Golden light radiated from the child and spread across the battlefield.
Troops felt rejuvenated, their energy and wounds quickly restored.
Sera had already lost consciousness and was about to breathe her last few breaths. Then, in a moment she could neither explain nor fully comprehend, she felt herself getting back to life. Her deeply cut chest started healing at an astonishing speed. All the vitality she had sacrificed flowed back into her. Yet, as her wounds closed, the child's body seemed to tremble under the weight of his miraculous gift. A look of fatigue crept over his face.
At the same time, Shane realized his injuries were healing.
Shane and Sera opened their eyes and, in shock, realized the golden light came from their son, who stood before them radiating with power.
They loosened their hug, eyes wet with tears but glowing with joy. They could not suppress their smiles. They were witnessing their son's miracle. Slowly, the light began to fade. All those in the area were fully healed and back to life. The monsters, meanwhile, began to weaken. They burned from the holy power. They tried to flee, but were completely consumed.
Witnessing the miracle, troops knelt in respect to Ironheart's new heir.
"We welcome our young master, heir of Ironheart!" the troops shouted in unison.
Seeing that Sera still cradled their child, Shane gently helped her to her feet, supporting her as she regained balance.
Shane reached for his son, took him from Sera's arms, and held him high for all to see. He declared, "From today onwards, his name will be Arthur, Arthur Ironheart, and Heir to Ironheart Grand Duchy."
"We pledge to protect Young Master Arthur Ironheart!" the troops again shouted in unison.
Witnessing all this, Sera could not hold back her tears. Her son had saved her life; she resolved in her heart to love him fiercely and to protect him at all costs, vowing that anyone wishing him harm would have to face her first.
At the same time, in the magnificent palace with a history spanning thousands of years, there was a decorated hall. It had a huge throne at the top. On it sat James Evernight. He had a regal build and youthful appearance, looking like he was in his 20s despite being 40. His black eyes and long, moonlight hair shimmered brightly. He was the emperor of the Evernight Empire.
Standing below on their knees was Morgana Chronveil, the grand duchess of the Chronveil duchy. She was a woman with a young build despite being in her 60s. Her purple hair and black eyes held the mystery to see beyond the passage of time.
James Evernight addressed Morgana from his throne, his voice echoing through the hall. "Stand and speak—why have you disturbed me during my rest? There had better be a worthy reason."
Unfazed by the emperor's tone, Morgana remained composed—renowned as one of the Evernight Empire's mightiest figures, she did not bow easily to intimidation.
Morgana stood as instructed. Her voice confident, she replied, "Your majesty, fate has shifted. A child of tremendous destiny has been born, one who will change the future of our world."
As Morgana spoke, tension filled the air.
"Who is he? Is he the prophesied one?" James asked.
"I am not able to discern whether he is the prophecy one or not. There is something that is stopping me from seeing that." Morgana spoke with certainty. Her eyes narrowed as she contemplated the unknown forces at play.
James commanded, "I want a complete list of all children born today delivered to me by tomorrow."
Just as James finished his command, a shadow came out from behind the throne. It gave respect to the emperor and vanished just as it appeared.
Morgana suggested, "Your majesty, the empress is nine months pregnant and will soon give birth to a girl. It may be wise to join her in marriage to the prophecy boy."
"You are dismissed, Morgana," James ordered.
Left alone in his private chamber, James Evernight tilted his head back and gazed past the ceiling. Outwardly, he seemed to study the ceiling's design, but inwardly, he focused on mysteries beyond—the stars and their hidden meanings.
On that very day, the news of an anomaly at the red gate spread. But this news eventually died out. It was replaced by the story of a boy who healed his mother from death just after birth.
Stories and myths began circulating around him, and a new legend was born that very day. One of the most vocal of these was a knight who had been present during the miraculous event. As he recounted the tale to those who would listen, his hardened features softened with awe. "I stood there, ready for the end. Yet this child, radiant with light, defied the fate written for us all," he would often say, his voice full of wonder and reverence.