Well, this chapter will be dedicated to Nikon and Blikin. I know almost everyone will be confused on how Nikon and Blikin meet after a long time, so here's the story.
Aurelia woke up to Gaius—to the delicious smell of breakfast. Leaving her bed, she went down to the kitchen. Gaius was cooking when he noticed his madam at the door. He greeted her, "Good morning, Madam." Aurelia, feeling good today, answered, "Good morning, Gaius. What's for breakfast? I'm famished. So… is it my favorite food served in my best sauce?" Gaius smiled, patting her head. "Just wait out side; it will soon be served. Oh, right, I forgot to tell you that we will be receiving some guests—friends of the gods, your teachers. Be on your best behavior; some enjoy playing tricks, so be tolerant and vigilant." Aurelia pouted her cheeks. "Do you think I am going to fight my teacher guest? They're also my guest, so they will be treated well. But Gaius, I am hungry, so cook faster or I will get grumpy."
In the dining room, Blikin wore a worried expression, feeling sorry for himself. He knew that when Tara and the remaining goddesses arrived, he would have to tread carefully—or collect a lot of beatings. On top of that was his enemy, the god of peace Doveinlus, always showing off, talking about how humans would be nicer if they had no war. So where will I get my strength? Blikin muttered. Stupid Dove, with his little brain—he doesn't know mankind like me. Sometimes he wished his friend Nikon would be around; Nikon understood him. Blikin sighed…
In the afternoon, when the sun was high in the sky—its majesty looking down at the world of men like an emperor to his subjects—four gods moved to the dungeon to see their friends. They advanced in fast bursts of speed, passing through winding corridors until they reached a hidden level where Aurelia lived. They knocked twice on the rune-carved wall until a response sounded. The wall morphed into a door, and Tara greeted them with a warm smile. She hugged Lazara and Sironia, then asked, "Did Dovee accompany you?" That was Tara's nickname for the god of peace. "So where is he? Tell me!"
Sironia giggled. "He'll be here soon. He was called to mediate a war between two kingdoms—his oracle prayed for him to help. So don't be angry."
Tara looked every bit the fan girl, eyes sparkling. "That's so like him—always a gentle man, unlike his twin, the god of war. Blikin is such a brute, always speaking harshly to this cutie‑pie. If I ever get my hands on him, I'll use him as my practice dummy for a new skill I learned."
Lazara grinned. "It's called acupuncture. You can block pressure points in the body. I wonder where to start on Blikin—maybe his lower regions, so he'll beg me."
They all giggled, agreeing with her plan. Meanwhile, Nikon hovered behind them, hearing everything. He shuddered as cold sweats ran down his back. Poor Blikin… he thought. I should give him a saving grace, or he will be finished. He turned to Tara. "Can you spare my friend? I will pay you a herb of legend in return."
Tara tapped her chin. "All right, we have a deal—but he must watch his tongue."
Blikin, hearing noise, came to investigate, expecting adventurers. Instead, he froze at the sight of Doveinlus standing beside Nikon. He puffed out his chest, wanting to act tough—no soft‑bellied war god here! Then he saw Nikon and rushed forward, hugging him and lifting him off the ground.
"I've missed you, Nikon! Do you still remember our greeting?"
Nikon laughed, twisting free. "Yes—'The love of money is the root of all evil, and the lack of money is the root of all evil!' Ha ha ha…"
They rumbled with laughter at their old joke, the tension between them melting away.
Aurelia was then summoned by Tara to introduce the guests. When she reached the lounge room, she saw them—divine and mortal alike—gathered in a circle. Blikin, known for his grumpy demeanor, chatted quietly while Sironia's eyes gleamed with anticipation for the feast.
"Greetings, honored guests," Aurelia announced, curtsying. "I am Aurelia, this dungeon's boss. I will be your host today, and the feast shall be in abundance. Relax and enjoy."
Gaius appeared, pushing a silver trolley laden with platters: roast quail, honey‑glazed vegetables, and exotic fruits. Sironia's eyes shone with greed as she dove into a pile of pastries, then moved on to savory meats.
Blikin and Nikon sank into ornate chairs, reminiscing about their exploits when they were apart.
"I once bankrupted two nations over an apple tree," Blikin boasted. "I deceived their oracles into declaring its fruit could make mortals into gods. They waged war over it—powered me instead of them!"
Nikon raised an eyebrow. "Child's play. I tricked a coastal king into hiring his best divers to retrieve 'sea gold.' A sea monster devoured them. When the king ordered my capture, I feigned weakness. Brought to his palace, I taught him humility—after I emptied his treasury."
They laughed heartily, clinking goblets. Lazara then tugged Nikon by the sleeve. "Come play with us, before this hot head gets lonely!"
Feeling left out, Blikin decided to tease Doveinlus, who sat quietly sipping mulled wine. Blikin whipped around and smacked his brother's head with a wine bottle.
Doveinlus blinked. "What was that for, brother? I hold no grudge—if it's about the goddesses bullying you, I can intervene."
Blikin grinned. "I just wanted to see if you're still spineless!"
Doveinlus rose and embraced him. "You're as fierce as ever, but keep the tough love to a minimum."
Blikin sneered, raising his fist—only to be met by four goddesses brandishing weapons with deadly serious expressions. He gulped, then raised his hands in apology. "I'm sorry, my bro. I just can't greet you gently after all these years."
