"Mmm hmmm…"


    The evening air was crisp, carrying the faint aroma of blooming flowers as Kido strolled through the serene pce gardens. The golden light of the setting sun bathed the area in a warm glow, reflecting off the shimmering leaves and ornate fountains.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Kido hummed a soft tune, his golden hair catching the light.


    He seemed at peace—until a shadow darted behind him, swift and silent.


    Before he could react, a firm grip mped over his wrist, and a voice hissed in his ear.


    "Don''t move."


    Kido turned his head slightly and smirked. "Neron."


    The garden blurred around him as Neron dragged him into a secluded corner, well-hidden by tall hedges and flowering trees. Experience more on empire


    He shoved Kido against a stone pir, his gaze sharp and unyielding.


    "Talk," Neron demanded, his hand glowing faintly as magical restraints coiled around Kido''s wrists and ankles. "What''s your game? Why did you sneak into my room to warn me?"


    Kido tilted his head, seemingly unaffected by the restraints. His calm, steady gaze met Neron''s.


    "I was waiting for you to ask."


    Neron narrowed his eyes, tightening the bindings. "Answer me."


    With a casual shrug, Kido flexed his arms, and the restraints shattered like brittle ss. Neron instinctively stepped back, summoning more magic, but Kido raised his hands in a gesture of peace.


    "No need for hostility. If I wanted to harm you, I would have done it already."


    "Then start talking," Neron growled, his magic still at the ready.


    Kido leaned against the pir, his expression unbothered. "The warning I gave you was genuine. The Midas Empire isn''t what it seems, and trusting them blindly will only lead to your downfall. You''re here for the Arcanas, aren''t you?"


    Neron froze for a moment, his expression carefully neutral. "What do you know about the Arcanas?"


    Kido''s lips curled into a sly smile. "Enough to know why someone like you woulde here, despite the risks. There are two Arcanas within the Midas Empire—[The Emperor] and [The Empress]. They''re wielded by none other than the Emperor and Empress themselves."


    The revtion hit Neron like a bolt of lightning.


    He had already been informed that there were two Arcanas here, and even the Archives supported that fact, but to learn that they were in the possession of the two most powerful beings in the Empire was daunting.


    "How am I supposed to retrieve them?" Neron asked, his voice edged with frustration.


    "They''re leagues above me."


    Kido crossed his arms, his expression growing serious. "That''s why you''ll need to train under the Emperor. Learn everything he has to teach you about Aether. Grow stronger. Bide your time."


    Neron scoffed. "And why would you help me? What''s in it for you?"


    Kido''s smile returned, but it was tinged with sadness.


    "I have my reasons. Let''s just say… I dream of leaving this gilded cage one day. The Midas people are forbidden from leaving the Empire, and even if I managed to sneak out, the barrier surrounding the ind would erase my memories of this ce. I''d lose everything that makes me who I am."


    "So you want me to help you escape," Neron said, his tone skeptical.


    "Exactly. In return, I''ll help you uncover the truth about your friends and the secrets of the Midas Empire," Kido replied. "And when the timees, I''ll join your Nether Cult to explore the outside world."


    Neron regarded him in silence, weighing his options.


    Kido''s story waspelling, but trust was a luxury Neron couldn''t afford.


    "I don''t trust you," Neron finally said.


    Kido chuckled softly. "You don''t have to. But you don''t have much of a choice, do you?"


    Neron clenched his fists, realizing the truth in Kido''s words. As much as he hated to admit it, he needed Kido''s help.


    "Fine," Neron said, his voice low but resolute. "We''ll work together. But if you betray me…"


    "You''ll kill me," Kido finished for him, his smile unfazed.


    "I wouldn''t expect anything less."


    The two stood in silence for a moment, a tenuous alliance forming between them.


    "We''ll unearth the truth behind your friends," Kido said, his tone serious. "And in the meantime, you''ll master Aether. Together, we''ll achieve our goals."


    Neron gave a curt nod. "Let''s see how this ys out."


    As they parted ways, Neron couldn''t shake the feeling that he had just stepped onto a precarious path. But if it led him closer to the truth—and to the Arcanas—it was a risk he was willing to take.


    *******


    [A Few Months Later]


    The golden glow of the training chamber cast a warm light across the ornate walls, highlighting the intricate runes etched into the marble.


    Neron stood in the center, his breathing steady as he extinguished the faint shimmer of Aether that had surrounded him moments before.


    The Emperor watched from his elevated seat, his expression unreadable.


    "Remarkable," he said, rising to his feet.


    His voice echoed through the chamber,manding attention.


    "In all my years, I have never seen anyone awaken Aether as quickly or wield it as naturally as you."


    Neron offered a humble bow, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "I owe it to my teacher. Your guidance has been invaluable."


    The Emperor stepped closer, his piercing golden eyes fixed on Neron. "Modesty ismendable, but do not mistake my words for idle ttery. Your affinity with Aether surpasses even the most gifted of my people."


    Neron straightened, his gaze meeting the Emperor''s. There was a weight to thepliment that went beyond mere praise.


    "You are most likely a Singrity," the Emperor said, his tone grave.


    The word struck a chord deep within Neron.


    His mind shed back to his first meeting with the Martial de God, who had spoken the same term. At the time, Neron was more upied with other things to ce any form of importance on the word, yet here it was again, uttered by one of the most powerful beings in the world.


    "A Singrity?" Neron asked, his curiosity piqued. "What does that mean?"


    The Emperor sighed


    "In the simplest terms, a Singrity is someone who stands apart from the natural order. The world itself seems to favor you, granting you unparalleled potential. You are Aether''s true disciple."


    Neron''s mind raced, processing the implications of the Emperor''s words.


    "Why? Why would the world choose me?"


    The Emperor ced a hand on Neron''s shoulder, his expression unusually gentle. "The world does not choose lightly. A Singrity is both a blessing and a burden. You have the potential to be the most powerful being in existence, but with that poweres immense responsibility. How you wield it will shape the fate of countless lives."


    Neron''s jaw tightened.


    He had always sought strength, but this revtion cast his ambitions in a new light. He thought back to Legris, his friends, and the path that had led him here.


    Was this why he had been drawn to the Midas Empire?


    "I''ll be careful," Neron said finally, his voice steady. "I won''t misuse this power."


    The Emperor''s gaze lingered on him for a moment before he nodded.


    "Good. Remember, power without purpose is destruction. Let your actions be guided by wisdom."


    With that, the Emperor stepped back, signaling the end of their lesson. "You''ve done well today. Rest and reflect on what we''ve discussed. We will continue tomorrow."


    Neron bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty."


    As the Emperor exited the chamber, Neron stood alone, the faint hum of Aether still resonating within him. He clenched his fists, a mix of determination and unease brewing within him.


    "A Singrity, huh…?"