The aftermath of the battle still echoed in the air like fading thunder. The scent of burnt earth, the stillness of the wind, and the weight of the victory hung heavily around them. Jin and his companions had returned from their fierce encounter with Zhel-Vorah, but the scars—emotional more than physical—remained.
In the courtyard of the newly restored Sanctuary, a crowd awaited them—not in panic, but in celebration. Among the faces stood someone new. A young man with Mysterious and familiar aura, flowing black robe with silver embroidery, eyes filled with reverence and warmth.
Velka stood beside him, her arm proudly on his shoulder.
"Everyone," she began, her voice cheerful but firm, "meet Steve. Our Legacy… Jin's disciple and our adopted son."
A few eyebrows raised.
"Disciple?" Lysander muttered under his breath. "When did he have time for that?"
Kaelros smirked. "He keeps surprising us."
Steve bowed respectfully. "Thank you, ma'am."
Velka immediately pinched his ear, twisting it slightly.
"I told you so many times!" she scolded. "I'm your mom, not ma'am. Say it!"
"Ow—owww! Okay, okay, mom! Mercy!" Steve yelped, squirming with exaggerated pain.
Arden burst into laughter. "He definitely got your spirit, Velka."
Then he stepped forward and offered a handshake to Steve. "I'm Arden. Jin's mentor."
Steve's eyes widened in awe, his jaw nearly dropping.
"Wha—Master has a mentor?! This is insane! I always thought he was the absolute top. It's such an honor, sir!"
Arden chuckled and patted his shoulder. "He's made quite a name for himself. But every master has a beginning."
One by one, the others came forward. Rin gave a casual wave, Eva gave him a half-hug while still holding the twins, and Nyreth nodded solemnly, observing him.
Then, Lia approached.
Her eyes were soft, and her voice carried a gentle, maternal tone. "I suppose that makes me your second mother, doesn't it? Thank you for protecting Jin."
Steve's expression turned serious, bowing his head respectfully.
"He's my father. My savior. My master. It's my duty to protect him… no matter what."
Jin, standing a little apart, allowed a small smile to rise on his face and left the place not informing anyone.
Meanwhile, Athena and Eva, who were each holding one of Jin's children—Eirlys and Daemon—walked forward. The babies, curious and playful, reached their small arms toward Steve, babbling excitedly.
Eirlys giggled, "Baba…da!"
Daemon chimed in with an incomprehensible, "Goooo!"
Steve laughed heartily and picked them up, gently placing them on his lap.
"Well hello there, my little sister and brother," he said with warmth. "Your big bro Steve is here now."
The children squealed in delight, pulling at his cheeks and hair, causing even the usually serious Nyreth to smile slightly.
But then, the air shifted.
Steve's expression changed, his playful demeanor fading. He looked around.
"…Where is Master?" he asked, almost instinctively.
Everyone paused. They looked at each other—worried, confused.
"We… don't know," Velka admitted softly. "He was just here."
Elsewhere, Jin sat silently at the edge of a quiet lake. The moonlight shimmered on its surface, gentle ripples dancing in silence. He stared at the water, but his mind was far from it.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
His voice cracked.
"I'm sorry, Eres… Nyxses. I couldn't protect you…"
His fists trembled. The weight of failure and grief curled around him like chains. The memories—the laughter, the warmth, the loyalty of his familiars—stabbed into him like cold knives. They weren't just companions; they were family. And he had lost them.
Tears fell, one after another, dripping into the lake.
"I know I don't deserve forgiveness. But still… please…"
After a long silence, he stood. His back straightened, his face now composed, but his eyes remained shadowed.
Back in the hall, Steve stood by the doors. As they opened, he turned—and smiled.
Jin stepped in. The moment their eyes met, time seemed to pause. Steve rushed to him, and Jin's arms opened.
They embraced tightly.
"It's been so long…" Jin said, barely above a whisper. "You've grown so fast."
Steve grinned. "I did. But how? That's a secret, Father."
Jin chuckled. "Still keeping secrets, huh?"
They laughed together, but soon the air shifted again. Steve's expression became serious.
"Father… there is something I came here to tell you."
The laughter died. Everyone turned, their expressions wary.
"…tell me?" Jin asked, his voice calm but tense.
Steve looked down. "You saw what Zhel-Vorah did. He absorbed all of the Dragon God's essence. He's unstable now, but soon… he will become a threat greater than anything this world has seen."
Rin clenched her fists. "We know that… but do we really have enough time to prepare?"
Steve nodded. "Yes. Because I've already seen the future."
That silenced everyone.
Steve continued. "In that future, Zhel-Vorah destroys everything. Devours every soul. Breaks you mentally, Father. And… he ascends the Throne. He reaches the Nirvana Temper. If he does, we can't defeat him. That's why I came—to guide you."
Lia stepped forward. "Guide…? You mean you won't fight?"
Steve looked away, his expression heavy. "I can't. I'm a True Elder God. Our laws are strict—observe or guide. We are forbidden from interfering directly."
Everyone shocked.
Jin frowned. "True Elder… God?"
Steve sighed. "You wouldn't fully understand now. All I can say is—I am no longer exist in my own cosmology. If you want to learn more, you'll have to complete the Trial of Tumaru."
Nyreth, her voice calm but curious, asked, "Can Master even reach Nirvana Temper?"
Steve shook his head. "Only a True Dragon God has that potential. And Father… is a True Dragon not True Dragon God. More importantly only few rare beings can achieve Nirvana Temper if they have faced countless deaths..... So I hope you have understood the answer."
Shock rippled through the room. Not For the countless deaths, but fir the dragon alone.
"What?!" Kaelros gasped.
"You're a True Dragon?!" Lysander echoed.
Jin remained silent for a moment, then nodded. "Yes… but I've lost their powers. All I have left is Dragon Transformation."
Steve stepped closer. "And yet that blood still runs in you. The Trial will awaken what lies dormant."
Jin lowered his head. "But how? I've lost my Gate… and the Jest Requiems."
Steve smirked. "That's why your son is here."
That night, Jin stood alone beneath the stars. The night was peaceful, almost deceptively so. He gazed upward.
Lia and Velka joined him silently, leaning against each of his shoulders.
"Why is peace always so fragile?" Velka murmured.
Lia sighed. "What will happen to our children if we fail…?"
Jin looked at them both. His eyes, though weary, burned with quiet resolve.
"I swear… no matter what happens, I'll protect all of you. To my last breath."
He leaned in, gently kissing both their foreheads.
Next morning.
The team gathered in the courtyard. The air was filled with a quiet tension. Steve stood before them and raised his hand. A swirling portal opened—an indescribable void beyond. Vast. Endless. Floating within it was a colossal temple, carried by golden dragons through a sea of stars and void.
Steve spoke.
"This is the Temple of Tumaru. It exists outside of the Cosmological structures. Only the worthy may enter."
Jin turned, smiling at everyone. "I'll return stronger."
Velka grinned. "Don't die, idiot."
Lia whispered, "Come back to us."
Kaelros and Lysander nodded. Arden placed a hand on Jin's shoulder.
"Show them what my disciple can do."
Jin stepped toward the portal. With one last look back, he smiled—and vanished into the unknown.
The journey had only just begun.