The origin of Ignis.

As Eva inquired about Nova's current living arrangements and activities, he shared, "I got a job in the bookstore near the plaza, and I live in the apartment above the bookstore."

Eva, with a hint of nostalgia, replied, "Oh, the bookstore run by Mr. Alaric. I used to go there as a child to read. Most of what I know is learned from him. I still don't know what he is?"

"Yeah, after explaining my circumstances, he let me work there and rent an apartment," Nova shared with Eva, recounting his encounter with Mr. Alaric.

Eva, sensing Nova's independent spirit, offered her assistance, saying, "Tell me if you need anything, Nova."

"Thanks, Eva, but I don't need anything as of now. Contact me when you complete the preparations for COC," Nova replied, expressing his self-reliance.

Curious, Eva asked, "Why do you even want your memories? You can stay here and build a life instead of running for a past you may or may not like."

Nova, reflecting on his own motivations, responded, "There's a feeling inside me, a longing to understand who I am and where I come from. It's like a missing piece in a puzzle, and until I find it, I feel incomplete."

Nova, resolute in his quest for self-discovery, replied to Eva, "It doesn't matter what my past holds. If I am a bad person, I still want to know about myself." With those words, he concluded his conversation with Eva, leaving the mansion and heading back to his apartment above the bookstore.

The mystery of Nova's past continued to unfold against the backdrop of the Eldermyst family's succession battle and the cosmic drama on Earth-666.

As Nova sat in the solitude of his apartment, the echoes of Eva's words lingered in his mind. However, amidst the contemplation of building a new life on Earth-666, the flashes of someone calling him a father persisted.

The revelation that he might be a father, with a family possibly waiting for him, remained a potent and unresolved mystery.

The conflicting desires to uncover his past and to embrace the potential familial ties tugged at Nova's thoughts. The enigma of his own identity, coupled with the possibility of a family waiting in the shadows.

After a brief respite of only four hours of sleep, Nova rose from his bed and called upon Ignis. The ethereal being emerged from the void, ready to attend to Nova's inquiries.

"I am becoming more and more exhausted as the day goes on. Why do you think it is?" Nova pondered aloud.

Ignis, responded with insight, "Your body has no origin energy of its own. You steal the energy from others to be functional. After the travel through dimensions, your energy is drained."

Contemplating the revelation, Nova considered seeking counsel from Mr. Alaric. However, Ignis, ever vigilant, cautioned, "Do not trust him fully, my lord. He may be what he says, but, as he mentioned, the seven lords' bloodlines are at a secret war."

Nova, contemplating his own identity, turned to Ignis and inquired, "Do you remember who you are?"

Ignis, drawing from the fragments of information he had gleaned, responded, "After listening to the story Alaric told, I have a vague idea about my origins."

Intrigued, Nova pressed on, asking, "Then who are you?"

Ignis, with a sense of certainty, shared, "By the imprint on my soul, I think I am a child of a dragon at the First Lord's castle. I only remembered that because of the imprint."

Nova, considering the implications, then questioned, "If you are from the same place as me, then I should also have an imprint on my soul, right?"

Ignis, with a nod, disagreed and said, "No, my lord. You are a being with no soul. I don't think you are from the forbidden realm."

The revelation added another layer to the enigma of Nova's existence.

continuing the conversation between them.

"Maybe he is not interested in the mission," Nova mused.

Ignis, ever vigilant, reassured him, "No, my lord. When he was speaking earlier, I used my senses to see if he was lying. He knows about what's happening in COC. But he said he doesn't. He is hiding many things. Do not reveal anything to him."

Contemplating the dilemma, Nova sought guidance, asking, "What should we do about my problem then?"

Ignis, offering a solution, suggested, "I planted a piece of my energy inside the person who was tailing us earlier. You can absorb his energy."

In the midnight stillness, Nova inquired of Ignis, "Where is he now?"

Ignis responded, "He is in the guild's building we visited yesterday."

Conscious of the need for discretion, Nova urged Ignis, "Clock me, Ignis. We need to be discreet."

With Ignis concealing Nova's distinctive features, the duo embarked on a stroll outside. The quietude of the night enveloped them as they moved through the shadows, mindful of Nova's recognizable presence.

Their destination was the Eldermyst guild building.

The Eldermyst building loomed tall against the night sky, a silent guardian of the secrets concealed within its walls. Nova and Ignis, the enigmatic duo, approached with caution. Nova, aware of the need for secrecy, whispered to Ignis, "Clock me. We need to be discreet."

The duo entered the building, The security, even in the dark of the night, was robust. Ascending the floors, they reached the 72nd, where the tracking energy emanated.

As Nova moved through the halls with stealth, the cloak that shielded him unraveled at the entrance of the 72nd floor. His face, now adorned with a mask, was exposed to nearly ten pairs of watchful eyes, including their target.

In a swift response, Ignis, deployed a barrier to shroud the sound. However, the revelation led to an unexpected turn of events. The bodyguards on the 72nd floor, recognizing him, initiated a coordinated attack. Nova, lacking combat prowess, would have been overwhelmed if not for Ignis.

