The sky above Caelora had never been brighter than it was today.
Two days had passed since the magical storm within the Colosseum subsided, and now the capital of the Kingdom of Urtz was adorned with extraordinary splendor.
Flags bearing the seven stars fluttered across every corner of the streets, welcoming the people who had come to witness a new chapter of history: the inauguration of the Seventh Sage, the successor of Ardan.
Inside the magnificent Hall of Seals, Elara stood before a large mirror.
She wore a white-and-gold Sage robe embroidered with seven constellations—the legendary robe once belonging to Ardan.
Aunt Martha, Ardan's loyal servant who now served Elara, adjusted the collar of the robe with trembling hands.
"Master Ardan would surely be proud to see this robe worn once again by someone with a heart like yours, child," Martha whispered with teary eyes.
Elara could only give a faint smile, feeling the heavy burden of the mandate she had just received.
The Inauguration Ceremony
Under the gaze of Vaelion Elaris and all members of the Council of Fourteen, Elara stepped forward toward the main altar.
King Alexander stood with full authority, holding a golden scroll and a symbolic pouch.
"By the authority granted by heaven and earth, I hereby crown you as a Sage of the Kingdom of Urtz," declared King Alexander. "And as recognition for your glorious victory, the kingdom grants you the grand prize of One Million Gurtz to support your division!"
Thunderous applause filled the hall.
Behind Elara, her core team—Sylveras, Rossie, and Brant—stood proudly.
Brant appeared cold with nervous sweat at the sight of such an enormous amount of money before him, while Rossie held Elara's hand as a sign of support.
However, among the knights who had chosen to join Elara, their hearts were far calmer and filled with reflection.
Echoes Within the Hearts of the Followers Arven (Solvere Kingdom)
At the corner of the hall, Arven saw his master, an elder of the lightning-wielding Aegerin Clan, slowly nodding toward him.
"I failed in the arena, but Master was not angry. He said that Elara's light bent my lightning not through power, but through understanding. Joining Elara does not mean surrendering to her strength, but learning how to become lightning that does not only destroy, but also illuminates. Master, I will prove that Voltryn can become a protector of this new dawn."
Lyra (Venthir Academy)
Lyra stared at Elara's back with a sharp yet respectful gaze.
"At the academy, we were taught that precision is everything. But Elara showed something beyond that—she showed empathy in every spell she cast. During the examination, she never intended to kill, only to neutralize. The world to come will be filled with hatred, and I want to stand beside someone who does not lose her conscience while holding power as great as a god's. The winds of Venthir will always guard your wings, Elara."
Kael Bereneth (Kozto)
The Bladecaster stood firmly with one hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
"We grew up in the same city, Elara. I always saw you as a gentle healer, but in that arena, I saw stability. As a knight of earth, my main duty is to become a foundation. If you are the light that will guide this kingdom, then I will become the earth that ensures your steps will never falter."
Seryn (Wraithfell Academy)
The young Chronomancer glanced briefly at his pocket watch before putting it away.
"Time often feels cold and impartial. But near Elara, the flow of time itself feels warmer, as though fate agrees with her existence. As a time mage, I often see a future clouded in uncertainty, but beside her, I see one fixed point worth fighting for. I want to witness the ending of the story she writes."
A Honorable Farewell
On the opposite side, Noah and Drestan stood wearing the uniforms of their new divisions.
Noah wore the dark blue executive uniform of Zorzax, while Drestan wore the gray robes of Neravos.
They approached Elara after the ceremony ended.
"We cannot stand in your division, Elara, but know that we still share the same goal—to protect this world," Noah said with a calm smile.
Drestan nodded, traces of dragon power faintly glowing within his eyes.
"I must understand the power inside me alongside Neravos, but if you ever need help in the future, I will come."
Elara embraced them one by one.
"Thank you. Our paths may be different, but our goal remains the same: to protect this world from the darkness that is rising."
As Elara walked out of the Hall of Seals toward the palace balcony to greet the people, she did not realize that at the borders of the capital, Mirell had just put on her black mask, beginning a new life as a shadow beneath the Veil of Noctra (VON).
And far beyond the reach of light, the ritual within the Demon Dominion had just begun.