, only having a living room that was also a family room.
"P-please sit down." Both of them nodded. The older man sat the small child on the sofa and sat in an upright position. Both equally as confused and awkward.
"What would you like to drink? Tea? Milk? Coffee?"
"...tea only, juseyo...?"
"I want milk... is that okay?"
Kyunghye's face lit up with a radiant smile. A warm, sweet feeling came over him, as if this moment was one he had longed for.
"Of course! Please, make yourself relaxed, arra? Consider this your home, hm?" the two smiled sweetly and nodded.
"Thank you, Halmeoni*!" (*grandmother in Korean)
That call...
Kyunghye shook her head, stepping into the kitchen to prepare hot tea and milk. Eyes blinked in surprise, as if she had done this activity many times in her past. But... there was no fear or alarm by the blurry memories. There was only... residual longing?
"Here, please drink this." With attentive eyes, Kyunghye watched the two figures take their respective glasses. Drinking the tea solemnly and the milk with cute foot movements.
"This is delicious, Ahjumma-nim," murmured the man with messy black hair. A gentle smile played on his lips.
"Hu um! It's delicious! Halmeoni milk is always the best!"
Always, huh?
Kyunghye chuckled at the white whiskers created by the milk froth above the little boy's lips. With a tissue, the mother of two–now more–then gently wiped it away.
"Really?" The blue eyes glazed over, lips trembled and strangely, Kyunghye felt just as emotional.
"Hu um! Number one!"
Laughter broke out among the three of them.
"What's your name little one? And yours, handsome?"
The two adults and the little boy looked at each other then gave the typical gummy smile that indulged the heart.
"Greetings again, Ahjumma-nim, my name is Choi Han."
"Greetings, Halmeoni! My name is Raon Miru! Just call me Raon, nde???"
"Then, Choi Han, Raon, greetings again. My name is Sung Kyunghye."
They smiled at each other in silence, but were wrapped in a feeling of... reunion?
"Ah, would you like to join our family for breakfast? I happen to be preparing breakfast. How about it?" The black-eyed man quickly finished the tea then stood up as if by reflex.
"Let me help you, Ahjumma-nim!" Raon also quickly finished his milk, standing up like Choi Han but with a mischievous grin on his young face.
"Me too! Raon can help Halmeoni with anything~! Halmeoni needs any ingredient in this entire universe, the mighty and powerful Raon Miru can get it for you!"
"Jinjja*?" asked Kyunghye, voice teasing. Pinching the cheeks of the two boy in front of her briefly. Both of them nodded in unison, so adorable. Then, following Kyunghye into the kitchen, it became a noisy morning activity. (*'really' in Korean)
But it was the noise that was missed.
It felt like the last piece was fused back into place.
*******
[Cale Henituse's POV]
Sleepiness clouded Cale's mind.
Vaguely, he could see the dawn scenery from outside the window. Eyes blinked, realizing then that he was currently inside Sung Jinwoo's room. Head snapped up, seeing that the other man was laying him down on the bed.
"Jinwoo?" asked Cale, his voice small and sleepy.
A kiss on the forehead was given and his cheek felt warm.
"Hm?"
"Don't go anywhere, hun?" pleaded Cale, feeling out of character but right now, he didn't want to be alone.
He didn't want to feel like what he had gone through before was just a dream. Where the words, love and affection were just a fantasy and where the figure of his lover's soul was just a false hope.
Then the red-haired man felt movement from Jinwoo. A pair of burly arms embraced his wariness, a slow breath soothed his senses, and a look warmed his heart.
"I'm here, Cale." The words were spoken in a whispered voice. It was like a promise that had been made over and over again. Like a prayer every night and Cale nodded slowly.
Eyes closed, enjoying the cradle of his lover. He chuckled softly as Jinwoo nuzzled his cheek playfully against the red hair, earning a light chuckle in return.
"My sleepy Cale is so pretty, beautiful and cute," Jinwoo murmured and Cale could feel how fast the younger man's heart beat was.
"Jinwoo is handsome too," said the smaller man, voice buried in his lover's firm chest. He laughed softly hearing how excited the bigger man was. Both his heart and his two active arms hugged Cale from various directions.
"How's this? I want to hug you so tightly then kiss every inch of your face and bite your cheek-" Cale's free hand reflexively held his cheek.
"No cheeks," the redhead protested, giving a small pout. Red in the face as Jinwoo bluntly expressed his desire.
Sometimes Cale felt that Sung Jinwoo was the hidden wild side of Ashborn.
"Yes, yes, not the cheek... arraseo, arraseooo~" a bigger hand touched the red hair then gently stroked it, lulling Cale instantly.
"Rest, Cale. I'll wake you up for breakfast later, hm?"
"What time is it... now?"
"It's still half past six in the morning."
"Huum... arraseo," muttered the red-haired man.
And second by second, darkness took over.
Overlaid with the recollections of the Velaris Kingdom that brought sweet nostalgia, hazy warmth and small smiles.
The kiss on the corner of his lips was the last Cale remembered before sleep overtook him and he drifted into the dream world.
********
[Sung Jinah's POV]
As Sung Jinah woke up and finished her morning routine, imagine how surprised the teenager was when she saw two strangers in their dining room. Heart pounding, as two pairs of bright black and blue eyes glanced at her.
They froze in place, trying not to be awkward but ending up with embarrassed smiles.
"Sit down, Jinah, breakfast is ready." The teenage girl nodded, taking a seat beside her mother. While the little 6-year-old boy sat across from her, slit blue eyes blinked playfully and gave an adorable smile.
"Hi, little one~" Jinah cooed, giggling as the boy's chest puffed out, as if inexplicably proud.
"Hi there, Mister Black's little sister! My name is Raon Miru, you are granted permission to call me Raon or Ra!" The style of speech was strange, but amusing to Jinah.
"Hoo? Okay then, Raonnie, my name is Sung Jinah, you can call me Noona!"
"And, and, this is my human knight! Choi Han!" Raon pointed cheerfully, at the man who looked younger than Jinwoo-Oppa.
Jinah looked up, seeing the man who was helping mom put the rice bowl on the table with a friendly smile of his own. Hoo... he's handsome, with a gentle innocence as his charisma.
Hmm? A knight? My human?
Did Jinah hear wrong?
"Annyeong, Choi Han-Oppa, you can call me Jinah," the teenage girl greeted, her confidence starting to grow again. She missed how her mother smiled with teary eyes.
"Ah, we should wake them up now," her mother murmured, the woman's eyes glancing at her brother's bedroom door.
Jinah stared blankly for a moment before gaping.
"Isn't Oppa in America right now?! And he's in his room?!" She shrieked hysterically, rising from her seat and startling the other three residents.
"He came home with Raon and Choi Han at dawn," her mother replied, returning to her breakfast in the kitchen.
"Let me wake them up, Halmeoni!" Raon exclaimed, grinning brightly and getting off the chair. His footsteps jauntily made their way to the front door and opened it.
"Not so loud, Raon-nim," Choi Han exclaimed, a smile on his face.
Jinah's eyes flashed. -nim??? Is... Raon some kind of rich or important person's son? Her mother also looked casual, as if she didn't find it strange.
Jinah shyly walked to Jinwoo-Oppa's room, peeked through the door and gawked.
