In a vast plain bathed in golden light, worthy of an eternal sun, Ryota lay on the ground.
A strong, deep yet strangely calm voice echoed throughout the space.
He opened his eyes and slowly sat up.
A burning heat rose from the plain, forming a faint haze caused by the intensity of the light. Yet neither the heat nor the brightness seemed to affect him.
As if all of it were merely an illusion.
Everything felt real… and at the same time unreal.
— Ryota… follow my voice.
Without trying to understand further, Ryota began walking, guided by the invisible voice.
After a few moments, a gigantic temple stood before him.
An ancient, imposing place, filled with overwhelming power.
Inside, a shadowy silhouette appeared and gestured for him to approach.
Ryota stopped a few steps away.
— Who are you…? And where am I?
— This temple is the place where your parents first met.
— My parents…? You knew them?
— Unfortunately, no. But they were honorable beings.
Let us move on. My name is Erydor. Forgive me for appearing only in this form.
— Nice to meet you, Erydor. My name is Ryota… though I suppose you already know that.
Why did you bring me here?
Erydor seemed surprised, despite his immaterial appearance.
— You listen far more easily than the previous one, he said with a faint laugh.
— The previous one? Who are you talking about?
— You will know soon enough.
I am here to speak with you… and to offer you a chance to save your sister.
— If it can help Emi, then I'm listening.
Erydor told him about the fall of Célestia, the first war between the Y'onn and the Titans, the existence of Morté…
Then, the power of the Eygis.
The end of an era.
And the beginning of another.
After a long silence, he finally asked his question.
— Tell me, Ryota…
If I told you that the power of an Eygis could save your sister, would you accept becoming one?
— I'm ready to do anything for Emi.
But promise me that this power can truly save her.
— I promise you.
By accepting the power of the Eygis, you will be able to grant her a new life.
Without hesitation, Ryota raised his hand.
Erydor took it.
A radiance burst forth at once, blending solar light with soothing warmth.
A power perfectly complementary to that of the half-dragon.
Within that light, Ryota saw a fleeting scene.
His father.
His mother.
Both were looking at him tenderly, gentle smiles on their faces.
The vision lasted only a second.
— Wait—!
When he tried to speak, Erydor had disappeared.
The scenery then transformed completely.
Before him stretched a new plain of surreal beauty.
Multicolored flowers as far as the eye could see, a landscape worthy of a divine world.
At its center stood five blurred silhouettes.
Three were facing him.
Two others stood with their backs turned, gazing toward an invisible horizon.
— Who are you…?
Ryota stepped forward and reached out his hand.
But everything suddenly faded.
══ ✦ ══
— Was that… a dream?
Ryota opened his eyes.
He was still in Emi's room, sitting beside her bed.
— Sorry for yelling at you, Emi… rest well.
He left the room, his gaze empty, as if none of it had ever existed.
***
Back at the apartment, Kaïs was still asleep on the couch.
— Kaïs… wake up.
— Hm…
— KAÏS!
— AH! You scared me! That's not how you wake people up, you idiot!
Despite her irritation, Kaïs stared at Ryota, troubled.
— Tell me… did something happen to you?
— A strange dream, nothing special. Why?
— Your half-dragon traits are showing more than usual…
She stepped closer and placed her hands on his cheeks.
— Hey… what are you doing?!
— You're burning up! Like, really burning up!
— Give me two seconds, I'm going to the bathroom!
Ryota rushed off, leaving Kaïs completely confused.
Facing the mirror, a strange sensation overcame him.
The world seemed brighter… more radiant.
— Is the illness taking me too…?
— WHAT?!
Kaïs burst into the room.
— YOU'RE SICK TOO?!
— It was just a random question! Calm down!
But… you broke the door!
Ryota stared at his reflection.
And then he understood.
It wasn't a dream.
He had become an Eygis.
The Eygis of the Sun.