Power of Runes

In the vision Amelia saw, the version of Ray was older than the current Ray. That alone implied that originally, the bloodline awakening of the Ravencroft family was meant to happen much later in the future.

That means....the future has changed, and the only thing that could change the future is....Ash Burn....or maybe some sort of butterfly effect caused by him....'

Amelia thought about it carefully, but what weighed more heavily on her mind was the shocking scene of Ray and Melissia getting engaged.

Was that how things were supposed to happen? She felt uncertain because, in her inherited memories, even Elysia, Grace, and some others had shown clear signs of closeness with Ray.

Does that mean....Ray formed a harem with all the girls around him.

The thought left her uneasy. She could not imagine Grace, Lyra, Melissia, or even Elysia being so deeply in love with Ray that they would agree to something like that, nor could she picture Ray himself choosing such a path.

I think I am glad....that future changed....'

What she did not know was that even she had been included in that list of harem members. If she were to discover this truth, her reaction would surely be a sight to see.

But another thought crept into her mind soon after. But, does he even know about it?

She wondered whether Ash was aware of the changes his very existence was causing, though knowing her grandfather, It was entirely possible that he had already made Ash aware of it...

Still caught in those tangled thoughts, Amelia left the washroom. She adjusted her dress and smoothed her hair, hiding away the storm in her mind, and returned to the others with complicated feelings weighing heavily on her heart.

---

Time continued to pass as more and more guests arrived for the celebration party. The large hall filled quickly, and even the crowd gathered outside the academy grew thicker by the minute.

Irvin, Lyra, Ethan, Grace, Ray, and many of their classmates had already arrived, along with Vice Principal Elva, several teachers, and many others from different walks of life. The atmosphere was a mix of warmth and anticipation, yet among the festival crowd, there were also those who had come with darker intentions.

Some came only to witness the rise of the ancient fallen family, while some came with the purpose of assassination.

With guests from every side now present, it was finally time for the true host of the event to appear.

Ring!! Ring!! Ring!!

A clear chime rang across the grand hall, its echo sharp and commanding, making every voice fall silent. All eyes turned upward toward the source of the sound.

From the second floor, standing tall at the height of the balcony, a figure gazed down at them with a calm and confident smile.

Wearing an elegant ensemble of crimson and white, the head of the Ravencroft family, Saint Lucan, revealed himself at last. His voice, deep and resonant yet filled with pride, carried through every corner of the vast hall. High above, the skies lit up with a holographic projection, showing the same scene to the entire city so that no one would miss this moment.

The festival itself seemed to pause, holding its breath as Saint Lucan began to speak.

"Hello!! Ladies and gentlemen!!!!"

With a wide smile and a chest full of pride, his words thundered warmly through the hall, and his voice only grew stronger as he continued to address the gathered crowd.

"I, Lucan Ravencroft, the Head of the Ravencroft family, the Tower Master of the Magic Tower, and a Saint of Humanity, welcome you all on this auspicious occasion. It is a moment of pride for me that our long-slumbering bloodline has finally awakened, giving humanity a much-needed boost in strength against all types of threats."

A loud cheer rose from below, filled with shouts of joy and congratulations that echoed so powerfully they seemed to reach the skies themselves, without the need for any sound transmitters. With the same proud smile, Lucan lifted his hand and gestured toward the great bonfire blazing at the center of the city.

"You can see the large bonfire burning in the heart of the city, and the miracle it is performing. This fire will continue for the entire duration of the festival, for those are my flames....the flames of Nirvana. As long as you bathe in them, your injuries will vanish and your bodies will be restored as though new. Consider it a small gift I offer to everyone. It is the least I can do!!!"

The crowd's cheer, already loud enough to shake the ground, grew even louder, reaching a pitch where it felt as though the entire city was roaring. For many of them, this miracle was not simply something to celebrate but something life-changing. Parents and loved ones who had been lying on their deathbeds were suddenly healed and stood strong once again. Retired military officers, who had lived for years with amputated limbs, found their long-lost arms and legs restored to them. It was a moment that would remain etched in their hearts forever.

Inside the grand hall, most of the nobles and esteemed guests had not descended into the streets, and many were unaware of the healing power of the flames. When they finally realized what those below were experiencing, a loud wave of gasps swept through the audience. Shock and awe painted every expression, their disbelief almost tangible in the air.

Lucan chuckled softly, aware of how many among them secretly wished to rush out and step into those flames themselves after hearing the thunderous cries of the people below. Yet, standing here before a Saint, none dared to move from their place.

His eyes slowly swept over the hall, pausing only briefly before narrowing slightly.

...So, he did not come....what an arrogant brat....

