Years kept changing. Autumn turned cold, cold turned to spring, then spring turned to heat. Yet, no human ever dared to set foot again in the underworld, where that limitless monster resided. Humans now lived peacefully since the existence of demons vanished, only leaving behind tales of the dramatic battle between the seven lights who were now legendary heroes who eradicated the demons, without knowing that down there remained a mysterious being.
A hundred years. Humans went through their days as usual. Building architecture had also changed from ancient times to the late medieval era. Clothing and traditions also changed following the changes of the times. New policies and education expanded rapidly. The Aetheria Magic Academy became proof that these changes were truly real now.
The largest and most renowned academy in the world. A place where noble and talented children gathered with the same goal, which was to become great mages and a hero who saved the world. Yet, after a hundred years, a hero had still not been born. All the students at the academy were talented, but they were not yet worthy to be opponents for the monster living down there.
Aethoniel, as the former hero of light who had faced that monster directly, served as the headmaster, and was also the mage with the highest rank. Until now no one had been able to match him. If only a possessor of light mana were born, maybe the hero title that had been vacant all this time would have an owner.
"I've been doing research for a hundred years, yet I have never found another magic element that affects the element of darkness. If only it were possible... If only it weren't just light."
For a week now, Aethoniel had been buried in his books, without moving even a bit from his study for the success of this one research of his. For thousands of years history stated that only light defeated darkness, no other element besides light was mentioned. That was what made humans in the future struggle with the absence of the birth of a light mana possessor after a hundred years.
"If only I hadn't made that mistake back then, maybe you all would have still had time to hone your light blessing further and ended well." Aethoniel banged his head on his desk. "Because of my mistake, the mana that could defeat darkness lost its possessor. A hundred years have also passed and there has been no birth of a light mana possessor."
"I'm sorry..." Aethoniel's voice sounded fainter.
Alone in the room while haunted by regret for hundreds of years. The way to atone for it was still hard to find. The messy room, scattered books, papers blowing here and there, he had tried so hard alone, especially after his good friend Kerthos left him forever.
"Niel, my time is running out." Kerthos's gaze, aged ninety-seven, lying weak, facing upward as if the angel of death was there. "The future will surely be very enjoyable, but unfortunately I can't see it. Niel, you're so lucky to have a long life and see the future." He envied.
"Don't talk so much, you fool!" Aethoniel, who was suddenly called by the Doctor, was busy administering healing magic. His facial expression showed his dislike for Kerthos who started rambling.
"I'm entrusting this kingdom and Arthas to you, okay. Also tell the people not to mourn for too long over my death later. I'd rather see them laughing and smiling happily." Kerthos said again, ignoring Aethoniel's warning just now, and saddened him again, his sorrowful gaze facing his friend.
Aethoniel's tears fell, running down his cheeks. He knew this day would come sooner or later, but accepting it was still hard for him. He also knew that living a long life meant being shown many deaths and lives. "I'll channel even more mana into you! Hold on!"
"No." Kerthos grabbed Aethoniel's hand, making the Elf man's magic stop instantly. "This is God's decision, Niel. God loves me very much, that's why God will soon come to take me." He continued while smiling, which made his friend unable to hold back his sadness any further.
Aethoniel lowered his head, "Fool!" He was upset, but Kerthos just laughed softly for him. "If you die, who will be my night watch companion in the research room? Which other fool always causes a ruckus even though he's a King? Who else will draw magic circles for me? Who else will I scold later?!" he asked, very demanding an answer.
"You're a long-lived Elf. Along your journey later, you will surely find my replacement. Accept him even if he's a demon." Kerthos answered, his voice fading and his breathing starting to feel heavy.
"How do you want to be buried?" Aethoniel asked even though it felt very heavy as if the weight of the world was placed on his shoulders.
Kerthos looked back at the ceiling of his King's room which seemed very luxurious. "I... don't want to die surrounded by the splendor of wealth. I want to die surrounded by the people I love. You, my son Arthas, and my grandson Arneld, and the people who love me." He informed.
Aethoniel found it hard to breathe. Why did that annoying face now look pitiful? Where was his foolish behavior of running away from the dignified figure of a King? He actually started to miss it. "Do you want to be buried in the Elf village? The land there is ancient heritage considered sacred."
