The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening

Epitaph of Titans II

The scene began—not on the battlefield where Julius clashed with the newly transformed dragonoid hybrid Xavier—but somewhere else. Somewhere safer. Calmer. A place where Anastasia lay peacefully asleep in a warm, quiet room.

Her eyelids fluttered open as consciousness slowly returned. "What happened? Where am I?" she whispered groggily.

It only took a moment before she recognized her surroundings: the small apartment she had bought for herself, Xavier, and Alcmena to stay in during their uncertain time in London. Panic surged through her chest as the memory of Haruki, the stabbing, and Xavier's desperate rescue rushed back all at once.

"Xavier!" she cried, pushing herself upright. Her hand instinctively pressed against the spot where the blade had pierced her—but there was nothing. Not even a scar. Her skin was smooth, as though she had never been wounded at all.

Stunned, Anastasia could only conclude that this was Alcmena's doing—his draconic healing abilities. "Young Master!" she called out, forcing herself to stand.

Her legs trembled. A strange sensation ran through them, as though her body had forgotten how to stand. She wobbled like a newborn fawn. Though Alcmena's healing had saved her life, the nerves in her lower spine seemed unsettled, leaving her to relearn balance as though she were a child again.

She steadied herself and called again for Xavier and Alcmena. No response. Their ethereal energy was nowhere to be felt. Determined, she focused, channeling ethereal energy into her eyes. Her vision pierced through walls, scanning the apartment. Empty.

A knot of fear tightened in her chest. Where had they gone? Her question was interrupted by the sound of chaos outside—screams, hurried footsteps, the crackling of fire—and the acrid scent of smoke drifting in.

Anastasia turned toward the window. Her heart dropped. London, once alive with its bright streets and bustling life, was now a burning wasteland. Crimson fire devoured buildings, painting the skies in a storm of ash.

"There's no way..." she whispered, horrified. "How could this have happened?"

Her worry deepened. If the city was ablaze, then where were Xavier and Alcmena? She could not wait. Stumbling but determined, Anastasia left the room, forcing her weakened body forward.

She stepped into the ruined streets. Smoke choked the air, and the cries of panicked civilians echoed around her. Then—

"Miss Anastasia!" a familiar voice called out, strained and breathless.

She turned. To her surprise, Teslaine stood there, drenched in sweat, panting heavily as though she had been running for her life.

"Lady Teslaine?" Anastasia blinked in shock. "What are you doing here? Is everything alright?"

"Y-yeah!" Teslaine stammered, though her voice wavered. "W-well... actually, no. I woke up to a loud, blinding sound... and since then, I haven't been able to find Aunt Victoria anywhere."

"Is that so?" Anastasia asked softly.

"Yes! I searched everywhere she might be, but... but the city—" Teslaine's voice cracked. "It was already in flames. I didn't know where else to go, so I came here. I thought maybe she'd be with you and Xavier. When I saw you leaving the apartment, I recognized your green hair and followed."

Anastasia noticed the tremor in Teslaine's hands, her body shaking not just from fatigue, but from fear. Gently, she placed a hand on Teslaine's shoulder, her tone soft and steady. "Lady Teslaine... when I asked if everything was alright, I didn't mean just the situation. I meant you. Are you alright?"