POV of Kael Lanpar
Sometimes I think it was foolish. My whole life I fought for nothing, I cried so I wouldn't love anything, I screamed so I wouldn't be heard… and then I found myself living again in a paradise that feels more like a dream than reality.
But the world is unpredictable—and at the same time, mad. It surprises you with things beyond your imagination, things you never thought possible.
"Well then, Kal, what do you see in the sky?"
It was my father. He had slipped away from the kingdom's council meeting to spend time with me. He's a good father and a good king, even if it doesn't always seem that way.
"I only see clouds. Why, Dad? Do you see something else?"
We were lying on the grass outside the castle, gazing at the sky.
"Yes, I see something more. Kal, did you know that everything in our world has a meaning? Something that might seem insignificant but carries a powerful message."
He always tries to reach me with words like these.
"I know. Why do you say that?" I replied, not taking my eyes off the clouds.
"Look… back in my day," my father began, "people used to say that clouds told stories through their shapes—stories of war and alliances. They're always there; they see everything. They never speak, but their silence is all they need."
"I see… That's incredible. And you were in many of those stories, right?"
I had to slip into my childlike tone, but I think I'm starting to enjoy being a kid again.
"Of course, I was part of some," my father said, pointing to a particular cloud. "What do you think that is, Kal?"
"It looks like a bow. What does it mean?" I asked him.
"The bow represents precision and mental control. To give you an idea, this would symbolize a war… more specifically, the Astral War," my father explained. Then he stood up and stretched. "How's training going with your sister?"
"Well, it's going better. Little by little, I'm unlocking my magic."
The truth is, it wasn't thanks to Mai that I was improving—it was because of Kraidir. I still wonder why he's helping me.
"I see… Patience, Kal. Little by little," he said, offering his hand to help me up. "Remember, everything takes time. Everything comes with time."
"You're right, Dad. I'd better get back to training."
I gave him a strong hug. I didn't want to let go, because I love this second chance.
"I love you, Dad."
"I love you too, son. Go and give it your best. And don't forget about today's festival."
Right… today is the Festival of Life and Death.
"I won't forget, Dad. I promise," I said as I began making my way back toward the castle.
I had several things to do today, but first things first—Kraidir.
I need to get to my room if I want to focus. Trusting a god is dangerous, especially when you don't know what hidden motives they might have.
If I'm not careful, this world—this place I now call home—could vanish in the blink of an eye. I don't even have my divine eye anymore to defend myself. I need power… but not yet.
As I entered the castle, I was greeted by Nova, who wore his usual "I have no friends" expression. Honestly, if I didn't know him, I'd easily mistake him for a statue.
"Good morning, Nova," I said, weaving around the castle maids doing their daily cleaning.
"Good morning, Kael. Be careful, don't slip; the floor and stairs are wet."
Well, at least he gave me a warning. That's progress.
"Got it."
I had to walk carefully, but I finally made it to my room. So much had changed in such a short time.
I had turned three just two weeks ago and still hadn't unlocked my magic. The good thing is, I have a room all to myself.
I opened my bedroom door and went straight to flop onto the bed, letting my mind rest for a moment.
What would've happened if, instead of joining the army, I had stayed with my family?
Everything would be different, surely… but my world would never have known peace.
I sighed, letting go of the past for a moment.
"It's time," I said in my mind, then sat cross-legged and began to meditate.
Kael (Mental space)
It was strange returning to my original body whenever I entered my mental space— especially since I'd gotten somewhat used to having small arms and legs. Even though this is Kael's mindscape, I appear as Matías.
A reminder that I cannot escape my past or my sins. By now, I don't even know who's worse… the Prophet or me?
"Regarding your existential doubt—the Prophet is worse than you. At least you did what you did with a noble purpose."
Kraidir had already appeared. Time for things to get moving.
"I see you enjoy poking around in my mind, false god."
I wanted to provoke him, even if just a little.
"I want answers, and I don't want lies. Here I have my original body."
