[B3]Chapter 193: A Love That Fought Destiny (1)

The surroundings began to shift once more, and a vast, ancient forest appeared before him. Towering trees, as tall as skyscrapers, stretched toward the sky, their thick branches intertwining into a natural canopy that filtered sunlight into soft, dappled patterns across the forest floor.

In the distance, he noticed wooden houses built into the trees, rising across multiple floors and seamlessly woven into trunks and vines. Each structure was connected by wooden bridges and sturdy vines.

Ivy draped the walls, and bright flowers bloomed in pots along each level. Wooden staircases spiraled around the tree trunks, linking the levels as they climbed endlessly upward, disappearing into the heights beyond his vision.

Ryuk’s voice broke through the quiet. “This is the Great Forest of Slyvora... the homeland of the Sylvorians, an ancient race attuned to the forest’s mysteries, living by a culture woven from a profound reverence for nature.”

He paused, his tone growing heavier. “We’re here because everything began here... with your mother. She came from one of the most revered clans of Slyvora.”

A spark of surprise flickered in Theo’s eyes. He’d always wondered about his mysterious lineage, the other half of his heritage that had remained unknown. Now he knew—it was Sylvorian. Perhaps this explained why he’d always felt a strange bond with Neria, Lorian, or even Aerin; he belonged to a race that shared similarities with elves.

As they walked slowly toward the structures, Ryuk continued speaking, and Theo followed closely, careful not to miss a single word.

“Sylvorians are strict about outsiders. They forbid marriages beyond their kind. Each person must choose a partner from one of the clans within Slyvora.

But one day, your father, Arthur Leywin, was found by Eva Nightbloom at the forest’s edge. He was badly injured, and she took him in, setting up a makeshift shelter to tend to his wounds. She stayed by his side for a week, caring for him until his wounds and high fever subsided.”

Ryuk’s expression softened, almost wistful. “Once he recovered, Arthur couldn’t help but be drawn to Eva’s kindness. Though she initially refused any repayment for her care, he was determined to know her. Your father’s simple nature and genuine heart captivated Eva, and, unlike your grandfather—who’s the worst sort of person—Arthur was a true gentleman. Slowly, a bond formed, and their love blossomed.”

Theo could feel the weight of each word, piecing together fragments of a story he’d never known.

“Yet acceptance didn’t come easily,” Ryuk continued, his tone growing solemn. “To the Sylvorians, welcoming a human into their ranks was unthinkable. But the chief elder had knowledge of an ancient prophecy—a foretelling that spoke of a union beyond the clans, and of a child born from that union who would protect the world from impending chaos. Although the Sylvorians never engaged in outside conflicts, the prophecy was clear.

However, the chief elder warned Eva to keep the prophecy secret, for if it were revealed, her child’s life would be in danger from the moment of birth. Eva agreed, choosing love over fear, and married Arthur. And so, the seeds of an epic tale were sown.”

Ryuk looked back at Theo, who was silently processing the story. His parents’ history sounded like something out of a bestselling romance novel, yet Theo felt a growing curiosity about what came next. He noticed a bitter smile on the old man’s face, as if Ryuk was carefully considering how to approach the next part.

Sensing his hesitation, Theo spoke up. “If this is hard for you, then why not just unseal my memories?”

Ryuk shook his head. “That won’t work. Young Theo didn’t know how it all began, but grown-up Theo—you—needs to grasp the full picture so you don’t hold grudges, especially against your brother and father. And you need to understand the Sylvorians, because when you reach the upper world, they’ll be the first you’ll have to face.”

Theo blinked in surprise. “I have a brother?”

The old man nodded. “Yes... a very capable one. When he was born, Eva’s first child, the Sylvorian prophecy seemed to have been fulfilled. Unlike most children who don’t awaken their abilities until twelve, a gifted few discover them much earlier. Your brother was one of them; at only six, he awakened his class, capturing everyone’s attention. Not only did he possess a noble element, but his rapid development marked him as a prodigy.”

Theo listened as Ryuk’s face took on a look of casual disinterest. “He became the pride of the Leywin family, especially to your grandfather, who adored him. He trained the boy intensely, envisioning him as the future leader who would elevate the Leywin family to great heights and forge a lasting legend. The entire family was thrilled. Here was a child not only with a noble element but with abilities surpassing even many seasoned warriors.”

Ryuk sighed, his voice dropping as he continued. “As your grandfather devoted himself to training your brother, all the responsibilities of the Leywin clan fell onto your father’s shoulders. He became the patriarch, leading the clan while the clan master had little time left for home or family.

Then, four years later, when your brother was ten, you were born. Everyone hoped you would follow in his footsteps, that you’d inherit the same talents. But their hopes faded quickly when they discovered you had no mana.

Your grandfather, with all his expectations, was visibly disappointed. In his eyes, you weren’t just a shadow of your brother—you were a stain on the Leywin name, a taint to the family's legacy. And he made no effort to hide his disapproval.”

