ONE HEART, ONE PRIDE

"You are a brave boy," Seraphiel said, patting Atisen's head before sitting down cross-legged on the floor.

Atisen and Felmod were caught off guard by his sudden mood change—moments ago, he seemed upset, but now he was completely relaxed.

Felmod slowly raised his head as he exchanged glances with Atisen.

Seraphiel looked at the boys; his gaze now softer.

"Sit down." His voice was calmer.

Atisen was the first to sit down, his face laced with confidence. Felmod slowly and hesitantly sat down just next to Atisen.

Seraphiel looked at the two boys—Atisen sat with his face laced with confidence, or perhaps cockiness. There was an air of arrogance and pride around him, while the other boy, Felmod, was the shy one, his head lowered, avoiding eye contact.

"So, what do you want us to do for you?" Atisen broke the silence, eyes locked on Seraphiel.

A faint smile tugged on Seraphiel's lips. "Nothing. I thought we should just get to know each other a little better."

After hearing those words, Felmod slowly raised his head.

"Do you want to know who we are, High Lord?"

"Yes, introduce yourselves. Considering that you are Master Zuga's students, I want to know you better."

"I see," Felmod said, his voice now sounding more normal. "Well, as you already know, my name is Felmod Hiasa, and just like my friend here and his brother, I am an orphan." He lowered his voice. "My mother died when I was just seven, and as for my father…" he paused. "He was part of the Celestial Order, and he died during the war against the Abyssal Clans."

Seraphiel's face was laced with guilt as he heard Felmod's words.

Felmod slowly raised his head, his voice hollow. "High Lord, was my father a brave warrior?"

Seraphiel remained silent. He had no idea who Felmod's father was—the Celestial Order was a large army, and he did not know everyone by name. Those he knew were only the high-ranking generals.

"Tell me, High Lord," Felmod leaned closer, "was my father brave?"

"Of ..of course he was brave," he lied, a faint smile on his lips. "He was among the strongest warriors, and us losing him has affected us negatively."

"So, how strong was he?"

"Very," Seraphiel responded, avoiding eye contact. "Now, tell me how you ended up here as a student."

"Well, I wanted to become stronger," Felmod leaned back. "So I ran away from the orphanage." He gestured to Atisen, who was seated with his hands folded. "I couldn't have done it alone if he and his brother hadn't helped me."

"So, you ran away from the orphanage," Seraphiel repeated, his voice low. "Because you wanted to become stronger. Why do you want to be stronger?"

"At the orphanage, every child's future is dictated. From an early age, a child is taught a single skill—engineering, teaching, cooking—and the skill they learn will dictate what role they play in society."

"So, you didn't want to be just a normal god in society?"

"No," Felmod shook his head. "I want to protect those in need of my help," he looked straight at Seraphiel, "I want my presence to bring comfort and a sense of safety to those around me—just like you, High Lord."

Seraphiel dropped his gaze. "So, does Master Zuga know this?"

"Yes, he does. At first, I thought he would refuse, but he didn't," Felmod explained.

Seraphiel's eyes shifted to Atisen. "And you?"

"Oh, me," Atisen's voice was laced with cockiness as he rolled his shoulders. "Felmod has pretty much explained everything. The only thing you need to know is that I will be the future strongest god."

"Future strongest god?" Seraphiel repeated.

"Yeah," Atisen pointed a thumb at himself. "It's me—I'll be the future strongest god."

"And protect the realm?"

"No… no," Atisen waved his hand. "I just want to be the strongest. Maybe only protect those close to me, but not the entire realm. That could be a tiring task."

"I... I don't understand you," Seraphiel said, his voice laced with confusion. "So, you want to be the strongest, but you have no intention of maybe joining the Celestial Order?"

"Of course not. I don't lie to myself—it is impossible to protect everyone," his voice lowered, a hint of seriousness laced in it. "That's why I think it is better to lower the number of people one cares about. That way, it will be easier to protect them." He looked at Felmod. "I don't know how I would feel if I lost anyone I care about again."

The room fell silent. Seraphiel looked at Atisen and Felmod as they sat near him.

Both boys, even at a young age, viewed this world differently. Felmod was more like Seraphiel, always trying to get stronger to look out for the weak. But Atisen's point of view carried an undeniable truth—it is impossible to protect everyone, so it is better not to put too much pressure on yourself.

"What of you, High Lord?" Felmod asked breaking the silence, curiosity laced in his voice. "I want to know more about you."

Seraphiel shook his head, as if shaking off his thoughts.

"Well, as for me, my father—who was a warlord—brought me here to train and become stronger so that I may join the Celestial Order."

"So you never wanted to become part of the Celestial?" Atisen asked. "It's your father who forced you?"

"No… no," Seraphiel replied, voice shaky. "Of course not. I too wanted to become one."

"Oh really?" Atisen raised his brow.

"Yeah," Seraphiel cleared his throat.

"And you exceeded his expectations—you became the leader of the Celestial Order." Felmod's face was laced with acknowledgement.

"Yeah. If you also take your training seriously, you can replace me when I retire," Seraphiel said with a chuckle.

"Do you honestly think so, High Lord?"

Atisen ran a hand through Felmod's hair. "Hey, he said you can—so just do your part. And unlike him, you'll have me—the strongest god—by your side."

"Strongest god," Felmod scoffed. "You don't even take your training seriously."

Atisen folded his hands once more. "Hey, I'm natural, okay?"

"There is no such thing as natural, Atisen," Felmod said.

Atisen covered his ears in a childish manner as he got up and ran towards the exit. "I cannot hear you!"

Felmod, annoyance laced on his face, got up and ran after Atisen. "Come back Atisen Master zuga might see you.."

Seraphiel remained silent as he watched the kids, then, with a sigh, he got up.