"As for your mind, to me it's an open book. You can't hide anything," he said.
That's terrifying… I'll need to be more cautious.
"And about your answers—I'll give them to you."
Well, I failed to anger him.
"Why are you helping me? And more importantly, why are you still here?"
The first question mattered; the second was more of a joke.
"Matías, the first time we met I made it clear—I was sent by Dextrina to reincarnate you. That also puts me in the role of your guide, whether I like it or not."
I can't see any hidden motives, but there's something he's not telling me.
"Look around you. Look at your mental space. It's no longer that desolate place full of corpses and a coldness that reminded you how lonely you always were."
In that, Kraidir was right.
Now there was peace in this place. Trees adorned the landscape, and a sun illuminated my soul.
"Thank you for that—I truly mean it. But I still don't understand—what do you gain from this? You're a creation of a god, you have your own will, and yet you're still here."
Kraidir wasn't afraid of Dextrina. He acted on his own.
"Kael, when a person finds their purpose in another, the only thing they can do is protect them."
This time, Kraidir's face showed something beyond emptiness—it was regret.
And me? Why was I his purpose?
My mental space vanished. Unlike me, he could leave undetected whenever he wanted.
He was like a companion—not just a guide.
(Outside the mental space)
It's better if I don't worry about him right now. Either way, I'll see him again soon… if he really does care about me.
Well… I need to get ready. Nightfall is close, and so is the start of the Day of Life and Death—our cycle, the meaning of being human.
We are not eternal, but we are significant… even if it doesn't seem that way.
I never liked dressing fancy, and even less so in a tuxedo—the tightest clothes I've ever worn in my life. Though… I won't complain too much. It suits me well.
"I'm ready. I better go see my mother and Mai. I'm sure they're waiting for me."
I stepped out of my room, heading to the main hall to meet up with the others.
Since we were the royal family, my father was the one to open the festival, so he wouldn't be with us. But that didn't mean I wouldn't see him.
I don't know why, but I'm excited for the festival to begin. It happens every three years, so this will be my first time experiencing it.
When I reached the stairs, I ran into someone I didn't recognize right away. I had to blink a few times before realizing it was Mai.
"Mai… you look beautiful, sister."
Her white hair matched perfectly with her sky-blue dress. Now that I think about it… neither of my parents has white hair.
"Thank you, little brother. You look handsome too, though you forgot to comb your hair a bit," she said, pulling me closer to fix it. It was nice to have a family that felt whole again.
"Kids, come on now, or we'll be late," said my mother, already waiting by the door.
"We're coming, mom!" Mai and I said in unison.
As soon as we stepped out of the castle, the first thing I noticed was the fireworks lighting up and decorating the night sky. That, along with the orchestras playing in the distance.
"Mom, I'm going to take Kal to see the whole festival. We'll catch up later—bye!" Mayrei grabbed my hand and pulled me along without letting me say goodbye.
"Wait, kids! Be careful. Mayrei, take care of your brother!" my mother shouted as we rushed off.
Without even realizing it, by the time she stopped running, we were already at the town square. People were dressed up—it was part of the festival.
The attire tonight represented what one wished for in life and how they saw their place in it.
I could also see people dressed as dragons wandering through the city.
"Happy Day of Life and Death, Prince Kael and Princess Mayrei," said someone dressed as a dragon.
"Happy day to you too," we replied as they danced away.
People danced and laughed with such contagious joy that it was impossible not to feel it yourself. The fireworks, the art performances, and the plays only gave more reasons to be amazed.
I smiled when I saw someone dressed as my father trying to imitate him.
It was funny watching him repeat one of my father's most iconic phrases:
"And remember: it is necessary to be aware that, in order to achieve your purpose, you must be willing to sacrifice a part of yourself."
The children watching the performance cheered, thrilled to see their king… well, a representation of him.
Ah… speaking of him…
In the distance, the trumpets began to sound, signaling the appearance of our parents on the kingdom's balcony to formally begin the festival.