Theo’s expression remained calm, with barely a flicker of emotion crossing his face, though inwardly, he felt as if he’d stumbled into the plot of some overdramatic tale. Still, he couldn’t deny he was intrigued to see where this was heading.

“Your father, busy with clan affairs, became distant,” Ryuk continued. “Tensions grew between him and your mother. Arthur’s absence left her feeling abandoned, and she resented the cold, dismissive way you were treated. She decided to shield you from it, demanding a secluded garden far from the main clan grounds, a place where the two of you could live in peace—and closer to nature.

“Arthur had no choice but to agree. He knew that if he refused, your mother would return to Slyvora. In that garden, he tried to create a sanctuary that felt like a forest, filling it with trusted aides to watch over you both. He even asked your mother’s sister to live there with her, so she wouldn’t feel alone. And so, both sisters lived there, raising you together... sheltered from the world.”

With those words, Ryuk raised his hand and snapped his fingers. The sharp sound echoed in Theo’s ears, reverberating through his mind like a powerful shockwave. His soul felt as if it had been struck by a hammer, and his vision spiraled, the world blurring around him.

***

Nestled among blooming gardens, the white house was filled with the whispers of nature. Inside, young Theo toddled around, guided by the gentle hands of his aunt, Elowen—the headmistress of Phoenixwing Academy.

Eva was busy attending to her friend Aria, who had come to visit before her departure to the Varidian Continent. Today was a special day, as Aria had brought her daughter along with her.

A four-year-old girl with white hair and scarlet eyes twinkled with excitement as she noticed the young toddler by the bedside playing with Elowen.

With bright eyes and an eager smile, she toddled over to where Theo was. Her tiny hands reached out to him, clumsily trying to give him a hug. “Mama, he’s too heavy,” she complained, her face scrunching up in determination.

Aria giggled softly, watching her daughter’s earnest attempts.

Elowen chuckled and bent down to Lily’s level. "Here, sweetheart. Put one hand under his arm and the other around his back. Like this." She demonstrated with gentle motions.

With a burst of effort, Lily finally managed to hold Theo up, though her arms wobbled and her grip was unsteady. “Look, I did it!” she beamed, her face lighting up with pride as she lifted him up.

Little Theo watched with curiosity as he was held by a stranger, his eyes wide and unblinking.

Elowen exclaimed, “Wait... he’s not crying.” She found it odd.

“Is that... bad?” Aria asked in puzzlement.

Eva smiled and began to explain, “Normally, Theo retaliates by crying when someone else tries to hold him besides me and Elowen. Maybe Theo likes our Lily.”

Hearing the compliment, Lily’s face brightened with happiness. She beamed at Theo, patting his back gently.

Aria and Eva shared a knowing look, amused and touched by the innocent interaction between their children.

Time seemed to slow in those precious moments, the bond between the children beginning to form in the most innocent and tender ways. The air was filled with soft laughter and the sweet scent of blooming flowers, marking the start of a beautiful friendship.

Elowen, smiling warmly, remarked, “Looks like we might have a new favorite person, Theo.”

Theo, still quiet and observant, seemed content in Lily’s arms, making the adults’ hearts swell with joy.

Aria leaned closer to Eva, whispering with a smile, “It’s sweet, isn’t it? Seeing them connect so easily.”

Eva nodded. “I have a feeling this bond will only grow stronger.”

***

Years passed, and the seasons changed. Theo, now four years old, found himself at a birthday celebration—but not just any party; it was Lily’s seventh birthday. This was their first meeting in two years, and little Theo didn’t recognize her anymore.

Elowen had brought him to the event. As soon as they arrived, Lily, leaving her other young guests behind, came over to Elowen.

“Auntie, why does he look so grumpy?” Lily whispered, her gaze fixed on Theo, who was giving her a stern look.

Elowen replied in a hushed tone, “He’s not too fond of crowded places or strangers... but you asked me to bring him for your birthday, so I thought it would be fine for just one day. However, as you can see from his expression, he’s not very happy.”

Lily’s attention returned to Theo. She leaned closer and asked softly, “Do you recognize me, Theo?”

The young boy remained silent, just watching her as she smiled and moved closer.

“Look how you’ve become so adorable in the two years we haven’t seen each other,” Lily said, bridging the gap between them. Unexpectedly, Theo reacted instinctively. His small hand shot up, slapping her cheek with surprising force.

Pat!

The sound of the slap echoed through the grand hall, drawing everyone's attention.

Aria rushed over to where Elowen and the children stood. Together, they watched in surprise as the imprint of Theo’s hand marked Lily’s skin.

Elowen scolded gently, lifting Theo slightly. “A gentleman shouldn’t hit a girl, Theo, not even with a flower.”

