Ignisborn Kingdom
Battle in Vermaris slowly reached its conclusion. Although there were whispers about the conflict, no one expected the demon king of this generation to suddenly show up. And no one expected that Theon could come out on top. No matter how resilient he is, even ordinary people can see that Azrivel is a monster. Theon managed to drive him off today. But at what price?
He had to make many sacrifices. He lost his bloodline and probably the majority of his lifespan. His body must be incomprehensibly damaged. He is no different than a cripple, just like in the past.
High above the Ignisborn castle, A man with blond hair and piercing red eyes was observing the sky. This man was none other than Theron Ignisborn, Theon's father and the current patriarch of the clan.
Those who bear the Ignisborn bloodline are connected to each other. Especially the direct descendants. Even after Theon left the clan, they could feel his presence. They knew he was still alive. But Theron could no longer feel that connection. Theon is no longer connected to the bloodline.
After Thalia was brought into the family, their attention slowly shifted towards her. They were too busy nurturing a future avatar that they completely forgot about their firstborn. He was always compared to Thalia within the clan. Nothing Theon did was ever good enough. And they could not see his pain and suffering.
Four years ago, Theon's personality suddenly changed. He became more confident, calculative, and capable. His weaknesses and inferior complex he had for Thalia suddenly disappeared. He started achieving things no one expected. These feats brought glory and prestige to the clan. He was also proud. He also felt guilty. He finally started to see his son properly, but that son was looking at him with untrusting eyes.
There was an invisible wall separating them. It was sad. But what could he do? It was their own fault. All he could do was stay back and observe as Theon flew higher and higher. Theon and Thali's roles slowly started to reverse.
But things changed once again. That day, when Princess Reyna Varenthion visited them. Thalia was with her too. They convinced him to listen to their story. After listening, Theron felt like his entire world was collapsing. Reyna claimed that she has become the avatar of "Time". She showed a vision of a future where the entire world was reduced to a barren wasteland. The reason for that is the actions of a single individual.
Theon was not Theon. His body has been taken over by a man named Adrian. A monster from another world. He pretended to be Theon all this time, altering all of their fates and stealing their opportunities and strengths.
Reyna promised that she could bring back Theon. But in return, they would support her right to the throne. He did not immediately agree. But the seed of doubt was already planted. Since that day, both him and his wife started seeing Theon differently. Cracks started forming, and they started noticing the difference.
Maybe it was due to the guilt in his mind for disregarding Theon all this time. He wanted to atone. Both him and his wife agreed to Reyna's plan. They stood by as if Thalia stabbed Theon with a dagger, completely erasing Adrian's soul.
They expected that things would go back to how they were supposed to be. But this time, they would look after Theon and ensure that he lives a peaceful life. But things didn't work that way.
Theon did not go back to how he was before. His eyes were unfocused most of the time. He did not move and stayed in bed. Sometimes they could see him mumbling to himself. Priests who came to analyze his condition said the same thing. His soul was damaged. This incident happens when a person's soul gets ripped into pieces.
There was nothing they could do. Life went on. But one thing never changed. Every time Theon looked at them, they could see the hate and distrust in his eyes. That's when Theron understood. It wasn't just Adrian. Both Adrian and Theon coexisted in a single body. They were one soul.
And one day, Theon got up and left. They could not find him. Every time they got closer, they would lose his tracks, as if someone was guiding him. And now?
Looking at the reflection in the sky, Theron sighed. He realized that there was no going back now.
Theron felt a familiar presence behind him. It was his wife, Seraphina Ignisborn. She was also looking at the reflection with a complicated look. She stood beside Theron, and he asked,
"Dear, do you regret what we did?"
She kept her eyes on Theon. After a while, she answered,
"Every single day, darling. I regret not being a proper mother and not noticing his suffering. And I regret how our actions condemned him to this hell."
She looked at Theron and exhaled.
"But there was no other way. We must consider the fate of all of humanity. Not just our child. This world needs Thalia. But I thought things would be okay as long as two of them are together. That was the best possible outcome. And that cannot be achieved as long as Adrian is here."
Seraphina looked at the reflection again.
"He has grown up well. When he returns, let's hope that two of them will reconcile. Then we could help them pave their future."
Theron said nothing. But he knew deep down that things would not unravel that way. The person Theon has become right now, He would not simply accept a path someone has laid for him. And he will never trust them ever again.
In the first place, what right did they have to choose his destiny? It's true that a parent's obligation is to ensure the future of their child. But the child also has the right to become whatever they want to be. When deciding Theon's future, they did not consider that this might not be what he wanted.
......….
At the same time, A man with piercing red eyes and black hair could be seen sitting on the cliffs of Vermaris. He was watching the entire exchange between Theon and Azrivel with an amused look. This person was none other than Magnus Ignisborn, the strongest man in the world.
Although people could hear what Theon and Azrivel were talking about through the reflection, some parts were deliberately filtered. But he could hear everything clearly. Including what Azrivel said to Theon in his domain.
Magnus started munching on some popcorn and observed everything. There was no need for him to interfere. His grandson had everything under control. Even if he did interfere, what can those stupid kings and patriarchs do about it?
"Transmigration and regression. Codex of truth and interference of the "World". An avatar with the power to manipulate time and an outcast who broke the level cap through his own willpower. It's been a while since things got this exciting. I was originally planning on refusing their request."
He said while looking at the letter in his hand. It's an invitation to temporarily join the academy as an instructor.
"But I am curious about the chaos my grandson is about to unleash upon this world."