Warm light spilled gently from the doorway ahead, bathing the forest path in a soft glow.
Kael slowed his steps.
Beside him, Hat's flame flickered quietly.
They exchanged a brief glance—no words needed—before stepping forward together.
Warm light spilled out from the doorway.
Kael and Hat exchanged a brief glance before stepping inside.
The interior revealed a simple yet refined dining room. At its center sat a man calmly sipping tea, his posture relaxed—as if he had been waiting for them all along.
The man set his cup down and smiled.
"Oh. I've been waiting for you, Kael."
Kael froze.
How does he know my name…?
Before Kael could speak, Hat suddenly flew forward.
The man laughed softly.
"It's been a while, Hat. How have you been?"
Hat trembled, his flame flickering.
"Yes, Master… it really has been a long time. I missed you so much."
Kael stared at them, stunned.
"H-Hat…?" he asked slowly. "Who is this man?"
The man rose from his seat, his smile gentle and dignified.
"Oh, right. I should introduce myself."
"My name is Julius."
Kael's eyes widened.
"…Julius? You mean that Julius?"
Julius nodded.
"Yes. I am the First King of Astralis."
Kael staggered back.
"That's impossible! You died centuries ago!"
Julius chuckled.
"Well… I suppose you could say I did. I'm a god now."
"…WHAT?!"
He continued casually.
"Oh? You didn't realize? You're standing in another world right now."
Kael clenched his fists.
"How is that even possible?"
Julius tilted his head.
"Oh? So the old man didn't explain anything?"
"…Old man?"
"The god of the world you came from."
Kael's breath caught.
"You mean… you met a god?"
"Yes. And since you're the chosen one, I assumed you met him as well."
Kael shook his head.
"No. I only heard a voice. I never saw anyone."
Julius sighed, rubbing his temple.
"…That old geezer really didn't explain a thing."
He gestured toward the table.
"Sit down first."
Hat floated over and perched on Julius's shoulder.
Kael blinked.
"…Hat, you never sit on my shoulder."
Julius laughed.
"You two really are close."
Hat replied innocently, "If you say so, Master."
Kael sat as Julius poured him tea.
After a sip, Kael asked quietly, "So… why am I here?"
Julius's expression sharpened.
"First, show me your status."
Kael nodded.
"Status—open."
An invisible panel appeared. Julius examined it closely.
"…Impressive. Especially for your age. But it's not enough."
Kael frowned.
"Not enough for what?"
"Because danger is coming."
Kael stiffened.
"Four hundred years ago," Julius said, "an ancient evil god rampaged across this land. With countless monsters, he tried to conquer the world."
Kael swallowed.
"The gods chose a champion to stop him."
"…That was you," Kael murmured.
Julius nodded.
"Yes. I sealed him—with my subordinates' help. But the seal is weakening. Some are trying to break it."
Kael's heart pounded.
"If he returns," Julius continued, "this world will fall into ruin."
Silence hung heavy.
"…And now," Julius said softly, "you are the chosen one."
"To stop him, you must find two others—one who wields Light magic, and one who wields Dark magic. They are the key to restoring the seal."
Kael lowered his head.
"…Am I really capable of this?"
Julius studied him.
"What do you desire, Kael? Power? A throne? Glory?"
Kael clenched his fists.
"I don't want any of that!"
His voice echoed through the room.
"I just want to protect people—like my father did. Like you did. I want to see them smile. I love this kingdom, and I will protect it!"
Silence followed.
Then Julius smiled.
"Very well."
Kael looked up.
"Then what's the problem?"
Kael froze—then exhaled slowly.
"…You're right."
He lifted his head, eyes burning with resolve.
"I have the power. And Hat is with me."
Hat flared proudly.
"Of course, Master! I'll always be by your side!"
Kael nodded.
"I think I already know who the Light and Dark users are. We met two girls earlier. Hat sensed something strong from them."
Julius's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Then find them. And protect them."
Kael hesitated.
"Hat also mentioned powerful magic items here."
"Yes," Julius said. "Two rings—one for Light, one for Dark. They will amplify their powers."
He paused.
"There is also a sword. But I cannot give it to you."
"Why?"
"Because it chooses its wielder."
Julius's gaze hardened.
"It is the Holy Sword Astralis."
"If you are worthy," he said, "it will answer you. To call it, say its name."
Kael stood straight.
"Come forth, Astralis."
Nothing happened.
His shoulders sagged.
Julius smiled gently.
"Do not rush. It will appear when you truly believe in yourself."
He placed two rings into Kael's hands.
"Take these."
"…Thank you."
Kael hesitated.
"May I come here again?"
Julius nodded.
"Of course."
As Kael turned to leave, Julius stopped him.
He extended a sword.
"This was my blade—once wielded alongside Astralis."
Kael accepted it with reverence.
"Thank you, Julius."
Julius turned to Hat.
"Take care of him."
Hat bowed deeply.
"Yes, Master."
A teleportation circle flared beneath Kael's feet.
Light swallowed them.
Space folded—
—and when the glow faded, Kael and Hat were back in Kael's bedroom.
Kael collapsed onto the bed.
"…What a day."
Hat settled on his shoulder, flame dim.
"Yes, Master… I'm exhausted."
Kael stared at the ceiling.
"It's late. Father and Mother are probably back. We'll meet them in the morning."
Hat nodded weakly.
"Yes…"
The room fell into silence.
Unseen by Kael, the two rings resting beside his bed began to glow faintly—
one radiating pure, gentle light,
the other pulsing with deep, ominous darkness.
And somewhere far beyond the capital…
something ancient stirred once more.