Arthur

Lyssira smiled warmly.

"We will start your training tomorrow. For now, take the day to rest. You've traveled far and must be exhausted."

Zekald chuckled, his eyes twinkling.

"Well, how fortunate that both of you arrived just in time. Tonight, we are holding a festival."

He looked at Sainm with a mischievous grin.

"Come, Sainm, let's go and drink. Let's compete like we used to. You never beat me back then."

Sainm smirked confidently.

"We'll see who wins tonight."

They both laughed, the sound rich with years of friendship.

Zekald then turned toward Caelum and Alice.

"You two, get to know each other while the elders settle their rivalry."

Caelum glanced at Alice, curiosity shining in his eyes.

"Do you know anything about the previous wielder?" he asked.

Alice nodded softly.

"My grandfather told me his name was Arthur Caelym wielder of both dark and light core."

"Caelym?" Caelum repeated, surprised.

"Yes, and from what I've heard, he came here too."

"Did he really?" Caelum's voice was filled with awe.

Alice smiled faintly.

"Yes. My grandfather said Arthur was a hero who fought alongside Archangel Michaelos against the Sin of Pride."

Alice frowned slightly.

"I don't know much... just the stories my grandfather told me."

Her expression grew a bit more serious as she added,

"If you have doubts, you can always ask him," Alice said, glancing toward her grandfather.

Caelum's curiosity deepened.

"Alice, have you done the Rite of Celestara?" he asked with a curious voice.

She shook her head gently.

"No, elves aren't chosen through the Rite."

She explained softly,

"We Elves, being deeply attuned to nature and harmony, are born with the Spiritual Queen's blessings instead of going through the Rite. She's like a divine matron to us."

Her eyes gleamed as she continued,

"I was chosen by the Spiritual Queen herself Raphael, queen of serenity and insight."

She then revealed a beautiful sword that radiated a peaceful, calming aura.

Caelum's interest peaked.

"Have you already learned to control your powers, Alice?" he asked curiously.

Alice shook her head softly.

"Not fully... I'm still far from mastering them but one day, I'll become strong enough to protect my people." She said with quiet determination.

Caelum felt something stir within him an unspoken connection to her resolve.

"I have a long way to go too," he said, a spark of motivation lighting his eyes.

"Let's see who gets stronger."

Alice smiled warmly.

"Sure. From now on, we're rivals."

They both laughed under the soft glow of the festival lights.

Then, a sharp voice cut through the moment.

"Ahem… what are the two young lovebirds whispering about?" came Zekald's teasing tone as he stepped into view, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

Smirking, Zekald leaned closer.

"You both look good together… When you get older, just marry each other."

Alice's face turned red.

"Grandfather! What are you saying?!" she protested, flustered.

Caelum, flailing slightly, held his head and waved his hands.

"N-No! It's not what you think, sir!"

Zekald raised a brow.

"How many times do I have to tell you, boy? Don't call me 'sir.' It's either Zekald or grandfather."

Caelum lowered his hand, still embarrassed.

"I… I can't just call you by name. So… grandfather it is."

Zekald burst out laughing.

"Haha! I've found myself a grandson!"

Sainm's voice suddenly cut through the moment.

"Zekald, you're drunk again. Don't go around disturbing the young ones come with me."

Despite Sainm dragging him away, Zekald kept mumbling.

"But they look so good together… I'm serious about the wedd"

His voice faded into the distance as he was carried off.

Alice let out a nervous laugh.

"I'm so sorry about that… My grandfather says whatever he wants when he is drunk. He really can't handle liquor."

Caelum chuckled.

"It's fine, Alice. No need to apologize it was… kinda funny."

As twilight embraced the sky, the village of the elves transformed into a radiant wonderland.

Paper lanterns floated gently above, glowing in soft hues of gold, blue, and lavender. Laughter and music echoed through the trees as elves danced in circles, their garments shimmering like moonlight. The scent of roasted fruits, honeyed bread, and floral herbs filled the air, blending with the soft melodies played on wooden flutes and stringed harps.

Caelum stood at the center of it all, wide-eyed.

"This is… beautiful," he murmured.

Alice smiled, brushing a silver strand of hair behind her ear.

"We call it Lunara's Bloom. It's a festival of harmony and blessing held under the full moon to honor the Spiritual Queen, Raphael."

A group of young elves ran past them laughing, carrying glowing flower crowns. One handed one to Alice.

With a playful grin, she turned to Caelum.

"You're not escaping this." She placed the crown on his head.

He blinked.

"I look ridiculous."

"You look peaceful," she corrected gently.

"It suits you."

Suddenly, fireworks made of glimmering light burst in the sky, shaped like soaring birds and celestial symbols. Caelum watched, awestruck.

"It's been so long since I felt something this… warm," he said.

Alice glanced at him, then softly replied,

"That warmth is the spirit of this realm. You're meant to feel it."

Just then, Zekald and Sainm stumbled in, arms around each other, laughing and singing an ancient elf ballad slightly off-key.

"I think we've had enough of the sacred wine," Alice whispered with a chuckle.

Caelum laughed too, the tension in his chest easing, as if for a brief moment he truly belonged.

Alice smiled softly.

"Well, it's getting late. We should both get some rest."

"Yeah. Sleep well, Alice," Caelum replied, giving a gentle nod.

"You too," she said, turning as they both headed to their rooms under the starry skies of the spiritual realm."

The sun was rising, casting a golden hue over the elven village as Caelum slowly awoke.

A gentle breeze drifted in through the open window, carrying with it the soft scent of wildflowers and morning dew. Birds chirped cheerfully among the tall, ancient trees, their songs weaving through the quiet dawn.

Caelum sat up, stretching his arms with a sleepy yawn. His hair was still messy from sleep, the flower crown from the festival now resting lopsided on his head.

He murmured to himself, eyes gleaming with determination,

"Today's the day… the real start of my journey."

Sliding into his boots and brushing off his tunic, he stepped out into the cool morning light.

And there she was.

Lyssira stood silently beneath the old silverbark tree near the training grounds. The morning sun painted her silver hair in shades of pale gold. She looked calm, focused—like the breeze itself had paused to not disturb her stillness.

Caelum approached, his heart beating just a little faster.

"Good morning," he said, his voice soft but eager.

Lyssira turned her head slightly, offering a small, knowing smile.

"Good. You're ready."

Caelum gave a small nod.

"Yes. I'm ready," he said, his voice calm but steady.