The sunlight pierced gently through the velvet curtains of Elaria's royal chamber, bathing the room in a warm, golden hue. Scattered garments, tangled sheets, and four softly breathing beauties formed a mosaic of chaotic serenity.
Lunaria was the first to stir.
She blinked twice, her silver hair spilling across the pillow as she sat up with a light groan. Her gaze dropped to the center of the bed.
There, beneath a mass of limbs and goddess-level clinginess, was Vaelion—his silver hair tousled, his body half-covered in claw marks and lipstick smears, barely breathing.
Lunaria placed a hand to her forehead. "Oh gods… please tell me we didn't literally drain all his fighting spirit."
Kurumi, lying lazily on her side with one leg over Vaelion, yawned. "Speak for yourself, Lunaria. I kept it classy."
"Liar," Mai's voice chimed in from the other side, her normally composed face flushed. "You bit him."
Kurumi grinned. "So did you."
Vaelion groaned from beneath the pile. "Can we not do the blame game while I'm still recovering from divine death-by-snu-snu?"
Caelia rolled over, snuggling into his side. "You lasted longer than expected… but you still lost to me."
Vaelion's voice was a broken whimper. "Please… ladies… if you're going to have your fun, at least schedule it. I can't handle all four of you every night…"
Kurumi leaned forward and flicked his forehead. "Also, stop grabbing my breast in your sleep."
"I-I was dreaming of marshmallows…"
"Sure," she said flatly.
---
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Later That Morning – Gate of Departure, Elaria
The group stood in front of the shimmering teleportation gate, ready for their journey.
Vaelion, now clothed (and only slightly traumatized), adjusted his twin daggers. His gaze turned serious.
"We're heading to Gurren Village, near the World Tree," he said, brushing silver hair from his eyes. "Something's calling me there."
Lunaria tilted her head. "You said someone related to you?"
He nodded. "A man named Oshino. He was trained by my great-grandfather—Valtros."
Mai blinked. "Wait… Valtros? The Crimson Sage? Wasn't he a vampire who disappeared over two centuries ago?"
"Yeah. And he's alive."
Kurumi raised an eyebrow. "Of course he is. And let me guess—he'll appear by falling from the sky with a dramatic entrance."
Vaelion smirked. "Knowing him? Probably."
Caelia flicked his nose teasingly. "You know, it's been two weeks since you lost your virginity. I still wonder… if I'd had you all to myself that night, would you have stood a chance?"
Vaelion's ears turned red. "Please don't say that in public…"
Kurumi laughed. "Too late."
---
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Beneath the World Tree – Gurren Village
The towering branches of the World Tree stretched beyond the clouds, ancient roots coiling through the earth like veins of time itself.
At its base, standing calmly by a small shrine, was a tall man with a composed aura. He wore simple robes, yet his presence was anything but plain.
"I've been expecting you," the man said with a respectful bow. "I am Oshino, disciple of Valtros. He's… around."
Suddenly, the ground shook.
Wind howled. A pressure fell across the land.
A streak of light shot down from the sky above—from the very top of the World Tree.
BOOM.
A crater formed. Dust scattered. A figure stood at the center of it all—unharmed, arms crossed, and grinning like a lunatic.
"YOOOOOOOOOOO!" the man howled. "So you're the kid carrying Lucius! Damn, you're way less ugly than I expected!"
Vaelion took a step forward. "...Valtros?"
The man cracked his neck. He was tall, lean, with silver hair streaked crimson at the tips, and his eyes glowed a mischievous red. A massive fang-lined grin spread across his face.
"In the flesh. And still hotter than hell."
Kurumi narrowed her eyes. "He's too loud."
Caelia leaned over. "But I kind of like his energy…"
Valtros waved a hand dismissively. "Don't mind the flirting. You're all damn fine, but I don't steal from family. Besides…" he looked Vaelion over, "you reek of divine entanglement and four-week-old moonlight kisses."
Vaelion took a step forward. "Why are you here?"
"To help, dummy. You think carrying Lucius' will inside you is normal? When the time comes, you'll merge. And then, if you survive…"
The tree behind them pulsed—deep and resonant.
"You'll become the Fateweaver."
A chill rolled down Vaelion's spine.
Valtros stepped closer, jabbing a finger into his chest. "But first, you'll train with me. Until your blood remembers what it means to rule."
To be continued...