Level Up Legacy

Arthur's return to Runera was marked by a grand spectacle; the entire city had gathered at the gates, their faces alight with reverence and relief. As he approached, the crowd parted like the sea, their bows deep, a silent testament to his revered status. Sarohan, Whisker, and Oriole flanked him, each carrying the weight of recent battles and triumphs.

At the forefront of the assembly stood Julia, her expression a complex tapestry of fury and concern. As Vice-Guild Master of Ascent, and like a sister more than an aide, her stance was rigid, her eyes flashing with the fire of a thousand unsaid words. "Arthur," she began, her voice loud enough for only him to hear over the crowd's murmurs, "you wage war against the world and expect no counsel from those who keep your city thriving?"

Arthur met her gaze steadily, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Julia, my battles are not just my own, but ours. I fight to protect not just Runera but all we've built together."

Her frown deepened, not fully placated by his words, yet the concern in her eyes belied her anger. "As your sister in arms, not just your Vice-Guild Master, I deserve to stand by your side, not behind you," she retorted, her tone softening, underscored by a familial bond that no title could encompass.

Nodding in acknowledgment, Arthur glanced around at the other changes in his absence. Yuran, now the general of Ascent's army, stood a little behind, his posture relaxed but alert. Nearby, Rae, recently appointed leader of the special task force, shared a knowing look with Yuran. They had both risen swiftly through the ranks, proving themselves in the recent dungeon breaks that plagued the city.

The evening air was filled with the scent of roasting meats and fresh bread as the citizens of Runera led Arthur and his companions to the feast prepared in his honor. The tables were laden with the bounty of the land, a feast fit for the king of their hearts. As he walked among them, the respect was palpable, almost a tangible force that buoyed him forward.

Arthur did not shy away from their adulation; he embraced it, his heart swelling with pride and a deep, unspoken gratitude. "To my people of Runera," he declared, his voice carrying across the crowded square, "your strength is the bedrock upon which Ascent stands. Tonight, we celebrate not my return, but our enduring spirit."

Cheers erupted, filling the night sky with joyous noise. Julia, standing beside him now with her earlier fury tempered by the celebration, leaned in to whisper, "Just promise me, next time, no secrets."

Arthur's response was a gentle nod, his smile sincere. "No secrets," he agreed, raising his goblet to the city he loved, to the family he chose, and to the future they would face together. As the feast carried on into the night, Runera shimmered with lights and laughter, a beacon of hope and strength in a world that often knew too much darkness.

The celebration had dwindled to a quiet hum as Arthur followed Julia to her office, a space overflowing with paperwork and ledgers. The room was a testament to her diligence; every surface was covered with documents detailing the running of Runera.

"Julia, I owe you an apology," Arthur began, his gaze sweeping over the stacks of paperwork that documented her solo efforts during his absence. "I shouldn't have left without ensuring you had the help you needed."

Julia, seated behind her desk, looked up with a mix of annoyance and relief. "I'm glad you realize that. While you were off dealing with Yalenia, Runera has faced its own set of challenges."

Arthur nodded, leaning against the edge of her desk. "I'm here now, and I plan to stay for a long vacation to help sort everything out."

The word 'vacation' seemed to ignite a spark in Julia. "Vacation? Arthur, while you were away, our situation has worsened. We've lost a significant number of scholars to other nations, our artifact export has nearly halted, and Ascent can hardly operate without being blocked by international sanctions."

Arthur's smile faded as he listened. "I understand it's bad, but—"

"It's not just 'bad', Arthur. We are outcasts now. Shunned and criminalized. Our resources are dwindling because we can't trade effectively. We're isolated," Julia cut in, her voice sharp with frustration.

Arthur's expression turned serious. "Then it's good you have the best resource you could ask for—Arthur Netherborne, the master of creation itself."

Julia rolled her eyes, but before she could retort, Arthur raised his hands in a placating gesture. "I'm not just boasting. Give me three days, Julia. I will transform Runera."

