The air rushed past Navia and Atlas, carrying the lingering scent of scorched earth and smoke. Their eyes remained locked on Mariya, who stood with effortless grace, her presence commanding. The beings cloaked in black mana, holding Eryx, were poised to leave.
Then, Mariya suddenly turned, her gaze calm but piercing. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she spoke in a deep, knowing tone.
"Don't overthink. You'll find out everything in time."
She paused, her words hanging in the thickened air before she added,
"Just wait for the right moment."
Navia shook her head subtly, a ghost of a smile playing at the edge of her lips. Then, in a hurried but confused tone, she asked,
"Are we getting separated from here?"
Mariya turned slightly, shaking her head with the same soft smile. She stepped forward, the black-cloaked figures moving in sync with her, carrying Eryx's motionless form. Suddenly, she halted, her expression shifting.
"Check for another survivor… I—I think I sense someone beneath that house. Precious. Alive. Struggling to be saved."
And just like that, she vanished in the blink of an eye into the shadows.
Atlas didn't hesitate. He spun toward the wreckage and summoned a powerful gust of wind, parting the flames and clearing the debris. As he removed the last smoldering planks, a desperate cry echoed beneath the ruins.
A small voice.
A child's voice.
Atlas leaned in, his pulse quickening as he uncovered a fragile form—a little girl, barely four or five years old, her tiny fingers trembling. The little girl's black hair framed her wide, tear-filled brown eyes as she clung to the lifeless form ...trapped beneath the charred remains of a woman — her mother, shielding her in her final moments. That little girl's sobs were lost in the crackling embers.
"Mom… please… she saved me…" she sobbed, her voice barely audible, "Dad went into the fire to save us… please… help them… please..."
Atlas pulled her gently from the wreckage, cradling her as he turned to Navia.
"Heal her," he ordered.
Navia didn't hesitate. She raised her hand, summoning crystalline energy that shimmered in the dim firelight. The crystals began to weave around the girl, enveloping her in a protective cocoon. Then, with a swift motion, Navia pushed forward, shattering the crystals. As they dissolved, the wounds on the child's body vanished.
The girl sniffled, her voice small and broken.
"I want to see my mom… and dad…"
Navia exhaled, sadness pooling in her gaze. She reached out, resting her hand gently on the girl's head.
"Little one," she murmured, "your parents… they've embarked on a journey that everyone must take one day. And when it's your time, you'll see them again."
She paused, searching the child's innocent eyes before adding in a softer tone,
"Until then… I'll take care of you. Your big sis will always love you… Okay?"
A single tear slipped from Navia's eye, but she quickly wiped it away, pulling the girl into a warm embrace.
The child blinked up at her, sniffling.
"Really? Is that journey fun? Is it easy? Will I meet them?"
Atlas' eyes widened at these words. His heart was pounding with emotion, and tears were visible in his eyes, but he controlled it and thought.
Poor child… I'm sorry, but that journey is far more than you realize. To take it, you must leave everything behind.
Navia swallowed the lump in her throat and forced a smile.
"Yes. But it requires a strong heart. And you have one—you just need to make it stronger."
Atlas turned away, his thoughts swirling in silence.
Navia then cupped the girl's face, warmth filling her tone.
"What's the name of this brave little angel?"
The child wiped her tears with small fingers before offering a shy smile.
"Lily… my name is Lily."
Navia's smile softened.
"A beautiful name—just like you."
Atlas pivoted, his chin resting in his palm as he folded his arms.
"Let's go, Navia. There's no sign of life left in this village. It's time to head back to the city. Blazej and Marco should've returned by now."
Navia nodded, lifting Lily into her arms before falling in step with Atlas. As they left, Lily turned her head, stealing one last glance at the ruins.
In the silence of her thoughts, she whispered,
I think I'm the only one left… Mom, Dad… I wish we had a little more time together, but… don't worry ...I'll be strong until we meet again. So I can save you both and don't lose again.
…
Beyond the known stars, somewhere in the vast expanse of the Cosmos, a lone star flickers—tiny by cosmic standards, yet harboring a palace worthy of the gods.
The palace stands regal, surrounded by sprawling grounds where people wander freely, their laughter and chatter echoing through the cosmic air. Guarding the sacred halls are formidable soldiers, their forms neither wholly human nor beast, but something in between—a fusion of strength and mysticism.
Some soar through the skies, their watchful gazes scanning the horizons, while others patrol the palace grounds, shields gleaming and spears poised, ready to strike at any threat. Despite their imposing presence, the world around them brims with life. Inside and outside the palace, people revel in the serenity of this celestial realm, basking in its radiant warmth… untouched by the chaos of the universe beyond.
A portal tore open, its edges crackling with energy. From its depths stepped a girl—her piercing crimson eyes cutting through the dim light, her golden hair streaked with deep red, fading to a delicate hue at the tips. She moved with quiet confidence, her presence effortless, as if this place had always belonged to her.
She strode into the palace's grand hall, a smile tugging at her lips as she murmured,
"Finally, I've reached the Central Space Hall. Phew."
Before her words could settle, a voice echoed from the top chair at the round table.
"This isn't Central Space. It's Whisperwind—the realm of gods. How many times do we have to remind you, Sophia?"
The voice paused, then added with exasperation,
"Seriously… you should start using your brain."
Sophia rolled her eyes, her smile deepening with amused irritation.
"Hey, hey, watch your tone. If you weren't my husband, I'd have killed you by now, God of Eternity, Nico."
Before he could respond, she continued, her tone playful yet firm.
"And I like calling this place Central Space Hall—it suits it."
Nico—the God of Eternity, ruler of Whisperwind, the land of gods—sat upon the chair of authority, his short silver-white hair glinting under the ethereal glow of the hall. His light-yellow eyes held an unwavering gaze as he leaned forward slightly.
"How's Malenia?"
—Chapter 3 Ends—