As the pain subsided, Isaac opened his eyes and found himself staring at a vast, serene lake. Before him stood a figure unlike any he had ever seen—white hair as pure as freshly fallen snow, eyes a brilliant shade of blue that shimmered like the ocean, and a body adorned with intricate tattoos pulsating with mystical energy. Hovering above him was a strange magical circle, rotating like a ship's wheel.
A sudden wave of exhaustion crashed over Isaac. His body, still adjusting to the unfamiliar sensations, could not hold on any longer. He collapsed into the lake, sinking deeper as the icy water embraced him. Though he struggled against the pull, his limbs grew weaker.
Just before his consciousness faded, a familiar voice echoed in his mind—a whisper barely audible through the encroaching darkness.
"My king… I hope you reclaim your legacy."
In the heart of the Bloodstained Palace, where the cries of life and death intertwined, a woman lay upon a grand bed, her body convulsing with agony. Sweat trickled down her forehead, her glowing eyes filled with both fury and fear, fixed on the ceiling above. Around her, a group of servants frantically tended to her, whispering words of reassurance she could not hear.
Beside her, her most trusted handmaid clutched her trembling hand, voice quivering as she pleaded:
"Hold on, my lady… The child for whom you sacrificed everything is about to enter this world."
But the woman did not respond. Her mind was trapped in a whirlwind of memories—escape, love, betrayal, and now… the birth that would determine not only her fate but also that of her child.
At the same moment, within the Great Assembly Hall, Reiner Noxfaire, head of the Noxfaire lineage, sat upon his polished black throne, surrounded by the elite swordmasters, his five sons, esteemed grandchildren, high-ranking knights, and trusted administrators. The Noxfaire family was one of the most formidable bloodlines of sword-wielding mages across the human continent, serving as the first line of defense against the monstrous entities emerging from the Abyssal Expanse in the north.
At the center of the hall, an aged but dignified figure, Falco the Elder, who had served the family for decades, spoke in a calm yet weighty tone:
"My lord, reports indicate unusual disturbances among the creatures of the Abyssal Expanse… There are suspicions that the Krismer Family may be involved, but we lack concrete evidence to present before the royal court."
Before anyone could respond, a commanding presence disrupted the discussion—a dragon, the family's guardian, standing in her humanoid form. Her aura alone demanded reverence, her ancient, glowing eyes reflecting eons of wisdom and power.
"The fools of Krismer… they never learn."
At her words, Kaldiras, the eldest son of Reiner, spoke with sharp authority:
"Standard-bearers, any suggestions?"
The Standard-Bearers were the grandchildren of the Noxfaire bloodline, the most promising warriors set to inherit the family's power and responsibilities. Each carried a banner signifying their status within the family's hierarchy. At the forefront was Lina, the First Standard-Bearer, known as the strongest among them—though she had forsaken the right to lead the family. Following her was Joshua, the Second Standard-Bearer, whose disdain for his siblings was never concealed. The rest of the bearers stood with varied skills, excelling in assassination, sword combat, and battlefield strategy.
Joshua, his eyes gleaming with excitement, took a step forward and declared:
"My lord, allow me to lead an expedition personally to investigate the matter."
Reiner gave a slight nod but warned in a low, firm voice:
"Go, but do not engage them directly."
Before another word could be exchanged, a hesitant voice interrupted the gathering. A servant, clearly uneasy, stepped forward and announced:
"My lord… the young lady is on the verge of giving birth. Shall we prepare for the Naming Ceremony?"
Silence fell upon the chamber. Reiner exhaled slowly as his sons exchanged scornful glances, irritation flashing in their eyes. Finally, the eldest among them scoffed in contempt:
"And this… this is worth interrupting our discussion? Ridiculous. Get out of my sight!"
Yet, Reiner Noxfaire did not so much as acknowledge his son's rudeness. Instead, he simply uttered in an unwavering tone:
"Prepare for the ceremony.