Sure enough, her older brother was back, complete with the beautiful Cale-Oppa in his arms. The two looked peaceful, with his brother's left hand on the smaller man's waist. Meanwhile, Oppa's nose was buried in the rose-red hair.
"Mister Black! Wake up, wake up! It's breakfast time and you need to eat!" The little boy, regardless of the lovebirds' comfort, climbed onto the bed and sat on her brother's waist.
By the way, Jinwoo-Oppa slept on his side facing the entrance. While Cale-Oppa was in his arms, his head turned to the right until it entered the niche of the dark-haired man's neck. Slow breathing and a peaceful innocent face, he was so deep in sleep that Jinah felt bad about waking him up.
"Mister Black!" Raon exclaimed, now lightly slapping Jinwoo-Oppa's cheek and the poor girl gaped in disbelief.
"Yak, don't slap him like that!" Jinah exclaimed, approaching timidly.
"It's okay, only Mister Black can hear my voice!" A child's smile, earning an astonished expression from the other girl. Such a loud voice didn't wake Cale-Oppa?
"Damn it, I need sleep too," muttered Jinwoo-Oppa, now grumbling. Earning a grin from the little boy who still felt at home kneeling on her brother's body.
"Wake up, Oppa! It's time for breakfast!" Feeling emboldened, Jinah moved closer and shook her brother's shoulder.
"Umnhh..." eyes bulging, seeing Cale-Oppa move then immediately glare at the little boy. Raon was already grinning mischievously at him while clucking his tongue.
That little kid-!
"You guys don't fight, Cale will be distracted..." lethargic Jinwoo-Oppa, not even reacting when Jinah poked his forehead.
Instead, Jinah's hand was in pain. Damn, it felt like hitting a rock... Whatever expression was on the teenage girl's face made Raon giggle happily.
"Ra," Cale-Oppa murmured, opening his left arm.
"Hehehe! Father!" The little boy's exclamation then transformed in a tiny poof of smoke into a dragon. Jinah gaped wide, watching the little boy who had just transformed dart into Cale-Oppa's arms.
One moment!
Seems... seems like something's wrong!
The child turned into a dragon!?
And then... FATHE-?!
"Kyaak-!" Since Jinah's position was on Jinwoo-Oppa's right side, he easily dragged her along in an impromptu entusiasm.
"OPPA!" The girl squealed, then laughed as she felt a tickle on her waist. Eyes bulging, glancing at the dragon grinning mischievously at her.
"Wait a minute! Why is there a dragon here?! You're a damn dragon, aren't you?! And Cale-Oppa already has a child-?! What happened-uahahahahah?! Stop it, you crazy oppa!" Jinah hissed, trying to break free from the vice-like embrace of Jinwoo-Oppa who was also grinning like a dragon. Moreover, his hands made Jinah feel tingly.
"Cale-Oppa!"
Feeling quite sorry, the red-haired man sighed.
It was enough to make the two black-haired creatures freeze.
"Get up and let Jinah go. I'm hungry," said her beautiful Oppa and Jinah was already falling for him for the umpteenth time.
Both Jinah and the now fully awake Cale-Oppa noticed how silent Raon and Jinwoo-Oppa were.
The teenager's instincts made her feel uneasy.
"Let's have breakfast!" Jinwoo-Oppa's smile was too wide.
"Let's go!" the dragon exclaimed enthusiastically and-
"EOMMA-!"
*******
[Third Person's POV]
Choi Han and Kyunghye watched as the other four walked out of the room. But in strange positions.
In Jinwoo's left hand was Cale who was being carried lightly. The redhead's cheeks rested languidly on the black-haired man's head. While in Cale's arms was a small black dragon, sporting bright blue eyes with a merry laugh. In Jinwoo's right hand, however, was his own sister, Jinah. She was being carried like a sack of rice.
"Let me go! My stomach hurts!" sobbed poor Jinah, ignored by Jinwoo.
The sight drew laughter from Choi Han and Kyunghye.
"Why are you laughing! My position is not very comfortable!"
"Aigoo~! Mister Black's sister complains so much!" Raon exclaimed, then flew in front of Jinah's face, earning an annoyed look in return.
"Yak! Come here you little dragon-!" The teenager began to move wildly.
"Jinah, you're like a stray cat," Jinwoo complained shamelessly and the younger sibling was ready to cry.
"Already, Jinwoo-ya, put down your yeodonsaeng* and Cale. Let's have breakfast first, arra? Choi Han." They watched as the young man obediently took an extra chair to the dining table. (*'younger sister' in Korean)
Then Jinwoo put Jinah down first, and maneuvered to trap Raon in his arms. Little Dragon relented, letting him pinch him as laughter graced their interaction.
"Jinwoo," Cale called out in alarm and the younger man easily sat his lover down on a chair then sat beside him.
"Ah... I'm sorry," Kyunghye said when he realized that they only had four seats (one extra).
"It's okay, Halmeoni! I have another seat!"
The black dragon flicked a hand and a luxurious Victorian-style chair appeared on the right side of the table, facing Choi Han on the other side. The two women surnamed Sung gaped, with Jinwoo stifling a laugh and Choi Han covering his face with his hands in shame.
"Raon..."
As if he didn't care about Kyunghye and Jinah's shocked looks, the dragon transformed into a 14-year-old teenager. Complete with modern clothes and wolf-cut black hair. Only the blue eyes remained unchanged, sparkling sharply with ripples of electricity. Raon then settled himself in a chair like a haughty king and looked at Cale.
"Here, dear," Kyunghye, who was sitting near Raon and opposite Cale immediately filled rice for the two.
"Eat, Father," Raon ordered. Using chopsticks expertly, deft hands picked up some side dishes and placed them on Cale'srice.
"Hold on! Eomma!" Jinnah shrieked, as if the weirdness that had just happened was a normal thing.
"What the fuck is going on here?!" Jinwoo gave her a displeased look, matched by his two cheeks puffed up like squirrels.
"Language, dear Jinah."
"How annoying," chirped the eldest Sung while eating the kimbap.
"You just came from America! And then brought home... this weird dragon! And Choi Han-Oppa, uh, he was normal! Then the way he changed and his weird seat! What happened-!"
As if he was tired of his sister's drama, Jinwoo mentally ordered Beru to turn on the TV, which was in direct view even from the dining room.
Everyone glanced at the shadow chimera appearing with a strange Royal welcome style (earning laughter from the Queen Mother and the King and Queen) again. Beru then grabbed the remote control and turned on the TV.
It was broadcasting the hottest, most trending news that had just happened in America.
About the Guild International Conference that was about to be broadcasted publicly.
And... an enormous dragon that appeared in Dublin.
The strange human riding on the black dragon, which was said to be bigger than the Khamish Dragon.
His brother who fought the most respected American Guild leader and won.
As well as America who was attacked by an unknown enemy and intercepted by Hunter Henituse.
Along with the Black Dragon and the The Black Knight.
And most recently... the unknown creature's attack on the President of the Korean Hunter Association.
Then... his brother, Sung Jinwoo and Cale Henituse suddenly appeared and defeated the enemy...
Jinah felt like laughing. Laugh like crazy.
...
Was there any normalcy -no matter how small- in their family?
...
Jinah was a fool to think that there was :)
******
[Choi Han's POV]
"You can use this room, Choi Han. I'll sleep with Jinah." The man with messy black hair smiled softly. He felt Lady Narcissia's incarnation's gaze penetrating and warming his heart.
