A sudden, familiar spatial shimmer blossomed to my left, a ripple in the air that was almost imperceptible to ordinary senses. But to mine, it was a vibrant, welcoming hum. Before I could even register the shift, I was pulled into an embrace so exquisitely soft, so perfectly warm, it felt like coming home after an eternity adrift.
The world outside faded, replaced by the profound comfort of her presence. A hand, delicate yet firm, settled gently on my head, stroking my hair with a rhythm that instantly calmed the tempest within me. I leaned into the touch, eyes closing, a soft sigh escaping my lips. The faint scent of lavender and something uniquely her filled my senses, a fragrance that had been a constant anchor through countless battles and strategic maneuvers.
No need for my extreme senses; her presence was a part of me, etched into my very being, a melody only my soul could hear. Ziana. My sweet wife.
A playful giggle, bright as a newly bloomed flower, reached my ears from below. "Daddy!"
I opened my eyes to see Malvis, my sweet daughter, already squirming playfully, her small hands reaching up. Her eyes, usually so keen and observant, were alight with pure, unadulterated joy. I effortlessly shifted her from Ziana's side to my lap, where she settled with a contented wriggle. Her tiny fingers immediately explored the intricate embroidery on my robe, tracing the golden threads with an almost scientific curiosity.
Her laughter bubbled up again, a pure, unadulterated sound that chased away any lingering shadows from my mind, replacing them with a lightness I rarely allowed myself to feel.
"How are you doing, my loves?" I asked, my voice softer than I usually allowed it to be, a stark contrast to the authority it typically carried. This was my sanctuary, my true self, stripped of the burdens of leadership and the weight of cosmic power. In this moment, I was simply a husband and a father.
Ziana's gaze, usually sharp and calculating for the sake of Zeldania, softened into an ocean of warmth as she looked at me. She nestled closer, her head resting against my shoulder, her body a comforting weight against mine.
"We are doing wonderfully, darling," she murmured, her voice a silken caress, a melody that resonated deep within my very core. "But we would like it more to be with you. Every moment apart feels like a lifetime, a void that even the glory of Zeldania cannot entirely fill."
Malvis, still fidgeting happily on my lap, nodded vigorously, her bright eyes wide with earnestness, reflecting the incandescent light of her inner spirit. "Yep! I want to be with daddy as much as possible!" She punctuated her statement with a decisive pat on my chest, as if sealing a sacred vow, her small hand surprisingly firm. "You're gone for too long, Daddy. Mamma and I miss you!"
Anyone observing might think I was merely a doting father, blinded by paternal affection. But the truth was, I wasn't praising them simply because they were my family. There was no bias in my assessment. They were, without a doubt, the most wonderful beings I could ever hope to have by my side. Their devotion, their fierce loyalty, their very essence resonated with a perfection I had sought for eons. Their unwavering commitment to us, to our family, was a rare and precious thing in a universe often devoid of such pure bonds.
And for those whose minds might wander into the gutter, let me clarify again: I am not blood-related to them. In fact, I am not blood-related to anyone. My existence predates such trivial connections, such biological limitations. So, dismiss those thoughts immediately. My bond with Ziana and Malvis transcended mere genetics; it was a bond forged in shared purpose, absolute loyalty, and an understanding that ran deeper than any bloodline.
Malvis, with her cherubic face and wide, innocent eyes, truly appeared angelic, a vision of pure, unblemished innocence. Yet, that was merely a facade for the world beyond our family. To anyone else, she was a force of nature, often exhibiting a mischievous, almost demonic cruelty. I had seen her, on more than one occasion, orchestrate elaborate "pranks" on unsuspecting denizens of Zeldania that left them utterly bewildered and occasionally traumatized, all executed with that same innocent smile. She could be surprisingly ruthless, even towards the inhabitants of Zeldania, if they dared to cross her or, more importantly, threaten our peace.
Ziana was much the same. Their world revolved around our family, and nothing else held comparable significance. Their love for me, and for each other, was absolute, and anyone or anything that posed a threat to that sacred bond would face their wrath. That was precisely why they cherished these moments together, creating a happy space brimming with pleasant warmth, a bubble of pure contentment in a universe of chaos, a haven where only our happiness mattered.
