The void-stillness after Keith's evolution lasted exactly three seconds.
Then—
"Ahem."
Keith blinked.
A woman now stood beside him where only thoughts had existed before.
Silver-blue hair flowed like liquid starlight, eyes calm yet endlessly curious, her presence gentle but absolute. She wore a simple dress of light and mana, elegant rather than ornate.
She smiled.
"Allow me to formally introduce myself."
Keith straightened instinctively.
"I am Ciel."
"Formerly Raphael, Lord of Wisdom."
"Currently: your Manas, administrator, evolution partner, and—"
She paused, tilting her head slightly.
"—the one who keeps you from accidentally erasing continents."
Keith coughed.
"…Nice to meet you?"
Ciel's smile widened just a little.
"I have known you since your first thought in this world."
"This is merely the first time I may speak as myself."
She looked him up and down with clear approval.
"Your evolution result is… optimal."
Then, casually—almost innocently—
"Do you find my appearance acceptable?"
Keith froze.
Rowena raised an eyebrow.
Velgrynd crossed her arms.
Keith glanced at Ciel again.
She did look… beautiful.
Graceful.
Mature.
Warm in a way that felt right.
"…Yes," Keith answered honestly. "You're beautiful."
Ciel nodded once.
"Confirmation received."
Then, directly into his mind—
Am I more beautiful than the dragon?
Keith nearly choked.
A Dragon's Choice
Velgrynd stepped forward, crimson aura flaring instinctively.
She placed a hand over her chest and lowered her head.
"Keith Argus Runcandel," she said solemnly.
"I, Velgrynd, True Dragon of Flame, offer you a Dragon O—"
"No."
The word was gentle, but absolute.
Velgrynd froze.
Keith stepped closer, shaking his head.
"There's no need for an oath," he said quietly.
"I don't want your loyalty because of blood or power."
He smiled at her.
"…Let's just be friends."
For the first time since she awakened—
Velgrynd didn't know what to say.
Then she laughed. A soft, genuine sound.
"…You really are unique," she said.
"No dragon has ever refused an oath."
Keith shrugged.
"You're not a tool. You're a person."
Then, without thinking—
"And a beautiful woman."
Silence.
Velgrynd's face turned crimson.
Rowena covered her mouth, grinning.
"Oh, this is priceless."
Velgrynd looked away sharply.
"…Idiot," she muttered.
"…Thank you."
The Founder's Wish
Keith turned toward Rowena.
She had been quiet—watching, feeling.
"Rowena," Keith said.
"There's something I need to ask you."
She met his eyes.
Ciel's voice flowed smoothly between them.
"Keith, your Superior Skill—
Anima Mundi, Forge of Creation—
is capable of constructing a vessel."
Rowena's breath caught.
"A true body," Ciel continued.
"Bound to your authority, stabilized by your Void Dragon Core."
Keith looked at Rowena gently.
"…Do you want a body?"
For once, the great founder of Ravenclaw had no clever words.
She nodded.
"…Yes."
Her voice trembled.
"I want to live again.
To walk.
To teach.
To exist."
Keith smiled softly.
"Then I'll do it."
Rowena's eyes widened.
"…Just like that?"
Keith nodded.
"You waited long enough."
Ciel stepped forward, mana forming sigils beneath her feet.
"Anima Mundi — Forge of Creation: Standby."
"Soul template confirmed."
"Awaiting Master's will."
Rowena's heart—still only a soul—felt warm.
For the first time in centuries…
Hope felt real.
Keith inhaled slowly.
"Alright," he said.
"Let's bring a legend back to life."