"Thank you, Ahjumma-nim." Kyunghye smiled sweetly and patted his arm fondly.
"Ah, regarding clothes, you can use my son's for the time being if you didn't bring any! Ahjumma will buy another one-"
"It's okay, Ahjumma-nim! No need to bother-" Kyunghye's sharp gaze made Choi Han scared. Aigoo, even if the soul is reincarnated, the personality is still similar, right?
Vaguely, Choi Han could hear Raon laughing on the other side of the room.
"You're also a young dragon!" Kyunghye scolded again, then grumbled with a serious face. About buying new clothes, furniture and even muttering about moving house.
Then Kyunghye whispered a few things to his son, before excusing herself to go shopping. Meanwhile, Jinah had left for school as usual. Leaving four people in the house who were now gathered in the family living room.
"What did Eomeoni say earlier?" Cale asked, as Jinwoo sat beside him. Choi Han was on the single seater to his right while Raon changed into his child form.
"Eomma suggested buying a bigger house." The young man then grinned brightly.
"We're moving to the new house." Choi Han's dark eyes softened.
The image of Ashborn were increasingly visible in Jinwoo. Although his hair was now black, Asian facial features, sharp cheeks with a firm jaw, those eyes still had the Velaris family's silvery gray hue.
Memories came flooding back, of Sung's mother and younger sister. Choi Han's heart swelled with longing.
The smiling images of Lady Narcissia and Cassiopeia faded into the forms of Sung Kyunghye and Sung Jinah. Their eyes also now had bright gray features and had a gentle aura that exuded protection.
"-what are you thinking, strong Choi Han?! Why aren't you answering me-?"
"Ah," muttered the summoned man. Eyes flickered to the small dragon now resting on his thigh. Cale and Jinwoo also had worried looks now.
"It's okay, Raon-nim. Please don't worry about me, Jinwoo-nim, Cale-nim," pleaded the Knight while waving two hands with a resigned expression.
"It's just that..." lacing his fingers together, Choi Han's gaze returned to the red-haired man and smiled, he was so gracious and understanding.
"Cale-nim." The summoned master nodded calmly.
"Regarding our other family..." his body stiffened and Raon moved to sit on the arm of the chair to Choi Han's right.
"Don't feel bad for them, okay?" Reddish brown eyes widened.
"...why?"
"Just like what happened to Grandma and Cassie, so will our family!" Raon continued, grinning brightly. For a moment, the reddish-brown eyes widened with realization as well as a flash of unspoken emotion.
"They...?"
"They were all reincarnated and had good lives."
Silence engulfed them for a moment.
Choi Han saw Cale silent with a face so gloomy, almost sad and full of nostalgia. Then, gradually, a beautiful smile appeared on that face.
"Really?"
Jinwoo held Cale's hand, his presence comforting.
"Yes, Cale-nim. As you know, we have crossed many worlds. They... have a good life," Choi Han whispered.
The immortal knight's eyes closed, recalling some memories of meeting them and the reincarnated comrades.
"All happy in their own way, Cale-nim." Full of determination, the straight black-haired man gave an expectant look.
"So, you should be happy too, Cale-nim. We sent you a letter in the hope that you know how much you mean to us. Just as Cale-nim is sad to lose us, so are we. So, please don't feel guilty."
Cale fell silent again.
The front of his hair covered his reddish-brown eyes for a moment as his frail shoulders began to tremble. Choi Han's heart puckered with guilt, but it was quickly dismissed because Alberu and Rosalyn had already given the mandate.
Their king, Alberu Crossman had similar traits to Cale. During the Dark Elf King's last days, he worried about Cale and with an amused and sad smile said that Cale would feel guilty. Their fellow Mage was also always the one who could understand Cale when others misunderstood the man.
Not to forget Eruhaben as well.
The last days of his life were spent expressing eternal longing for his son, Cale.
Stroking Raon's cheek, then whispering to convey a father's greetings and love until his last breath.
"Haaahhh..." Cale looked up, letting tears roll down his cheeks but there was a smile on that beautiful face.
A smile of relief.
While the reddish-brown eyes sparkled, with tears and warmth.
"Then, I will try to be happy."
Looking at Choi Han and Raon, the man then nodded.
"Thank you, Choi Han, Raon. For staying with me."
The immortal knight really hoped that Cale would understand. Because as promised, he and the Black Dragon would ensure the happiness of their beloved figure.
"Then let's get some rest," Jinwoo said, finally speaking up after their heartwarming conversation was over.
The youngest man wrapped an arm around Cale's waist, pulling him close and resting his cheek on the red head. Choi Han on the other hand grinned wryly at that trait. Guessing perhaps Sung Jinwoo himself was Ashborn's latent wild side.
"We should return to the Hunter Association office later, considering the news that the International Hunter Association has broadcasted..." Choi Han gave a sympathetic smile to Ashborn's reincarnation.
Of course... as long as those damn enemies still existed, even if only darkness remained, they must not rest.
"I don't need to rest. You guys can rest first-" Cale shook his head disapprovingly at his words.
"At least take a short nap, Choi Han. Meditation is not the same as sleeping, or sealing away self-awareness." The dark-eyed man's shoulders stiffened, then smiled sadly. How did Cale know about their condition?
Because in the long wait, Choi Han and Raon finally decided to meditate. In a secluded cave, staying there, not moving and letting their minds lock until Cale's existence seal activated.
"Then, let's go to sleep! When are we leaving, Mister Black?" Jinwoo's gray eyes glanced at Cale, who had dull eyes.
"Whenever Cale isn't sleepy anymore." The red-haired man snorted but didn't argue. Surely the fatigue from last night was still there...
Choi Han and Raon at his side then saw the younger Ashborn taking Cale into his arms. His movements were thoughtful and careful, until something stirred within Choi Han.
Ashborn's love was so deep and great that there was not a single Ashborn reincarnation that they found along the way. It was true to his promise, that Ashborn would not stop until his soul found Cale. Although now only a small echo of the soul remained, but Ashborn still kept holding on to his ethereal love.
"Hyung?" Called Jinwoo, seeing how silent the knight was with a nostalgic look in his black eyes.
"Strong Choi Han?" Raon raised his small human hand, patting the man's cheek lightly.
"Han-ah?" Called Cale with an affectionate nickname that made his stomach tingle.
"...It's okay, Cale-nim. Go to sleep, you must be tired. I'll rest with Raon-nim in the next room." Eyes glanced at Jinwoo, asking for permission to approach and the taller man nodded.
Choi Han raised his hand, stroking the messy strands of hair to stay behind Cale's ear.
"Sleep well, Cale-nim." My Liege.
"No more harm will come to you." His heart was relieved, finally being able to say that promise again.
"Raon-nim and I are already here." The little dragon giggled happily, transforming into his original smaller form. Then floated happily near them.
"Arasseo?"
Reddish-brown eyes, overwhelmed by various emotions and hazy with warmth, stared at Choi Han for a long time.
Often the Immortal Knight wondered why he was so attached to Cale Henituse, or rather Kim Roksoo?
Perhaps the answer lay in the face that blushed charmingly, but gave a small smile of relief and gratitude. Eyes that once dared not ask for love, giving off so many sweet emotions with just a smile.
"Thank you, Han-ah."
The man their family loved.
Having so much love to give but his own was empty.
