Zadkiel's POV
For almost seven months, I searched for a way to bring Delythena back. But after all that time, I found no solution. In the end, the only option I could think of was to venture into the nothingness to reclaim her.
"But Supreme Ruler, what you want is impossible" my companions protested.
"My decision is final" I said desperately. "So, find Croseiada she's known as the one who can cross portals."
"Yes, Supreme Ruler" they replied, then followed without question.
I announced to everyone that Croseiada must be found, and that whoever could locate her would be rewarded. At the same time, I set out on my own journey to search for her.
I only learned about Croseiada from the Question Teller I visited the other day.
(Flashback)
"Good morning. It seems you want to bring her back" he said as I arrived.
"I need a solution how to do it" I replied immediately.
"Didn't she already pay a price?" he asked.
"Yes, but it wasn't enough…She doesn't deserve that" I said.
"You want to follow her into the nothingness?" he asked, and I nodded.
"No matter what it takes" I answered.
"You know that no one who goes there ever returns, right?" he asked.
"I know... but I still want to bring her back" I said desperately.
"You'll take her place? That's not possible. Her sacrifice might end up being for nothing," he said and I already knew that.
"How can I get there?" I asked.
"Find Croseiada. She's the only one who can show you the way but that woman is nearly impossible to find" he said.
"No matter how hard it is, I'll do it" I replied with unwavering determination.
(End of Flashback)
There was nothing else on my mind but bringing her back to this world.
For nearly two weeks, I've been traveling back and forth in search of Croseiada, but I still haven't found any trace of her even after scouring the entire empire, including Frostbane.
Exhausted from the journey and with night falling, I decided to rest by the enchanted river where I had paused.
"How am I supposed to find Croseiada?" I wondered aloud to myself.
"What do you need from me?" I heard behind me and turned around to see a young woman, not much older than me.
"Are you Croseiada?" I asked curiously.
"Yes, that's me. And you must be the Supreme Ruler" she said. "Is this about Delythena?" she asked.
"Yes. How do you know her?" I replied.
"Aside from everyone knows her, I was the one who helped her awaken from the illusion and return to this world" she said, surprising me I had no idea they already knew each other. She went on, "I've also heard what happened to her."
"That's why I've been searching for you" I said.
"You want to go to the nothingness?" she asked, and I nodded. "Do you know that's impossible?" she asked again.
"I'll make the impossible possible" I replied. "Help me get to the nothingness" I added urgently.
"What you're asking for isn't easy. I can help you reach the mortal world, travel to another planet, venture into space, or even enter the underworld but the nothingness? That's not something you can just reach so easily." she said.
"I'll do whatever it takes, no matter the cost" I said desperately, knowing deep down I would never regret it, if it's for her.
"There are three ways to reach the nothingness if you're truly desperate to go" she said, piquing my curiosity.
"What are they?" I asked.
"But first, you need to understand this, even if you manage to enter the nothingness, bringing Delythena back won't be easy. She's bound by a contract with the Fire Spirit" she added and I knew then that this would be far from simple.
"You'll need to make a contract with the Fire Spirit in exchange for your soul" she said, and worry immediately crept into me.
"Is there no other way?" I asked.
"As far as I know, the Fire Spirit only agrees to a contract if you offer it one in return. If the terms are worthy, it might just accept" she explained.
"I'll do it, I'll find a way… So, what are the ways to get there?" I asked.
"The first way I know and it's possible, is through death or near-death. That's the easiest way to enter the nothingness" she said. But I didn't agree with that method.
"What's the second way?" I asked, because I am very desperate to bring her back.
"A portal. But it won't be easy because there's no gravity there. It depends on whether you can find a floating potion" she explained. I could consider that as an option.
"How about the third?" I asked again.
"Departure of the soul, your soul temporarily travels to the nothingness, but the time is limited. If you don't return to your body quickly, your soul will remain trapped in the nothingness" she explained.
I couldn't respond immediately, my mind was still clouded with confusion over what to choose.
"You need to think carefully about your decision and what you'll do so you won't regret it later" she said as a reminder. "When you've made up your mind, come back here. This is the only place you'll find me in this situation." Then, before disappearing, she added, "Be wise."
One week have passed since Croseiada gave me the options, yet I still haven't made a choice.
I went underground to visit Delythena. I studied her closely, but the longer I stayed, the more desperate I became to bring her back.
"My lady, wait for me I promise I will bring you back," I said, my voice filled with determination.
Without hesitation, I returned to the Enchanted River my heart clear, my decision made.
There was no turning back now. No more waiting.
No more questions.
"Wait for me, my lady" I whispered to the wind. "I'm coming."
As soon as I arrived at the river's edge, I called out, "Croseiada." And just like before she appeared.
"Have you made your decision?" she asked, her eyes studying me with calm knowing.