Ignis, growing to a medium size, spread its wings, forming an impenetrable shield around Nova. The barrage of attacks from the bodyguards met their demise against Ignis's fiery defense. Nova, seizing the opportunity, touched each bodyguard, absorbing their energy without lethally draining them.

Leaving the incapacitated but breathing bodyguards behind, Nova and Ignis moved closer to the room emitting a potent energy. As the door swung open, a mysterious figure, radiating a power surpassing the bodyguards, awaited their arrival.

Ignis, a creature of flame and loyalty, unleashed a fiery projectile, but the mysterious man deflected it effortlessly. Realizing the dire straits they were in, Nova, once again under the cloak's spell, communicated with Ignis, "We need to go from here. I have enough energy. You cannot beat him." Ignis, in its medium form, assumed flight with Nova securely perched on its back.

Their adversary, not one to be easily thwarted, conjured a sword-shaped weapon made of energy. With a swift and precise strike, Ignis's wing was sliced. To escape pursuit, Ignis, in a moment of desperation, unleashed a blinding lightning bolt, obscuring their surroundings. As the luminance faded, Nova and Ignis found themselves in the midst of an unknown forest.

Ignis, now injured, and bleeding from its severed wing, faced an uncertain fate. In a selfless act of loyalty, Nova, without hesitation, channeled energy through his hands, healing Ignis. What ensued was a transformative metamorphosis as Ignis evolved into an adult dragon, signifying not only physical growth but also a deeper connection between master and companion.

In the middle of this profound transformation, Ignis communicated through Nova's mind, "I am changing into an adult. Which gender do you think I should take?" Nova,

contemplating the implications, responded, "Take a male form. We can become brothers." Ignis, understanding the sentiment, nodded and transformed into a male dragon with distinctive features.

Ignis, having transformed into a male dragon, seamlessly shifted into a human form. Standing at a formidable height of 6 feet, he possessed striking features—a cascade of red hair, extraordinary skin that seemed to radiate with an otherworldly glow, and a face that bore the mark of ancient wisdom. His human guise was as captivating as his draconic form.

When Ignis harnessed his formidable power, an awe-inspiring spectacle unfolded. A pair of wings, adorned with majestic horns, unfurled from his back. The wings seemed to ripple with the essence of fire, embodying both grace and ferocity.

The seamless transition between these states reflected the intricate harmony between the dragon's innate abilities and the power bestowed upon him by Nova.

However, their troubles were far from over. Ignis, now in human form, inquired about Nova's drained energy. Nova, acknowledging the depletion, explained that only a minuscule amount remained. In an unprecedented display of trust and connection, Ignis shared half of its energy with Nova to ensure his functionality.

The absorption of energy from Ignis had left him feeling more alive and energized than he had been in a long time. They entered Nova's modest apartment, a place that was starting to feel more like home.

The night was quiet, and Nova, tired from the day's activities, decided to turn in early. As he settled into his bed, a peculiar feeling of tranquility washed over him. Sleep came swiftly, and Nova found himself immersed in a vivid dream.

In the dream, a soft voice echoed in the recesses of his mind, calling out with familiarity. "Father, come find us, go and meet Cynthia." The words were clear, and the ethereal voice held an otherworldly allure. 

Suddenly, he awoke with a start, gasping for breath. The abrupt transition from the dream realm to reality left him disoriented. The morning light streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. Nova sat up, his mind buzzing with the remnants of the dream.

Ignis materialized from the void, greeting Nova with a sense of concern. "Master, how do you feel? You used too much energy yesterday," Ignis inquired, its fiery eyes reflecting a genuine care for its master.

Nova, still processing the vivid dream, replied, "I felt a bit sore, but it's bearable. Something feels different, though." He paused.

The next morning, after the surreal events of the previous night, Nova and Ignis got ready to head to the bookstore. However, as they approached, they were met with an unexpected sight. A sizable line of eager customers had formed outside the bookstore, all waiting anxiously for something.

With a sense of both surprise and responsibility, Nova unlocked the door and opened it to the public. As the customers noticed the entrance, excitement surged through the crowd, and a wave of people hurriedly rushed into the store, their anticipation palpable.

People were clamoring for information, their curiosity unabated. Trying to restore order, Nova raised his hands and requested, "Wait a second, everyone. Please remain silent."

Recognizing the need to manage the situation, Nova decided to contact Alaric, the owner of the bookstore. He quickly dialed Alaric's number and informed him about the unexpected surge of customers, emphasizing their restlessness.

Alaric, on the other end of the line, responded promptly, "Already got the batch. Stall them; I'll be there in ten minutes." Nova acknowledged and hung up, preparing to address the crowd.

Turning to the eager customers, Nova stepped forward and explained the situation. "Dear customers, we've just received a fresh batch of the awaited books. Alaric is on his way, so please be patient. I appreciate your enthusiasm, and we'll get you sorted soon."

The customers, now informed and assured, started to settle down. However, conversations among them shifted to the events of the previous night, the rumors spreading like wildfire.

A curious customer inquired, "Did you hear about those bodyguards from the Eldermyst family? Ten of them apparently got their energy drained, and the guild mages are treating them. There was a dragon involved, and Lord Atticus supposedly severed its wing when it tried to escape."