The sky pulsed with lavender light, rippling across an endless horizon like breath across silk. Mountains floated upside down. Rivers glittered with stardust. Strange trees twisted upward like glass sculptures, and luminous flowers bloomed mid-air. Time didn't move here—it shimmered.
And in the center of this cosmic garden, a single orb of soft blue light hovered above a glowing patch of earth. It drifted weightlessly, like a soap bubble made of soul.
Carter Brooks.
That was him now.
A floating soul orb.
"Carter Brooks," a voice called out, as calm and powerful as thunder in a dream.
"Who is there?!" Carter cried, spinning in all directions.
He had no eyes, no arms, no feet—yet he knew he was spinning. Panic rose. Then, like a scene shift from a weird indie play, a long marble table materialized in front of him.
Eight women sat there, each impossibly radiant, sipping tea like it was Tuesday brunch and not a divine intervention.
One stood. Tall, brown-haired, green-eyed, and glowing like life incarnate.
"I am Gaia, Goddess of Creation. You have been summoned to our personal divine realm."
"HUH?!" Carter blurted.
Then she suddenly burst, yelling, "I AM SO SORRY!!!"
Carter twitched—again, as much as a floating orb could twitch.
"He doesn't know what's going on, Gaia," said a woman with violet hair and glowing runes, her tone dry as toast. "You might want to start from the part where you fried him."
"Right. Yes. Sorry!" Gaia said again. "You see, Carter, I made a teensy mistake… I dropped divine lightning onto the mortal realm and, well, you know... sizzle."
Carter was silent.
Then, softly, sarcastically: "Oh. Just that, huh?"
Another goddess giggled—her hair was woven with flower petals, and her voice sounded like dancing wind. "It was a little funny. You did this flip."
"Elaria, come on," said the one with gears in her golden eyes and a voice that felt... slowed. "It's not funny. He died."
"You're no fun sometimes, Chrona."
Carter's orb spun in place. "Excuse me!"
The goddesses turned.
"Yes, Carter?" Gaia asked sheepishly.
"Okay, first of all—WHO are you people?"
Gaia raised her hand. "I'm Gaia. Creation."
"What?"
"Chrona, Time," the silver-haired one said, still watching multiple futures.
"Huh?!"
"Elaria. Nature. You're really cute when you're confused."
"What?!"
"Sophia. Wisdom. You're also confused."
"Huh?!"
"Athena! Goddess of Strength! Let's wrestle later!"
"WHAT?!"
"Selene," whispered a voice from nowhere. "Magic. Secrets. Moonlight."
"Huh?!"
"Fortuna! Luck! Dice! Chaos! I ship us already."
"What?!"
"And Venus," said a soft, rosy voice. "Love. Passion. And… you've got a lovely glow."
"HUHHHH?!"
Carter floated. Thinking. Eight stunning divine entities. Why are they talking to me? How is this real? Why do I feel like a marshmallow on a cosmic campfire?
"So… second question. Where am I? And why am I here?"
"You're in the Blooming Eternum," Gaia said. "My domain."
"You're here because I… accidentally obliterated you," she added, voice tight.
"And we want to apologize," Sophia said.
Carter blinked soulfully. "Can I go back to my body? My world?"
Gaia winced. "You don't have a body."
"I… don't have a body?!"
"Please forgive me!" Gaia bowed again.
"No."
"Please?!"
"Still no."
"I'll give you cake! Divine cake!"
"You zapped me into a ghost puddle! No cake fixes that!"
"But I didn't mean to!"
"You threw lightning!"
"It slipped!"
Riley—no, Carter—sighed. "It's okay. I mean... apologizing won't fix this. I'm already dead."
"But I feel terrible!" Gaia wailed.
The goddesses whispered to one another.
"This is adorable," Elaria whispered. "They're like kids bickering."
"Carter's sass is strong," Selene purred. "I like him."
"It's amusing," Sophia added. "Like watching logic argue with chaos."
"They're soulmates," Fortuna said, flipping a coin. "Confirmed."
"You're not helping," Gaia muttered.
"But... look at him! He's like a shiny jellybean," Venus whispered. "So grumpy. So sparkly."
Carter floated a bit higher. "So… what now?"
