Back in the frost-covered halls of the Ice Continent, Guy Crimson sat on his obsidian throne, a crimson glare reflecting from the towering stained-glass windows of his palace. A flicker of energy pulsed through the chamber, and in the next moment, one of his demon spies appeared kneeling before him.
"My Lord," the spy said, lowering his head even further. "There is something you should see."
Guy leaned forward slightly, crimson eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Speak."
"The kingdom in the Jura Forest... the one ruled by the one called Varvatos... It has expanded. Drastically. Our sources say its infrastructure rivals, perhaps even exceeds, that of some of the most developed cities in the Cardinal World. Magic pulses through every street. Trade, training, research, organization—it's growing by the day."
Guy rose from his throne slowly, arms folded, the news echoing in his thoughts. "Heh… interesting."
A soft knock echoed through the chamber as Rain and Misery entered, kneeling as they awaited their master's command. Guy turned toward them, his gaze intense.
"Rain. Misery. Notify the other Demon Lords. A Walpurgis will be held three days from now. And this time, I will personally invite our newest player."
The two maids bowed deeply. "As you command, Lord Crimson."
In an instant, they vanished in a crimson blur, leaving behind a trail of demonic energy.
Guy took a step forward when a gust of cold wind spiraled into the room. A moment later, Velzard, the White Ice Dragon, appeared with her usual regal grace, arms crossed and a knowing look in her eyes.
"Going somewhere?" she asked, arching a brow.
"To see Varvatos," Guy replied simply. "Time to find out what exactly he's planning."
Velzard smirked. "Then I'll come along. I'd like to see what kind of kingdom he's built... and visit Veldora. It's been a while."
Guy chuckled. "You're always welcome. Let's go."
With a surge of magic, the two vanished from the Ice Continent, reappearing just above the skies of the Jura Forest.
Meanwhile, within the heart of Nyvaris, Varvatos was in the midst of a private discussion in his chamber with Veldora, Benimaru, and Rigur. They sat around a wide table, adorned with documents and detailed maps outlining the city's continued expansion.
"King Gazel's visit will be soon," Rigur stated. "The preparations are almost complete, and the housing for his accompanying craftsmen is ready."
"Good," Varvatos nodded. "We'll give him a welcome fitting of a king."
As they discussed city matters, Varvatos suddenly stopped mid-sentence. His expression sharpened.
Benimaru immediately noticed. "Master...?"
"I sense them," Varvatos murmured. "Two powerful presences... just outside the city."
Veldora sat up straight, eyes widening. "W-wait... one of them is Velzard... What's she doing here? And with Guy?!"
Benimaru's hand moved toward his sword, alert. "Shall I prepare the guards?"
Varvatos smirked. "No. But do go greet them. Escort them here with respect."
Benimaru bowed and vanished in a swirl of flames.
Above the city, Guy and Velzard hovered, surveying the land below. Their eyes scanned the streets of Nyvaris—cleanly paved roads, buildings of reinforced magical stone, magic-powered lanterns, flowing water canals, bustling shops, training grounds, schools, and a wide central plaza.
"What is this?" Velzard whispered, genuinely surprised. "He built all this... so quickly?"
Guy nodded slowly, impressed despite himself. "He's not just strong... he's smart. That barrier... the magic flow... he's turning this place into something truly powerful."
Benimaru appeared before them, bowing respectfully.
"Lord Crimson. Lady Velzard. My master awaits you. Please, this way."
They descended through the city, many residents stopping in awe at the presence of such powerful guests. But the aura around them, though daunting, was kept contained—out of respect.
Soon, they arrived at Varvatos' chamber. The doors opened to reveal a warm, spacious room, elegantly furnished but not ostentatious. A long table dominated the center, and around it stood Varvatos, Veldora, and Rigur.
"Welcome," Varvatos said with a calm smile. "Please, have a seat."
Velzard's cold expression softened slightly. Guy took his seat without a word, while Velzard inspected the chamber before settling beside him.
Moments later, Shuna entered with elegance, placing an assortment of drinks and delicacies on the table.
Guy took a sip, raising a brow in approval. "Well then," he began, "I'll get straight to it. I'm calling a Walpurgis in three days. You're invited, Varvatos. With the kingdom you've built and the power you command, it's no longer acceptable for you to remain on the sidelines."
Varvatos leaned back in his chair. "I see. A fair assessment. I'll attend."
Guy nodded, satisfied. "Good. We'd like to understand your intentions... and your future plans."
Velzard, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke as she sipped her tea. "You've built something remarkable here. A city of unity... peace, even. Different races, different monsters, all living together. Not bad for such a short time."
"I simply gave them the space to grow," Varvatos replied. "They did the rest."
"And my brother?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Training," Varvatos chuckled. "Though, he seemed nervous when he felt your aura."
Velzard clicked her tongue. "Tch. Typical. Always hiding when he knows I'm nearby."
"I heard," Varvatos added with a grin, "you and Velgrynd used to beat him in the name of education."
"Right..." Velzard smirked.
