Amidst the silence that blanketed the imperial court, the funeral of Kairos Arkelis was held with the highest honors. Known as the bravest warrior among humankind, his marble statue stood tall in the center of the ceremonial grounds. Etched beneath were praises of his valor, recounting how he had pushed the frontlines further than anyone before him. Even in his final battle, devoid of hope, he never retreated.
The Emperor officially elevated Kairos to the unprecedented rank of Level 9 Combatant—a level no human had ever reached. His name would forever be etched into the annals of history.
But among the sea of attendees, one woman stood silently, unmoving, unable to speak.
Fiona Elvareth stared at his statue with empty eyes.
"Level 9... Hero... What does it even matter now?" she whispered to herself. "In the end... he wasn't here to see it."
While the crowd praised him with pride, other voices slithered into her ears like thorns.
"He finally became a hero, huh? Too bad he left no heir."
"I wonder what'll happen between Elvareth and Arkelis now. They were married for years, but never had a child."
"I heard their relationship wasn't great to begin with... The woman always seemed distant."
"Probably just a political marriage. Poor guy."
The whispers echoed in Fiona's mind like shouted accusations. Her fists clenched, her breath hitched, but her expression remained stoic as she stood her ground.
After the ceremony, Fiona returned to House Arkelis. The mansion was shrouded in quiet. Kairos' parents awaited her in the grand hall. There were no words of blame, no accusing eyes—only a quiet sorrow mixed with a gentle warmth.
"Fiona..."
Kairos' mother spoke softly.
"We... want to apologize for rushing your marriage to Kairos. Back then, we feared he would end up alone. He always kept his heart closed. We only wanted him to be with someone who could truly understand him."
"Mother..." Fiona replied, her voice trembling.
Kairos' father approached with a somber smile, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"We never blamed you. Whether you decide to stay or return to Elvareth, we will respect your choice."
Tears streamed down Fiona's cheeks. She lowered her gaze, unable to say anything more.
That evening, Fiona retreated to her private chamber. She walked slowly to the bedside table, where Kairos' spear—Velarsh—rested as though still awaiting its master.
In the suffocating silence of the room, Fiona sat on the edge of the wide bed, gripping the spear tightly. The shaft still held a trace of warmth, as if he had only just let go.
But he was no longer here.
She lowered her head, pressing it against the spear. Tears streamed down her face, falling onto the cold metal.
Her heart felt as though it was tearing apart.
Memories echoed in her ears. His voice. His gentle replies to her curt words.
"It's alright. As long as you ask... I'll do anything for you."
He had smiled then. A gentle smile that had no place on the lips of someone constantly met with indifference.
She closed her eyes. Memories surged.
His footsteps echoing through the mansion. The sweat dripping from his brow as he smiled at her.
His concerned words, even when met with cold responses.
His awkward gifts, poorly chosen but always given with sincere care.
All of it... it had always been him.
Only him, who tried to reach out.
But what had she done?
She had ignored his attempts to talk. Rebuffed his questions. Pretended to be asleep when he entered the room—even though she always felt his presence.
She never once turned to look at him.
Never once opened her heart.
Fiona felt like her world had collapsed.
He was gone.
And worst of all... he had left without hearing a word from her.
Not even a simple "Stay with me a little longer."
Not even a basic, "Please be safe."
She never managed to say anything.
Now, she never could.
Her grip on the spear tightened. Her hands trembled. Her eyes flooded with tears that wouldn't stop.
She began to whisper.
"I'm sorry, Kairos... I'm so sorry... It was all my fault..."
Sobs continued to escape her. She drew closer to the spear, clinging to it like it was the last piece of her shattered soul.
"If I could go back... just once... please..."
"Let me see him one more time..."
Those words spilled out from the deepest, most broken corner of her heart.
She shut her eyes slowly, hugging the spear as though she could hold him through it.
Her white-threaded weapon began to stir on its own.
A single strand extended gently from her body, wrapping around her softly.
The thread coiled around her in silence before beginning to emit a faint glow.
Then... it started to spin, slowly, like a machine awakening something deep within her.
More threads branched out, linking with Kairos' spear.
Light filled the room, radiating from every corner.
The scene began to waver. Everything grew dim... until she was swallowed in that glowing void.
In the darkness...
A voice echoed. Gentle. Commanding. Divine.
"...Your unwavering wish... has allowed me to intervene once more."
"Your desire... I shall make it real."
"But mark this well, Fiona Elvareth."
"Fate... is not easily rewritten."
"The world you return to... may no longer be the one you remember."
The voice faded, and with it, the last flicker of light.
...And then, everything went dark.