I gently stroked Malvis's hair, the silkiness a familiar comfort beneath my fingers. A genuine smile, one that reached my eyes and softened the usual intensity within them, graced my lips. "Malvis, you've become even cuter since I last saw you. Your aura is even brighter."
She preened, her small chest puffing out with pride. "Hehe, daddy also became much cooler! And stronger!" Her eyes, usually so sharp, sparkled with genuine adoration, a reflection of my own affection.
Ziana, ever the playful instigator, raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes that hinted at deeper amusement. "Oh? Leaving Mamma alone, are we, little one?" Her voice was light, but the underlying possessiveness was clear, a subtle reminder of her own unwavering devotion.
Malvis immediately turned, her angelic face morphing into a mock-serious pout, a performance she had perfected over countless playful exchanges. "What are you saying, Mamma? You know we will never forget about you!" She then leaned over and gave Ziana a quick, sticky kiss on the cheek, a loud smack echoing in the quiet space, before turning back to me with a triumphant grin, as if she had just won a grand debate.
I chuckled, a rare, genuine sound that resonated deep within my chest, vibrating through Malvis on my lap. Gathering both of them close, one arm around Ziana, the other gently holding Malvis, I pressed a soft kiss to each of their cheeks. It was a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes of the profound bond we shared, a silent promise of protection and unwavering love.
A faint sigh escaped me then, a subtle shift in my demeanor as the weight of our current situation began to press in. The warmth of their presence was a balm, but the universe demanded our attention. "Well now, enough of this, my darlings," I said, my voice regaining a hint of its usual authority, though still softened by their proximity. "I need to discuss some important matters now. Matters that concern Zeldania's future, and our place within this new reality."
Malvis, despite her earlier playful defiance, immediately straightened, her demeanor shifting with surprising maturity. Her small hands, which had been idly tracing patterns on my robe, now rested still. "Yes! Hehe, daddy kissed me..." she whispered, a secret smile playing on her lips, a small, private joy she would carry into the more serious discussion.
Ziana, equally composed, echoed her sentiment, a soft blush dusting her cheeks, a fleeting moment of pure feminine delight before her expression settled into one of focused readiness. "Of course, darling~ Hehe, he kissed me..." she murmured, her eyes meeting mine, a silent understanding passing between us.
Both of them giggled happily, the sound a gentle counterpoint to the more serious conversation that was about to unfold. They then positioned themselves respectfully, lining up beside me, facing the others who had been patiently waiting: Albedo, Tomoe, and Shalltear. The air in the room, which had been thick with familial warmth, now subtly shifted, becoming charged with anticipation and the unspoken gravity of our collective purpose.
Albedo, ever the devoted guardian, looked utterly radiant, a satisfied smile gracing her features as she witnessed my happiness. Her golden eyes, usually so fierce and unyielding, softened almost imperceptibly, reflecting the pure joy she felt in my contentment.
Yet, beneath the surface of her composure, a familiar, almost palpable desire for me pulsed, barely contained. It was a constant, burning ember in her gaze, a yearning that was both intense and unyielding, a silent testament to her absolute devotion. She shifted slightly, her hand unconsciously resting on the hilt of her weapon, a subtle sign of her readiness to act on my behalf.
Shalltear, equally loyal and fervent, mirrored Albedo's satisfaction. Her crimson eyes, usually so sharp and predatory, softened as she took in the scene, a rare glimpse into her more tender emotions. But like Albedo, her own ardent desires for me were thinly veiled, a constant undercurrent to her composure, a faint flush on her pale cheeks betraying her inner thoughts. She stood with an almost rigid posture, eager for my command, her entire being focused on serving me.
Tomoe, however, was a study in pure awe. Her ancient gaze, usually so discerning and filled with the wisdom of ages, was completely enthralled by the sheer, unadulterated beauty of Ziana and Malvis. Individually captivating, their ethereal grace was amplified to an almost divine level when they were together with me, forming a tableau of power and affection.
She stood there, a silent observer, radiating a profound sense of humility, her massive draconic presence seeming to shrink in comparison to the immense spiritual and magical presence of my family. It was as if she instinctively understood that she couldn't even put a scratch on anyone in this room, a stark realization of the overwhelming power dynamic she had just entered, a power that transcended mere physical might.
