The return journey to Aetherion was swift; Seraphyx had prepared the pathways, bending space and void to carry them across vast distances almost instantly.
Selene emerged first, radiant yet visibly changed—her aura now carrying subtle, new layers, a power different from either Lucien or herself before. Lucien followed close, his presence immense, silent, protective.
Arios, training near the estate's perimeter under Seraphyx's watchful eye, paused mid-strike. His violet-silver aura flared, a mixture of instinct and deliberate control, and his blade cut through the air with absolute precision. The system interface floated before his vision:
Level: 82
Titles: Son of Inevitability, Young Scion of Inevitability, First Strike, Veilbreaker
Abilities:
Shadow-Veil Slash (enhanced) Harmony of Twin Veils (fully refined) Veil Breaker (multi-dimensional) Void Step: instantaneous short-distance repositioning Reality Lash: combines mirrored essence and void energy for long-range strikes Combat intuition: system-assisted anticipation of enemy attacks
Seraphyx hovered beside him, tendrils flicking lazily. "You've improved greatly," she murmured. "Your control, instinct, and adaptability… surpass even my expectations."
Arios glanced at the approaching figures—Selene stepping forward, radiant, her aura vast and layered, and behind her, Lucien, presence bending space itself. His expression softened, awe mingled with excitement. He bowed slightly. "Mother… Father."
Selene's eyes softened, glimmering faintly. "You've grown, Arios. I can feel it… far beyond what you know."
Lucien's gaze swept over him, evaluating, yet not with the clinical precision of old; this was the warmth of recognition. "You have learned, observed, and fought well. But you must understand… the threats beyond Aetherion are countless, and the paths you walk will shape both your future and that of all existence."
Arios nodded, fists clenched. "I understand. I've trained, grown, and I'm ready to face what comes. With Seraphyx guiding me, and with you both here…" He paused, swallowing back awe. "I'll do my best."
Selene reached out, placing a hand briefly on his shoulder. "And soon, there will be another life to guide. You have a little sister, growing strong within me. Her power… will be her own. Different. But she will carry the blood of inevitability."
Arios's violet eyes widened, a faint smile breaking across his face. "A sister… I won't fail her either."
Lucien allowed a rare, faint smirk. "Good. Responsibility sharpens inevitability. But remember, she is not yours to control—she will have her own path, her own strength."
Selene turned to Arios. "I will stay here a while, helping you acclimate. Then, you will continue your training with your uncles and aunties. And remember…" Her eyes glimmered softly, "we are always watching, guiding, and protecting you."
The estate, quiet yet brimming with power, stretched before them. Arios flexed his fingers, violet-silver energy coiling around him. He was stronger, wiser, and more capable than ever—yet the true path of inevitability still lay ahead.
And above them, in the infinite void beyond, threads of destiny shimmered, tying father, mother, son, and unborn child together—each step, each choice, inevitably shaping the cosmos itself.