Athena stood, straightening her armor. Her voice rang like a battle cry wrapped in poetry.
"You will be sent to Valerna. A world unlike your own."
She stepped forward, eyes blazing.
"It is a realm where kingdoms rise and fall with steel and sorcery. Where mountains breathe fire, oceans sing in tongues, and beasts with ten hearts roam ancient ruins."
"A place," she continued, "where men carve their names into the stars—not with ink, but with action."
"Valerna is ruled by blade and spell. Power is earned in dungeons, on warfields, in sacred duels."
Selene added, "Magic in Valerna flows through Essentia. It's shaped by your will, channeled by your soul."
Sophia nodded. "There are eight elemental branches: Flame, Aqua, Terra, Gale, Shadow, Light, Ether, and Null."
"Null magic is rare," Chrona said slowly. "It is... unstable. And not bound by time."
"Most mages align with one or two elements," Selene explained. "But prodigies? They bend four."
"And I'll bend all of them," Carter muttered dramatically.
"You'll try," Athena smirked.
"People use Essentia for everything," Elaria added. "Farming, healing, enchanting bread..."
"Exploding bread," Fortuna corrected.
"Point is," Venus said, "Essentia is life. Magic lives in the soil, the storms, the blood."
Then Fortuna leaned over, her green eyes sparkling with glee. "Oh—and Carter? You're gonna love the leveling system."
"Leveling system?" he said, perking up.
"Yep! None of that slow, grindy, XP-only nonsense. We're talking skill synergy, evolution trees, secret titles, environmental class unlocks... the works!"
"Oh gods yes," Selene agreed. "You can level by practice, passion, or even raw inspiration. Use a spoon as a weapon enough times? You might unlock Spoon Knight."
"Spoon Knight?!" Carter gasped. "Okay. That's already better than half the isekai systems I've seen."
"You'll find epic loot tied to your behavior," Sophia said. "Are you a glutton? Your frying pan might become a legendary weapon."
"I want it. I want that pan," Carter whispered.
"Titles actually matter," Venus added. "They change how people treat you—and they evolve. You start as 'Street Brawler' and can become 'King-Slayer' or 'Peace-Bound Paladin' depending on choices."
"And the numbers feel good," Athena said. "You gain real power with each level. It's not just cosmetic."
Carter was silent for a moment, overwhelmed.
Then he muttered, voice low and reverent: "They fixed it. They actually fixed it. No grindy filler. No stats that don't matter. No 'Your Level 78 Fireball does 3 damage.' You people… you legends… you understand."
Fortuna winked. "Told you he'd love it."
"Okay," Carter said, voice full of awe. "You've sold me. New world, divine leveling, magical spoon combat. Let's do this."
Gaia stepped forward again, more composed.
"You will go to Valerna with a body we craft for you. Immortal. Ageless. Strong."
"You'll look amazing," Venus said.
"You'll feel amazing," Elaria added.
"And you'll train anyway," Athena grinned. "Or I'll make you."
"So, you're giving me a second chance?"
"Yes," Gaia said. "We can't undo what happened. But we can give you a new path. A new life."
"A new body?"
"Handcrafted," Selene smirked.
"So… I get to live again? In a magic world? With all of you watching over me?"
All eight nodded.
Carter hovered in stunned silence.
Then he said, softly, "I think… I'm ready."
Gaia stepped forward, hand glowing with creation.
"Then let us begin."
Surrounding Carter in a perfect circle stood the Eight Goddesses, their divine forms glowing with celestial power. Each one radiated the essence of an eternal truth—Creation, Wisdom, Nature, Time, Strength, Magic, Luck, and Love.
Gaia, her voice soft but weighty, said, "The world needs a new variable… one unbound by death or fate."
Sophia, eyes gleaming behind her runic glasses, added, "Let us craft not a champion… but a legend."
Chrona, ever calm, spoke slowly, "His body shall exist across time's flow—unaging, unbreaking."
Carter floated silently, still an orb of soul and light. In his thoughts, he spun through a mix of awe and anxiety.
What are they going to do to me? Rebuild me? Turn me into some magical Frankenstein? Why do I feel nervous like I'm waiting for a final boss drop?
The goddesses exchanged a single, silent look. Then, in perfect synchrony, they raised their hands toward the sky.
