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Then, one by one, everyone began leaving—Velzard and Velgrynd took to the skies, Veldora flew off toward his cave, Rudra and Guy returned to their lands, and the others followed soon after.
The quiet of Solara settled again, the golden light of sunset washing over the palace.
Far above, before vanishing, Veldanava lingered for a moment, watching me, Ramiris, and little Karna from a distance. A faint smile crossed his face.
"Hm… Looking at Karna, I guess I want a child of my own too," he murmured softly, almost to himself. "Maybe it's time I talk with Lucia about it."
The smile stayed on his face—calm, warm, a little wistful—before he turned into a trail of light and vanished into the sky.
Ten years later.
The throne room of Solara had changed—taller pillars, golden banners shimmering under the light filtering through crystal windows, and the faint hum of magic flowing through the walls. I sat on my throne, one leg crossed over the other, half-listening to Darius drone on about trade routes and Belmor's "new profitable ideas."
As usual, Belmor's "profitable ideas" meant filling his own coffers too. Darius, ever the voice of reason, countered with his usual lectures about ethics and long-term stability. I let them argue. It was almost routine at this point.
Beside me, Karlos stood with his signature grin—that same calm, loyal smile he always had. "You really enjoy this chaos, don't you?" I muttered.
He chuckled. "Every day I get to stand beside you, my lord. What more could I ask for?"
I just sighed.
Peace had reigned over Solara for a decade now. No wars, no major conflicts. Just growth. Under my guidance—and with Mimir's knowledge whispering through my mind—Solara had flourished. Science, the military, culture, food, and even religion (well, I am their god after all) had reached new heights.
Ramiris was the same—my adorable, childish wife. Still chaotic, still bright, still one of the strongest beings in existence. Zalario wandered the world freely but returned often, always bringing interesting news or rare relics.
Reinhart kept himself busy training soldiers and shaping new heroes. His discipline had turned Solara's army into an unstoppable force.
Even Veldora… yes, even that Veldora… had matured. He still had his moments of mischief, but he wasn't as reckless anymore. Maybe Karna's presence mellowed him out.
Speaking of my son—
Karna.
If someone had told me ten years ago that the tiny boy in Ramiris's arms would turn into that, I would've laughed. The kid had grown tall, confident, and—I'll admit it—absurdly good-looking. Golden hair, sharp eyes, and that rebellious, almost smug grin that reminded me far too much of… well, me.
The kingdom's girls adored him. Couldn't really blame them. He was fierce, bold, and cocky—the type who never backed down from anything. He had power, talent, and charisma… and, honestly, too much confidence.
The brat hadn't been humbled by life yet. But I guess that's what happens when you're born with everything—power, fame, and divine blood.
Still, beneath all that attitude, I could sense something deeper. The spark of greatness.
Maybe even something… beyond.
The great doors to the throne room burst open with a loud thud, echoing through the chamber.
Every courtier froze mid-sentence.
There stood Karna—tall, golden-haired, radiating confidence—that same infuriatingly cocky grin plastered across his face. Beside him was Veldora, hands on his hips, grinning like he owned the place.
"Father! Are you busy with something?" Karna called out casually, as if he hadn't just kicked open the doors of the royal court.
Before I could answer, Veldora raised a hand. "Aniki! I and Karna are heading to the training grounds for a little spar. Thought we'd ask if you wanted to join us."
The room went silent.
Every official in the court had the same awkward expression—eyes darting between me, my son, and the storm dragon himself. Who in their right mind would interrupt a royal meeting like this? But, of course, none of them could say a word. One was the brother of their god-king, and the other was the prince himself.
I could see Karlos trying to hold back a laugh, hand half-covering his smirk.
I let out a deep sigh, resting my cheek against my hand. "Can't you both see I'm in the middle of a meeting right now?"
Karna shrugged, unbothered. "Come on, Dad, it's all the same boring talk. No offense, but what do you guys even do in here? Debate taxes?"
A few of the courtiers flinched, unsure if they should laugh or bow lower.
I raised an eyebrow at him. "Never mind. I'm busy right now. You two go ahead—I'll join later."
"Fineee," Karna drawled, turning to leave. "Don't take too long, though, old man. I might get bored and beat Uncle Veldora too fast."
Veldora chuckled. "You wish, brat."
The doors slammed shut again, leaving behind a very stunned—and slightly terrified—court.
I sighed again and leaned back on my throne. "Karlos, remind me later to reinforce those doors with divine metal."
Karlos grinned. "Of course, my lord. Though… I doubt it'll stop them."
Veldora and Karna walked side by side down the long golden hall, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floor. Sunlight poured in through the tall crystal windows, reflecting off their hair—Karna's bright gold and Veldora's deep silver-gray—like two burning stars walking together.
"Uncle Veldora," Karna said with that familiar mischievous grin, "want to race to the training grounds?"
Veldora smirked, cracking his knuckles. "You bet, brat. But don't cry when I leave you in the dust."
"Heh, we'll see about that, old man," Karna shot back, crouching slightly and taking a runner's stance.
Veldora mirrored him, his draconic aura flickering around his body in a faint violet hue.
"Ready—" Karna said, eyes narrowing.
"—Set—" Veldora's grin widened.
Both shouted in unison, "GO!"
In a flash of light and wind, both figures vanished from the hall, leaving behind a burst of magic energy so strong it sent nearby guards tumbling onto their backs.
By the time the dust settled, the guards were left blinking in confusion, their spears rattling on the ground.
One of them sighed. "...That's the fifth time this week."
Both of them appeared at the edge of the training grounds in twin bursts of light and wind, the air rippling from the speed. Dust scattered everywhere as they landed almost at the same time—almost.
Veldora straightened up first, arms crossed and that smug grin plastered on his face. "Aha! I'm first, Karna!"
Karna groaned, flipping his hair back. "Tch—hey, it was just 0.00001 seconds faster! That barely counts!"
Veldora laughed loudly, hands on his hips. "But still faster! A win's a win, brat!"
Karna smirked but rolled his eyes. "You're really proud of beating someone younger than you by a blink, huh?"
"Of course! A dragon's pride doesn't care about milliseconds!" Veldora declared dramatically, his aura flaring up just enough to make the ground tremble.
Karna cracked his knuckles, a spark of golden light flickering around him. "Then how about a rematch, old man? Let's see if that 'dragon's pride' can keep up in an actual fight."
"Oh, my dear nephew, come at me!" Veldora grinned, his aura flaring gold and violet as he slid into a low, grounded battle stance.
"Alright—bet," Karna replied, fire flashing in his golden eyes. He shifted his weight forward, air shimmering around him from the pressure of condensed energy.
BOOM!
In an instant, both vanished from sight—only a burst of dust and shockwaves showed where they'd been. The next moment, a loud clang echoed through the training grounds as Karna's fist collided with Veldora's palm, a wave of energy rippling outward.
"Heh, not bad!" Veldora said, pushing him back with a single arm. "You've gotten sharper, Karna."
Karna skidded back, grinning. "Of course I have! I've been training to beat you, Uncle."
Veldora laughed, transforming his arm into shimmering scales. "Then show me how much you've grown, little dragon!"
Karna's aura erupted—golden flames mixed with spirit light—and he lunged again, faster than before, a blur of heat and brilliance.