Karlous and Frey stood silently at the top of the skybirch, the wind brushing their faces as the last glimmer of Isundra vanished into the horizon. In Karlous's hand, the divine feather still glowed faintly—warm, light, and pulsing like it was alive.
Karlous blinked, then turned to Frey, wide-eyed and absolutely overwhelmed.
"What the hell just happened!?"
Frey, arms crossed and unfazed, gave a lazy shrug. "You just got acknowledged by a divine beast. Pretty standard stuff for a Phoenix, no?"
"PRETTY STANDARD!? That's Isundra! That feather's hotter than my reputation at home—and trust me, that's saying something!"
Still staring at the feather like a prized treasure, Karlous began fantasizing how he'd march into the family hall, drop the divine feather on the table and watch jaws hit the floor.
"Oh this? Just a divine acknowledgment. Casual Tuesday."
But before he could even take a step down the tree—
WHOOSH.
The pendant on his neck pulsed once, then inhaled the feather with a gentle flash of light.
Karlous froze.
"W-What… WHAT!?" He started patting his chest and frantically poking the now-glowing pendant. "You little thief! Give it back! That was supposed to be my one moment of glory!"
He shook the pendant. Frey burst out laughing.
"That spirit's got taste. She knows you'll misuse that feather. Probably didn't want you to try bartering it for snacks."
"I was going to flaunt it! Not eat it! Ughh… Kaile and Karen are going to say I made the whole thing up."
Karlous collapsed dramatically onto the grass beneath the tree.
The pendant shimmered again—only this time, it wasn't just green. Flashes of golden-red danced along its surface.
Frey's amusement faded slightly. He watched in silence.
"Looks like she's evolving," he murmured. "Or adapting to you. Either way, that feather wasn't wasted."
Karlous looked up at the sky and let out a sigh. "Great. First time I get divine recognition and I can't even brag about it. Typical."
Meanwhile, far across the empire…
The land of Jvalagadh, known widely as the Kingdom of Swords and Shields, stirred with sudden activity.
Renowned for producing the finest swordmasters and battle mages across all continents, the kingdom's elite stood on high alert.
In the heart of the capital stood the towering spires of the Red Magic Tower, a faction feared and respected for its experimental combat magic and war spells.
Inside, at the tower's observation chamber, a young mage sprinted toward a woman clad in crimson robes, her short, fiery hair trailing behind like a comet's flame.
"Vice Master Akara! We've confirmed the sighting! Isundra has appeared—within Phoenix Territory!"
The woman's eyes flared with burning excitement.
"Prepare the teleportation altar! I'll see this with my own eyes."
Before the mages could even respond, Akara was halfway to the launch hall, her mana already swirling.
"Vice Master—please wait!" shouted her aide, a nervous man named Verrin. "That territory is heavily warded, and unannounced trespassing—"
"You think I care? It's Isundra, Verrin! The Phoenix of Rebirth! This is history!"
Verrin sighed, pushing up his spectacles. "History is not worth incineration. Especially not when it's Phoenix land."
Akara stopped, clicked her tongue, and turned sharply. "Fine. We observe. But if she circles back toward Jvalagadh… you will prepare the altar."
Verrin bowed. "Understood, Mistress Flamebrand."
A Glimpse Into the Larger World…
The appearance of Isundra had not only shaken Phoenix Territory but sent ripples across the world of Aryavratra, a land born of myth, legacy, and uncharted power.
Isundra—The Phoenix of Rebirth—was one of four divine beasts who transcended species, belief, and kingdom. Legends speak of them as the protectors of balance:
Isundra, the Phoenix of Rebirth – A celestial being representing cycles, hope, and destruction turned creation.
Vaelthion, the Sky Serpent – A dragon of infinite length, said to coil between stars, bringing winds that sculpted continents.
Yamarek, the Abyssal Bull – A titan whose hooves trample entire armies. Guardian of the ocean abyss.
Niralon, the Mirror Stag – A divine creature that reveals past, present, and possible futures to those who gaze into its eyes.
Meanwhile, across the darker realms of Aryavratra lie the Seven Demon Kingdoms, each ruled by terrifying sovereigns aligned to a Demon House:
Mal'Zareth – Lords of Mind, Illusion, and Fear.
Vorenthul – Berserkers of Wrath, Fire, and Blood.
Drexion – Masters of Poison and Corruption.
Xal'Zahir – Wielders of Shadows, Soul Leech, and Silent Death.
Nargassai – Devourers of Beasts and Evolutionary Mutation.
Veyl'Ruin – Scholars of Forbidden Knowledge and Soul Craft.
Zephyrox – Keepers of Storm, Pride, and the Anti-Divine Aura.
And in the wilderness beyond all maps, lie the Four Uncharted Forests, believed to guard secrets older than empires:
Vanraksha, the Forbidden Grove – Spirits of vengeance dwell here, punishing trespassers with haunting illusions.
Hiranyavana, the Golden Wild – Said to be the source of divine mana rivers; plants here bloom with sentience.
Dravandh, the Crimson Howl – A land of perpetual twilight, where howls of unseen beasts echo without rest.
Karmajhvan, the Silent Labyrinth – A forest that appears only to those lost in purpose. Myths say it shelters ancient sentient relics and divine beasts.
Some say each forest guards a divine relic or even one of the sleeping god-beasts.
As the world stirred in curiosity and fear, it became clear—Karlous's fate was not just tied to family or pride.
His presence was awakening more than memories. It was stirring a world long asleep.
Back in Phoenix territory, Karlous sat quietly beneath the tree, fingers resting lightly on the glowing pendant.
He wasn't smiling anymore. Not with sarcasm, at least.
"Guess this isn't just about proving them wrong anymore," he whispered.
And somewhere beyond the sky, the gods stirred.
The feather may have vanished… but the flame had been lit.