"Three days? And how do you plan to do that?" Julia asked, skepticism lacing her tone.

"That's when I'll merge Alka and Earth back into their united form," Arthur explained, his voice carrying a weight of certainty.

Oriole, who had followed them into the office, chuckled at Julia's stunned expression. "I had the same look when I first heard it," he said. "Everyone does."

Julia's frustration boiled over. "You're being reckless, Arthur! Merging worlds? That's not a solution—it's a new cataclysm!"

Arthur smiled softly, a sad glint in his eyes as he activated his runes, opening a shimmering portal. "Come with me, both of you. There's something I need to show you."

Reluctantly, Julia and Oriole followed him through the portal, arriving at a lush underground garden surrounding a massive block of ice in which a woman was visibly entrapped. The sight took their breath away, the garden a stark contrast to the cold prison.

"This is Diana," Arthur's voice broke slightly as he approached the ice. "To save her, to bring her back, I'm willing to pay any price required."

Julia's worry deepened, seeing the determination in Arthur's stance. "Arthur, don't do something we'll all regret."

Oriole placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice low. "He's made up his mind, Julia. The best we can do is prepare for what follows."

Turning back to Arthur, Oriole asked, "What will this cost you, exactly?"

Arthur faced them, his expression resolute. "I don't know the exact price Gaia will demand, but it won't be small. The price will activate a legacy across the world, empowering everyone to protect themselves against future calamities."

"And what legacy is that?" Oriole pressed, curiosity piqued.

Arthur's eyes sparkled with a mix of hope and melancholy. "A Level Up Legacy," he said. "It will transform how everyone grows, learns, and survives. It will change everything."

Julia and Oriole exchanged a look, the magnitude of Arthur's plan settling in. Despite their fears, they knew there was no turning back. Arthur was set on his path, one that might either save or doom them all.

As they stood in the verdant underground, the reality of their situation became clear: they were part of a story that was about to unfold in ways none could predict, bound by the decisions of one man determined to reshape the world.

Arthur stood with his gaze fixed on the figure encased within. The air was cool and moist, filled with the scent of verdant life—an ironic contrast to the cold, unyielding ice that held Diana.

"Diana," Arthur whispered, his voice a mixture of longing and resolve. He placed a hand against the ice, feeling the chill seep into his bones. "It won't be long now. I've missed you more than words can capture, and soon, we'll be reunited. Everything I've done, every step I've taken, has been to reach this moment."

He paused, his eyes tracing the contours of her face, preserved perfectly in the ice. "I know you've been waiting, trapped in this timeless cold. But I promise, the wait is nearly over. We'll face the next steps together, as we always should have."

Arthur stepped back, his hand lingering on the ice before finally falling to his side. Turning, he saw Julia and Oriole watching him from a distance, their expressions a mix of concern and uncertainty.

"Let's go," he said, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument. He didn't look back at Diana as he walked away; his resolve was set, and his path forward clear.

The trio walked back through the portal in silence, each lost in their thoughts. The weight of what was to come hung heavily in the air, the echoes of Arthur's promises and the sight of Diana trapped in time painting a stark picture of the sacrifices already made—and those yet to come.

As they emerged back into Julia's office, Arthur finally broke the silence. "We need to prepare. In three days, I'll initiate the merge. Julia, I need you to ensure Runera is ready. Strengthen our defenses, and prepare the people. They need to know what's coming and that we'll be stronger on the other side."

Julia nodded, her earlier anger tempered by the reality of their situation. "I'll get it done, Arthur. But I'm holding you to your promise—no more secrets. We do this together."

Oriole, ever the lighter spirit among them, clapped his hands together. "And I'll coordinate with our contacts in both worlds. If we're to bring Alka and Earth together, we'll need every ally we can muster."

Arthur looked between them, a faint smile crossing his lips. "Thank you, both of you. I couldn't do this without you." His gaze then hardened with the steel of his determination. "Let's get to work."