After a few hours, the Pixies abruptly halted their actions and refocused their attention on the weary, dying man below.
This was Aerendir, the creator of their race.
Aerendir observed the Pixies until he shifted his gaze aside. "Come forward," he commanded.
Second Prince Nial, Third Prince Bran, First Princess Kelani, Fourth Prince Alden, and finally, Sixth Princess Morgana all approached. They stopped and bowed before the ailing Aerendir.
"Raise your heads," Aerendir instructed.
They lifted their heads, and their gaze shone reverently as they beheld him. Each moment unfolded before them, etching itself deeply into their memories. This was their creator, the very being who had breathed life into their race. Sensing that this might be their final and only meeting with him, they savoured every detail.
"You have all performed admirably," Aerendir praised, "Not only have you safeguarded me, but you have also ensured the survival of the Pixie race in this new realm. For that, I am deeply grateful."
He paused, a light cough interrupting his words before he composed himself to continue.
"Regrettably, I cannot accompany you further into this marvellous new world. You must now assume leadership and continue to protect our entire race in my place. But don't be afraid; I will not leave you to face this daunting task alone," Aerendir added, extending his hand and beckoning Fourth Prince Alden to step forward.
Second Prince Bran observed the scene with malice in his heart, clenching his fists together in anger.
Who would have thought that one of the two individuals to inherit Aerendir's artefacts would be none other than his most useless brother? If it were his elder brother, High Prince Kael, he would have accepted this result, as High Prince Kael was the only person he knew with the authority, power, and character to surpass him.
However, witnessing Fourth Prince Alden fly forward, Prince Bran understood that he had lost an incredible chance to seize the throne effortlessly from his elder brother, and his heart couldn't help but boil in anger.
Prince Alden arrived before him.
Aerendir smiled wearily at him and placed his thumb and index finger on Prince Alden's head and chest. "You have fought well, child. However, as my journey draws closer, I entrust you with one of my precious gifts, my golden thread. May it protect you in times of adversity and guide you towards a future filled with hope and prosperity. From this day forth, you are the new wielder of the Divine Golden Threads," he said, his fingers glowing with a bright light.
Prince Alden felt a sudden, intense heat and itching sensation erupt on his chest and forehead, prompting him to bite his lips to contain his emotions. Fortunately, the sensation vanished as Aerendir withdrew his fingers.
Immediately, a long, unbroken golden thread pulsating with brilliant golden divine light materialized around Prince Alden. He sensed an instinctive connection with the golden thread, proceeding to control them with his mind, watching in amazement as they obeyed his commands, floating all around him.
Aerendir then gestured for Princess Morgana to come forward.
Observing this scene, Princess Kelani's expression hardened, her fists clenched tightly as she tried her best to maintain her composure.
As Princess Morgana stood before him, he extended his hand and repeated his actions, placing his thumb and index fingers on Princess Morgana's chest and forehead.
"You have also done your best to ensure our safe passage through the Stellar Gate, protecting us with all your strength, disregarding your safety, and accumulating injuries. For your selfless efforts, I grant you my last and most precious gift, 'Aquiluis Clear Water.' May it heal your wounds and those of everyone around you. Use it to cleanse our race of any afflictions and ensure their well-being. From this day forth, you are the new wielder of the 'Aquiluis Clear Water,'" Aerendir said, his fingers glowing with a bright light before withdrawing them.
Princess Morgana felt an intense, hot, itching sensation on her body, similar toPrince Alden's, before it abruptly disappeared.
A stream of clear, flowing water materialized around her, hovering in the air just like Prince Alden's golden thread. She controlled the divine artefact with hand gestures, guiding its movement around her.
Witnessing this scene, Aerendir smiled warmly before shifting his focus towards the others who had also done their best to protect and lead them through the Stellar Gate. "Thank you all for ensuring our safe arrival in this new world. As your creator, I ask that you continue to care for the remaining Pixie race after I am gone and follow the leadership of those whom I have granted my Divine artefacts. They will replace me as your leaders in this new world," he said.
From Second Prince Bran down to the remaining princes and princesses who had survived, including Sixth Princess Morgana, they all nodded reverently at Aerendir's words. They bowed towards him, willingly accepting his commands.
Aerendir smiled warmly as he observed the scene but halted, coughing as he prepared to speak, "Cough!! Cough!!" Suddenly, terrible cracks began to appear on his skin and various parts of his body.
"It seems I don't have much time left before I go. If I did, I would have given you many instructions and guidelines that I'm sure would be helpful in your coming days. Regardless, perhaps this is fate, and I'll do my best to accept it," Aerendir responded before closing his eyes, his smile shining brightly.
Contrary to their expectations, Prince Alden, Princess Morgana, and the others witnessed the unfolding scene before they were stunned and dumbfounded. Tears streamed down Aerendir's closed eyes, staining his cheeks, and racing toward the ground. They knew their creator was a god, a divine being far above what reason or thought could imagine, so seeing him struck with such a painful expression brought tears to their own eyes, leaving them struck with a single thought—
Can a god shed tears?
Nonetheless, no matter how they tried to deny it, the scene was right there in their eyes.