"Mai, we better hurry—wait… where is she?"
No way. I got lost. Damn it, what do I do now?
I was so focused on something meant for kids that I didn't even notice my sister had disappeared.
Well, I'm a kid too… what am I complaining about? Now, where could she have gone?
I started walking through the crowd, trying to find her, but to be honest, I think I only got more lost.
No excuses—the crowd made these cobblestone streets feel like a damn maze.
The good thing is, here in the kingdom, there's no evil in people, so I'm not too worried about my safety.
That's surely thanks to the Lanpar ideology.
Now I better find a higher place if I want to avoid getting trampled by the crowd.
"Psst… hey, are you lost, little one?"
That voice… where's it coming from?
"Up here."
When I looked up, I saw a teenager sitting in a tree, smiling down at me.
"No… I'm not lost. My parents are coming soon," I told him.
The truth is… I was scared he might kidnap me.
"Don't lie," the young man said as he gracefully dropped down from the tree. "Kal, come with me. I'm not going to kidnap you."
"Oh no, I'm leaving." Before I could take a step to walk away, he grabbed my shirt and didn't let go.
"Seriously, I don't want whatever you're selling. Let me go, please… I'm the king's son."
"I know you're the king's son," he said, finally releasing me. "I'm Alfin… Alfin Lanpar. I'm your cousin, so don't be scared."
"I ran into your sister on my way to hear what my uncle had to say, but she told me you'd gotten lost. So we split up to find you faster."
I don't know if I should trust him…
"And how do I know you're a real Lanpar and not one of those revolutionaries attacking the capital?" Got you.
"First of all, don't you think I'm a bit too young to join a senseless cause? And second…" He raised his hand.
Very few people in the world carried the Lanpar symbol. The ring on his finger confirmed his words.
"So… you are family," I said, feeling calmer now.
"Of course," he replied. "We should find a high place to watch your dad's speech… and so Mai can spot us."
"Do you already know how to use your magic?"
…How do I tell him I have a tiny problem with that?
Somehow, he understood my expression. He just took my hand, and we vanished in a blur.
"Ah… my head! Where are we?"
What the hell was that?
"Sorry about that. Please don't tell your dad I used magic inside the kingdom. I don't want one of his boring lectures…"
"Yeah… yeah… I won't tell anyone, I promise," I replied as I got my balance back.
In the distance, I could see my parents stepping out to thunderous applause from everyone.
He didn't just represent power…
He represented a true hope for peace.
My father took the microphone and spoke:
"Citizens of Luzarion!" my father shouted with authority. "Today we gather to celebrate the cycle of life and death.
This cycle is essential to maintain balance in our world.
Life allows us to enjoy family, friends, and happy moments… while death reminds us that we must move forward and leave something positive before we go.
So enjoy the festival, and let the celebration begin!"
End of the speech.
The crowd cheered, hugged, and began celebrating with even more intensity.
The motto of the Lanpar family is to love peace and leave war behind.
Despite being the most powerful lineage… we never used that power against others.
Our bloodline had to master war in order to yearn for peace.
"Hey Kal, want an ice cream?" Alfin asked, holding out his hand.
"Yes, thanks, cousin," I replied.
"You know…" Alfin said as he handed me the ice cream, "you might not fully understand it yet… but when you grow up, you'll see the true face of this world.
Enjoy your childhood, Kal. It's a gift."
"Yeah, I get it. Nothing lasts forever."
I've lived that firsthand, so I don't need anyone to repeat it to me.
"You're right, Alfin," I said, looking him in the eyes. "That's why I enjoy every moment of my life and make sure living is worth it."
He sighed.
"You're very wise for your age… I'm glad you understand that."
Then he murmured something. A whisper so faint it barely touched the air:
"Not everyone celebrates life… and some haven't finished dying."
I didn't ask him anything else. I just kept eating my ice cream and enjoying the night.
I know my past will keep chasing me…
but, as always, I'd rather love what I was given than be haunted by it.