Art of Frost Fang.

-In the volcanic region-

Seeking to enhance his physical prowess, Nova inquired, "Do you know of any arts that can increase my physical strength?"

Zal'gor contemplated for a moment before responding, "If you wish to enhance your physical abilities, the best approach might be to learn both our art and the Frost Fang Tribe's art.

It's a delicate balance that seems impossible for others, but I've heard that your majesty employs a combination of energies, a hybrid approach."

Intrigued by the suggestion, Nova inquired further, "What is your plan? How can we acquire the Frost Fang Tribe's art?"

Zal'gor revealed, "The Frost Fang Tribe consists solely of women, and their nature is savage. They won't willingly pass the art to men like us. The best course of action would be to have Ms. Chancellor ask them. They follow those who defeat them in battle, and they won't refuse her."

Concerned about the potential consequences, Nova asked, "Is there no other way to obtain the art?"

Zal'gor explained, "You could demand it using your authority as the high ruler, but their loyalty will likely decrease. They are vengeful women."

Nova asked, "All of them are women? then how will they reproduce and increase their numbers?"

Zal'gor continued, "They reproduce with a few chosen men during a specific event every five years. The child's gender determines whether they stay with the father or join the tribe.

The extreme yin energy in their art is compatible with females, but with the art of my tribe, we can nullify the extreme yin with extreme yang, achieving a balance between yin and yang."

Nova recognized the potential risks but found reassurance in the support of Freya and Ignis. He stayed under Zal'gor's hospitality for a day, during which rumors of the high ruler's victory over a beast emperor spread like wildfire throughout Star haven. 

As Nova returned to the central region, he encountered Freya awaiting his return. The visible signs of anger and worry on Freya's face didn't escape Nova's notice.

Freya greeted him, saying, "Welcome home, father. How did the journey go?"

Nova, unfazed, responded, "Oh, Freya, why trouble yourself with such minor matters? As the Chancellor of Starhaven, surely there are more important affairs demanding your attention."

Freya maintained a poker face and retorted, "I was immersed in documents from all the regions. Guess what I learned when I took a break. People are talking about how High Ruler Nova defeated a beast emperor and got severely injured. I thought they were talking nonsense."

Understanding the need for privacy, Nova suggested, "It's fine. I am alright. But can we have this conversation inside? Others are staring at us."

People were indeed listening intently to the conversation between Nova and Freya. They proceeded inside the castle, where Nova explained everything to Freya—the encounter with Zal'gor, the need for the Frostfang Tribe's art, and how she was the key to obtaining it.

Nova highlighted that the Frost Fang Tribe respected her enough to lend their art. He also pointed out the potential benefits for Freya herself, given her affinity for yin energy, which seemed to align with the extreme yin nature of the tribe's art.

Concerned for Nova's safety, Freya reminded him not to venture out without her or Ignis. Nova agreed, and Freya exited to call Ignis, leaving Nova alone in the room.

When Ignis arrived, Nova instructed him to go to the volcanic region and learn the chief's art. He explained that it was well-suited for Ignis, and mastering the art would eliminate the need for Ignis to transform during battles. The 'Awakening' effect would seamlessly integrate with Ignis's humanoid form, enhanced by his draconic powers.

Both Freya and Ignis embarked on the journey to fulfill Nova's orders, leaving Nova alone in the castle.

With the responsibilities of governance, security, and military affairs handled by his trusted advisors, Nova found himself with idle time.

Nova thoughts - "I just wanted a place to call home where I can stay with freya and Ignis explore this plane with them but the events took a drastic turn and I ended up becoming a high ruler.

I never wanted to become a superior being to others the only one who can talk freely with me is Arthur. when will you wake up Arthur?."

As the time flows Nova was struck inside the castle without Freya or Ignis, he decided to meet with twins?

Nova went to where the twins receive their military education, he asked the guard outside the facility, "are the twins Inside?" 

The guard replied, "No, your majesty. they were sent to eldermyst estate under lord Ignis orders?"

Nova contemplated and asked, "Why could Ignis send the twins to eldermyst estate?"

The guard replied, "Miss Eldermyst requested that she will train them better at eldermyst estate than here."

After learning that the twins have gone to eldermyst estate nova returned to his castle.

- After six Months-

(The time remaining for the war - four years.)

Nova found himself feeling lonely on his planet, missing the companionship of those who truly understood him. As he stared into space, he couldn't help but contemplate the void that existed within him.

In a faint yet familiar voice, Arthur emerged from the cosmic void, saying, "Your Majesty?"

Startled by the unexpected voice, Nova responded, "Arthur, is that you?"

Arthur confirmed, "Yes, Your Majesty. The feeling is different, but I am managing."

Nova expressed relief, "It's good that you woke up. You're the only one who talks freely with me, call me 'Nova' without the formality of 'Majesty.' I never felt that word belonged to me."

Arthur asked, "What do you want to do?"

With a sense of uncertainty, Nova admitted, "I don't know. I can't do anything unless we are in the outer planes. Now, this plane looks very small compared to before."

Agreeing with Nova, Arthur mentioned, "Yes, Nova. It is smaller compared to where I am from."

Curious about Arthur's origin, Nova inquired, "Where did you come from? You didn't tell me anything about it."

Arthur began to share his story, describing his birthplace as a peaceful land where people lived without the extraordinary powers Nova and others in the star haven possessed.

He recounted the invasion by beings from other universes that turned their beautiful land into a wasteland. Seeking refuge under their planet gods, a few were bestowed with origin cores and learned arts in solitude, ultimately reclaiming their land.

However, the harmony was short-lived, as chaos beings invaded. I volunteered to be taken prisoner to spare My planet and it's inhabitants. The leader of the chaos beings agreed, and I was sacrificed.

Curious about Cynthia's role, Nova asked, "They can sacrifice anyone on your planet, so why spare all of them and sacrifice you? Cynthia didn't mention this."

Arthur, skeptical of Cynthia, warned Nova, "Do you really trust Cynthia? She is very manipulative and shrewd. If she suspects anything suspicious about you, she will kill you without concern."

In response to Nova's question about his feelings toward those who sacrificed him, Arthur clarified, "No, I gave up my life for the sake of the people I love. Besides, they gave me a choice: to live and become one of them or to become a sacrifice."

Nova probed further, asking, "Why did you choose to become a sacrifice instead of one of them?"

Arthur explained, "Once I become one of them, I will become a puppet for them. They will use my body to kill and plunder others. To be a sacrifice, it seems they need my consent to enter my energy origin and fill it with chaos energy."

Nova's curiosity continued, "Do you have a family on your planet?"

Apologetically, Arthur replied, "Sorry, Nova. I no longer remember their faces, let alone their names. For them, I am remembered as a person no longer in the realm of the living but as a memory."

With their conversation concluded, Nova entered a meditative state.

-Far in the universe planet the prime-

The echoing voice resonated within the vast throne room of the Prime, and Cynthia, in deep meditation, was drawn out of her contemplation. The voice called her name, "Cynthia, Cynthia."

In response, Cynthia gracefully rose from her meditative state and moved towards the altar behind the throne. She bowed down, a gesture of respect to the superior being whose voice echoed in her mind. "My Lord, I am here," she replied with reverence.

Author Note: Who does the voice belong to? Isn't Cynthia a peak level being?