Suddenly, a massive double-layered magic circle appeared—one above Carter, one below—etched with runes that shimmered in every divine hue: gold, silver, emerald, crimson, obsidian, sapphire, violet, and rose.
Wind surged.
The stars dimmed.
The very space between dimensions paused.
Then, glowing golden text flashed before Carter's vision:
[Divine System Initialization…]
[Soul Anchor Identified: Carter Brooks]
[Commencing Rebirth Protocol: Eightfold Blessing Transfer]
[Constructing Immortal Vessel...]
[Infusing Blessings… Please remain still. Or float. Whatever.]
Then it happened.
A pillar of divine light shot down from the heavens—pure, blinding, god-forged energy. It struck the soul-orb with a sound like creation being sung.
Carter's orb pulsed… then began to crack—not from destruction, but transformation. The fissures glowed in divine gradients: gold, blue, silver… then all eight goddess-colors at once.
Gaia extended her hand, speaking gently, "Let your body shape to survive any world."
Sophia raised her palm next, "Let your mind adapt faster than any system."
Elaria sang with the breeze, "Let your spirit bond with all life."
Chrona spoke like a clock ticking backward, "Let your soul defy age, entropy, and death itself."
Athena bellowed proudly, "Let your bones resist mountains. Let your muscles move them."
Selene whispered, "Let your mana overflow, untamed and infinite."
Fortuna giggled, tossing dice that glowed midair, "Let probability weep when you walk."
Venus cooed, her voice like silk in starlight, "Let all hearts find yours… and yours, theirs."
With a final pulse of divine energy—BOOM—the magic exploded outward.
The orb vanished.
And in its place, barefoot in the divine realm, stood Carter Brooks—reborn.
Height: 6'2", tall and well-built. Physique: Lean, muscular, with well-defined abs and a body like it was forged by mythical aesthetics. Hair: Half jet-black, half white, slightly messy but effortlessly cool, glowing faintly with divine sheen. Eyes: Piercing gold with intricate glowing patterns. Skin: Smooth, lightly tanned, god-touched and flawless. Face: Sharp jawline, high cheekbones, a faint scar over his left eyebrow. Expression: Calm, confident, with a smirk and golden eyes that burned with unspoken intensity.
His new body radiated with limitless energy. A divine aura shimmered like mist around him, and the colors of the eight blessings danced across his skin.
The eight goddesses stood frozen.
Gaia whispered, "He's… perfect."
Sophia blinked once. "Statistically improbable… and yet flawlessly calculated."
Elaria clasped her hands. "He's beautiful… like a living forest under moonlight."
Chrona tilted her head. "He resonates across timelines. I see echoes of his future already."
Athena grinned. "Okay. I definitely want to spar with him."
Selene licked her lips. "Now that's magic well woven."
Fortuna gave a two-finger salute. "Ten outta ten. Would roll again."
Venus blushed, fanning herself with rose petals. "He will break so many hearts. Especially mine."
Carter opened his eyes.
"...Whoa."
He looked down at himself, flexed his fingers, then his arms. The divine strength in his veins made the air itself hum.
System Finalization Message appeared before him:
[Immortal Body Constructed – Status: UNDYING]
[Maxed-Out Stats Applied]
[All Eight Divine Blessings: Bound]
[New Class: ??? (Classless Overlimit Being)]
[You may now descend into the world… and cause problems.]
The light faded.
The goddesses stood—some smiling, some blushing, some pretending not to blush.
Carter stretched, cracked his neck, then smiled and looked around. "Sooo… how do I look?"
"You look divine," Gaia said softly.
"Like a masterpiece," Sophia offered.
"Like moonlit marble," Elaria whispered.
"Dangerously efficient," Chrona said.
"Ready for war," Athena smirked.
"Delicious," Selene teased.
"Lucky me," Fortuna winked.
"Irresistible," Venus sighed.
Carter chuckled. "Thanks. I feel… alive. Really alive. And strong. Like I could bench press a dragon."
Selene added, "Oh, and we encoded the world's common language and knowledge into your soul. You'll fit right in."
"Seriously? That's awesome. Thanks," Carter said, blinking. "I suddenly know 84 magical cooking recipes and how to cuss in six monster dialects."