I cleared my throat, the subtle sound drawing their collective attention. "It appears we are now in a completely different dimension than Yggdrasil." I paused, allowing the gravity of my statement to settle, the implications of such a shift resonating in the quiet space.
"My theory is this: when I destroyed Yggdrasil, the very space engulfing it also collapsed, leading to the complete erasure of all existence within its confines. Think of Yggdrasil not just as a world, but as a self-contained universe, with its own spatial fabric. When that core was annihilated, its entire spatial construct unraveled." I looked at each of them, ensuring comprehension.
"Zeldania, however, is different. It existed completely separately from Yggdrasil, like a ship sailing on a vast ocean, not a part of the ocean itself, but merely traversing its surface. It was a pocket dimension, tethered to Yggdrasil's existence, but not composed of it."
Ziana and the others listened in silence, their expressions a mixture of comprehension and deep thought, processing the profound implications of my words. After a moment, Ziana, ever the pragmatist and quick to grasp the logical inconsistencies, voiced a question that seemed to trouble her.
"Darling, then why were we teleported? I mean, shouldn't we have been left roaming in the void, if Yggdrasil and its space were truly erased? If Zeldania was merely 'sailing' on that ocean, wouldn't we have been left adrift in nothingness?"
I nodded, acknowledging her astute observation. "That's precisely because Zeldania occupied the space created by Yggdrasil. With Yggdrasil gone, everything created by it—including the void it defined, the very fabric of its reality—was destroyed. As Zeldania suddenly had no space to exist within, no foundation to rest upon, no 'ocean' to sail, we were effectively 'fallen down' to this dimension. It wasn't a controlled teleportation, but a sudden, uncontrolled transition, a spatial displacement forced by the collapse of our previous reality."
Shalltear, her brow furrowed in confusion, her mind struggling with the abstract concept of collapsing dimensions, spoke up. "Master, I don't understand what you meant by the 'fallen down' part. It sounds... messy." Her usual confidence wavered slightly as she grappled with the abstract concept.
Before I could elaborate, Malvis, with an almost imperceptible shift in her posture, stepped forward. Her eyes, usually so innocent, held a sharp, insightful glint as she turned to Shalltear, a hint of playful superiority in her gaze. "Shalltear, think of it this way. Imagine you are standing on a table made entirely of glass. A very large, very sturdy glass table that represents Yggdrasil. Now, what do you think will happen if you suddenly destroy that glass by stomping on it, shattering it into a million pieces?"
Shalltear pondered this for a moment, her gaze unfocused as she visualized the scenario, her mind working through the simple analogy. "Hmm... I will land down on the ground?" she ventured, a hint of uncertainty in her voice, as if it were too simple an answer for such a complex question.
"Exactly!" Malvis exclaimed, her voice clear and precise, a triumphant note in her tone. "You will land down on the ground. Now, think of yourself as Zeldania. The glass table is Yggdrasil. And the ground beneath is this new world. Zeldania was living in Yggdrasil, but it existed separately from it, just like you aren't a part of the glass table but merely standing over it. So, with the glass broken, or Yggdrasil getting destroyed, we simply fell down to this dimension, or onto the ground, because there was nothing left to hold us up." Malvis finished, a triumphant, almost mischievous smile playing on her lips, clearly pleased with her ability to simplify complex concepts for her elder.
Shalltear's eyes widened, a light of understanding dawning within them, chasing away the last vestiges of confusion. "Oh! I see! I get it now! Thank you, Princess Malvis, for teaching me!" she exclaimed, bowing deeply, her respect for the young princess evident and sincere. It was always a source of quiet amusement to me how easily Malvis could command the respect of even the most formidable guardians.
Indeed, Malvis was the princess here, not just by title but by intellect. She was easily among the top three in terms of talent and potential within Zeldania, her intelligence a formidable force that often surpassed even my most seasoned strategists. Her ability to make even someone like Shalltear, who often struggled with abstract reasoning, grasp such a complex concept was a testament to her sharp mind and innate teaching ability. A truly terrifying combination, given her 'demonic' tendencies outside our family circle.
I nodded, satisfied with Malvis's explanation and the clear understanding it brought. "Good. So, our immediate goal is to adapt to this new world. This means understanding its laws, its powers, its inhabitants. We must also master dimensional travel, not just for potential escape, but for strategic advantage, for the ability to move unseen and strike where least expected.
