Desire

Aena, through the power of her affection, bestowed upon Aoda and Adra an intense desire to pursue and yearn for something greater. This gift of aspiration was intended to motivate them to strive for excellence and achieve their full potential.

As the effects of Aena's gift began to take hold, Aoda experienced an unprecedented surge of energy that caused a remarkable transformation in his draconic form, altering the very essence of his being.

Scales that covered his body, once shimmering with vibrant hues, gradually receded, revealing smooth, tanned skin that now covered his body. His majestic wings, which had once spanned great distances, shrunk and merged with his back, leaving only faint vestiges of their former glory.

Aoda's limbs elongated and reshaped, his massive claws transforming into hands with slender fingers. The webbing between his digits faded, allowing him a newfound dexterity and precision. His once powerful tail, now reduced in size, became a mere remnant, only serving as a reminder of his draconic lineage.

As his body changed, Aoda's face underwent a remarkable transformation. His snout receded, and his nose took on a more human form. His eyes, once fierce and piercing, softened into a warm, expressive gaze, capable of conveying a range of emotions. His mouth, adorned with sharp fangs, transformed into a pair of gentle lips, capable of delivering words with the utmost care.

Aoda's newfound humanoid form stood tall and proud, radiating a sense of strength and grace. His sculpted and athletic physique exuded an aura of power and vitality. He marveled at the sensation of standing on two feet, feeling the solid ground beneath him, and the gentle breeze caressing his bare skin.

With this evolution, Aoda had become more than a Dragon King. He had become a being capable of embracing the world in a way he had never thought possible. Aoda's heart swelled with gratitude for Aena's gift, allowing him to fully experience the joys and wonders of life alongside his beloved Adra.

Adra witnessed the transformation with a blend of amazement and trepidation. She had always cherished Aoda just as he was, and the idea of him changing into something different left her uncertain. However, as she looked into Aoda's eyes, she saw the same boundless love and devotion she had always known.

Aoda reached out to Adra, his hands now capable of gentle touch, and spoke words filled with love and reassurance.

「 Aoda, Dragon King 」

"Adra, my love, I may have changed in form, but my heart remains the same."

"This gift allows me to be closer to you, to experience life in ways I never could before."

"I still cherish every moment we spend together, and my love for you knows no bounds."

Adra was overcome with emotions. She reached out and took Aoda's hand with her branches, feeling the warmth of his touch. She saw the sincerity in his eyes and felt the depth of his love, knowing that his transformation had not altered the essence of who he was.

「 Adra, Tree of Life 」

"My love..."

"I could not ask of our Mother for another miracle."

"She had sacrificed a lot."

"Just for me."

But Adra refused Aena's gift. She gently withdrew from Aoda's grasp, her branches trembling with mixed emotions. She looked deep into Aoda's eyes, her voice filled with love and determination.

"Aoda my love, I cannot accept this gift."

"I am who I am, just as you are who you are."

"Our love has always transcended physical forms."

"I treasure the bond we share, and I fear that..."

"Altering ourselves in such a way would jeopardize the essence of our connection."

Aoda's expression softened, his eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and sadness. He reached out, placing a hand on Adra's bark, feeling the comforting presence of the Tree of Life beneath his fingertips.

「 Aoda, Dragon King 」

"I respect your decision, my love."

"Our love is profound and enduring, and it goes beyond any physical manifestation."

"I am grateful for the time we have spent together and the love we have shared."

"I will cherish every moment, just as I always have."

Adra's branches gently caressed Aoda's hand, conveying her love and gratitude.

「 Adra, Tree of Life 」

"Aoda, you are the light that brightens my existence."

"Together, we have faced countless challenges and celebrated numerous triumphs."

"Let us continue to embrace our unique selves and nurture the bond that unites us."

Aoda nodded, a gentle smile playing on his lips. He knew that their love was resilient and transcendent, capable of withstanding any obstacle. They would walk their path together, appreciating the beauty of their individuality while embracing the profound connection they shared.

Upon seeing Adra's reluctance to accept the gift she bestowed on Aoda, Aena was deeply touched and began to muster the reserve of her strength and conjured something for her daughter. The ability to absorb the very essence of Aena, so that Adra could always maintain the magic particle's balance in the world. The ability to regulate Aena. The gift of æsther.

