The halls of the Valenhardt estate buzzed with excitement. The grand banquet was not just a mere celebration—it was an announcement to the world. The heir of House Valenhardt, the future Warden of Peace, had been born. Nobles, scholars, warriors, and diplomats from every corner of the First Dimension had been invited, eager to witness the child who would carry the weight of this noble lineage.
In one of the many chambers of the estate, a group of maids attended to the newborn. Dressed in soft linen, his tiny form rested in the arms of a senior caretaker while others fluttered around, preparing for the evening.
"Oh, just look at him!" One of the younger maids cooed, brushing her fingers gently against Arinay's tiny hand. "Isn't he the most precious thing you've ever seen?"
"The way he looks at us, it's as if he understands everything we say," another added with a laugh. "It almost feels… eerie."
"Hush, don't say such things about the young master," the older maid scolded playfully. "He's a gift to Serenthia. This banquet isn't just for Lord Caldris and Lady Evelyne. It's for him. A grand introduction to the world."
Their words floated in the air, but only one person in the room truly grasped their weight.
(So… it has been a decade.)
Arinay's infant body remained still, but his mind churned with restless memories. Ten years. Ten years since the skies of Mytheria burned. Since the walls of his kingdom crumbled. Since the cries of his queens faded into the abyss. Since the blade of betrayal struck deeper than any wound.
Since Valtheria…
(That woman...)
The thought of her name made something twist inside him. A decade had passed, yet the memories felt like yesterday. His birthday—his supposed day of joy—was the day he lost everything.
(And now I am here, being paraded as the future of a family I do not know.)
For a moment, anger sparked within him. He didn't want this. He didn't want a celebration. He didn't want another birthday, another reminder of that cursed day. But as his mind wrapped around the thought, something else clicked.
(This gathering… nobles, rulers, warriors… all in one place.)
A slow realization settled in.
(This is an opportunity.)
If he wanted to reclaim his lost power, he needed to know who his allies and enemies were. He needed information—about the higher realms, about Valtheria, about those who still ruled the cosmos.
(Then so be it. I will play my role as the precious newborn. Let them think I am nothing but an innocent child.)
With that, he forced his mind into silence. He could dwell on the past later. Tonight, he would observe.
The Banquet Begins
As the sun dipped beyond the horizon, the grand hall of the Valenhardt estate shone with golden brilliance. Lavish chandeliers bathed the room in warm light, casting reflections upon the polished marble floors. Rows of long tables were adorned with the finest delicacies Serenthia had to offer. Roast meats, fresh bread, exotic fruits, and goblets of rich wine filled the air with their intoxicating aroma.
The guests arrived in waves. Lords and ladies in elegant attire. Commanders clad in ceremonial armor. Scholars donning robes embroidered with ancient sigils.
Yet, while the guests were distinguished, their entrances were not overly extravagant. This was the First Dimension, after all. A land of peace, far removed from the grandeur of the higher realms.
As the chatter of the banquet grew, the main doors finally opened. A hush fell over the crowd as Lord Caldris Valenhardt entered, his presence commanding yet calm. He walked with his usual quiet dignity, his wife Evelyne beside him, her graceful figure exuding warmth. And in his arms—Arinay.
The moment the child was revealed, a murmur spread across the hall.
"He's beautiful," one noblewoman whispered. "Those eyes… they hold such depth."
"A future heartbreaker for sure," a knight chuckled. "He'll have the ladies swooning once he grows up."
"More than just a charmer," another voice added. "With the Valenhardt blood in his veins, this child could become the strongest Warden in history."
Arinay remained motionless, absorbing every word. Compliments meant nothing to him. Power was not given by bloodline alone. He had clawed his way up from nothing in his past life—he would do it again, if necessary.
And then—
The grand doors burst open with a resounding boom.
All heads turned as a tall, broad-shouldered man strode into the hall. His very presence seemed to fill the room, a mixture of raw power and unwavering confidence. Dressed in royal robes trimmed with silver and dark blue, his sharp features carried a smirk of mischief. Behind him, knights in enchanted armor and battle-hardened mages flanked his sides.
The room froze.
"The King of the Second Dimension," someone whispered in awe.
Zareth Ignis, Ruler of the Realm of Elements—a land governed by the Lords of fire, ice, water, lightning, earth, wind, shadow, and light. Each domain controlled by warriors who embodied the raw essence of their element.
The air grew tense as he marched forward, his voice booming with mock outrage.
"You bastard, Caldris! You didn't even bother to invite me?! What kind of friend does that?"
Gasps erupted throughout the hall. To address Lord Caldris—the revered Warden of Peace—in such a way was unheard of.
Yet Caldris only sighed, shaking his head with a knowing smile.
"I thought you would be busy ruling your dimension," Caldris replied calmly. "I did not wish to add more weight to your duties."
The King of the Second Dimension scoffed, shaking his head. "Busy? Hah! You mean dealing with those lunatics who call themselves 'Elemental Lords'? They're too occupied fighting over whose damn magic tower deserves to be the highest in ranking." He let out a sigh, rubbing his temples in frustration. "One day, it's the Lord of Fire boasting about his Infernal Spire being unmatched in raw mana output. The next, the Lord of Lightning claims his Thunder Citadel holds the most refined energy flows. And don't even get me started on the Water and Ice Lords—those two are practically at war over whose domain is 'more elegant and controlled."
He sighed again, then gestured around. "Honestly, I needed this break. A grand feast, old friends, and a cute little heir to celebrate—far better than listening to arrogant mages bicker like spoiled children."
Then his eyes landed on Arinay.
The moment he saw the child's face, his expression shifted. The arrogance in his stance softened slightly. He stepped closer, peering at the newborn with an unreadable look.
For the first time that night, true silence filled the hall.
Then, in a quiet voice, he muttered,
"This child… will rewrite the history of the cosmos."
A shiver ran through the audience. Even Caldris, composed as ever, seemed taken aback.
"Not just as the strongest Warden of Peace," Zareth continued, his voice deeper, "but with a title far beyond that."
The hall remained silent as Zareth reached into his robes.
"I may have been late," he said, smirking, "but I don't come empty-handed."
From within his coat, he retrieved a set of elemental crystals, each glowing with a distinct energy—fire, ice, water, lightning, earth, wind, shadow, and light.
"These are of the highest purity," Zareth declared, placing them before Caldris. "At the age of five, this boy will need them to test his affinity. With these, he will not have to settle for second-rate crystals."
Then, he removed a golden necklace, embedded with a mana-infused gemstone and engraved with the royal sigil of the Second Dimension.
"This," Zareth said, placing it gently in Caldris' hands, "is a symbol of my authority. If your son ever chooses to climb beyond this realm and step into my domain, this will ensure his passage. It will represent me."
Laughter rippled through the hall, the tension lifting as the celebration resumed.
But amidst it all, Arinay remained still, his mind calculating.
And then—
In his head. A voice.
Low, smooth, and laced with amusement.
"Enjoying the party, my king?"
Arinay's blood ran cold. The last voice he heard in his last life.
The Ring of Rebirth.
To be continued...