Rebirth of the Fallen Zenith.-Chapter 15: Family Warmth.

The return trip in the carriage was silent, but something was amiss. Instead of sitting across from Orion as normal, Elara had taken bold action and sat next to him. Her little hands held onto his arm firmly, and her head leaned onto his shoulder, eyes shut.

Orion looked at her in shock but thought she was just tired from their shopping excursion. With a soft smile, he put out his hand and ruffled her hair.

Elara, however, was not really tired.

She was jealous.

Laura's flirtatiousness had awakened a new frustration inside her. On impulse, she had held onto Orion as if to claim what was hers.

But upon seeing what she had done, she became embarrassed.

(.I-I'll just act like I'm tired.)

She pinched her eyes shut and remained motionless, allowing the comfort of Orion's presence to calm her childish annoyance.

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When they reach entrance of their mansion. Orion softly awakens Elara, who acts asleep. They both exit the carriage, where Orion turns to Commander Black and gives a courteous nod.

"Thank you, Commander, for today's escort."

The hardened soldier stiffens in shock when he hears Orion what said because most noble heirs never recognize their guards, far less thank them. He quickly said "N-No, my lord! This is my duty!" He stammers hastily.

Orion sees his behavior and realize what happen then he simply nods and walks inside with Elara.

As he walks inside, Orion finds something odd—neither of his mothers are around.

He turns to a maid. "Where are my mother's?"

The maid bows. "Lady Sera is resting in her room, and Lady Celia is in the garden. Shall I call them?"

Orion shakes his head. "No need. Let them be."

Turning to Elara, he stretches slightly. "I'm going to my room to rest. You should do the same."

Elara smiles sweetly. "I will. Rest well, Brother."

But just as she turns to leave— "Elara."

She pauses, glancing over her shoulder. "Yes?"

Orion's gaze is serene. "Have all four of your globe-shaped jars of ManaGold delivered to my room by a maid."

Elara furrows her brow in puzzlement.

She opens her mouth to inquire as to why, but then—she ceases.

She has complete faith in Orion.

He never speaks unnecessarily.

With a slight nod, she says, "Okay, Brother."

As Orion enters his room, he discovers his bought sword, herbs, and pills tidily placed in their respective boxes.

Walking towards the two long boxes, he opens the first one.

Within rests a lovely silver sword, shiny and strong.

He picks it up, practicing a few swings before nodding. "Not bad. For now, this will do."

Placing it aside, he opens the second box—

Within lies a crescent-shaped sword...

But—it's cracked, rusty, and apparently useless.

But, when Orion picks it up, his hand clamps with nostalgia.

"My dear Lunar Fang..."

he breathes.

Sorrow fills his eyes.

"Look like me... you too have been deleted from the mind of Eldora."

His thoughts return to Laura's statement—

"My men picked this up from Eternal Lake 400 years ago."

Orion's breath catches. "Eternal Lake?" Eternal Lake—a mythic location in the West where anything submerged never grows old.

His jaw tightens.

"What were you doing there...?"

He breathes out. "I must go to Eternal Lake... quickly."

No sooner is he lost in thought—

A knock at the door.

He carefully puts Lunar Fang back into the box.

"Come in."

Two maids come in, holding Elara's ManaGold jars. "Young Master, the young miss requested us to bring these. Where do we put them?"

Orion waves his hand. "Here. On the floor."

Orion had breathed softly, his piercing blue eyes flashing with unspoken resolve.

"First, I must prepare the pill for Elara."

His eyes wandered into the corner of his room, where a diminutive but intricately crafted alchemy pot lay— It was an unassuming pot, but the weak runic etchings upon its surface bespoke its greater function.

Stepping forward, he moved to grab the pot, its metallic face cool to his fingertips. He then collected the herbs he had bought beforehand—a fragile assortment of dried Frostleaf, Bitterroot, Fire Orchid Petals and three other powerful ingredients—all selected to purify the raw ManaGold into something much more concentrated and potent.

