UNMEI: Pantheon's Game-Chapter 129: Birthday

Dune moved through the crowd quietly, keeping his breathing steady, his thoughts distant.

Until someone appeared, stepping in front of him with a smile that caught too many eyes.

Sylvie Ceresey.

Her eyes were bright as polished emeralds, catching the light whenever she tilted her head. Her lips were soft pink, her smile balanced between playful and practiced. The black dress hugged her form delicately, flowing loose below her waist but cinched just enough to trace her curves.

"We meet again, Dune," she said, her voice light, lilting, just teasing enough. "As you can see, your friend Atlas abandoned me, his heart is taken by someone else."

Dune blinked. "That's not like him."

She laughed softly, stepping closer without hesitation. "Aren't you just like him, cold. Neither of you boys know how to talk to women, do you?" Her eyes glinted. "But at least you're not running away from me. That's... refreshing."

What is she talking about? Dune stayed silent, only watching her.

She smiled deeper, as if pleased by his reaction. "You've made a name fast. Atlas told me you're not part of any family yet." Her hand grazed his sleeve, before slipping away as if it never happened. "Are you planning to join anyone? Or are you one of those lone wolves I keep hearing about?"

"I don't plan on being claimed by anyone," Dune said, his tone calm, as if he were stating the weather.

Sylvie's lips twitched upward. "Dangerous thing to say in Rendely. Families here don't wait for you to choose. King will choose for you." She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "But maybe you already know that."

As they moved through the hall, Dune's eyes caught Hazel Amelia, standing stiff among her family, smile too tight, fingers clasped together until they turned white.

Dune slowed. "Hazel."

Sylvie followed his gaze. "Poor girl. She's set to marry Raves Rodeny soon."

Dune's eyes narrowed. "Raves? Does she want that?"

Sylvie arched a brow. "Who would? Raves is... well, you probably know the best." She glanced at Dune. "But here Dune, it's not about wanting. It's about duty. You do it, or someone else does it for you."

Dune watched Hazel a moment longer, then shifted his gaze back to Sylvie. "Then why do they all play along?"

Sylvie's smile faded just a touch, only to return sharper. "Because pretending is easier than fighting. And prettier."

She turned back to him, her tone light again. "But you... you're different, aren't you? You're not pretending."

Dune didn't answer.

Sylvie stepped closer, "come" her hand brushing his sleeve again as they reached a quieter corner near one of the tall arched windows. The garden beyond was black with night, the noise of the hall dulling behind them.

"You really don't say much, do you?" she murmured, tilting her head as if studying him. "Boys your age usually fumble, get red, stammer a little... But you — you just stand there. Like Atlas, but..."

Her fingers hovered near his arm again but didn't touch this time. "It makes me wonder what's really going on in that head of yours."

Dune's gaze didn't waver. He let his Neba sense stretch outward, soft and subtle. And what came back made his thoughts settle. I can detect her emotional state using Nebawave? I never thought i would be able to use it this way... I feel desperation from her... but why? What does she exactly want?

Dune then spoke, quiet and even. "I don't think you're being honest with me."

Her lips parted just slightly, a pause long enough to catch. But before she could form her next word, a voice cut in.

"Well, well. Sorry to interrupt your little date."

Dune turned to see Richard Amellia approaching, his smile sharp enough to slice through silk. His gold-threaded coat shimmered as he gestured loosely between them. "Didn't mean to get in the way of young love."

Sylvie stepped back smoothly, recovering her smile with practiced ease. "Lord Richard. Always the charmer."

Richard barely spared her a glance before focusing on Dune. "Anna would be thrilled to see you've arrived. You're not going to leave her hanging on her birthday, are you, Dune?"

Dune exhaled softly through his nose. "Yeah, of course not."

Richard gestured with a sweeping arm. "Come then. Best not to keep her waiting."

Dune glanced at Sylvie once more, his face unreadable, then gave a small nod and stepped away from her without a word.

As he walked with Richard, the crowd swallowed up Sylvie again, her green eyes lingering on Dune's back, her smile still in place.

Richard led Dune through the golden corridor with a lopsided smile. "She's been waiting all evening, you know. So, try not to break the kid's heart. Anna's expecting a proper hero entrance."

Dune didn't answer, just followed until Richard pushed open the double doors leading to a private garden balcony glowing under lantern light.

And then—

"Dune!"

A small figure dashed at him so fast she nearly tripped over her own shoes. Anna Amelia, her silky lavender dress fluttering behind her, flung herself forward and wrapped her arms tight around his waist. "No way! You're back! You're actually back!"

She looked up at him, her round face beaming, cheeks flushed, and eyes sparkling bright like little stars.