Gaia stepped forward and extended her hand. "Now, Carter… It's time for you to leave. To begin your new life."
He raised his hand. "Wait. One thing first."
She paused, smiling. "What is it?"
Carter's face went deadpan. "I'm naked."
The goddesses gasped.
Dead silence.
Gaia blinked. "You're… what?"
Carter gestured down at his incredibly godly—but very bare—body. "See this? No shirt. No pants. No underwear. Just radiant dignity."
"I—I forgot clothes?!" Gaia's eyes went wide.
"YES. You were about to drop me into a magic world like a divine streaker!"
"I was focused on making your body perfect!" Gaia wailed.
"Yeah, well, A+ for effort, F- for modesty!"
"I was going to add the clothes after the blessing!"
"Oh really? Because I saw a glowing teleport circle and NO pants!"
The other goddesses cracked up.
"Classic Gaia," Fortuna said through laughter.
"He's not wrong," Sophia sighed. "Protocol fail."
"I wasn't staring," Venus said innocently.
"Speak for yourself," Elaria hummed.
"Honestly," Carter deadpanned. "You already zapped me with lightning once. Now you're trying to send me into a fantasy world butt-naked. Are you trying to be my villain origin story?"
Gaia groaned, red-faced. "That lightning was an accident!"
"Sure, sure. 'Oops, I tripped and annihilated your life.'"
"You're impossible!"
"And you're forgetful!"
"You're lucky you're charming!"
"I know I'm charming! But also naked!"
The seven other goddesses could barely hold it together.
Selene whispered, "Best argument I've witnessed in a thousand years."
Chrona smiled faintly. "Their timeline convergence is chaotic. I approve."
"Can we just get me some pants before I become a divine meme?" Carter groaned.
Gaia huffed. "Fine! I'm sorry, again!" She snapped her fingers.
A flash of light dressed Carter in sleek black pants, a crisp white shirt, and a black and gold fur-lined jacket.
Carter checked himself out. "Finally. Dressed for success. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Gaia muttered.
"Still gonna tease you about it forever, though," Carter added with a grin.
Gaia looked like she wanted to hit him with another lightning bolt.
Then she sighed, smiled, and said, "Now… are you ready?"
"Yeah. I'm ready."
The goddesses raised their hands. A golden magic circle formed under Carter.
He looked at them one last time. "Goodbye. Hope I see you all again someday."
The goddesses raised their hands. A golden magic circle formed under Carter.
He looked at them one last time. "Goodbye. Hope I see you all again someday."
Each goddess stepped forward, offering her farewell.
Gaia smiled warmly. "Live freely, Carter. You are not bound by our will—you are your own star now."
Sophia pushed up her glasses. "Observe, adapt, survive… and then outwit fate itself. I know you will."
Elaria clasped his hand softly. "Stay kind. Even the smallest act of warmth can shape the world."
Chrona bowed her head slightly. "Make good use of your time. Even immortality has its limits."
Athena pounded her fist into her palm. "Don't go easy. Train hard. Fight harder. Be stronger than yesterday."
Selene circled him once, trailing stars. "Let chaos dance with you. And don't be afraid to break the rules."
Fortuna winked and tossed a coin that turned to light. "Let the dice roll wild. I'm betting on you, Lucky Charm."
Venus stepped close, brushed a hand against his cheek. "Love without fear. You'll be amazing, I know it."
Carter stood still, absorbing every word, every gaze.
"Thank you. All of you," he said, heart pounding.
—
Carter reappeared inside a glowing golden magic circle, suspended above a vast forest.
The circle spun once, released a pulse, and dissolved.
Carter landed lightly on soft grass. Alone.
He took one breath—and froze.
The forest around him was impossibly beautiful. Trees stretched tall with glowing bark and translucent leaves that shimmered like crystal. Streams wound through mossy paths, glowing with gentle mana. The air was rich with energy. Birds sang unfamiliar songs. Flowers pulsed with color and life.
Carter stood still, overwhelmed.
"This place… is unreal," he whispered.
He raised a hand. The air shimmered with mana.
He could feel it. The power. The energy. Flowing through the world, and through him. His senses were sharper. His body—divine. Every movement felt fluid. Perfect.