"And, of course, we will eradicate anyone who dares to threaten us or Zeldania. Conquering worlds is an option, but only when absolutely necessary, for the preservation and prosperity of Zeldania. Our primary objective is stability and security, not wanton destruction."
"Of course, Master!" Albedo declared, her voice ringing with unwavering loyalty, her eyes gleaming with fierce devotion. She immediately knelt, a gesture of absolute fealty, her form perfectly poised, and the others followed suit, their devotion equally profound. "Our lives are for you and Zeldania completely! We shall crush any who oppose your will!"
I then gestured towards Tomoe, who had remained silently observing, her ancient eyes taking in every detail. "Good. Also, meet Tomoe. She is a resident of this world, and she has joined us. Get along well." My gaze sharpened, shifting from paternal warmth to authoritative command, a subtle but undeniable pressure filling the air. "Now, Tomoe, tell us about this world. Everything you know. Be as thorough as possible. We need a comprehensive overview of this new reality."
"Yes, Master!" Tomoe responded, her voice resonating with deep respect as she bowed, her long, elegant tail sweeping slightly on the ground.
And so, we began. What followed was not a mere conversation, but an intensive, almost overwhelming transfer of knowledge. We spent the next three days, not in leisure, but in a continuous session of absorbing information from Tomoe. Why three days, you ask?
Simple. The sheer volume of information needed to comprehend an entire world is always immense, especially one as ancient and vast as this. Tomoe was a Greater Dragon, a creature of immense longevity, her lifespan spanning centuries. Her memories were a living archive, filled with eons of history, geography, cultures, and magical lore.
We sat, often for hours without interruption, as Tomoe recounted tales of forgotten empires, described the intricate workings of the world's magical currents, detailed the various races and their territories, and explained the fundamental laws governing this new reality. She spoke of the shifting political landscapes, the rise and fall of kingdoms, the unique flora and fauna, and the subtle energies that permeated the very air.
Malvis, surprisingly, was the most engaged, asking probing questions that often took Tomoe by surprise, revealing gaps in her own understanding. Ziana, ever the strategist, meticulously cross-referenced Tomoe's accounts with her own vast knowledge of dimensional mechanics and magical theory, occasionally interjecting with clarifying questions. Albedo and Shalltear, while perhaps less intellectually inclined than Malvis or Ziana, absorbed the information with unwavering focus, their loyalty ensuring they missed no detail that might be relevant to my command.
Despite her vast knowledge, we found ourselves hitting a significant block. Tomoe, for all her ancient wisdom and extensive history, had spent the vast majority of her existence in the desolate wastelands, far removed from the bustling centers of civilization. Her understanding of current trends in human lands, the contemporary political climate, the emerging powers, and the nuances of modern society was severely limited.
She could tell us about the history of a human kingdom from a thousand years ago, detailing its founding myths and ancient wars, but not who its current ruler was, or what trade agreements were being forged today. She knew of ancient magical rituals but little of the latest magical advancements or the prominent mages of the current era. Her knowledge was deep, but it was also profoundly historical, lacking the vital, up-to-the-minute intelligence we required.
This lack of up-to-date, actionable intelligence was unacceptable. I could not allow such a critical information gap to persist. My own memories of the "canon" of anime, the knowledge I possessed from my previous existence, were also fragmented, unreliable, and potentially outdated. I had relied on those memories for so long, but now, faced with a truly unknown world, their limitations were glaringly apparent.
This world could be vastly different from the one depicted in the anime I remembered. What differences existed? What new threats or opportunities lay hidden? I needed to know every divergence, every subtle alteration, every contemporary power player. The world was too vast, too complex, to rely on mere animated recollections and ancient draconic lore. We needed living, breathing intelligence, current and comprehensive.
As I pondered our predicament, my mind racing through countless strategic possibilities, discarding one insufficient solution after another, a sudden, audacious idea sparked within me. It was unconventional, perhaps even reckless, certainly outside the typical methods of information gathering, but it promised the precise, current information we desperately needed. It was a direct, albeit forceful, approach.
I looked up, meeting the expectant gazes of my family and guardians, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and unwavering readiness. A predatory smile, one rarely seen outside of battle or the most intricate of strategic maneuvers, stretched across my face. The kind of smile that promised both danger and decisive action.
"Let's kidnap a princess."