Chapter 56: The Everhart Legacy
The sun had barely risen over the imperial capital when the Grand Duke's carriage returned to the Everhart estate. The morning mist curled around the towering gates, and the black-armored knights standing guard saluted as Leonhardt and his father stepped out.
The court session had provided valuable insight—unrest was growing. A future war was no longer a possibility; it was an inevitability.
But none of that concerned Leonhardt yet.
He had other priorities.
As they entered the estate, Aldric gave his son a glance. "You have the morning free. Use it wisely."
Leonhardt simply nodded and headed toward the training grounds.
The Training Grounds
The Everhart estate's training grounds were vast—an expanse of white stone, enchanted dummies, and sparring arenas used by only the strongest warriors in the empire.
As Leonhardt entered, knights stopped mid-practice to bow.
"Good morning, Young Lord!"
He ignored them and moved straight to the center arena, where a familiar figure awaited him.
A woman with long platinum hair, dressed in a fitted battle robe, stood with a golden staff in her hand.
His mother.
Celestia von Everhart.
The only 9th-class magician in the world.
She turned to him, her piercing blue eyes filled with quiet amusement. "You're late."
Leonhardt smirked. "I was with Father at the palace."
She tilted her head. "And? What did the emperor want?"
Leonhardt's expression didn't change. "He suspects war."
For a brief moment, Celestia's gaze darkened. Then, she let out a sigh and gestured to the training field.
"War is inevitable. But right now, your magic is more important."
Leonhardt nodded. He had long surpassed the knights of the estate—his only true opponent was his mother.
And so, their training began.
Aetheria's Silent Preparations
Far away, in the sacred halls of the Sun God's temple, Aetheria Nyx Lunaris Solis stood before a golden altar.
Priests and high-ranking nobles knelt before her, their heads bowed.
She was their Moon Queen, the Demigod of the Night.
The most powerful existence beneath the gods.
And yet…
As she looked at the golden flames flickering before her, she could not shake the feeling of anticipation building in her chest.
She had felt him.
Leonhardt.
Even though 800,000 years had passed, even though they had been reincarnated into new lives…
She knew.
Their time was approaching.
With a final glance at the altar, she turned and left, her silver hair trailing behind her.
It wouldn't be long now.
The Gathering Storm
In the coming weeks, whispers of war would spread through the empire.
But for now, Leonhardt continued to grow—stronger, colder, and more ruthless.
And across the world, in the kingdom of the Sun God, Aetheria was doing the same.
Preparing for the inevitable.
For the day they would meet again.
For the day their story would truly begin.