The Core of the Universe
Lily leaned against the wooden frame of her home, watching the royal carriage disappear into the horizon.
Dust rose behind the wheels, stretching long shadows in the early morning light.
Zeoth and Elizabeth…
Seeing them leave together stirred something deep within her.
A strange peace…
but also a familiar fear.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed the old, rusted chest tucked into the far side of the room.
She approached it quietly.
Lifting the lid revealed old fabrics and dust—
And beneath them, a bundle of aged letters.
She pulled one free.
Its corners were yellowed.
The handwriting… unmistakably familiar.
"I'm sorry, my love.
One day, the Core will choose again.
Stand by the chosen one—
and don't let his fate be like mine."
Lily's hands trembled.
She pressed the letter to her chest and closed her eyes.
Flashback – ??? Years Ago
A place where nothing remained.
Ruins… dust… silence.
Two people stood alone.
One of them—Lily.
The other ??????.
Tears ran down Lily's cheeks.
?????? stood motionless… distant…
Something…
F.E.L.T. D.I.F.F.E.R.E.N.T.
Now
Suddenly, Lily flinched.
The letter slipped from her hands.
A single tear slid down her cheek.
She took a deep breath.
"I failed before…
But for Zeoth…
it will be different."
She rose to her feet.
A soft smile tugged at her lips.
"And maybe…
this time, I won't have to be alone."
Zeoth & Elizabeth – Their Royal Journey Begins
Back in Zeoth's room, King Ruthgard glanced around one last time.
He took out a communication crystal and whispered the spell:
"Send the royal carriage."
A few hours later, a gold-trimmed royal carriage arrived.
Inside sat King Ruthgard and Captain Tharion.
Zeoth and Elizabeth boarded together, sitting side by side.
As the carriage moved, Elizabeth turned toward Zeoth with a gentle voice.
"You know…" she said,
"I'm really happy we're going together."
Zeoth nodded softly.
"Me too…"
A warm silence settled between them—
a little shy, but not uncomfortable.
That silence was broken by the King's question:
"Zeoth, are you the same age as my daughter?"
Zeoth tensed slightly.
"Yes, sir. We're both sixteen."
The King gave a slight nod.
"Then it's time.
Both of you should begin formal study at the academy."
Elizabeth jumped in, half-whining, half-teasing:
"Father! I was going to show Zeoth the palace first!
Why bring up studies now?"
The King kept his eyes on the road, speaking seriously:
"The entrance exams for the Aetherion Magic Academy begin in six days.
If you delay… you'll miss this year's intake."
Zeoth's eyes widened.
"Wait—Magic!?
You mean I can… actually go to a magic academy!?"
He sat up, eyes sparkling with excitement.
Elizabeth smiled as she looked at him.
She remembered that pure joy he always showed when talking about magic.
Her heart softened.
"Actually… yes," she said, turning to her father.
"Attending the academy with Zeoth sounds… wonderful."
The King paused—
then allowed a faint smile to form.
"Very well.
We'll begin the arrangements once we return."
Zeoth nodded again.
But deep inside, another thought haunted him:
"But… I can't use magic.
What if I fail?"
Still—
Elizabeth's joy overshadowed his doubts.
Just as they were settling into the warmth of the moment—
A cry rang out from outside:
"Look out! It's coming!"
The King's eyes narrowed.
He turned toward the window, then looked to Tharion.
"See what's happening outside."
Tharion bowed deeply.
"At once, Your Majesty."
He jumped down from the carriage and ran ahead.
Zeoth and Elizabeth peered out the window—
And there—
Emerging from the trees—
A massive beast.
Its body was covered in thick, armor-like scales.
Its eyes were dull, yet filled with threat.
With monstrous claws,
it tore through the forest as it approached.
Elizabeth's eyes went wide.
Zeoth's throat went dry.
"…What is that thing?"
he whispered.