Time moved forward like a calm river—slow, steady, but relentless.
Eight years passed since that day Caline overwhelmed the Stage 2 beasts. The world had known peace. No monstrous wars, no godlike threats—just scattered, manageable events. And in that time, the Arc family flourished.
---
Caline Arc – Age 17
Now standing tall with the poise of a seasoned warrior, Caline Arc was no longer just the Hero's daughter.
She was known as:
> "The Flash of Fleedorb"
A prodigy whose movement blurred to the naked eye, with reflexes that rivaled 6th Stage elites.
Her training under Ryu, Reina, and even the occasional philosophical lessons from Mina had shaped her uniquely.
She was sharp like Reina, composed like Mina, and bold like Ryu once was in his prime.
Caline had already cleared multiple B-Rank beast raids, and recently earned the prestigious Silver Mark of Valor—a medal only given to those who have saved a city or large population.
Yet, she was humble. Still teased her father. Still sparred with Mina. Still hugged her mother every morning.
---
Rever Arc – Age 10
Rever, unlike his sister, wasn't a storm.
He was a spark—quiet, thoughtful, but when ignited, blindingly brilliant.
Though not as flashy, Rever had shown early signs of unique perception—he could read energy flows more precisely than most instructors. While Caline excelled in combat, Rever was a tactician in the making. At age 10, he already solved intermediate energy puzzles most teens struggled with.
He'd once jokingly said,
> "Sis punches fast. I just make sure she doesn't miss."
The two made a terrifying duo in mock battles.
---
The Arc Family
Mina, true to her word, never married. But she became something more: an emotional pillar to both kids, especially to Rever, who often found solace in her quiet wisdom.
Ryu's strength had long returned—quietly, unmeasurable by standard stages. But he never again sought war or dominance.
He was a legend, content to train legends.
Reina remained sharp, loving, and ever-dedicated—not just to her family, but to the balance of the world. She occasionally accepted dangerous missions but always returned home.
Even the world's councils now deferred to her advice.
---
As Caline approached adulthood and Rever entered his awakening years, something stirred.
A gentle tremor in the leylines, an anomaly detected deep beneath Fleedorb.
Mina was the first to sense it.
> "Something... old is waking up."
And just like that, the days of peace began to count down.
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