He felt stronger than ever. Like he could leap a mountain. Wrestle a giant. Eat twelve pies and still have room for dessert.
A breeze passed. His jacket fluttered.
He smirked.
"Well then… Carter Brooks has officially arrived."
He looked up toward the endless sky.
"Let's start this adventure off right."
The forest hummed with life as Carter walked, birds singing songs he'd never heard and the wind brushing through enchanted trees that sparkled like emerald glass. His boots crunched lightly on moss-laced ground, each step measured, though his mind wandered.
"Alright, I'm alive. In another world. Wearing pants. That's already a win," Carter said aloud, cracking a grin. "Now let's see what I'm working with."
He paused beneath a towering tree with violet blossoms and crossed his arms, eyes scanning the clearing around him. Then he mumbled under his breath, feeling more than a little silly.
"Open… status?"
There was a moment of silence.
Then: FWOOM.
A large violet screen burst to life in front of him, semi-transparent and glowing with divine symbols. It hovered patiently, waiting to be read.
Carter blinked. "Whoa. It actually worked. Just like in those manga books."
He leaned closer, reading line by line as the screen shimmered.
[STATUS MENU: CARTER BROOKS]
Name: Carter Brooks
Age: 19 (Immortal Body: Ageless)
Race: Human (Divine-Reforged)
Level: 1 (Capless — [∞] Detected)
Class: Classless (Overlimit Being)
Titles:
Reborn by the Eight
The One Without Limit
Dangerously Handsome (Cursed/Blessed by Venus)
Goddesses' Favorite (Unofficial, but true)
Reincarnated One
Chosen of the Eight
Undying Mortal
Blessings:
Blessing of Creation (Gaia)
Blessing of Wisdom (Sophia)
Blessing of Nature (Elaria)
Blessing of Time (Chrona)
Blessing of Strength (Athena)
Blessing of Magic (Selene)
Blessing of Luck (Fortuna)
Blessing of Love (Venus)
Health Points (HP): ∞
Magic Points (MP): ∞
Strength: MAX (9999+)
Agility: MAX (9999+)
Endurance: MAX (9999+)
Mana: MAX (Overflowing)
Luck: MAX (Reality-Breaking)
Charm: MAX (Unfair to mortals)
Normal Skills:
Enhanced Vision: Can see clearly at great distances, in the dark, and through certain materials.
Unarmed Combat: Martial skill with fists and body. Can fight even without a weapon.
Blacksmithing: Able to craft, repair, and enhance weapons and armor. Has a divine touch.
Cooking – Weirdly Excellent: Makes food so good it causes buffs, tears, or romantic confession.
Basic Swordsmanship – Mastered: Despite the name, this covers elite-level blade combat.
Monster Intimidation – Passive Aura: Wild monsters hesitate, flinch, or outright flee upon detecting his presence.
Appraisal – Always On: Sees the status screen, true name, and threat level of anything he looks at—people, monsters, items, sandwiches.
Beginner Stealth – Accidentally OP: Can vanish even in plain sight, walk through monster territory unnoticed, or sneak up on dragons unintentionally.
Ability Skills:
Divine Regeneration – Auto-heals all injuries every 10 seconds
Godspeed Step – Teleport-like movement
Divine Body (Immortal) – Immunity to aging, poison, death, curses
Combat Instinct Overdrive – Reflexes beyond comprehension
Inventory Expansion – Dimensional storage
Adaptive Learning – Master any skill instantly after seeing it once
Stat Compression – Suppress stats to appear "normal" (never used)
Magic Skills:
Spatial Magic: Allows instant movement, portal creation, and dimensional warping.
Sound Magic: Voice projection, create silence zones, or summon dramatic entrance music.
Dream Magic: Enter others' dreams (or be dragged into goddess dream tea parties).
Teleport: Move instantly to any location previously visited or physically touched.
Elemental Mastery EX: Absolute control over all elemental forces—fire, water, wind, earth, lightning, ice, and beyond.
Mass Telepathy: Communicate mentally with hundreds of beings at once.
Summon Familiar (x∞): Call forth divine, elemental, or comic-relief creatures. Limitless potential.
Mana Manipulation: Shape mana into weapons, armor, platforms, or even breakfast.