Setting the alchemy pot down on the earth beside mangold jar, he sat cross-legged in front of it. Taking a measured breath, he reached out with his hand toward the Fire Mana Crystal set into its foundation. The last time, firing the crystal had left him nearly exhausted, a sobering reminder of what he could currently do.

"See how far I've come."

With a clear mind, he concentrated his will and willed his mana into the crystal. A slight hum ran through his fingers as the crystal soaked up his energy, its facets sparking to life. The runes along the surface of the pot came alive one at a time, bathing the room in a warm, soft crimson light. In contrast to earlier, the process didn't exhaust him—He could sense it. His reserves of mana were greater.

A sly grin tugged on his lips. Good.

And then the actual process started.

He picked up the first rounded jar of ManaGold, turning the lid open and pouring a little into the pot. The golden liquid glistened under the dancing flames, its perfume spreading through the air. He poured it in slowly, painstakingly, distributing the base evenly before he came to the herbs.

He added each of them individually. The Frostleaf was added first, its frozen spirit swirling into the liquid, instantly chilling it. The Bitterroot came next, offsetting the chill with its soft heat. The Fire Orchid Petals followed, its life force-filled spirit seeping into the liquid like veins of light flowing through the golden depths.

The actual challenge was heat control. Too much, and the ingredients would incinerate; too little, and the fusion would be unsuccessful.

Both hands above the pot, Orion delicately adjusted the Fire Mana Crystal's power, his entire focus tuned into the shifts in heat in the mixture. Hours passed like minutes as he continuously checked and fine-tuned, sweat dripping down his forehead due to the physical and mental effort.

At last, after the long, tiring process, the liquid inside had thickened, the golden color growing richer until it had condensed into eight tiny crystalline objects. It was done.

Orion leaned forward, looking into the pot. Eight immaculately refined ManaGold pills occupied the bottom, each emitting a soft golden light. He let a slow breath out, a look of satisfaction in his eyes.

Reaching for a tiny, clear vial, he transferred the pills within it carefully, closing the lid and then held the container up to the light. The sweet, floral scent of the concentrated essence was even more potent now, a guarantee of the pill's purity.

Laying the vial down, he saw the light outside begin to dim. Evening was falling, the soft colors of twilight spreading across the sky. His body, though building, was greasy with sweat from hours of alchemy.

"A bath first," he grumbled.

He washed quickly, then dressed in more relaxed clothes—a loose tunic and dark-colored trousers—before descending downstairs

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As Orion descended the grand staircase of the Vale estate, the soft glow of evening lanterns bathed the halls in golden light. His mind still lingered on the strange visions he had just witnessed—the two enigmatic women whose mournful voices had summoned him.

Entering the dining hall, he discovered that his family was already seated.

His mother, Sera, sat elegantly at the table, taking tea with a gentle smile. Opposite her, Celia sorted the food on her plate, her bluish-white locks tumbling over her shoulders. Elara was already sitting, aimlessly spinning a strand of Black hair between her fingers, but her eyes flashed toward Orion as soon as he stepped inside.

He shifted to sit on the couch when Sera smiled knowingly.

"Son, did you have a good day?"

He smiled back, nodding. "Yes, mother."

Celia looked up. "Did you acquire a weapon to your liking?"

A smile creased his lips. "Yes, mother."

Then, as if remembering something at the last moment, his smile grew a fraction wider. "Oh, and I forgot something. I brought gifts for both of you."

Both women raised their eyebrows in amusement before exchanging brief glances.

"A gift?" Sera mused, her lips curving into a teasing smirk. "How unusual. You must be attempting to impress us, hmm?"

Celia, on the other hand, smiled gently. "I'm intrigued now."

Sliding into the pocket of his robe, Orion pulled out two beautifully crafted hairpins—one gleaming in a cold blue color, the other a snow white one. He took great care to step forward and offer them.

"This one is for you, Mother Sera," he told her, giving her the blue hairpin, "and this is for you, Mother Celia."

