With extreme caution, both parties took a step back. Leonard and Shadow glanced at each other, each wondering whether this stranger was an ally of the other. Neither of them could recognize Aether, despite having met him before—the reason being the change in Aether's features. He looked darker now, his expression rigid with tension.
Leonard spoke, directing his words at Aether:
"What do you want? Why are you here?"
Shadow noticed that Leonard had no connection to this person and began plotting silently. Aether replied with a low, rumbling voice:
"The Threads of Destiny... where is that place?"
Leonard grew even more puzzled at this question. To his knowledge, that gateway only opened to the chosen, and few even knew of its existence. Deciding to dismiss the question, Leonard answered firmly:
"Do you mean that myth? It's a legend that doesn't exist. I know nothing beyond that."
Aether showed no reaction to Leonard's words, while Shadow laughed arrogantly, a look of amusement on his face. He spoke cunningly:
"What a disgrace! A member of the royal family… lying so pathetically? Hahaha~ Is that your best move, Leo?"
Leonard's face hardened with anger—his attempt to control the situation had failed. He shot Shadow a furious glare before Aether calmly interrupted the tense moment, his tone starkly contrasting with the atmosphere, directing his question at Shadow:
"Where are the Threads of Destiny?"
Shadow smirked arrogantly, certain he held the upper hand, and asked mockingly:
"And what do I get in return? Why would I let you go there instead of me?"
"Lead me to it… and the next time your life is at stake, I will intervene. No one will be able to kill you in that moment—not even the Hero of Nivar."
A suffocating silence fell over the area, followed by an explosion of laughter from some of the guards behind Leonard. Most audible of all was Shadow, whose laughter echoed across the scene before he began mocking Aether:
"Man, that's the best joke I've ever heard! What did he say? 'You'll be under my protection'? Man! Are you stupid? I'm the strongest one here! The only ones who can stand against me are Scar and Emily, not some wretched nobody like you!"
At that moment, Scar and Emily arrived at the battlefield. The sight was strange to Aether: Scar and Emily appeared together… almost like a couple. Aether stared intently at the woman—it was her, Emily, standing beside Scar, his hand resting on her waist… Aether wondered what had happened during his absence, but it no longer mattered.
The pair moved in sync, launching a powerful strike at Shadow, who easily dodged it. They glanced briefly at Aether, but neither could recognize him. They continued their fight, joined by many others: Victoria and Leonard. This forced Shadow to disappear, postponing the final battle.
The group landed together in front of Aether, who had been a silent observer to it all.
When they looked at him with suspicion, caution, and distrust, Scar stepped forward with a question.
"Who are you and what do you want?"
"Aether... the Threads of Destiny."
Aether replied calmly. He looked at their forms—they were slightly different from him and Emily, yet their features were still eerily close to his and Emily's. Aether asked,
"Are you the Hero of Nivar?
Are you the heir?"
Scar smiled proudly, and Clare wrapped her arm around him affectionately.
"Yes! I am the hero! Why do you ask?"
"Then you must know how to find the Threads of Destiny."
Aether said, keeping his eyes fixed on Scar. He glanced at Clare—his heart ached in that moment, imagining Emily's arm wrapped around him... The grim realization that this was impossible ignited a fire of hatred within him... a fire burning his soul, despite his cold exterior. Scar replied,
"Yes, clearly, for I am the chosen one, and I take pride in that.
But why do you want to know its location? That chamber only allows the hero to enter. Don't tire yourself trying...?"
The others looked at Aether with bewilderment and disdain, seeing his efforts as wasted. Yet Aether showed no concern for what they thought and asked Scar another question.
"It doesn't matter if I won't enter the chamber. How do I get there?"
"Fine, if you insist, prove your strength and I'll show you the way... No guarantee for your safety, though. You'll face me alone. Ready?"
"Alone? What about them...?"
Aether pointed to the others—Clare, Leo, and Victoria. Scar laughed, saying,
"No need. I am more than enough."
"You seem overly confident for someone who carries the title of hero."
Aether said calmly, as everyone stepped back, clearing the space for their duel...