Doveinlus stroked his chin. "It's… unique. By the way, how are your students?"
In the corner, Aurelia and Gaius exchanged puzzled glances at the divine sibling rivalry—though Aurelia decided it was none of her business.
Aurelia's POV The laughter and clinking goblets had barely faded when Aurelia slipped away to a quiet corner of the lounge. Her heart still fluttered from the morning's reunion of Nikon and Blikin. She folded her arms, watching Gaius move among the tables with practiced ease. Those two, she mused. Goddess, I must stay alert. She remembered Gaius's warning: the friends of her teachers were notorious pranksters. Nikon, in particular, delighted in subtle treacheries—vanishing purses, enchanted sponges that leaked, or a sudden breeze that left one's robes impossibly tangled. And his dearest friend, Blikin, always seemed at the center of each caper. Aurelia forced herself to smile as she sipped her tea. I won't be caught off guard. A tiny thrill of anticipation fluttered in her chest. Let them try.
Gaius's POV From the head of the table, Gaius made a small signal to Tara. His perfectly arched eyebrow spoke volumes: it was time to remind everyone of their true purpose here. Moving swiftly, he approached the goddess, who was still basking in the afterglow of her own merriment. "Tara," he murmured, "we must not forget why we gathered. Where is Illurion? He is crucial for Aurelia's trial." Tara blinked, breaking her smile. "Oh! Right—Illurion." She snapped her fingers, and a soft ripple of magic coursed through the room. As Illurion's entrance approached, Gaius withdrew a small leather scroll from his vest. Unfurling it, he revealed a single gilded ticket. He handed it to Aurelia with a bow. "This," he explained in a hushed tone, "grants you passage to any realm—save the Underworld, which it may visit only once. It is your birthday gift, Madam. We have labored on many divine errands to secure it for you. Use it to reconnect with your lost love… if you so choose." Aurelia's breath caught. The ticket's seal glowed faintly in the lantern light.
Tears welled in her eyes as she clutched the ticket. "Gaius… this is more than I could ask." He touched her shoulder gently. "You deserve every chance at happiness." Behind them, Blikin and Tara bowed in respectful silence, and a hush fell over the gathering.
At that moment, Merdron's voice—calm yet resonant—echoed from above, as if carried on a shaft of starlight. "Aurelia," he intoned, "you shall undergo a final test under Illurion's guidance. If you maintain composure when facing his illusions, you will earn your freedom. Fail, and you will continue training until you master your emotions. Remember: the curse awakens when you suffer extreme loss. The Demon Goddess waits to exploit weakness. Guard your heart." A collective murmur rippled through the assembly. Even the adventurers fell silent, sensing the gravity of the decree.
Aurelia exhaled, her grip on the ticket tightening. "I understand, my lord." She squared her shoulders. Though doubt flickered within her—Can I truly face human life again?—she set her jaw. "I will not disappoint you."
Tara stepped forward, placing a hand on Aurelia's. "Meet Illurion in the training hall beyond the east corridor. Do not tarry." Aurelia nodded and offered a small smile. "Thank you."
Gaius inclined his head. "I will clear a path and secure the chamber for you. Your training begins shortly." With that, he vanished into the corridors, leaving Aurelia alone with her thoughts.
The room buzzed again with whispers. Some gods compared past illusions; others teased Blikin about his new "acupuncture points." But Aurelia barely heard them. Her mind replayed Merdron's words: Protect your heart. Holding the ticket against her chest, she felt the pull of destiny—and the weight of its promise.
A shimmering ripple passed through the air, unnoticed by mortal eyes. Illurion, the god of illusions, stepped into the lounge, his robes trailing illusions of drifting mist. Adventurers nearby paused mid‑bite, confused by the sudden chill. He glided toward the gathering with a fluid grace, eyes like twin moons.
Tara bowed deeply. "Illurion—thank you for joining us." Illurion inclined his head. "I trust the summons was urgent?" His voice was soft but carried an edge of playfulness.
Tara smiled. "Aurelia awaits your test in the east hall."
Illurion's lips curved into a faint smile. "Excellent. I look forward to unveiling new layers of her spirit."
The gods and adventurers parted, forming a silent corridor toward the east wing. Aurelia stepped forward, ticket in hand, heart pounding. Each footstep echoed against the stone floor as the corridor's torches flickered in greeting—or in warning.
Blikin fell into step beside his sister, his usual brash grin replaced by genuine concern. "Remember," he whispered, "focus on your center. Illusions prey on fear."
Aurelia nodded, inhaling courage.
At the end of the corridor, two towering doors carved with shifting runes loomed before them. Illurion placed a hand on the left door and slid it open with a graceful gesture. Beyond lay a circular chamber bathed in soft moonlight, though it was midday outside. In the center stood a single pedestal, atop which floated a mirror framed in black iron.
Illurion beckoned. "Step inside, Aurelia."
She approached, feeling the weight of every god's gaze upon her. The mirror's surface rippled like dark water. In its depths, she glimpsed faces: her lost love, her past self, the Demon Goddess's angry glare.
Heart of the Mirror Aurelia's breath caught. Doubt clawed at her resolve. Yet, she raised her chin. "I'm ready," she whispered.
Illurion's eyes gleamed. "Then let the test begin."