Theo glanced at Elowen, then turned his head down, appearing remorseful.

Lily, rubbing her tingling cheek, chuckled, “What a mind-blowing present!” Her words carried a bittersweet tone, but her eyes twinkled with amusement rather than anger.

She then turned back to Theo, her expression softening. “It’s okay, Theo. It’s good to see you too, even if you don’t remember me.”

As the time for Lily's birthday ritual approached, Aria left to oversee the final preparations. In their family tradition, the birthday child was to light a golden pot with a flame in front of the statue of Lumira, their deity. It was believed that Lumira would bless the child if they successfully lit the candle and offered prayers.

Today, it was Lily's turn to perform this sacred act. Lily stood alone in front of the towering statue, with only her mother allowed by her side to assist. The other guests maintained a respectful distance, watching from ten meters away. Aria carefully set a golden pot filled with oil in front of the statue as part of the setup.

Lily glanced back at Elowen and Theo. “Auntie, can Theo come stand with me, please?” she implored.

Elowen looked uncertainly towards Aria, knowing only close family members were usually allowed near the Lumira statue during the ritual.

Aria nodded gently. After all, they were like family, and she saw no harm in bending the rules slightly.

With Aria’s approval, Elowen guided Theo to stand beside Lily, placing him gently next to her.

Lily’s face lit up with joy, though she quickly turned her attention back to the task at hand as her mother handed her a stick with a blue flame.

Without hesitation, Lily took the flame, then boldly grabbed Theo’s hand.

Theo looked at her, his young face etched with a grumpy glare that hinted at his readiness to protest, but he remembered Elowen’s earlier admonition and restrained himself.

Lily, undeterred by his expression, guided his hand to hold her wrist—the one holding the flame-lit stick.

The guests and the elders of Silvermoon’s family watched in silence.

Together, Lily and Theo brought the blue flame to the golden pot. The moment the flame touched the oil, it flickered to life, dancing gently in the pot.

As the flame in the golden pot stabilized, everyone present bowed their heads in reverence, their eyes closed in silent prayer.

Lily and Theo, however, remained upright, their hands still joined, both curious and slightly uneasy about the ritual.

In the solemn silence, something extraordinary happened. Two golden rays, shimmering like fireflies, emerged from the statue of Lumira. They danced gracefully through the air before descending to settle on the hands that held the flame—the very hands of Lily and Theo.

This miraculous sight was visible only to those in immediate proximity. Elowen and Aria exchanged looks of astonishment, recognizing the significance of what had just occurred. They had witnessed many birthday rituals in their lifetime, but such a direct sign from Lumira was unprecedented.

Lily, her eyes wide with wonder, stared at the golden light enveloping her hand before it sank into her skin like a gentle caress. “What does it mean, Mom?” she whispered.

Aria, still processing the unusual occurrence, smiled gently, opting to reassure rather than explain. “It’s a blessing, Lily.” She wasn't entirely sure of the full implications, but she knew it was a positive sign.

Meanwhile, Theo, less enchanted by the mystical phenomena, appeared somewhat uncomfortable with the attention and the physical contact.

He glanced towards Elowen repeatedly, his expression bordering on a silent plea. It was clear he felt out of place, unsure how to react to the ritual’s proceedings and the unexpected magical manifestation.

Elowen, catching Theo’s look, offered him a comforting smile. “It’s alright, Theo,” she murmured, hoping to ease his discomfort. “Lily won’t bite you.”

Her comment elicited a suppressed giggle from Aria, while Lily shot Elowen an offended look, as if some great injustice had been done to her.

Theo nodded slightly, his gaze shifting back to the statue of Lumira, still processing the strange but beautiful phenomenon that had just taken place.

From that day on, Lily and Theo were often seen together, their friendship blossoming over time.

Lily frequently visited Eva’s small abode with her mother, bringing Theo out to play. Initially, Theo silently followed her, motivated more by avoiding lectures from Elowen than genuine interest.

For months, Lily was the primary initiator of their interactions, as Theo remained quiet and reserved. However, as the months passed, Theo’s guard gradually lowered, and he began to let Lily guide him more freely.

Within a year, Theo started to communicate with her as openly as he did with Elowen and Eva. When Theo turned seven, they participated in the same birthday ritual that had marked their earlier connection.

This time, however, Theo’s demeanor was different. He was no longer grumpy about Lily’s presence; instead, he was genuinely pleased to have his best friend by his side.

Without waiting for anyone’s permission, Lily confidently took his hand, and together they approached the golden pot to offer the blue flame to the statue of Lumira.

This year, no mystical phenomena like the golden rays occurred. Instead, as they performed the ritual, Theo and Lily noticed something remarkable: only they could see Lumira’s statue smiling at them.

As they spent more time together, Theo and Lily became inseparable, their lives intertwined like two vines growing side by side. However, every story must endure its trials, and theirs was no different.