Dune blinked down at her, stiff for a breath, then let out a low chuckle. "Yeah. I'm back."

Anna squeezed tighter for a second before letting go and grabbing his hand instead. "Come on! Walk with me! You have to tell me everything!"

Richard leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, grinning. "I'll give you two a minute. But don't take too long, Dune. Some people in there are starting to whisper about you."

Dune ignored him and let Anna pull him along the balcony path, the garden behind them a blur of silver leaves and dark blossoms.

As they walked, Anna swung his hand lightly, almost like a little rhythm. "You know... I was really sad before," she said suddenly, her voice quieter now. "Because when Fein fell, everyone said they couldn't save anyone. My friends... all gone. And my father, he told me it was impossible to save everyone. That there were things even he couldn't do."

Her fingers tightened around his. "But I didn't get it. I still don't get it."

Dune looked down at her, his mouth set in a thin line.

"I'm glad you're alive Dune."

Anna kicked at a loose stone on the path. "It's my birthday today...i'm 7 years old now, but it doesn't feel like it. All this party stuff, it's not really for me, right? My father says it's important. But I think they're just using my birthday as an excuse to get all these people together." She pouted, her nose scrunching.

"It's weird."

Dune's lips twitched faintly. "You're smarter than you look."

Anna grinned at that, proud. "I know."

They reached the edge of the balcony, where the railing curved out over the dark gardens below. Lanterns swayed on golden chains above them, casting soft light.

Anna turned, her eyes gleaming again. "Did you bring me a gift, Dune?"

Dune raised a brow at her.

But before he could answer, Anna giggled and shook her head. "I'm joking! I don't need a gift! You being here is already enough! I'm just happy you're alive and you came back!"

The words hit deeper than she meant them to.

For a moment, Dune's face shifted, his mind flashing not to Anna, but to someone else. A smaller girl. His sister Lovy. Her face was blurred in his memory now, was she alive? Dead? Lost somewhere he couldn't reach?

The weight settled heavy in his chest.

But then, as Anna laughed again and leaned against the railing, he caught an idea, sharp and sudden.

Dune crouched slightly. "Hold out your hand."

Anna blinked. "Huh? Why?"

"Just do it."

She grinned and grabbed his hand again. "Okay! Now what?"

Without another word, Dune focused, his Nebastep flaring beneath his skin. Invisible platforms sparked to life under his feet, catching the air like glass.

And then, he stepped up.

Anna gasped as the ground fell away. "Wha,

Dune! We're flying?!"

Dune's grip tightened on her small hand as he lifted her gently up, his steps carrying them higher with each flash of his ability. They rose above the balcony, the garden shrinking below, the lantern lights turning to distant stars.

Anna's laughter rang out like a bell. "Higher! Higher! Go higher Dune!"

Dune smirked despite himself and leapt again, each step launching them higher into the night. Anna's hair whipped around her face as she squealed with joy, her arms spread wide like wings.

For a breath, Dune felt lighter too, as if the weight in his chest cracked open just a little.

But then, as they floated too high, he glanced back toward the glowing windows and exhaled.

"Alright. That's enough. If your father sees this, he'll kill me."

Anna giggled and clung to his arm as they began to descend, step by shining step. "Best birthday ever," she whispered, still breathless.

"No one else got me something like this."

"Glad you liked it."

When they landed softly back on the balcony, Dune ruffled her hair lightly, something he rarely did, and she beamed up at him.

Anna was still beaming, her cheeks pink from laughing so much, when she leaned against the balcony rail again. "You know, Dune... I wish you stayed here more. It's kind of boring without you.

Before Dune could respond, a sharp sound cracked through the air, distant, but clear. A shout. Followed by a heavy, muffled crash that made the lanterns above them sway.

Anna's smile faded instantly. She turned her head toward the grand hall. "...What was that?"

Dune's body stiffened. His instincts flared like a wire pulled tight. Another distant shout echoed, closer this time.

He stepped forward. "Stay here."

But Anna grabbed his sleeve, her fingers small but firm. "Dune... Is something happening?"

He glanced down at her, then toward the hall where the noise was swelling. More footsteps, loud and urgent. His jaw clenched.

"You, go find your father. Now."

Anna swallowed hard, her playful mood gone. She nodded quickly, her eyes wide but trusting.

"Okay!" She spun around and darted off in the opposite direction, her slippers tapping fast against the marble floor.

Dune didn't waste another breath. He turned and dashed toward the noise, his steps sharp and precise. His Nebastep sparked faintly as he vaulted over the balcony rail, landing cleanly on the terrace below before breaking into a run toward the source of the commotion.