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ATA'S POV
The next day, he did as promised and told the kids who he really was, and they still welcomed him to continue playing together.
Later that day, Glace approached Ata, who was with Hinamatsuri, Atlas, and Elaine. His steps were quiet, measured, and his presence carried an unspoken authority that drew their attention immediately.
"She's ready."
He said.
"Bring her in."
An ice portal appeared, and a little girl with long white hair was her dress. She had long ears, red eyes, and two black curved horns on her head. She walked through the portal, hastily hiding behind Glace out of fear of the unfamiliar faces.
"It's alright, Athena."
With a reassuring cute smile, he spoke. But she didn't react.
"Oh.. she's never seen me like this before. It's me, Asteri."
His body glitched between his previous and current looks. Her worried face lit up before she ran up to him.
"There, there."
He gently caress her head, and they look like siblings from a third-person perspective.
<
Hinatai's eyes were glued to them.
"Now allow me to introduce you to my family."
He introduced everyone and summoned the rest to introduce themselves as well. At first, she seemed shy and hesitant, lingering at the edges, but over time, she became more involved in life on the island. She was often seen walking alongside Ata, their hands clasped together, a quiet bond between them.
Weeks later, Queen Towa arrived on Star Island, accompanied by her council of wise men. Discussions turned to the gems and the ways the island could contribute to their distribution.
While part of Asteri wanted to maintain a distant relationship with other nations as Demon Lord, Queen Towa assured him she would handle the gems on his behalf. With her consent, the portal could be used almost anytime, allowing controlled interactions.
Meanwhile, the clones returned with those they had rescued. Monsters were classified by their evolutionary stages, and races such as elves, kijin, and humans began settling into roles: farming, cooking, mining, fishing, and more, shaping the island into a thriving hub.
Eto departed for Raja immediately, while Ban and Shinn remained on the island. Glace and Shinn vied for the position of Asteri's closest ally, competing silently but fiercely. Even the Scarlet King intervened occasionally, speaking with a casual nonchalance that contrasted sharply with the ongoing rivalries.
"Why are you two Master's clones? Neither has the free will to serve him."
The two were mad at his responses but couldn't fight back.
<
"Knock it off. Glace, you'll be Lady Athena's bodyguard. Shinn is only by my side because he's different from the rest of you. Scarlet King is my spirit guardian. But wait, if I take on my older form, I don't need a guardian."
"The Supreme Monarch's butler."
Scarlet King suggested.
"Brilliant! That's a position I'll need no matter what form I take. Good, Scarlet King will be my butler."
"But you don't eat."
"I'll start."
Master's orders, they had to abide by them.
Hinamatsuri continued training with the dragons, pushing herself tirelessly despite the lack of visible progress, keeping her struggles hidden from Asteri. Athena, meanwhile, began practising magic, often shrinking deliberately to perch lightly on Ata's shoulder, observing and learning.
Suddenly, a memory struck him. Without hesitation, Ata called upon Atlas, Elaine, Elfaria, Annie, and Hinamatsuri, gathering them together with purpose.
"I'll be visiting Paradis. You're all free to come."
He told them.
"Just out for a tour?"
Atlas asked.
"No. I'll inform Lady Elara about what's been happening."
Elaine was shocked at the mention of the name.
"You should come with me, Elaine."
"I'm—"
"While I'd like to visit the magnificent world, I'm kinda occupied for now. Forgive me."
Annie stated.
"No problem, Elafria?"
"I...I too have something to do.."
"Hinata?"
"Sorry.."
"Atlas."
"It's my duty anyway. I'll be accompanying you."
"Lord Atlas, please don't erase my presence, for I too will be joining the Supreme Monarch. Unless—"
Scarlet King appeared and shifted his gaze towards Asteri.
"Good. Scarlet and Atlas it is—Ouch.."
He felt a sensation in his ear only to find Athena frowning as her name wasn't mentioned.
"Sorry, Lady Athena—being small makes me ignore you at times. I'll also introduce you to Lady Elara."
She smiled happily.
"Off we go."
The trio appeared in one of the worlds in Paradis. He removed the rose, and her magnificent voice echoed throughout the space.