Perhaps it was just Choi Han's greed, for how to see this man finally being able to accept their love. Hugging it tightly like a child having been gifted with a new toy. Then giggling cutely, eyes curving happily and looking at them with that warming look.
"Sleep well, Father!" Raon flew forward, planting a small kiss on Cale's cheek. The little dragon gave a small hug and giggled playfully on his father's neck. Meanwhile, Jinwoo was laughing lightly, seeing the father-son interaction.
"Come on, Raon-nim."
Giving the couple one last look, Choi Han sincerely wished for their happiness.
If that bastard dared to destroy it... eyes darkened like the bottom of an abyss.
The Eternal Black Knight would not rest until his 'duty' was done.
.
.
.
[International Netizen's POV]
HUNTER JONAS FOUND DEAD BY THE RIVER! WHO WAS THE CULPRIT WHO KILLED ONE OF HUMANITY'S HOPES?
THE PRESIDENT OF THE KOREAN HUNTER ASSOCIATION IS ATTACKED BY AN UNKNOWN ENTITY!
SCAVENGER GUILD LEADER HUNTER ANDRE FIGHTS HUNTER SUNG!
HUNTER REED LIES DEAD ON THE STEPS OF HIS HOME. WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON?!
At first, the news that appeared in the morning's coverage shook the world and drowned them in panic and fear. That so many important figures who played a role in keeping the world safe were found lifeless.
Mainstream media around the world focused momentarily on the news as it unfolded. The American Hunter Association and the majority of the International Associations even issued a Joint Statement on the opinion 'Humans are Protected by the Hunters, But Who will Protect the Hunters?'
Because the Death of a National Rank Hunter worldwide, is tantamount to a dire threat.
The reality that humanity has less and less chance of survival.
However, the news was soon drowned out by new news.
FINALLY! THE GUILD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AGREED TO BE BROADCAST!
EPIC APPEARANCE OF HUNTER CALE HENITUSE, THE DRAGON GUARDIAN!
A SOLUTION TO PROTECT THE REMAINING NATIONAL HUNTERS, TOWARDS THE AHJIN GUILD?!
A TERRIBLE ENTITY IS SPYING ON THE WORLD! PROTECT THE HUNTERS!
THE DEADLY BLACK DRAGON DUO, HUNTER SUNG JINWOO-CHOI HAN WILL ERADICATE ANYONE WHO GETS CLOSE TO HUNTER HENITUSE?
And here are the comments of netizens from around the world:
↳pretty02baby : AAAKKHHHHH-🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅OMAIGAWD THIS IS COOLER THAN ALL THE DRAMAS I'VE WATCHED?! And honestly this news makes me feel a little more relieved...
↳JoshMakazoFans : @pretty02baby IKRIKRIKRIKR-! I didn't expect them to air it?!
↳moveAwayBishiesh! :@pretty02baby You're so right! The previous news scared me so much! But, a Dragon bigger than Khamish?! And a new Hunter as powerful as Hunter Sung?!
↳DegisukiNobita : Guys, who designed Ahjin Guild's clothes?! THEY LOOK SO CLASSY! SHOWING SOME CHARACTER AND UGH-SO DAMN MAJESTIC?! ✨️🛐
↳IfcknHATEisek4i :@DegisukiNobita That's the same outfit worn at the airport, right? Is the dragon going to be the symbol of Ahjin Guild?
↳PapaJiWaiPi :@DegisukiNobita THAT'S SO SUITABLE FOR THEM! PLUS A DRAGON AS WELL AS A BLACK-ROBED KNIGHT??? AHJIN GUILD AAAHHH-
↳ f*ckteunan: THE HUNTER HENITUSE I ADORE IS NOT ONLY BEAUTIFUL BUT ALSO A DRAGON GUARDIAN???!!! ✨🛐
↳ jowo01Pride : LMAO DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE???!!! (Attaching a photo of Hunter Sung Jinwoo preparing to get up from the chair, while the man on the side tries to hold him-)
↳ luobingheBUCHINshizun : @jowo01Pride LMAOOO HAHAHAHA LIKE WHAT I SAID BEFORE, VINEGAR IS EVERywhEReereRRR-!!! *WHEEZE
↳ gimmethegudusername :@jowo01Pride HAHAHAHA YOUR EYES IS SOOO SHARP! BRO is CAUGHT IN 4K 👁👄👁
↳ WangXianSupremacy :@jowo01Pride HAHAHAHAHAH YOU'RE JEALOUS, WE'RE SATISFIED! Look at how all eyes are admiring Hunter Henituse and surely, as his lover, he must be jealous! So adorable! ψ(`∇')ψ
↳ SuoSakuNewCP :@jowo01Pride This is very interesting. Thanks to you, I noticed that Hunter Sung has repeatedly tried to get up-
↳ StepOnMehXiao : jowo01Pride HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA-! THIS IS SO FUNNY LOLOLOLOLOLOL-NA AH, CALE HENITUSE, STEP ON ME PLEASEEEUUU-!!!
↳ justORDINARYfangirl :@ jowo01Pride BHJAKJCVH JBC, HKVSBBCJK SA,HCVJ ,KJBKJHBCSV-
↳ see more reply...
↳ theSANEone: Guys, for once, I think this is a very serious matter... holy shit, Russia is the one that received that damn Magispeare- ಠ□ಠ)
↳ danceRanupLampuan : @theSANEone This bro must be the smartest kid in the class who always asks for homework at the beginning of the lesson....
↳ EnglishOrSpanish? : I think @theSaneOne makes a pretty valid point tho..
↳ holytrinityNamba03 : @EnglishOrSpanish who's moving is gay-
↳ IhateEVERIBODEH : why is everyone so hype about Hunter Sung and Hunter Henituse? Is it because of their visuals? You guys are really double standard, aren't you? Hypocrites! We don't need to rely on them. There are still stronger people to protect this world-
↳halfiehalfieTodoroki : @IhateEVERIBODEH BACOT! BACOT! BACOT COT COT COT-!!! (*Bacot means nonsense/bullshit in Indonesia :D)
↳Nyanko-Sensei :@IhateEVERIBODEH Brat, have you been to damn school? I see.. how you look really stupid. Does your brain live in your fuckin' leg-?
↳SakuraHarukaFurin :@IhateEVERIBODEH THE SIGN OF STUPID damn PEOPLE-
↳ see more reply... (1467 messages-)
↳ RingtailMadagascar : Guys guys guys, let's make a petition! So that Ahjin Guild can make their own TV Program! Jinwoo x Cale already won my heart-I mean, they can be a motivation for other hunters! ('▽'ʃ♡ƪ)
↳ pleasekidnappedmePLEASE: @RingtailMadagascar GOOD IDEA-hnnghhh-! ( ̄┰ ̄*)ゞ
↳ tuBAtu♡MOA : @RingtailMadagaskar LET'S MAKE A PETITION AND SEND IT ALL TO KOREA HUNTER ASSOCIATION-!!!
↳KissMe&BiteMeEeh :@RingtailMadagaskar UP!!!
↳bre*dCalewithJinwooss*ed : @RingtailMadagascar UP!!!
↳ENHYPEN_Official : @RingtailMadagascar UP!!!
↳straykidsOT8 : @RingtailMadagascar UP!!! Demo chotto matte- ಠ□ಠ) @bre*dCalewithJinwooss*ed Your username is very sus...