And with that final gift, Aena left her son and daughter in a world she created just for them. To adore and cherish each other. To love and grow old. As Aena departed, Aoda and Adra stood together, their hearts overflowing with love and gratitude for the gifts they had received.

Aoda continued to embrace his new form, reveling in the experiences it afforded him. He explored the wonders of the world with Adra by his side, his love for her deepening with each passing day. Together, they witnessed the beauty of nature, the marvels of the world their mother had created for them, and the joys and sorrows of life.

Adra, rooted in the earth, remained the steadfast Tree of Life, a symbol of stability and wisdom. She regulated the balance of magic in the world, ensuring harmony and preserving the delicate equilibrium. Adra's connection with Aena's essence allowed her to maintain this vital role, guiding the flow of energy and protecting the world they inhabited.

As the years passed, Aoda and Adra's love grew stronger, their bond unbreakable. They faced challenges and triumphs together, supporting and encouraging each other every step of the way. Their love story became a legend, whispered among their descendants, a testament to the power of love and acceptance.

In the realm Aena created, Aoda and Adra lived a life filled with joy, laughter, and a deep sense of fulfillment. They cherished each moment, grateful for the love they shared and the world that was their haven. Aoda and Adra found their place, their love enduring and eternal. They lived their lives to the fullest, forever grateful for the gifts bestowed upon them, and forever bound by a love that transcended any form or limitation.

Their legacy lived on, not only through their descendants but also in the hearts of those who sought love, understanding, and unity. Their tale served as a reminder that love knows no boundaries and that true happiness lies in embracing who we are and embracing those we hold dear.

◈◈◈

Raf il-Cul was tirelessly scheming, planning to unleash the power his master granted him. The pulsating energy from the dark crimson crystal was throbbing, its malevolent aura casting a shadow over the land.

「 Laksmana Ohma / Raf il-Cul 」

"The Tear of Adra."

"Hahaha..."

"Such immense power."

"With this, the artifact will surely fall into my hands."

"And after that."

"I will be coming for you."

"My liege..."

"HAHAHA..."

The destiny of the port town of Cardinal Peaks remains uncertain. Following the acquisition of a potent artifact by the Lord of Anguish from his master, the Tear of Adra, the only remaining thing for them to cling to was hope.

The residents of Cardinal Peaks were aware of the impending danger as the malevolent energy emanating from the Tear of Adra sent shivers down their spines. Their morale was gradually declining and their will to fight was diminishing,

Councillor Jengo and the other leaders were inside the town hall, attending an emergency meeting to address the sudden shift of the magical energy imbalance.

「 Master Raneeya 」

"I have only heard it from legends and folklore."

"An artifact that can manipulate the balance of magical energy."

「 Councillor Jengo 」

"What does it do..."

"Specifically, Master Raneeya."

「 Master Raneeya 」

"I don't think we have the time to go through Magic 101 to perfectly understand what is happening."

"But to simply put it, the light magic particle is being consumed."

"Life itself is being sucked away."

「 Oswald Brodly 」

"But if you said that life itself is being consumed..."

"Then why are the bonecans affected?"

"There are artificial life forms, am I right?"

「 Master Raneeya 」

"Looks like they are not as artificial as you think they are, Mr. Brodley."

「 Oswald Brodly 」

"Forgive me..."

"Master Raneeya."

"Forgive my incompetency in magic."

"It's wrong of me to doubt you."

「 Lord Mormont 」

"Is there any way to counteract this phenomenon?"

「 Master Raneeya 」

"According to legends, the only way to counter this is to replace the lost light magic particle."

"And given our current circumstances, the only way to do that is through spirit magic."

「 Councillor Jengo 」

"But..."

"The only person who knows spirit magic is..."

「 Zanno 」

"Me, Dad..."

"I am the only one who knows spirit magic."

Zanno surreptitiously listened in on the conversation before deciding to enter the hall, having perceived that the discussion was progressing in a particular direction. Given the circumstances, no other viable alternatives presented themselves at that moment.