Time Flicker: Briefly rewind or fast-forward time in a small area for up to 3 seconds.
Restoration Magic: Heal others, regrow limbs, revive nature, even resurrect beards.
Anti-Magic Pulse: Cancels all active magic in a radius. Destroys spells instantly.
Mirror Spell: Reflects enemy spells with double intensity.
Hollow Construct: Creates temporary decoys, clones, or solid illusions to fight or distract.
Unique Skills:
Immortal Vessel – Cannot die from age, time, poison, or natural causes
Overlimit Core – Stat caps removed, growth is evolution-based
Soul Anchor – Resurrection upon death (1/day)
Divine Link – Connected to the Eight Goddesses (effects unknown)
World Jumper (Locked) – Travel between worlds (Unavailable)
Weapons:
Beginner's Edge (Mystic Grade) – Appears weak. Actually terrifying.
Effect: 3× Crit when mocked
Evolves with story progression
Can transform into dual swords, spear, or frying pan
Inventory:
Nothing yet… except potential.
Carter stood in silence.
Then, slowly, a wide grin crept across his face.
"Blessing of Love AND Luck? Reality-breaking luck? Passive monster fear? I even got dream magic—what the hell, this is amazing."
He pumped a fist. "I'm built different. Like, eight-goddess-engineered different."
He scrolled further. "Time magic, infinite storage, frying pan weapon evolution—YES PLEASE."
Carter laughed as he dismissed the screen with a flick.
"This is the greatest starter kit in the history of existence."
The forest seemed to welcome his joy. Leaves rustled in approval, mana shimmered faintly across the air like fairy dust.
He looked ahead—deeper into the glowing woods.
"Alright. Time to see what this world's got."
With that, Carter Brooks—the Classless Overlimit Being, Undying Mortal, and Dangerously Handsome Soul-Reforged Isekai Protagonist—stepped boldly forward, eyes blazing with confidence.
Carter had been walking for hours, the divine forest stretching endlessly before him. Yet he wasn't tired. If anything, he was more energized than ever.
The breeze brushed his face with a gentle chill, carrying the rich scent of magical pollen and the crisp aroma of dew-soaked leaves. Ethereal lights danced in the air. Every tree, every stone, seemed to glow faintly with mana—raw, natural energy flowing through the world like veins of magic.
He stopped to take it in. "This place is nuts. It's like the whole world's leaking mana. Just standing here makes me feel like I'm charging up like a phone at 100%."
His golden eyes gleamed. "Maybe it's time I test this power. See what I can really do."
With renewed purpose, he set off, eyes sharp. "Let's find some monsters."
But an hour passed… and nothing.
Not a slime. Not a goblin. Not even a suspicious squirrel.
Carter huffed. "Where are all the world-threatening beasts when you want one?"
Just then—BOOM.
A thunderous explosion echoed through the trees, shaking birds from branches. Moments later, a guttural roar ripped through the forest.
Carter's head snapped toward the sound. "Okay, that's more like it."
His heart beat faster. Curiosity flared. "Explosion and a roar? That's either a boss fight… or someone losing a boss fight."
He hesitated, thinking. "I wonder if I can enhance my vision with divine mana…"
He closed his eyes and channeled his energy into his eyes.
A warm glow pulsed behind his lids.
Minutes passed.
Then—click.
He opened them.
The forest stretched out before him in detail beyond comprehension. Every leaf, ripple, and motion came into view across miles.
And there—in a clearing—two women stood locked in combat, faces bruised, eyes determined. They looked like twins.
Carter zoomed his focus.
The monster was a towering crystal golem—gleaming, jagged, its arms like hammer-sized clubs. Every step it took quaked the forest floor.
His gaze returned to the women.
Identical silver-blonde hair. One with a rapier and crimson tunic, the other in royal blue robes wielding a staff. Their auras flickered with exhaustion.
"Wow," Carter muttered. "Gorgeous… and fighting a rock titan. Yeah, I'm checking this out."
He whispered, "Godspeed Step."
A gust of wind erupted as Carter vanished, dust spiraling in his wake.
—
Meanwhile…
The battlefield was chaos.
Leina Astravale gritted her teeth, red ribbon whipping in the air. Her rapier trembled in her grip.