↳OkaeriiNasai : @RingtailMadagascar UP!!!
↳ zhenyaIsABish: @RingtailMadagascar UP!!!
↳ImblindandIloveRed : @RingtailMadagascar UP!!!
↳ see more reply...
↳AhjinNumberWansFans : BTW... PLEASE MY BELOVED AHJIN GUILD! GIVE ME THE DONATION LINK! LET YOU GIVE YOU MONEY FOR WORKING HARD TO PROTECT THIS WORLD!!! (;'༎ຶД༎ຶ')
↳gotothelimit&fcku :@AhjinNumberWansFans I AGREE! GOVERNMENT SHOULD PAY MORE FOR AHJIN GUILD!!!
↳IndonesiaIsVeryHotTodayFck: @AhjinNumberWansFans UP GUYS! UUUUPPPPPPP! *Btw, is there a Hunter who has the power of Ice? Why are countries on the Equator is so damn hot? 😭👊
↳Wadimor♡GajahDuduk : @IndonesiaIsVeryHotTodayFck very damn relate, bro, like anyway, no bro 😭😭😭
↳FatalAttraction : @AhjinNumberWansFans UP!
↳BillieEilish (blue tick) : @AhjinNumberWansFans UP!!!
↳Peace&Chirpie's_Papa : @AhjinNumberWansFans UP!!!
↳HAIWoody! : @AhjinNumberWansFans UP!!!
↳TomaarySucker : @AhjinNumberWansFans UP!!!
↳ see more reply...
The world was further exploded by the craze for the AhjinGuild, yet also calmed by their presence. That at least humanity's hope had not been completely extinguished, that they could still see a future where everyone could unite against the terrifying entity described by Hunter Henituse.
The International-Net also urged the entire Hunter Government of their country to immediately cooperate with the Guild. They also petitioned for a special TV program to be made about Ahjin Guild as a form of 'motivation' for all the Hunter's in the world, to set a good example. They even urged for donations to see Hunter Henituse's performance-their intention was to make the Ahjin Guild's facilities adequate.
When else would they get to see Hunter Henituse agai-the hope of humanity developing properly, if not this way? Yes, right?
.
.
.
[Woo Jinchul's POV]
The man with light brown hair sighed for the umpteenth time. Again and again.
He hadn't rested for two damn days.
Not yet finished dealing with what happened in America, the man was suddenly abducted by Hunter Sung's shadow directly to the front of the Hunter Association building which was attacked by an unknown entity. He could not help but gape when one of the subordinates guarding the reception desk on the first floor approached him and exclaimed that the President was trapped fighting the creature.
The heart that was originally filled with anxiety and excessive fear, faded quickly when it sensed the presence of Hunter Sung along with his lover Hunter Henituse. Not to forget that by the two Hunter's side were Mister Choi and Lord Great Black Dragon. Although permission had been given to call them casually, how could ordinary humans like him behave like that?!
(He's a Rank-A Hunter, btw)
Eyes gazed intently at the President who's condition had improved and was being intensively treated in the VIP hospitalization room. Inside, there was already the President's family accompanying him, as well as the faint shadow power of Hunter Sung hiding in the darkness of the hospital room.
Feeling the burden becomeing lighter. Woo Jinchul was now faced with the reality of his position as President of the Association.
That meant, President Go Gunhee's absence would be Jinchul's responsibility to take care of the Hunter Association and lead all matters...
"Aiishh... my head hurts," complained the poor man, drinking his fifth cup of coffee of the day. Glancing one by one at the pages of files as well as documents related to the incident in America, the results of the Guild Conference, the event petition for the Ahjin Guild to the few sponsors interested in cooperating.
His eyes tiredly glanced at the clock, which showed 3pm. Suddenly realizing that he had not slept in two days and had stayed awake thanks to the help of coffee and body strengthening and stimulating potions.
"Vice President." Body tense, neck aching from how quickly he turned to the source of the voice. It was Hunter Sung Jinwoo wearing casual clothes, a black turtleneck, black coat, black pants and black shoes... seriously, did that man not have other colors? Hunter Sung always wears mourning clothes.
"You should rest, Jinchul-ssi," said the voice beside Hunter Sung, a red-haired man wearing a brown and cream combination shirt. It matched his soft braided hair and black pants.
"Is he another important human, Father?" blinking eyes froze, at the figure of a small 6-year-old boy entering in a similar outfit as his human father. Black hair glistening navy blue, blue eyes slit with a frightening intensity of power and small fangs peeking out behind those lips.
"He looks like he hasn't slept for... two days?" What an accurate guess.
Jinchul saw the last visitor, wearing an all-black outfit like Hunter Sung's. They just had some sort of cloak that covered their entire body, so he couldn't tell who of what was hiding underneath the cloak.
"I'll rest after all this business is done, Hunter Henituse. Thank you for your concern," Jinchul replied politely, peering carefully at Hunter Sung's every expression. He knew how possessive the other man was of his lover.
Hunter Rank A got up to sit on the sofa. Face to face with the four important members of the Ahjin Guild who were currently at the center of the world. Jinchul then asked a secretary to come in and bring some important documents related to sponsorship, joint statements, petitions and donation proposals to TV Show programs for their Guild. Although Jinchul was very tired, seeing the seriousness of the situation and the participation of Hunter Henituse made him realize.
That many National Hunters had been targeted.
If it wasn't for Hunter Sung and his three colleagues... President Go would've...
"Calm down, wood man!" Jinchul's eyes flickered, a small tremor as he realized that the dragon himself was talking to him now.
"You're trembling like wood about to snap! All will be well! This great and mighty Raon Miru will make sure all those bastard Rulers and Monarchs don't touch my humans!" A sharp grin, so dangerous, appeared on the face with baby-fat cheeks.
"Harming my humans means the destruction of the world. Do you understand, wood man?" Jinchul nodded quickly and trembled pitifully.
"Raon-nim," rebuked the new person, whom we recognize as Choi Han.
"This world is where Cale-nim lives. We can destroy the world of the Rulers alone. How's about that?" Hunter Choi's smile -did that guy sign up to be a Hunter? - was gentle but had a deadly sharp edge.
"Don't forget to take me too, hyung. Don't take everything for you guys."
Now, Jinchul had to restrain himself from gaping as much as possible.
His OOC behavior with Hunter Henituse had already shaken him up so much let alone being...rather childish and cheerful towards Hunter Choi and Lord Dragon?
"Jinchul-ssi?" called Hunter Henituse softly, like cold water in a hot oasis. Suddenly, the man carved a friendly smile and warmed his heart as the red-haired man began to explain several points in favor of the joint statement, good sponsorship, petitions and donations open to victims.
"I think it's better to open a donation for the victims affected by the Ruler and Monarch disasters. Lately, they've been really annoying and making a fuss. We've been fine, so give it to those who've survived as a reward," Hunter Henituse said, insisting with sharp eyes.
Just as Jinchul wanted to protest, his tongue went out in an instant.
Three pairs of eyes scared him into stopping the action.
Preparing to slaughter anyone who defied the beloved Cale Henituse. Anyone could sense that no one could escape their terrifying power.
Woo Jinchul was no exception.
President... wake up and save me! (T⌒T)
"Alright then, Hunter Henituse." The document was approved with some adjustments.