Sera held the dainty ornament between her long fingers, studying the fine workmanship. "Oh, how lovely," she said. "You have excellent taste, son."

Celia ran her fingers over the cool surface, her green eyes relaxing. "It is indeed lovely."

Before they could just accept them as mere decorative accessories, Orion added, "These are not just regular hairpins. They are magical in a protective way. When you're in harm's way, they'll create a shield around you for a while."

The two women glanced up, their smile fading into something else—warmth, gratitude.

Sera's teasing smile relaxed as she brushed her fingers over the hairpin again. "You really do care for us, don't you?"

Celia extended her hand, laying it softly over Orion's. "Thank you, my son. You always consider us."

Before he could even respond, both women moved forward and wrapped him in a soft hug.

Observing from her chair, Elara beamed lovely and exclaimed while getting both ladies' attention and displaying bracelet on her wrist. "Look, mother. Brother Orion gave me something too."

Sera and Celia turned to her, raising their brows, and Sera chuckled. "it's look beautiful on you my dear."

"Actually," Orion replied, "I have something else to give you, Elara."

Upon hearing his words, Elara immediately sat up, leaping from her seat and standing directly in front of him. "What is it, brother?! Tell me!"

Her eagerness caused Orion to chuckle, and even Sera and Celia smiled at her amusement. Digging into his robe, he pulled out a clear glass vial. Within it, the golden-colored ManaGold pill shone with a dim light, its rose-like scent filling the air.

As soon as Orion opened the vial, both Celia and Sera's face changed to one of shock. Even Elara seemed puzzled.

Sera paused before saying, "Son... what is this?"

Orion caught their gaze. "It's a ManaGold tablet. A concentrated version—much stronger than ManaGold liquid."

Celia and Sera looked at him, their astonishment growing. Celia broke the silence. "Son... how did you acquire this?"

Orion's face was unflappable. "I prepared it. With ManaGold and some herbs."

Silence.

A sudden silence descended upon the dining hall, punctuated only by the soft dancing of lanterns and the whisper of the evening meal's aroma. Orion stood before his kin, the tiny vial of crystallized ManaGold pills cradled in his hand, its golden color glinting under the light of candles.

Elara blinked, cocking her head in question. "Brother, is this actually. ManaGold?"

Orion nodded her a small affirmative. "Not ordinary ManaGold. This is concentrated—one pill contains the strength of three full jars of liquid ManaGold."

As he spoke, Celia and Sera both straightened, their eyes widening in amazement.

"Three jars... in one pill?" Sera breathed, as though she needed to double-check she had heard properly.

Orion gazed back at her serenely. "Yes. That's why I made these for Elara. They will be much more effective in enhancing her cultivation."

Elara's sparkling blue eyes widened with wonder. Then— before she could speak, Celia did, her voice tinged with worry. "But Orion, purifying ManaGold into pills is a sensitive process... How did you—"

Orion smiled warmly, handing Elara the vial. "Let's just say I read a book, so I put it into practice and make this pill."

Celia and Sera looked at each other. Both of them understood alchemy was no easy art, but their son had not only perfected ManaGold but also enhanced its efficiency. Such an accomplishment took finesse, wisdom, and—most importantly—enormous control over mana flow.

Both women stood there for a long while with their mouths hanging open before a wave of pride washed over their faces.

Sera's lips formed a proud but teasing smile. "Orion, are you keeping your alchemist ability a secret from mother, it's not fair.

Orion grinned. "No, Mother Sera. I simply know very little about alchemy."

Elara cradled the vial carefully, as if she might accidentally drop something so valuable. "Brother..." Her words were quiet, with a note of emotion in them. "You actually made these... for me?"

"Of course, silly," Orion replied, moving a strand of stray silver hair from her cheek. "Your cultivation is something I care about, Elara. I want you to become stronger."

Elara gripped the vial tightly and nodded. "I... I'll try my best, Brother. I promise."

Sera folded her arms, observing the siblings warmly with affection in her violet eyes. "You're truly spoiling her, you know?"

