The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening

Chess of Fate

Just then, one of the ship's cannons lowered, aiming toward the earth, primed to fire. Aleksander's eyes widened—the vessels above were unlike anything he had ever seen. But before he could fully grasp the sight, Violet's voice cut through the chaos, closer now than before.

His head snapped toward her. For the first time, the calm mask he wore cracked with concern. In an instant, he conjured a shield of light around Violet, who carried Xavier in her arms, with Anastasia and Teslaine rushing just behind her.

His instincts proved right. The ship unleashed its fury—beams of concentrated energy fell like meteors, striking with unfathomable speed. The earth shook violently as the cannons reduced everything to nothingness. Structures, stone, earth—all erased in an instant, leaving only scorched emptiness in their wake.

And yet, by some grace, Violet, Anastasia, and Teslaine stood unharmed, not a scratch on them. Aleksander remained unscathed as well, his form untouched despite standing in the heart of the blast. He had taken the strike head‑on, and still, he did not falter.

From the smoke and ash emerged Julius, his expression twisted with irritation. Their battle had been interrupted just as it reached its peak. Like Aleksander, he bore no mark of injury, his body whole and unbroken.

What monsters they were. Any other soul would have been obliterated, their bodies torn apart in an instant. Yet these two brushed off annihilation as if it were nothing more than a nuisance.

A new voice rang out from above, dripping with arrogance. A figure descended feet‑first from the heavens, leaping from the ship without hesitation, as though the fall itself posed no threat to their life.

Aleksander's composure shattered the moment he saw the man's face. Rage surged through his veins, consuming every fiber of his being. The calm warrior was gone—what remained was raw, uncontrollable fury. He stared at the one who had stained his life with blood.

His father's murderer.

"Percival," Aleksander growled.

Smiling broadly, Percival spread his arms as if greeting family. "Aleksander! My dear nephew! It's been too long—how have you been?"

"Shut the fuck up," Aleksander snapped, eyes burning with fire.

"Oh?" Percival tilted his head, feigning hurt. "That's harsh. You've wounded me, nephew."

"WHY ARE YOU HERE?!" Aleksander's voice thundered, his shield finally breaking apart as his fury consumed it. "Did you come all this way just to die?"

"Not at all." Percival's tone turned playful as he leaned toward Julius, almost casually. "I came to take His Majesty back to my golden city."

"As if," Julius cut in, his voice calm but laced with irritation. "Do not interfere, Percival. I have no intention of ending this battle. Not when I've finally found someone—someone other than Saint Sabestian—worthy of standing as my rival."

Percival's lips curled into a pleading smile, his eyes softening as if trying to coax a close friend. "But, Your Majesty, wouldn't it be better to reclaim your full strength first? Why waste the chance to see his true potential? Surely you'd prefer to face him at his peak rather than here, half‑formed."

Julius fell silent for a moment, clearly annoyed but weighing the words. Finally, with a sharp exhale, he conceded. "Fine. But this will be the last time you ever interrupt my battle." His eyes glowed crimson‑yellow, blazing with killing intent. "Test me again, and you will die."

"Alright, alright!" Percival chuckled nervously, raising his hands.

"I look forward to seeing you grow, Aleksander," Julius declared. "I will return to slumber, to rebuild my strength. In that time, reach your full potential. If you are still alive when I awaken... then we will finish this fight."