"Hunter Sung, regarding the press conference you requested, I've already contacted the reporters-"
"Ah, that's why there are so many ant-sized humans out there!" laughed the black-haired dragon, adorable and creepy.
"Hm. We'll be there in 20 minutes." Silvery gray eyes shone languidly.
"Also, regarding Mr. White-"
"I already contacted him. He'll take care of the rest of the matters for me in America." Jinchul refrained from sighing for the umpteenth time.
"So-" Hunter Rank-A's body straightened and tensed. Seeing Hunter Sung already hunching his shoulders forward, two hands braced on his knees, with a frighteningly cold expression on his face.
"-before that, please measure Cale's rank again and also measure Han-hyung's. It should be more damn accurate this time." Jinchul suppressed a sad smile and nodded weakly.
"You might as well leave the measuring to your secretary, Mr. Woo. You look exhausted-" accck! Please don't pay attention to this weak Hunter! Look! Your lover is so jealous and possessive-!
"It's okay, Hunter Henituse! After this press conference is over, I'm going to take a break so don't worry about me!" exclaimed Jinchul trying to maintain a businesslike smile. The light brown-haired man got up and headed for the door, seeing the other four following behind.
"You might as well make identities for Han-hyung and Raon." The secretary who followed Jinchul nodded. Asking Choi Han to answer his questions, who was accompanied by Dragon Raon as well as the occasional Hunter Henituse.
Jinchul's eyes were already tired.
But... seeing the strongest defense humanity had in front of him...
A small smile appeared on the Association Vice President's young face.
Woo Jinchul would try with his own strength to help them.
*******
[1 hour later]
Choi Han's emergence as Korea's 12th S-rank along with Hunter Henituse's S-rank change galvanized the public.
The reporters, who had been watching the news that graced the papers as well as the news channels on TV asked all the questions throughout the press conference. Both about Rulers, Monarchs, Magispheare, and some facts related to the history of both types of ancient creatures.
The International Guild Association was also smart enough to cut the clip of the 'Sung Jinwoo's father' part which was the main reason why the International Guild Conference was held. If this had not been done, then public opinion could have been split into two statements.
They also asked about Raon's identity. The dragon in human transformation decided to introduce himself as a dragon bound to his favorite human, Hunter Cale Henituse. Not to forget, the dragon also gave a threat to anyone who dared to hurt his humans, would face the eternal wrath of the Black Dragon.
(They went through about 4 questions to confirm whether Raon Miru was a threat or not, as well as about 5 questions about his relationship with the dragon Khamish.)
The questions continued to Korea's newest Rank-S Hunter, Choi Han.
They tell the 'falsity' of Choi Han's origin and his closeness to Cale Henituse, which is known to the public as an old friend relationship.
Lastly, Hunter Sung Jinwoo reiterated that Ahjin Guild would accept the National Hunters for protection.
In closing, Hunter Cale Henituse stated that they will not stop until the Monarch is defeated and the Rulers no longer rule this world.
They saw the two Hunters with contrasting hair colors (black-red) leaning toward each other with one of Hunter Sung's hands resting on Hunter Henituse's slender waist. The Lord Dragon Raon Miru, who had transformed into the form of a child, was in his human's arms and Hunter Choi Han stood protectively on the other side of Hunter Henituse.
The image that would later become one of the most historic moments in the entire world.
A moment where in front of the eyes of billions of human witnesses, all prayers and hopes were raised for their safety and happiness.
For the Last Hope of Humanity.
All will unite for them.
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[Third Person's POV]
After their meeting at the Association building and Press Conference, Jinwoo found Cale observing the Seoul cityscape at night in silence.
After the dinner session ended, Choi Han and Raon were dragged by Kyunghye and Jinah to relax together. While Cale took a quick excuse to leave to Jinwoo's room. Seeing the immortal knight giving a gentle look and Raon instructing him to follow the redhead, the taller man now stood to his left.
"Something bothering you, Cale?" The moonlit facial features gave a small smile, but there was a certain expression that flashed in the emotions of his eyes.
"...Jinwoo-ya," Cale called out.
"Hmm?"
The smaller man sighed, as if unsure of what to say but finally determined after a minute of silence.
"Do you have the entirety of Ashborn's memories?" The silvery gray eyes widened slightly for a moment then the handsome face took on a calm expression.
"Yes. I have them." Cale nodded again curtly. He inhaled and exhaled.
"Then, about the origin of the Velaris family as well as the stories of The Absolute One... can you retell them to me?" Without any hesitation, Jinwoo retold the old stories, answering each of Cale's questions with Ashborn knowledge, marveling at the hum of a red-haired man thinking about something.
To summarize,
Ashborn and Cale's world used to have many gods to worship.
If in the western continent the majority of people worshiped the Sun Goddess, the God of War and the God of Death, then the northern continent where the Velaris Kingdom was founded worshiped the Gof of Cosmic or commonly referred to as The Absolute One.
Velaris' ancestors were nomadic people, moving from place to place as part of their tradition to explore the world. However, upon arriving on the North continent, which was so barren of life and covered in eternal cold, they almost died in silence. That's when a speck of light appeared in the sky, giving them warmth and protection. Patiently guiding them like a line of stars in the darkness of the sky.
The Kingdom of Velaris has stood for 500 years and continued to thrive with its unwavering faith in The Absolute One. Tradition and worship and power continued to flow from generation to generation until the time when Ashborn olíe Velaris served as the 17th King.
However, the golden civilization was destroyed in an instant. It was cruelly erased by war, taking away the last vestiges of the star power so revered by the citizens of Velaris. It shrouded the hearts of all in sorrow and eternal longing.
Little did the reader of the history books know, however, that the power never died.
His light is never extinguished.
In those final moments, in order to rebalance the shattered world, The Absolute One divided his star powers of 'light' and 'darkness' into nine types each with their own discernment.
They were divided fairly.
From the smallest yet most brilliant light to the brightest and most painful light.
From the most apparent and warming darkness to the most intense.
"So, of the nine types of star power 'light' and 'darkness'..." Jinwoo saw Cale say those words, as if whispering a secret. A pale hand raised slowly, at the same time as a light covered in dark tendrils and... 'gold' appeared, hovering above the palm.
"What star power do you think The Absolute One passed on to me?" The garnett-eyed man's voice sounded grim. Clearly not liking the responsibility he had now, as one of the last and most powerful Fragments belonging to the God figure was given to him.
"The visuals are familiar," Jinwoo murmured, observing the powers form, emitting quite a frightening aura.
Cale didn't reply, but there was a small smile there while those eyes seemed to glaze over.
"This reminds me of a painting in the Velaris temple we used to visit," began Cale, raising the power ball to the center between them. The man the moon loved smiled a little as Jinwoo's eyes widened in amazement, awe and wonder. The younger man's hand came up, trying to touch the power.
"This is... like the power of Velaris? Fragment of the Brilliant Light? Also... The Authority? The power of my Shadow?" whispered Jinwoo, almost in disbelief at what he was feeling.
"They combine." Cale nodded in agreement.
"This form of power reminds me of the 'Black Hole'." The Shadow Monarch tilted his head at that information.
"You mean, the phenomenon where stars die? The one that creates supernova explosions and pulls planets around and-OH," Jinwoo gasped, as realization enveloped the dark-haired man's mind.