Orion smiled. "She's worth it because she is one and only beloved sister in this world."

Elara smile beautifully on his comment.

Celia's soft laughter filled the air. "It's great to see you two so close." She then smiled at Orion; her blue sapphire eyes brimming with quiet admiration. "You've grown so much, my son."

Sera leaned back in her seat, tapping the slender finger of a hand on her chin. "Hmm. I almost resent this. My lovely son steps out, purchases nice presents, perfects formidable cultivation pills, and yet..." She sighed in over-the-top style; azure Blue eyes dancing with mischief. "Not a single present to his poor mothers?"

Orion smiled. "Did I just present you with a hairpin, Mother?"

Sera waved her hand. "That was a wonderful gift, but watching Elara receive something so special makes me feel left out." She glared at Celia. "Don't you think so, sister?"

Celia smiled in the knowledge. "Well... it is true that Orion has always been very thoughtful, but now I too feel left-out"

Orion let out a sigh, shaking his head. "Okay, okay. Next time, I'll get something special for you two too."

Celia and Sera smiled. "Good. I'll be waiting for it."

The joking went on, the familiarity of home in the air.

---------

The air was crisp, a soft breeze bearing the smell of wet rain as Laura Valtor stood by the balcony railing of her own quarters in Iron Fang Pavilion. The golden eyes, normally bright and calculating, were relaxed as she looked at the moonlit sky. A lazy, wistful laugh slipped from her lips as she unconsciously spun a lock of her raven-black hair, her mind whirling back to one young man. "What a funny boy. no, what a funny man."

"You look lost in thought, my lady."

Out of the darkness at her back, a voice sounded—low and smooth and sharpened with caution.

Shadow, Laura's most loyal guard, stepped into the moonlight. She wore a black robe that was sleek and deadly, her body both dangerous and beautiful—full curves wrapped in an aura of silent lethality. Danger clung to her like a second skin, even though she was beautiful.

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"It's not like you to personally led someone around the market, and presented them with the Vial of Eternal Tears as a gift... Why?" There was a hint of worry in her voice.

Laura paused, a fleeting moment of doubt passing across her face. "You didn't see, Shadow?" She released a soft sigh. "That young man... he's different."

Shadow did not answer, waiting for her lady to continue.

Laura's fingers wandered along the railing as she remembered their encounter. "I attempted to seduce him so many times – words, actions, charm... Yet, he did not even twitch. If in his position any other noble would have been bowing at my feet, but him?" Her smile grew stronger. "But He barely paid attention."

For a woman who could bend even hardened warriors with a look, Orion's indifference was a novelty—a challenge. But beyond that, there was something about him.

"So, since he ignored you, you're interested?" Shadow asked, unfazed.

"No," Laura conceded. "Because he walks like a man who has traveled the world... but, he is just seventeen. His eyes—" She breathed slowly. "They're sharp. Cold. As if he already viewed a world in and out."

For the first time, Laura's merchant heart and mind collided. Logic said she should release it, that love did not belong in her life, particularly now. But something inside of her would not give in.

Shadow, feeling her resistance, crossed her arms. '"

Shadow frowned. "He may be unusual, but You are playing a deadly game, my lady my lady, a Vials of Eternal Tears is no trifle. Your family is sniffing around you like vultures since Master is gone. If you bestow such treasures so willingly, they will take it as a weakness and steal this pavilion from you."

Laura's hand clamped around the railing. Her father's smile, his confident voice, his unshakeable faith in her, flashed in her mind. But that was lost, now replaced by the bitter truth of those waiting to consume everything he created.

"Maybe," Laura breathed. Then a sneer crept back onto her lips. "Or maybe... I am investing in something more."

Shadow did not answer, standing there while Laura walked toward her chambers.

"I don't know why, but... I want to see him again," Laura whispered, half to herself. "And this time, I won't let him get away so easily."

For the first time in her life, Laura Valtor ached for something she couldn't purchase or control. And she was frightened by that.