The icy winds swept across the barren expanse as Luvania, the enigmatic and powerful Queen of the Shadow Elves, led her trusted sorcerers through the frozen wilderness of the Rodentia Megaverse. Their purpose was singular: to prevent the angels, specifically Zenian's faction, from conquering Rodentia and securing an overwhelming foothold in the icy omniverse. Each step they took was deliberate, their black ice magic brimming with readiness to counter any angelic onslaught. Luvania's imposing figure, wielding her ominous Black Ice scythe, cut a commanding presence among her troops. Yet, even amid the tension of their march, destiny had other plans for this journey.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the same frozen expanse, Azuraelis, the Goddess of Infinite Tides, wandered aimlessly. She was searching for Arfrotian, her thoughts consumed with locating the enigmatic man who had vanished into the icy omniverse. Despite her immense divine power and wisdom, Azuraelis found herself disoriented in this endless frozen domain, unfamiliar with its treacherous landscapes and dimensions. As she trudged forward, the silhouettes of a group of figures gradually came into view. Intrigued and hopeful, she made her way toward them.
On the other side, Luvania too noticed a distant figure approaching her group. As the figure came closer, it became clear that it was a woman, but not just any woman—this one exuded an ethereal aura of divinity. Her flowing silver and blue hair shimmered under the pale light of Rodentia, and her deep blue eyes held a depth that seemed to reflect the vastness of oceans. Luvania instinctively gripped her scythe tighter, motioning for her sorcerers to remain vigilant.
When they finally crossed paths, both sides paused, their respective presences exuding authority and power. The silence hung heavy for a moment before Azuraelis, ever calm and composed, stepped forward and introduced herself, though she refrained from revealing her divine nature in detail. Luvania, ever cautious, reciprocated the introduction, her eyes narrowing as she studied the stranger. She demanded to know Azuraelis's purpose, her voice firm and wary.
Azuraelis explained that she was searching for someone—a man named Arfrotian—and asked Luvania if she had any knowledge of him. The question caused an uncharacteristic flicker of surprise in Luvania's expression. She did know Arfrotian, and the memories of their peculiar encounter surged back to her mind.
Luvania recalled vividly the moment Arfrotian had been captured by her shadow elf warriors during his unannounced venture into Caisilia. She had been intrigued by his cold, calculating demeanor and immense power. Arfrotian had been no ordinary intruder, and even while restrained in the shadow elves' prison, he had exuded an unshakable calm. Luvania had personally visited his cell, curious about this unusual man who seemed entirely unbothered by his predicament.
Back then, she had tried to seduce him—playfully at first, testing his reactions. It was rare for anyone, let alone a man, to resist her charms, yet Arfrotian had remained utterly indifferent. He had rejected her advances even before she could fully propose them, and his polite, dispassionate response had left her flustered and frustrated. Despite the initial tension, their interaction had ended amicably. Arfrotian had apologized for trespassing, and Luvania, despite her bruised ego, had let him go, impressed by his integrity and strength. She had even playfully teased him about marriage as he departed, though he had deftly brushed it aside.
Snapping back to the present, Luvania realized that Azuraelis was still waiting for an answer. Azuraelis repeated her question, asking if Luvania knew of Arfrotian's whereabouts. Luvania hesitated, her thoughts racing. Could this divine woman truly be connected to Arfrotian? Her curiosity was piqued, and though she didn't entirely trust Azuraelis, she decided to respond.
"Yes, I know of Arfrotian," Luvania admitted, her voice measured. "The last I saw of him, he mentioned being intrigued by the Ice Phoenix. He might have ventured into the Megaverse of Dementia."
Azuraelis's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Dementia. The thought of Arfrotian heading into that treacherous megaverse filled her with concern, though she kept her composure. Luvania, however, was less restrained. The realization that Arfrotian might have gone to meet the Ice Phoenix unsettled her deeply. She had warned him against going to Dementia, knowing the formidable and volatile nature of the Ice Phoenix. Yet it seemed he had ignored her advice.
"Dementia is dangerous," Luvania said, her tone more urgent now. "If Arfrotian truly went there… he may be in grave danger."
Azuraelis tilted her head, her serene expression betraying a flicker of unease. "Dangerous as it may be," she replied, her voice resolute, "Arfrotian is no ordinary man. He can handle himself."
Luvania couldn't argue with that. She had witnessed Arfrotian's strength firsthand. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread. And then, another thought crossed her mind—a question she couldn't resist asking.
"Who are you to Arfrotian?" Luvania asked, her sharp gaze locking onto Azuraelis. The question was blunt and probing, catching Azuraelis off guard. For a moment, the goddess appeared flustered, her usual composure faltering. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for words.
"I…" Azuraelis began, her voice uncharacteristically hesitant. The truth was, even she wasn't entirely sure how to define her relationship with Arfrotian. She cared for him, that much was certain, but the nature of her feelings and their connection remained ambiguous.
Luvania observed the divine woman's hesitation, her own curiosity deepening. Azuraelis's reaction only fueled her suspicion that this woman had a significant, if unclear, bond with Arfrotian. For now, however, she decided not to press further. There were more pressing matters at hand, and the shadow elf queen still had her mission to fulfill.
"We'll talk more later," Luvania said finally, her tone dismissive but not unkind. "For now, I suggest you find your way to Dementia if you wish to locate him. But tread carefully. The Ice Phoenix is not to be taken lightly."
With that, Luvania signaled to her sorcerers, and they resumed their march toward Rodentia, leaving Azuraelis alone to ponder her next steps. As the shadow elves disappeared into the icy horizon, Azuraelis turned her gaze toward the direction of Dementia. Determined to find Arfrotian and uncover the truth of his journey, she steeled herself for the challenges that lay ahead.