"That's right. If we look at it from the scientific side of the world, The Absolute One is like a god who rules over the star order of the universe. It makes sense if we remember his distribution of power to Rulers and Monarchs, with his 'light' and 'darkness', the balanced form of the created stars. However-" Cale pointed at the power in his hand.
"This is the last Fragment, the part where the 'star' was destroyed. Being halfway between The Absolute One's 'light' and 'darkness'..." There was a flash of hatred that appeared in those reddish-brown eyes.
"Perhaps this power is exactly what the enemy we were fighting were after?" asked Cale grimly and let the power float lightly around them.
"So... Black Hole..." said JInwoo, sounding amazed by the power.
"It's very destructive for sure, for both Rulers and Monarchs," the reincarnator continued, grinning coldly. The smaller man nodded, but his expression was still just as grim.
"Because the 'Black Hole' absorbs whatever is around it, anything it has absorbed will never return to its original form." Cale began to contemplate some theories of the universe related to the Black Hole and the last Fragment of The Absolute One.
There was no valid proof of the connection between these two phenomena. The Velaris Family's history with their own God was not as clear-cut and Ashborn's time as one of the Rulers, a Fragment of the Brilliant Light, did not provide many clues either.
Reddish-brown eyes closed, thinking of the condition of their world before it fell into eternal sleep.
The gods also tried to help in the great war, which they called 'The Silent War'. Remembering there was no winning or losing. The war ended in silence, with the many deaths that befell, where even the gods were not able to escape their own annihilation.
That was why until now there was no news of the God of Death, the God of War, the Sun Goddess or anyone else.
Because the 'darkness' of the war took away everything.
This power... in a way, it was very similar to the image of the 'darkness' that had destroyed them-reddish brown eyes turned hollow by the realization. Hands trembled slightly that he was holding the Fragment that had caused that meaningless war to happen. Breath began to catch, sweat poured down his forehead and-
Jinwoo's hand held his own.
"Maybe Cale..." The red-haired man looked up in surprise. Seeing that the other man was now smiling a small smile at him, as if trying to calm the confusion that was taking over his mind.
"What if that Fragment you're holding doesn't just belong to The Absolute One?" Jinwoo stroked Cale's cheek with such a gentle touch.
"Instead of viewing this power as destructive, why not call it the 'Last Light'?" Jinwoo pulled the smaller man to his side.
The taller man hugged with one arm -at the slender waist- and rested Cale where his heart beat. While Jinwoo himself rested his cheek on the curve of his lover's sweet-scented hair.
Hands lifted to grab the Fragment with tendrils of his own shadow. Showing Cale one by one the feelings he felt towards that power through the closeness of their touch.
"Remember, I felt the light of the Fragment of the Brilliant Light and the shadow of 'The Authority' that the Shadow Monarch had within it. And... the golden light surrounding this ring-shaped event horizon (if scientifically speaking), a Fragment of the God of Time. The destructive suction power that feels like a Fragment of the God of War, the brilliance like a Fragment of the Sun Goddess, the silence like a Fragment of the God of Death..." Jinwoo's voice was accompanied by the voices of the remaining ancient powers in Cale's mind.
The young Ashborn is right, Cale! Don't be scare! Glutton said, glowing bright yellow.
We are with you, Cale! Whoever hurts you will not GET OUT OF MY DAMN FIRE! snarled The Cheapskate in a fiery reddish glow. Ready to slaughter anyone who wanted to destroy them.
THEY WILL XXXX FACE THE FORCE OF WATER FROM THE ENTIRE XXXX WORLD!!! continued Crazy Kid not to be outdone, her blue light shining very brightly.
Hahahah! My wind is ready to slice them all Cale!, giggled The Thief, glowing a beautiful green.
I-I'll make sure we're all safe! It won't be the same as last time again! Crybaby's white soul rays were seen flickering, as if crying as usual.
We'll protect you, 'child. Again and again. Until you can be happy. The ancient powers cries that shone with their respective souls surrounded the last Fragment of The Absolute One's power.
"Really?" Cale whispered in question, heart sinking for the umpteenth time, letting doubt wash over him. Making his identity as Kim Roksoo, who was calm in the face of any situation, crumble in an instant.
"It's okay, Cale," Jinwoo said, kissing the top of the red-haired head to calm the man.
"Lean on me. I won't let you break, hm? If you fall, over and over, again and again, I'll always welcome you," he continued, taking Cale's hand to hold the fragment together.
"And!" The redhead looked up, frozen at the sight of Jinwoo smiling brightly at him.
"If Cale attributes this Fragment to a star that was destroyed, then from a scientific point of view, the explosion of a star produces two options, right?"
"If on one hand it produces a Black Hole, then on the other hand it also produces a Neutron Star."
Reddish-brown eyes were widened by that sentence. Dazed and mesmerized, those eyes stared at the sparkling light surrounding the power fragment. If you observed it closely, then you would see a small star-like sparkle in that ball of darkness.
The Neutron Star is the smallest star, but it's denser than anything else in the Universe.
Small but with big power.
The tiniest remnant of this star can create thousands of tons of more powerful mass.
And Cale... liked these two analogies for this Fragment.
Strangely, they sounded complementary. *(read NOTE below for more details)
And reminded Cale of one of the Velaris family history phrases from long ago.
Until unconsciously, the rose-haired man laughed lightly. Very charmingly.
"Thank you, Jinwoo-ya."
Cale felt his chin lifted gently, looked up until their lips met again and Jinwoo gave him a sweet kiss in return.
The paler hand came up, placing both hands on the front of Jinwoo's black shirt. While one larger hand hugged Cale's waist tightly, the other caressed the back of his neck sweetly. Tickling the soft red hair, he tilted his lover's head and kissed him deeply again.
Cale parted his lips, allowing the taller man more access. There were heavy breath, licks, and gasps from their kiss. It was as if Jinwoo was trying to absorb all of Cale and store it deep in his lungs. It was as if Cale Henituse was Sung Jinwoo's own breath.
After three long minutes, the silvery gray-eyed man broke the kiss and leaned their foreheads against each other.
Hands moved, tilting Cale's head so that the man could give him a kiss on the temple with such gentle intensity.
Then whispered hoarsely in the ear that was now dyed a sweet, seductive red.
"You're welcome, my Altalune."
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[Hundreds of years ago]
[Ashborn olíe Velaris's POV]
Silvery eyes gazed at the body locked in painful chains, smiling sadly.
Hands clad in black iron plates, reaching for the ends of the chains that bound him, his touch chimed in whispering regret.
"Finally, Cale," the man said. He raised his face and slowly removed the Monarch helmet he had always worn when he joined the dark camp.
"Finally."
The hair that was once white, now turned pitch black. The head bowed and the body slowly fell to its knees. Two hands covered the face, blocking the sobs that threatened to break out. Echoing in the silence of the dimension he had just created.
"My beloved," he called hoarsely. He longed to take that hand, bring it to his cheek and imagine how those fingers would wipe away his tears.
"My Cale," he called.
"My Altalune," he called again.
Again.
And again.
Until his throat felt like he'd swallowed glass, tears fell like a stream of poison, and a tightness swelled in his half-formed body.
The vision became blurry.
It was all worth it.
Even until his body was destroyed, Ashborn would sacrifice.
Even until his soul broke down, he would endure.
It's all worth it, my dear.
For you, it's all worth it.
"My Altalune," he called again, but now with a smile on his lips. Laying down in the place that bound Cale, looking at the sleeping face with mesmerized eyes.