"Yes" I replied without faltering. "I choose the Departure of Soul."
She nodded, not surprised. "Then follow me."
With a wave of her hand, a glowing portal opened rippling with quiet, eerie energy. Without hesitation, she stepped in.
And I followed.
We arrived inside what looked like a home probably hers. The air was thick with enchantment, and the walls were lined with powerful, mysterious artifacts. Ancient scrolls, glowing crystals, relics humming with energy... it was a place only someone like Croseiada could belong to.
"I won't ask why you chose that path," she said quietly, her back turned to me as she walked toward a glowing pedestal.
"How much time do I have?" I asked.
"Two hours" she replied.
Then she revealed a mystical hourglass, its sand shimmering like stardust as it slowly trickled down.
"How will I know when time's almost up?" I asked again.
She handed me a bracelet simple, yet it pulsed with soft magical light.
"That bracelet will glow brighter the closer you are to the limit. When it nears the end, it'll begin to flash." She looked me dead in the eye. "You must leave before the light fades completely. If you don't... you'll be trapped in Nothingness forever."
I swallowed hard and nodded. No hesitation. This was for her.
She guided me to lie down on a bed surrounded by glowing runes and softly chanting relics. The air felt heavy, like it was holding its breath.
Then, without another word, she placed her hand above my chest.
I closed my eyes.
I didn't know what spell she was casting, or what ritual had begun but I could feel it. A strange warmth... then cold... and then emptiness.
My limbs felt weightless, my breath slowed.
And slowly, I felt my presence my soul drifting away from my body.
I wasn't asleep, I wasn't awake, I was... departing.
When I opened my eyes, I was no longer me. I was no longer flesh—just soul.
I had crossed over.
Everything around me was darkness. Not the kind that hides in shadows... But the kind that is the shadow itself.
Thick. Endless. Consuming.
There was no ground beneath me. No sky above. I was simply floating suspended in a void where time didn't exist, where silence screamed louder than anything I'd ever heard.
No warmth. No cold. Just... Nothingness.
And in that silence, one name echoed through my being.
My lady. I'm here. Please... Let me find you.
"My lady?" I called out, my voice shaky, echoing into the void.
It was the only thing I had my voice. No light to guide me. No ground to walk on. Just the sound of my soul trying to reach hers.
The darkness didn't answer. It only pressed in deeper, heavy and suffocating. But I refused to stop.
"My lady... it's me zadkiel" I said again, louder this time. "I came for you. Please... if you can hear me give me a sign." Because in a place like this, even the smallest sound could be the only lifeline.
I had no idea how much time had passed how many minutes, or seconds, I had left. The bracelet hasn't glowing yet.
"Where are you...?" I whispered again, desperation clawing at my chest.
Then, Far ahead in the sea of black... a flicker. A tiny, faint light, barely visible but enough to make my heart jolt with hope.
Without hesitation, I moved toward it. Not walking, not running just moving, willing myself closer through the weightless air.
That light, It has to be her.
I kept moving closer, I thought but, no matter how far I reached, how desperately I pushed forward, the light never came nearer.
It was like I was trapped in place, suspended in the same exact spot while the light stayed just out of reach taunting me, testing me.
My heart pounded. It didn't make sense.
I was moving, I was sure of it. But the distance never changed. I wasn't getting closer.
"Intruder."
I froze the moment I heard the voice sharp, cold, and undeniably powerful.
"Who are you? Show yourself!" I demanded, my voice echoing in the void. I knew instantly... It wasn't Delythena. This voice held no warmth, no pain only judgment.
"How dare you enter this realm without permission, Supreme Ruler Zadkiel" she spat, as if my name itself was an offense.
She knew who I was.
"...Fire Spirit" I whispered, realization sinking in.
And then, she appeared.
Flames roared in front of me, pushing back the darkness. The once pitch-black void was suddenly bathed in a furious light.
There she stood Hair like wildfire, eyes glowing like molten gold, her entire being cloaked in blazing power.
But between us... a barrier. A thick, invisible wall of flame and force that kept me from getting any closer.
But my eyes drifted past the Fire Spirit and there, above her...
My breath caught.
My lady
She was floating unconscious above a massive stone altar etched with the ancient symbol of the fire element. Her body was still, peaceful, like she was simply sleeping.
Gone were the burning flame patterns. Gone were the orange eyes and crimson robes. She looked like her.
She wore the dress I had given her... Her original form soft, human, untouched by the chaos of war.
"My lady..." I whispered, heart aching at the sight. She was right there. So close. So fragile.
"And what exactly do you think you're doing here?" the Fire Spirit snapped, stepping forward, flames flaring with displeasure. "I have no business with you."
Her presence was suffocating. Dominating. But I didn't back down. Not when Delythena was right there within reach.
"I want to bring her back," I said firmly, no hesitation in my voice.