"I would feel honored to be buried in my good friend's hometown, or should I just call it my ancestral home?" Kerthos looked mischievously at Aethoniel with his sorrowful eyes.
"I regret telling you that day."
"Hha..." Kerthos knew. Aethoniel, the Elf who had pure royal blood, was his ancestor, the third son of the second wife of the first King who was a healing Elf. No one would guess that the handsome man next to him was already thousands of years old. "If my great-grandmother Elf were still alive, would she still be young or old, I wonder?"
"A hundred years ago, mother died after sowing the seeds of life during the deadly plague caused by the black mana infection of the god of darkness that spread throughout the land."
"She was indeed a hero." Kerthos smiled proudly.
"FATHER!!"
"GRANDPA!!"
Arthas, Kerthos's only son, and his grandson Arneld, ran toward him. They, who had just grieved over the loss of the Queen, might be shaken again extremely hard because of his death. But what else could be done? He had been called by God.
"Father..." Arthas. The current King of Luminaria, aged thirty. Because Kerthos back then was so lazy to marry, he only had one child in his old age, with a seamstress woman his age. "Your illness can surely be cured! Uncle Niel is here!" He shouted. He knelt beside Kerthos's bed, holding his father's hand without caring about the always high status of a King.
"This isn't an illness, Arthas. This is God's will. I'm going to go meet your mother." Kerthos, the troublemaker, spoke in a gentle tone.
"No, father! I just lost my wife, don't make me lose again with your passing." Arthas's speech was no longer stiff. "What about Arneld? He lost his mother and right now he needs his grandfather to play with him."
Kerthos glanced at Arneld, aged four, who was crying sorrowfully while standing beside his father. "My grandson Arneld, it seems you've grown up. Grandpa's shoulders probably can't carry you anymore." He patted the little child's head beside Arthas.
Arneld cried as hard as he could. "Grandpa... I-I... I just want grandpa not to be in pain anymore. If going with God can make grandpa not be in pain, I'll let it happen because that way, grandpa will live happily." He, a four-year-old child, smiled as if understanding the sobs of the adults.
"God loves grandpa, and grandpa loves you very much, Arneld. Be a good King in the future. Visit grandpa's grave at least for ten years since grandpa's death." Kerthos turned back to Arthas. "You! Don't come to get me too quickly! Make as many memories here as possible, then tell me. Especially stories about my grandson and the people, and this kingdom that I love so much."
"Understood, father." Arthas finally understood, and left the final decision in his father's hands.
"Come here." Kerthos asked his son and grandson to hug him for the last time. "I love you very much. I'll watch you from up high there as the brightest star."
Then, the sound of his breathing and heartbeat was heard no more. His eyes had closed and his mouth was no longer able to make a sound. The wise King who loved his people and his kingdom very much had passed away. What remained was his memory as a hero who destroyed tyrannical rule. Kerthos De Lumine. A hero whose name would always be remembered. Forever.
"News of mourning from the Luminaria palace. His Majesty the former King, Kethos de Lumine, passed away after ninety-seven years standing as the King of this land who upheld justice and eradicated tyrannical rule. He said one last request, which was to have his death attended by those he loved. You are his people, the residents of Luminaria whom he loved the most."
Aethoniel sent a telepathic message to every corner of the kingdom. People who heard it ran toward the palace, abandoning all their routine activities. Every place became empty, a mass loneliness of the Luminaria kingdom that had ever occurred throughout history. People now gathered, to send off the best King to his final resting place with sobs and feelings of deep loss.
"Father!!" Arthas shook Kerthos's lifeless body.
"Grandpa..."
"Calm yourself, Your Majesty." Aethoniel pulled Arthas and Arneld away from Kerthos's body. "You two should prepare to send him to his resting place."
Arthas looked at his son, "Come, my child." He took that small hand, walking out with deep heartbreak.
Arneld turned back for a moment to say, "Sleep well, grandpa. Next time let's play horsey again, okay."
The door closed tightly. Aethoniel could only release his true emotions right then. He shed tears again, then became strong again remembering he was the adult who was the strongest pillar so they wouldn't fall. "Rest in peace. Don't worry about what's left behind, because I will take care of it for you." He then left, also helping prepare the funeral.