The Dark Elf Empire was preparing to undergo some major changes but the person responsible for them was preparing to leave.

“How are you feeling, Aldis?” Ira asked as casually ate a pastry.

“Cold,” Aldis responded bitterly, but he was inwardly pleased. The intense sensation of freezing had been greatly reduced and Aldis could feel that he had a new ability that made all the suffering worth it.

“I’ll help you if you want to practice your ability, Aldis,” Amy said from the side. She had trained with Eloise as often as she could in order to gain some more experience. Although she sparred against Harper from time to time she wasn’t taught anything new. It was more of honing the skills she already had by trying to avoid Harper and her Phantom.

“Thank you,” Aldis replied with a warm smile.

Harper narrowed her eyes at Aldis, “Are you going to marry her?”

Aldis was slightly flustered after hearing the question, but he didn’t exactly voice his refusal which was noticed by everyone, especially Amy.

Ira’s laughed before he spoke, “Easy, Harper. You’ll probably be getting married in a few years too.”

“No!” Harper shook her head furiously as if she was repulsed by the thought.

Ira chuckled at her attitude toward marriage before turning his head toward the entrance of the room. Sylun walked in with Sylvia and two other Dark Elves behind them in addition to Eloise and the royal guards who were carrying various containers.

“Everything is prepared, Keeper,” Sylun gestured toward the guards and they placed the containers down near Ira.

“So what is this?” Ira asked as he waved his hand and stored everything away.

“Supplies that might become necessary for Avery’s birth,” Sylun answered.

Ira nodded before looking toward Sylvia and the two who were to be under her, “Are you ready?”

“Yes, Keeper,” Sylvia answered devoutly while the other two nodded.

“Then step closer, we’re about to leave.” Ira waited for everyone to move near him before the space around him began to bend.

“Be safe, Keeper.” Sylun bowed as she watched Ira and the others disappear.

…

The group opened their eyes to see the inside of a house. More specifically, Ira’s house.

“Aldis, Amy, Harper, I’ll speak to you later. Also, go to Samantha and find Rhys' address for me if you can. It would be even better if you brought her here, thanks.” Ira spoke quickly before vanishing.

“Ira!” Harper stomped her foot angrily but he had already disappeared.

When Ira and the three Dark Elves next appeared it was in front of the Valkyrie’s Hall. The Valkyries on guard had increased and drew their weapons before recognizing Ira and standing down. Sylvia and her two companions were obviously nervous and excited but remained silent. It would all be for nothing if they couldn’t obtain the approval of Lauren and Casey.

“Could someone tell Casey or Lauren I’ve brought the birth companions here? I’m going to see Avery,” Ira said before slipping past the protective barrier.

A Valkyrie followed behind him, most likely heading for the pair in question. He made a few familiar turns before he arrived in front of Avery’s chambers which were, of course, guarded by several Valkyries. The moved to the side and allowed him to enter after recognizing him and he wasted no time walking toward the garden.

Ira opened the black curtains and could see that it had become overgrown as if someone left it unattended for months. There were two Valkyries on either side of the entrance but they stood silently as if imitating a statue. Avery sat in the center as always, it seemed since she obtained Helion’s divinity she enjoyed the sun more.

“I’m back,” Ira smiled as he approached her.

“Raveria wants to see you, Ira. She always has this questioning look in her eye as if she wants to ask me where you are.” Avery turned to face him with a small grin.

“She? You mean it’s a girl? Are we really having a daughter? Wait, how do you know?” Ira grew excited as he kneeled beside Avery and held her hands. His mind was racing and his heartbeat was so loud he could hear it in his ears.

“I saw her, Ira. She has some sort of...ability that allowed her to create her own version space in her mind. I don’t know what it is, but it seems to limit me to interacting with her once a day.” Avery recounted everything that had happened in the meantime.

“Can I see her too?” Ira held a look of pure anticipation as he made his inquiry.

“I haven’t visited her today so you might be able to. I’m not sure if it's magic or not though, so your nullification may affect how it works. Try to focus on her presence.” Avery finished speaking and closed her eyes while holding his hands tightly.

Ira did the same, but channeled his bloodline resonance just in case he wasn’t focused enough.

…

Ira felt something shift and opened his eyes to see a small infant with black hair and soft yellow eyes blinking rapidly. She opened her mouth and smiled beautifully, exposing her dimpled cheeks before reaching out to him. Ira found himself moving closer as the Raveria’s movements grew more sporadic. He reached out to touch with clear caution, he feared harming his small and fragile looking daughter, forgetting what he was experiencing wasn’t real. He moved to cradle his daughter and she closed her eyes while smiling expressing her happiness.

When Raveria opened her eyes to look at him she saw Ira’s bright grin and astonished gaze which increased her excitement.

Avery watched the two before drifting toward them and moving next to Ira. When Raveria noticed Avery she opened her mouth to laugh but no sound came out. It wasn’t space that caused it, but the fact that Raveria was still in Avery’s womb and couldn’t speak or make any sounds.