"And you think you can take her?" the Fire Spirit responded, her tone sharp and mocking. "Her soul belongs to me now. Fully. There's no undoing that."
"She's not fully yours" I shot back. "Her power the fire it's still with me."
But she only smiled, a cold, knowing grin.
"Because that's what she asked for" she said. "She gave you that power, Zadkiel. Not to save herself but to protect you."
She stepped slightly to the side, revealing Delythena more clearly still unconscious, still floating in perfect stillness above the stone marked with the fire symbol.
"There is no more exchange. No deal left to make. Delythena gave up her soul willingly. It belongs here now, in Nothingness. And her body on the surface? Just a shell. No will, no voice, no control."
Her voice dropped, firmer than before.
"This is the price she chose. You can't change it. You can't take her back." She said without any emotions showing.
I clenched my fists tightly, the weight of helplessness sinking deep into my chest.
"What can I do to change your mind?" I asked, my voice raw, desperate. "Tell me anything. I'll do it. Just bring Delythena back." I said with a pleaded voice.
The flames around the Fire Spirit flared violently, reacting to the desperation in my words.
"You'd do anything?" she asked, her voice laced with a dangerous calm. "Even if it means paying a price greater than hers?"
"I don't care" I snapped. "If it means she lives again if it means she opens her eyes and speaks again I'll pay it."
She stared at me for a long moment, as if weighing my soul in silence.
"You're willing to sacrifice everything... for her?" she asked, clearly intrigued.
"I already lost her once" I said. "I won't let it happen again." I said without feeling regret.
"You're a fool if you do that" the Fire Spirit said coldly. "It would be like throwing away Delythena's sacrifice for you."
Her words hit me hard blunt and unforgiving.
But I didn't back down. Not even for a second.
"I know what she gave up for me" I said, eyes locked on Delythena. "I know exactly what she lost… But what's the point of her sacrifice if she's left to suffer alone in this darkness forever?" I said, my voice low as I tried to endure the pain weighing on me. I clenched my fists, my voice firm. "I won't let her be forgotten. Not while I'm still standing." I said with full of desperation inside me. "Let's make a contract " I said, steady and clear.
The Fire Spirit turned to face me fully, her fiery presence flickering with sudden interest. Her eyes narrowed, as if weighing the depth of my words.
"And what exactly is going on in that mind of yours?" she asked, almost amused. Croseiada was right mention a contract, and she'll catch my attention. "So, tell me, Supreme Ruler Zadkiel... what kind of deal are you willing to make in exchange for a soul that no longer belongs to your world?" She asked again.
I hadn't even answered yet when suddenly the bracelet on my wrist lit up. Time was running out. I clenched my fists. This wasn't the moment to back off not when I'd come this far. But I knew I had only minutes left. Maybe less.
"I will give you my soul... after a year" I said without pause, breath tight in my chest. "But please... Give me that one year with Delythena." I begged.
There was silence just for a moment. Then the Fire Spirit smirked.
"Okay. Deal." She agreed.
As soon as the words left her mouth, the symbol carved into the stone flared with brilliant light. Delythena's body slowly floated from the altar, her form glowing faintly, drawing nearer toward me.
Then, the bracelet on my wrist started flashing rapidly.
No time.
The portal opened behind me, glowing wide and unstable. Seconds. I had only seconds left.
Without thinking, I rushed forward, caught her in my arms, and held her close.
"When the year ends... I will come for you myself" the Fire Spirit said, her voice echoing through the void.
I didn't look back. I didn't respond. I stepped into the portal. And in the next breath, I was back.
As soon as I opened my eyes, I knew I was back in my body. And the first thing I looked for was Delythena.
"Where is Delythena?" I asked Croseiada, breathless.
She smiled. "She returned to her body."
The moment I heard that, a wave of relief washed over me. I smiled finally able to breathe properly again.
"What kind of contract did you make?" she asked, eyes narrowing a bit.
I let out a deep sigh. I didn't answer. But she understood anyway.
"Are you going to tell her?" she asked softly.
"Not now" I replied bitterly. "I just want to enjoy the one year I have with her."
"Do you regret what you did?" she asked, watching me closely.
I smiled. "No. Even if I could turn back time, I'd still make the same choice."
When I returned to the palace, I didn't waste a second. I went straight to the underground chamber where Delythena had been kept.
And there she was.
Lying motionless on the cold floor. The flames that once surrounded her were gone. The glowing fire patterns on her skin gone as well. But she was still wearing the same blood-red dress. Her hair had returned to its original color soft, blonde, just like before.
Without hesitation, I removed the barrier and the cage around her, then quickly rushed to her side and carried her in my arms.
I teleported to her room and gently laid her down on the bed to let her rest.
"I'll wait for you to wake up... My lady" I whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead before quietly leaving the room.