"This thing just keeps coming," she hissed.
Liora stood behind her, staff glowing with a warm blue aura. "Leina, we need to retreat. We can't win this. We should return to the guild and request backup."
Leina shot her a glare. "Retreat? We're royalty! Astravale's future rulers! And B-rank adventurers! We don't run, Liora."
Liora's voice was calm but urgent. "Being brave doesn't mean being foolish. If we die here, what good does that do our people?"
"We're not going to die!" Leina barked. "You always say stuff like that—play it safe, be cautious. Well, sometimes we have to FIGHT."
"I'm not saying we're weak. I'm saying we're outmatched. We can come back better prepared!" Liora countered.
Leina's fists clenched. Her frustration boiling. "I'm tired of playing second! Of always being the one told to step back! No more!"
She gripped her rapier tightly. Her eyes locked on the towering golem as it charged a burst of crystal light in its chest.
"Leina… please don't be impulsive—!" Liora's voice cracked.
"I'm NOT a coward!" Leina shouted. "FOR THE KINGDOM OF ASTRAVALE!!"
She dashed forward, blade glowing.
"LEINA, STOP—!"
But it was too late.
Leina leapt forward with battle fury, her sword igniting in flame.
The battle began.
Leina weaved between the golem's heavy strikes, her rapier flashing with rapid jabs and flaming arcs.
"Blazing Lancer!" she roared, dashing under the golem's arm and slicing along its crystalline ribs. The monster roared, turning and smashing its fist into the earth where she'd just stood.
"Too slow!" she taunted, flipping backward, blade dancing in the air.
She struck again—"Crimson Spiral!"—a vortex of fire blasting from her sword.
The golem stumbled. But it wasn't down.
It raised both arms.
"Barrier!" Liora cried out, casting a shield to protect her sister just in time.
BOOM! The golem struck it with a downward slam.
It held.
"Again!" Leina yelled, launching herself off the golem's leg.
She jabbed toward its core. The golem's eye pulsed.
The moment her blade neared—
WHAM.
The golem's arm collided with her midair.
She hit the tree. Hard.
Crumpling.
"LEINA!"
Liora sprinted, hand glowing.
"Solar Heal! Solar Heal!" she cast repeatedly, magic flowing into her twin.
The golem advanced.
"Barrier!" she called.
BOOM!
"Another—Barrier!"
CRACK!
"Again! Please—hold!"
Her magic was flickering.
Each blow shook her bones.
Leina coughed, eyes glassy. "I thought… I had it…"
"Stop talking. Just stay with me."
"Sorry…"
"No. No more apologies," Liora said, tears falling. "You're my sister. That's enough."
The golem roared and raised both arms.
Liora screamed, "Final Ward!"
A last radiant dome. Thinner. Dimmer.
The golem struck.
Once.
Twice.
Cracks.
Liora knelt, drained.
Leina cried softly. "I'm sorry I was reckless… I just wanted to be worthy…"
"You already are," Liora whispered. "You always were."
The golem's final strike came down.
Both closed their eyes.
Liora whispered, "Please… someone… anyone…"
FLASH!
A burst of pure, iridescent black light exploded from the treeline.
It moved faster than a scream—cutting through the air like divine lightning.
The golem's strike halted mid-motion, its massive arm vibrating with impact that never landed.
A hurricane of wind blasted outward, knocking leaves and dust in every direction.
A deep pulse of power washed over the twins.
They gasped, blinking through the wind and radiant aura.
"What… what is that?" Leina said, squinting.
"That light… it's not a spell," Liora whispered, stunned. "It's… something else."
A figure stood between them and the golem—bathed in the glow of divine energy.
His outline was hazy at first. A shadow against light.
But slowly, the iridescent black faded, like mist burning off at sunrise.
He stood tall.
Half-black, half-white hair tousled by wind. A long coat with golden trim fluttering around him. Muscles coiled with ease. Power radiated from him—not just strength, but presence.
And his eyes.
Golden, bright as the sun, locked onto the golem with cool confidence.
In one hand, he held the crystal monster's enormous arm.
Like it was nothing.
Then, he smiled.
"Hey, Mr. Crystal Monster Thing?" he said casually.
"Pick on someone your own size."
To be continued…