"Have you always been this beautiful, my love?" Asked the man, voice whispering as if seeing the secrets of the universe.
Swallowing a breath, looking at the features he had longed for. Long red hair, framing a beautiful face. Aristocratic jaw, pale white skin with a lively hue. Life-like, thin rosebud lips, features refined to be so beautiful and alluring.
Hands trembled, trying to touch that cheek. The vision blurred again, realizing the touch felt real.
Cale was back in his arms.
"My moon," Ashborn called, planting a reunion kiss on every inch of warm skin.
"You're finally back." A kiss on the forehead felt like home.
The scent.
Tears fell.
"Finally, you are back in my arms."
That day, Ashborn olíe Velaris cried again.
Like a normal human being, the tired man cried. Cried and cried.
Once satisfied, Ashborn chuckled in embarrassment. Wiped the tears from his cheeks and pouted. Looking at Cale's sleeping form fondly and leaning his head near the niche of his lover's neck. Not caring about the spiked chains, all Ashborn wanted to feel was for the pseudo-embrace to become real again.
"Cale..."
Eyes closed.
"Sometimes, I get so tired."
Hands moved, hugging Cale's waist tightly. Started to feel tears welling up in his eyes again.
"But, thinking about how you opened your eyes and smiled at me-" Hands moved, caressing the surface of those beautiful lips with a soft humn.
"-it feels like the moment when I first fell in love with you. I miss that feeling, Cale."
"To fall. Again. Again. And again. In your arms, lulled by your warmth."
A smile painted with love and devotion was engraved.
"My tiredness disappears just thinking about it."
******
Ashborn woke up slowly from lying down, glancing at the surrounding scenery that was still so empty. Then frowned. Feeling that this dimension was the same as the place that confined Cale.
First of all.
"I'll decorate it with Velaris' sky!"
Using the remaining power of Velaris, the light in the darkness was blindingly bright. He raised a hand towards the void and in an instant, the darkness of the dimension turned into thousands of beautiful milky ways.
"Then, the floor of my kingdom, which is like touching water."
The man smiled gently. Every step echoed with drops of water.
"Silver Pelia flower." Ashborn brought out thousands of Silver Pelia flowers that he had stored in another dimension. In peaceful silence, no matter the dozen months he spent in this place planting them one by one. Forming them into a vast royal motif. Like a shimmering endless ocean.
"Western Continent Kingdom."
Sweat dripped down, trying to organize each remnant of the kingdoms that floated in the dimensional space. Providing softly glowing bridges to connect places to each other. The following days, Ashborn spent stringing and immortalizing every story and tale of those kingdoms like an important monument.
Slowly, the empty place changed.
At its center, was the grandest building left of the Velaris Kingdom. With temple columns adorning each side, the white fabric drifted gently. In its courtyard, it would be filled with Silver Pelia flowers. The sound of roaring water, decorated with fountain-shaped stones. The moonlight penetrated, giving a majestic impression.
The sight before his eyes made the former king gasp. Emotions ran high, as everything looked so similar to the home Ashborn had missed so much.
"How is it, Cale?"
The man laughed softly.
"You are no longer in the dark."
A hand ran through his rose-red hair, decorating it with tiny flowers.
"Welcome home."
A kiss was given. Full of devotion and so much love in those eyes.
"Sleep well, my Altalune."
SEE YOU IN THE NEXT CHAPTER!
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NOTE :
Okay, a small explanation for the power of The Absolute One, or the God that the Ashborn family used to worship.
The Absolute One (TAO) is the God of Stars, another name I chose as the God of Cosmic.
Cosmic means things related to the universe. Basically, this TAO has more power over the universe but it's more inclined towards the stars (planets).
So, the last war that happened in the world of Cale or 'The Silent War' was where the TAO's eternal enemy ravaged the Cale universe with the power of 'darkness'.
In order to rebalance it, the TAO formed 9 light (Rulers) and 9 darkness (Monarchs, from the previous 'darkness')I have no idea for the division of these 9 light and 9 darkness, they will have their own types eheheh _(:з)∠)_
Okay, continue.So, there was one more Fragment of TAO power left that was used up to divide the Rulers and Monarchs. Since I took reference from stars (including Rulers and Monarchs), its concluded that this Fragment was the final form of a star that underwent a supernova explosion (when the fuel that balanced the star ran out). Then, through this explosion, two possibilities would occur.
The first is the Neutron Star.
This is one of the most exotic objects in the universe that has the highest core. Its gravity, field, magnetism, density, and temperature all exceed the reasonable capacity of previous stars. Neutron stars do produce faint light but their mass power is greater than the sun. In addition, when this Neuron star explodes again, it will leave behind a few stars that form a Nebula.
The second is a Black Hole.
The difference with Neuron stars is that they are actually denser (Neuron stars are the densest stars) but formless. Rather than planets that produce mass or magnetic radiation, Black Holes are more like spacetime that has the strongest gravity... so anything near a Black Hole will be pulled into its 'hole', even light can't escape.
Okay, that's all the dizziness ಥ_ಥ)
So I took these two sciences as references for Cale's powers Remember in one of TAO's 'eternal light' stories in this chapter :
"He is the giver of light to heaven and earth, a parable of light that is like an impenetrable pit of niche. Yet, within it is none other than a great lamp."
"The great lamp seemed to be in a small glass but had the luster of pearl-like stars. They shone so brightly, whispering of the beauty that only shines when darkness surrounds the lamp."
The Hole of Impenetrable Darkness (Niche) is the reference to the Black Hole.
The Small Glass with the pearly sparkle of stars is the reference to the Neutron Star (The Nebula one).
PS. Regarding the gods in Cale's world, as told in our redhead's narrative, all of them have been 'annihilated' in the last war 👁👄👁Annihilated in the sense that their entity was eroded and eventually collapsed by itself _(:з)∠)_
That's why there is no GoD narrative, because honestly, their role is not that important in this fic 😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏
PSS. The real battle will start in the next chapter and of course, we don't forget about Ashborn's most loyal subordinates during his time as Shadow Monarch in the past (✿◡‿◡)🙏✨
... I hope all the above reasons make sense :")
Because in the Solo Leveling canon, there is no further information about the powers of the Rulers or even about The Absolute One. Since the Velaris family happens to be based on star power, I'll make TAO a God of Cosmic (Stars) :D
If there's still something confusing, please ask me anything! I'll try to answer as best I can >︿<)
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And btw... guys... I just want to tell ya a little about this fic ಥᵕಥ)
You can ignore it, it's not too important either eheheh
So, finally I knows why I really attached to this fic, aka the most favorite among all of my AU fics hehehe 🥺🥺🥺🥺
So, umm, the Velaris Kingdom and the story between Ashborn and Cale... it really reminds me of the story of the Silver Millennium Kingdom and the Earth Kingdom... Prince Endymion and Princess Serenity from Sailor Moon 😭😭😭🫂🫂🫂💙💙💙🦋🦋🦋✨️✨️✨️
AAAAAHHHHHH 😭😭😭
Sailor Moon is my first love in the anime world and maybe the typical romance too? 😭🤧🙏
No wonder, the imagined love story in this fic is very poetic :")
That's all I have to say ಥvಥ)
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Thank you for staying with this fic until now!With love,
Neri ('▽'ʃ♡ƪ)🐻🤎💛🌻✨
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