The three stayed as they were for what felt like an hour before Raveria began to show a tired expression. The surroundings began to waver as she closed her eyes in a drowsy manner.

“It’s ok, just sleep,” Ira caressed her face softly as she struggled to stay awake.

Finally, Raveria couldn’t maintain consciousness anymore and fell into a peaceful slumber. As the scenery around them dimmed, both Ira and Avery continued to stare at Raveria and imprinted her image into their minds.

…

Ira’s consciousness returned and he had a shaken expression. He felt as if it was impossible for something so beautiful to exist and for some reason he even felt sadness. He gave Avery a look that begged for confirmation.

“...Ira.” Avery reached out and wiped away a tear that fell from his eye.

Ira widened his eyes in realization as he finally felt the sensation of wetness trailing down his face.

“Was I crying? That’s a little weird right?” Ira laughed as he shook his head and stood up.

“Ira.” Avery rose to her feet and embraced him, “I know it’s hard to believe.”

Ira held Avery as he spoke, “...This world isn’t good enough for her.”

Something was growing inside of Ira, it was a strange feeling. It was almost like anger, but he maintained too much calmness for that to be true. It felt like melancholy, but he was far too happy for that to make sense. Whatever it was, it was developing at an ominous pace.

“I don’t mean to interrupt, but I wonder if the child’s abilities would appear on the status card?” Casey’s voice caused the two to break their hug and turn their attention toward her.

“We can try,” Ira waved his hand and produced a pitch black status card before handing it over to Avery.

Without a word, she channeled energy through it and waited for the result. The status card’s remained pitch black and it seemed that Ira’s soul left a permanent change to it. Not that it affected anything other than the color.

The information on the card shifted and Avery’s abilities became visible. Casey, who was focused on Raveria’s development and Avery’s safety, forgot to check what she gained after the ritual Ira performed.

Name:

Avery Thynne

Rating:

SS-

Growth Capacity:

Unknown

Bloodline:

Valkyrie

Blessings:

The Everlasting Flame

Mana Capacity:

???

Attunements:

Fire

Divinities:

Helion's Divinity (Dormant)

Passive Abilities:

Enhanced Strength

Innate Combat Talent

Greater Martial Comprehension

Greater Magic Proficiency

Expert Swordsmanship

Advanced Martial Arts

High-Speed Vision

Greater Illusion Resistance

Flame Immunity

Aging Immunity

Curse Immunity

Phoenix Resurrection

Phoenix Healing

Solar Awareness

Solar Force Regeneration

Solar Force Empowerment

Solar Force Absorption

Solar Purification

Solar Vitality

Flame Projectiles

War Empowerment

Death Sense

Active Abilities:

Solar Wing Manifestation, Iron Heart, Solar Flame Embodiment, Flame Transformation, Solar Flame Manipulation, Solar Field Creation, Phoenix Familiar Creation, Helion's Wrath

“You’ve grown just as strong as me, if not more. You’ll soon rival Lauren once you get used to your abilities and you may even catch up to Ira, It’s incredible…” Casey was in awe but recovered as she looked for any telling signs of Raveria’s abilities, but couldn’t see anything that described it accurately. What was eye-catching was the power Avery received.

“Nothing,” Casey sighed before smiling.

She didn’t realize that the last sigil on Ira’s hand was limiting him to an extent. If it was removed, he would gain more power than he could handle. It was true that Avery had received something from the Divine Realm which should’ve put her closer to Ira in theory, but the Void was something that went past the understanding of the Gods. Once Ira expanded his control over his Void abilities, no one in the Mortal Realm would be his equal.

After a spending a few hours with Avery, Ira decided to hurry and help Rhys so he could return. The birth companions were getting settled in and would perform a full examination on Avery the next day, which he didn’t need to be present for though he wouldn’t mind it.

“You’re going to visit Rhy’s family?” Avery asked with very little interest.

“If you want I’ll find some time to help her after Raveria’s born,” Ira answered.

“You can still teleport here to spend the night with me and Raveria, so it doesn’t matter where you are. Just be aware that Rhys holds you in high regard.” Avery decided not to elaborate on Rhys’ true feelings toward Ira since there was no real need. It would come out sooner or later and she knew that Ira would tell her when it did.

“What does that mean?” Ira furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

“You’ll see.” Avery grinned faintly before continuing while holding her abdomen, “Now, you may want to hurry while Raveria's still sleeping. I’m willing to bet that once she finds that you’re gone she won’t react positively.” Although Raveria possessed an intelligent self-awareness she was still an infant. There was no way she would understand that Ira would be back and would probably throw a tantrum once she found out. It’s any potential tantrum from her had the capability of immense destruction based on the energy she exerted previously.

“Yeah, you’re right,” Ira said with a chuckle before kissing Avery and taking a step back. The space around him rippled and he smiled at Avery before disappearing from sight.