"You won't shrink for fun, will you, Anta chan?"
"I won't. I'm here to explain what happened."
He recounted everything with meticulous detail, leaving nothing out, each event, each choice, every consequence laid bare.
Elara's eyes darkened, and a long, weary sigh escaped her.
"Violet Vortex—once a Star of immense brilliance, now fallen from grace. His actions it the reason Omni Alnath is who he is today. His transformation to Satan wasn't random."
Atlas's face reflected shock and reverence.
"The past he never spoke of…"
"Yes. Aside from those who witnessed it, no one knows what happened. An oath that happened in the past should stay in the past."
"You telling us now is breaking the oath."
Asteri replied.
"I can do whatever I want. Besides, I trust you guys. I don't know about that one."
Scarlet immediately fell to his knees, clutching at his chest as if life itself had been wrenched from him, his body trembling violently. Ata stepped forward without hesitation.
"He's one of my men."
The invisible, deadly force ceased instantly, leaving only a tense silence. She spoke, her voice calm yet carrying a dangerous undertone.
"Just wanted to see how strong a descendant of darkness from the Cardinal World is…"
The implication hung heavy in the air.
"The way he said it means the Dark Stars are planning something."
"Their rebellion set off the conflict between the Stars and the Dark Stars. Since that day, we have been at war. Perhaps they intend to take things to another level. Let them do as they wish. If they want an endgame, we'll give it to them. Rest and enjoy your life, Anta chan."
"Regardless of what you say, I must be concerned. I need more training, I have to participate in this war, my powers might change..."
"Your powers are dangerous, Antares!"
She snapped, but Ata wasn't fazed a bit.
"I won't stop Lady Elara. I must master both Arts even if I have to create them myself."
"Young Master—I think.."
"It's alright, Child of Taurus. He's made up his mind, and nothing will change it. You almost died facing that Dark God. If you weren't who you are, you'd have perished.
You know their kind has ranks, right? The Dark Gods—and above them, the Nebulas, those who can erase existence with a single strike. But even they are nothing compared to beings like the Violet Vortex, who could wipe them out with a single breath.
Your power will tip the scale someday, Antares. But we'll both know when you're ready to bear it."
The trio were forcefully ejected out of the Paradis back to the island it was nighttime already.
"I need some time alone."
The trio was forcibly expelled from Paradis, hurtling back toward the island. Night had already draped its shadow across the land, the stars flickering faintly above.
"I need some time alone."
Ata moved to his bed, the weight of the day pressing down on him. He sank into the it, closing his eyes, seeking solace in the quiet that enveloped the room.
"War is approaching, yet I struggled against a Dark God."
He clenched his fist, frustration radiating from every muscle. His body shimmered with a sudden surge of energy, the aura stretching and reshaping him. In an instant, the limits of time yielded, and the boy reverted to his previous adult form, power and presence resonating around him.
Hinamatsuri entered quietly, her eyes taking in the transformation. She found him muttering to himself, lost in thought, and without hesitation, she sat on the bed beside him, offering a silent, steady presence.
"I have to participate, I have to train, I need to get stronger, but… everyone here is weaker than me. Perhaps the Seraphims and True Dragons will prove me otherwise…"
He continued murmuring to himself, oblivious to Hinamatsuri's presence.
"Atlas and Elaine are here. These two will be enough. Besides, training isn't just about sparring. It's also about mastering your powers. Work on that. You'll get stronger because you are the strongest."
Her words, steady and unwavering, pierced through his frustration.
For the first time in a while, Asteri felt a glimmer of hope. Yet, even with that spark, he refused to give in completely, his resolve still tempered by his own relentless standards.
"Thank you again, Hinata, for always being here with me."
He said it plainly, his mind already spinning with plans and alternatives, weighing every possibility.
She smiled softly and shook her head.
"It's the least I can do."
Rising, she walked toward the door. She paused, looked back, and offered a gentle goodbye before stepping out.
Asteri exhaled deeply, settling onto the bed. Alone, he asked himself the question that had been lingering in the back of his mind.
"How can I make my own art?"
To be continued...