Guy finished his drink and stood. "I'll send someone to escort you when the time comes. Be ready."
"Of course."
Guy turned to leave, but Velzard remained seated.
"I'll stay a while," she said calmly. "I want to see more of this kingdom—and visit my brother properly. That is, if I'm allowed."
"You are welcome to stay as long as you follow one rule," Varvatos said, eyes meeting hers. "No fighting. No destroying. Training grounds are open, but no chaos."
Velzard smirked. "Fair enough."
With a final nod, Guy vanished in a flare of red energy.
The city was alive with activity—merchants calling out their wares, children laughing and darting between buildings, and guards marching with purpose. Velzard stood atop one of the high towers near the city center, her white-blue hair fluttering softly in the breeze, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
She gazed down over the city, arms loosely crossed, as the vibrant magicules in the atmosphere pulsed rhythmically like the heartbeat of the kingdom itself. Even without trying, she could feel the barrier—an intricate and refined construct—surrounding Nyvaris. It wasn't just a defense; it was alive, absorbing and recycling the excess magicules that spilled from nature, training, and daily life. It gave strength to the people, connected them.
And it intrigued her.
"I have to admit," she muttered to herself, "this place is far beyond what I expected…"
Footsteps echoed behind her. She didn't need to turn to know who it was.
"You're adjusting well," Varvatos said calmly as he approached. "I half-expected you to get bored after half a day and freeze something."
Velzard smirked, not with pride, but with a rare playfulness. "That was the old me. Or… maybe it was just the boredom of being surrounded by people who couldn't keep up." She turned her head, giving him a side glance. "But here, it's different. There's… something building. Something real. And you're the reason behind it."
Varvatos gave a light chuckle. "You flatter me. But I'm only laying the foundation. It's the people who are building it."
Velzard stepped down from the railing and walked beside him. "So you say… But I've seen cities rise and fall. I've watched Demon Lords claw at each other over territory and pride. And yet, in just a short time, you've accomplished what takes decades—no, centuries. And without using fear. That's what surprises me the most."
There was a pause between them as they strolled through the higher walkway of the city, passing sentries who bowed deeply at their approach.
Velzard's voice turned a little more curious. "Tell me something, Varvatos… The only time I saw you before this was when you appeared in the Ice Continent and utterly humiliated Guy." She grinned faintly at the memory. "You should've seen his face. I almost felt sorry for him."
Varvatos smirked. "Almost?"
"He was insufferable for a week after that," she said, chuckling. "But he kept saying your name like it was some legend. Like he was grateful to be beaten by someone worthy."
Varvatos stopped walking and looked out across the rooftops, the wind lightly stirring his cloak. "I didn't intend to humiliate him… I just needed him to understand that power alone doesn't define rulership. Nor fear. I wanted to make a point. If he learned something, then good."
Velzard narrowed her eyes slightly, searching his face. "You're a strange one, Varvatos. Your power… it's terrifying, but you don't wield it like others do. Not like we do. You're building something instead of destroying."
He looked at her now. "That's because I've already lived through what comes after destruction."
She blinked. "…Already lived through?"
But before she could ask more, a familiar energy stirred in the distance. Velzard turned instinctively toward it, her sharp senses recognizing the signature instantly.
"Is that… Veldora?" she said, surprised.
Moments later, a figure landed with a graceful thud nearby—tall, dressed in a dark-blue tunic with gold trims, arms crossed confidently. His sharp amber eyes lit up at the sight of Velzard.
"Sister!" Veldora beamed. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?"
Velzard stared at him, wide-eyed. "…You… have a human form now?"
Veldora smirked. "Impressed?"
Velzard circled him once. "It suits you, surprisingly. And… you seem different. More grounded."
"I've matured," he said proudly. "Varvatos has taught me a lot. And this kingdom gave me a purpose beyond just flying around and causing trouble."
She tilted her head. "I'm shocked. The Veldora I knew didn't know the meaning of the word 'mature.'"
"Well," Veldora chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Let's just say being sealed away for centuries gave me time to reflect.
But Varvatos, he helped me focus. Strength without control is just destruction. I get that now."
Velzard smiled genuinely. "I'm glad. I always believed you had potential. I'm proud of you, little brother."
Veldora's eyes widened at the rare praise. "You really mean that?"
"I do." She then turned to Varvatos. "And I can see now… you're not just building a kingdom. You're rebuilding people. Even dragons."
Varvatos nodded. "Everyone deserves a second chance, even ancient calamities."
They all laughed softly together, the tension fading. The stars were beginning to shimmer above the city as the sky deepened into dusk, casting Nyvaris in a serene light. Magicules flowed through the air like glittering threads.
As they walked back toward the central tower, Velzard turned one more time to glance around the city.
"I think I'll stay a while longer," she said. "I want to see how far this kingdom will go… and maybe understand you better, Varvatos."
"You're welcome to stay," he replied calmly. "Just remember—no freezing the kitchens."
"No promises," Velzard said with a wink.
And with that, the dragon siblings and the ancient king walked deeper into the heart of Nyvaris, the pulse of something great beating beneath their feet.