The thought pressed against him, leaving a faint irritation. Ash had not even shown him the basic courtesy of honoring his invitation, and though it angered him, Lucan knew this was a joyous occasion, and he could not allow his face to betray such emotions. To him, Ash was not of great importance, but he also knew how highly his own master regarded the boy. That alone was enough reason to keep his mind cautious, for if his master saw promise in Ash, then one day he might truly become a being beyond imagination. Lucan wished to form a bond with him if fate allowed, though it seemed that chance would not come today.

Raising his hands lightly, Lucan called for silence, and the roaring hall obeyed without hesitation. One by one, the voices quieted until all focus returned to him.

"And many of you may not know, but all this became possible only because of my one and only daughter, Melissia Ravencroft. It was she who uncovered the final barrier that had long kept our bloodline from awakening. If credit belongs anywhere, it belongs solely to her—Melissia Ravencroft, heir to the Ravencroft estate and the Magic Tower itself."

His voice swelled with pride as he stretched his hand toward the grand staircase.

"So, let us welcome the true star of this festival. Let us welcome my one and only daughter....."

-WHOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

The lights of the hall dimmed at once, casting the vast chamber in a soft glow as the sound of deliberate footsteps echoed clearly, each step carrying weight and intent. Every head turned toward the source, the anticipation in the air growing heavier with every passing moment.

Even the crowd outside, roaring only a moment ago as they watched through the holographic projection in the sky, quieted in unison, as though the entire city had collectively held its breath.

Even without a spotlight, the hall grew brighter as flames sprouted in midair, dancing softly and illuminating the space. Their glow was not blinding but warm, enhancing the beauty of the girl who had just entered, as if the flames themselves existed only for her.

Melissia walked with small, deliberate steps, her every movement carrying an elegance that could not be taught. The fire-red waves of her hair cascaded down her back in loose curls, the flickering flames weaving through them and making them shimmer like molten rubies. Her skin was fair, her features finely balanced, and her composure carried a natural grace that needed no ornament to draw the eye.

Her gown was crafted from deep black silk, flowing in layered folds that shifted like water, catching and reflecting the light with every step. Embroidered patterns of muted gold, green, and crimson spread across the fabric like scattered petals, subtle yet vivid enough to add depth to its darkness. The bodice fit close, with a low neckline that rose into a high lace collar at her throat, both daring and dignified at once.

Long sheer sleeves draped down her arms, their transparent fabric carrying the same delicate embroidery as the gown. The skirt trailed behind her, its hem brushing against the polished floor. It carried enough weight to whisper with each step, yet it still moved with a fluid grace that made it seem lighter than it was.

Her eyes, burning like pieces of ember, carried an intensity that drew in everyone present, as if they had no choice but to meet her gaze.

The hall grew utterly silent. No one could deny it... she carried an unmatched presence, whether because it was her family's celebration or because of the awakened power of her bloodline.

Her beauty and elegance left every heart captivated.

---

"Why are we not going there? I thought we came here just for that.."

Elysia asked while staring at the holographic screen that displayed Melissia's entry. Her face was filled with confusion, her brows drawn slightly as she tried to understand.

Ash looked at her and replied, "You remember how she hurt you so badly during the exam, and you still want to go there? We came here just to enjoy the festival, let's not bother with the party."

His voice was steady but carried a quiet sternness, making his refusal clear. Deep inside, he had no desire to meet anyone tonight. If he did, he feared he might end up doing something impulsive.

Elysia sighed with a hint of bitterness, her expression softening into something almost vulnerable. Seeing this, Ash pulled her gently closer and asked in a calmer voice, "What happened? Do you really want to go there?"

I thought her kindness had faded a little...is it returning again? Ash wondered in confusion.

Elysia shook her head lightly and said, "No, it's not that.....I-I wanted to dance with you there, in front of everyone else. I wanted to experience that, nothing else."

A faint reddish hue rose across her cheeks as she buried her face in Ash's chest, her shyness clear.

Ash smiled, warmth spreading in his heart. They were standing on the rooftop of a tall building, high above the noise of the festival. The night sky stretched endlessly above them, and for a moment, it felt as though the world below no longer existed.

Her warmth seeped into him, and his body grew hotter, his desire already burning high. He had been barely keeping it under control, but Elysia's words and her small act of closeness now broke down the restraint he had left. Lifting her face gently, he leaned down and kissed her.

He devoured her lips as though he had hungered for them for centuries, tasting her like she was the sweetest thing he had ever known. His body heated further, and the distance between them disappeared until only her warmth filled him.

Yet while they were lost in the moment, someone watched them from afar, hidden and silent. The person's eyes lingered on the pair, and a thought stirred in the depths of his mind.

There they are, all alone. Better for me...it is the perfect moment to carry the plan forward.

****