7 years have passed...
Valieon, once the egoistic, mischievous kid, had grown into a striking young man. His tall frame, silver wavy hair, and piercing purple eyes made him the most beautiful man in the Flame Dominion. His milky-white skin contrasted with his sharp, confident demeanor. Though he had become much stronger, he was not famous for his power—he was famous for his looks. But beneath that face was the same competitive, prideful, and fiercely determined warrior.
His training was coming to an end. Tomorrow would mark the final day of his seven-year journey. Seven long years since Draven had left. Seven long years of grueling training under Master Zephyr. Unfortunately, Zephyr had passed away in the fifth year. His death had shaken the entire realm. Even the gods themselves attended his funeral, paying their respects to the legendary martial artist.
For the last two years, Valieon had continued to follow Zephyr's teachings, but he was alone now. Loneliness and grief had crept into his heart, but he endured. Tomorrow, he would train for the last time and return to his village.
That night, he stared at the stars—the same stars that had watched over him seven years ago. He sat in his dark, dimly lit room, holding two things that meant more to him than life itself: Draven's letter and a photo of Master Zephyr. His fingers gently traced the cover of the two books he kept—WAR and Cosmic Myth. He sighed, knowing that once he stepped out, he would never return to this room again.
The next morning, he packed his belongings. The once-dark room now felt even emptier as he walked out, shutting the door behind him forever. As he moved through the streets, he caught the attention of many. Girls whispered among themselves, blushing as he passed by, but he didn't care. His mind was elsewhere. He walked straight to the docks and took a boat back to his village.
When he arrived, he stood frozen at the familiar sight before him. His eyes welled up with tears. The same small swing from his childhood swayed gently in the breeze. The same animals he had loved and cared for were still there, waiting for him. He knelt, petting them one by one, memories flooding back. This was home.
But then, a voice interrupted his moment.
"Who are you?"
Valieon turned, seeing a man standing a few feet away. Black, messy hair, a strong, chiseled face—
"Veridian…?" Valieon's voice barely escaped his lips.
The man's eyes widened. "Valieon? You… You're alive?"
For a second, neither of them moved. Then, like lightning, they ran toward each other, embracing tightly. Veridian pulled back, staring at Valieon in disbelief.
"Where have you been?! How are you alive? Everyone thought you were dead!"
Valieon hesitated. "It's… I can't tell you."
Veridian's face darkened. "Why? What happened? Were you imprisoned somewhere?"
"No, Veridian… I was on a mission." Valieon changed the subject, noticing Veridian's armor. "You've grown so much… and you're wearing elite armor. Congrats." He smiled genuinely. "You became the Fierce Warrior?"
Veridian nodded. "Yes… But—"
Valieon cut him off, his smile growing wider. "That's amazing! I'm so happy for you, truly."
Veridian stared at him. "But… wasn't that your dream too?"
Valieon's smile faltered. His gaze drifted downward. "That dream is long gone, Veridian. I can never complete it."
Veridian took a step closer. "Why?"
Valieon clenched his fists. "I wish I knew the answer…"
And for a moment, silence fell between them, the weight of the past hanging in the air like an unspoken truth.