The Author's POV Chapter Epilogue — The Author's POV

"Jezebeth moved with precision and calculation, his strikes targeted not only to inflict harm but also to produce diversions and chances. He glided with skill, dodging deadly attacks by the tiniest margins while retaliating with every bit of power at his disposal. Each hit he delivered eroded his foes' power and instilled uncertainty in their hearts..."

A gentle voice resounded inside the snug boundaries of a compact chamber. Delicate pastel shades graced the walls, fostering a relaxing vibe as the atmosphere carried the subtle fragrance of lavender.

"Freshly elevated to Duke rank, Jezebeth discarded his shroud of obscurity. Though not yet the absolute peak of power, he climbed steadily toward that summit. Driven by resolute will, he aimed for a grand objective, unaffected by any barriers, even those who boldly opposed him. No force could halt him."

Nestled comfortably in a soft armchair, the man's kind and engaging voice held the focus of the two kids curled up in the bed in front of him. The pair of blue eyes sparkled with eagerness as they hung on every word of the tale.

Gentle lamplight bathed the space, spreading a warm radiance that wrapped around them all. The scene radiated heartfelt comfort.

"Jezebeth smiled faintly while gazing at the four figures before him, his serene look lingering on each one. 'I get it, hunting demons is fun. I previously didn't understand why you'd try to hunt us. Is it really that fun? What's so fun about hunting those weaker than you when they've done nothing to you?'"

"But he soon nodded his head and spoke. 'I didn't quite understand it back then, but now I do.' He pressed his hand forward, and the expression of the four individuals changed dramatically. But it was already too late as the space around them showed signs of distortion. 'Hunting,' Jezebeth licked his lips, his hand twisting in one motion. 'Is a lot more fun than I thought.'"

"Waaah!"

"So cool."

The kids' eyes widened in wonder. Both around five years old, their adorable faces glowed with thrill from the recounted adventure.

"What happens next!"

"Dad, don't stop!"

Their pulses raced with thrill as they gazed at their father expectantly. Unfortunately, their dad shook his head.

"I'm sorry, but that's about it for today."

"Wahhh, no!"

"Nooo, I want more!"

The kids whined in protest, yet the father had no choice. Dipping his gaze to the blank pages before him that were gradually gaining words, he merely sighed.

The tale continued to pen itself. He had to pause where it ended.

Soon enough, those empty sheets would complete, letting him pick up from there.

"Hmph! Dad is being a meanie!"

The children pouted, drawing a resigned smile from their father's lips. He felt powerless in this situation.

"It's already late, and you guys need to sleep. I'll read you the story next time. I promise."

"Well... okay."

The pair weren't stubborn. With some gentle persuasion, they lay back down and shut their eyes. A tender smile graced the father's features as he watched them, and right before departing, a quiet voice filled the air.

"Dad."

"Hm? What is it Lyla?"

Turning back, he saw his daughter peering at him with curiosity shining in her vivid blue eyes that mirrored his.

"How long is left of the story?"

Taken aback by her query, the father glanced down at the book he held, then gradually shut it and set it on the nearby table.

"There's still a lot left to the story."

"A lot left?"

Lyla's eyes grew wide.

"But... isn't Jezebeth about to become the strongest soon?"

"He is..." He replied, softly stroking the book's cover. "But there's still so much to tell, and characters to meet. The story is still at its beginning stages."

"Uh."

Lyla blinked several times, struggling to grasp her father's explanation.

"Then... Jezebeth isn't the main character?"

"Well, that depends on how you see things," he answered, pondering his response. "A main character is a central character who we experience the story through. In a way, you can say everyone is their own main character. It just depends on your perspective. In this case, Jezebeth is the main character of the story."

"Oh.. uh."

Lyla's brows furrowed, clearly puzzled by the concept.

"It's fine if you don't get it yet. You will in time."

Gradually rising to his feet, he approached his two kids and planted gentle kisses on their foreheads.

"Rest now and get some sleep."

"Hmm, alright."

Tiredness washed over Lyla, her eyelids drooping shut gradually as the father's look grew tender. Spinning around, his gaze drifted to the crimson book resting on the desk, locking onto the three characters carved into its cover.

'The Luminescent Swordman.'

A nostalgic expression surfaced on his features while he scanned the title.

Lifting his palm, he stroked the cover anew. Inevitably, as his fingers felt the book's coarse texture, his head tilted upward to gaze at the stars beyond the window.

True enough, the book's conclusion wasn't truly an end. It marked only the dawn of a fresh saga.

"D... dad."

A tender voice halted him yet again, and upon glancing back, he met another pair of eyes fixed on him.

"What's wrong, Eli?"

"Does... Does the tale end happily?"

Eli questioned, staring intently at his dad from under the snug folds of the bedsheets. Their eyes connected, and Ren softly compressed his lips before letting a gentle smile light up his face.

"Yeah," he confirmed with a nod, his features relaxing at the view of his two little ones. "The most joyful ending imaginable."

The Author's POV [End]