Three hundred years had passed.

The older boy was named Jell, the younger Jero.

They looked like ten-year-olds. Jell’s face held an adult’s calm, while Jero’s handsome features beamed with childlike innocence.

Jero shook his fists, unleashing a fierce aura. He crouched slightly, then burst forward.

Jell’s expression turned stern, taking Jero’s charge seriously.

Mid-air, Jero flickered like a phantom. In the next instant, he appeared before Jell, slamming a fist toward his abdomen.

Jero’s elbow crashed against the punch. An invisible pressure exploded, forcing both back several steps.

Jell’s steps grew erratic, a dizzying dance that made Jero lose his footing.

His movements were uncanny, like a silent, eerie waltz. No music played—only the wind and rustling leaves accompanied him. He seemed to merge with nature, flowing gracefully.

Jell swept a light, whip-like kick toward Jero.

Jero blocked sharply with one hand, while the other lunged to grab Jell’s leg.

But the leg withdrew the moment it touched his arm, leaving Jero grasping air.

Jell flipped back, putting five meters between them. His steps halted. "Little brother, you’ve grown stronger again."

"Yes, I’ve surpassed you," Jero said, eyes gleaming.

The sunset’s glow bathed their purple hair in golden light.

Three years ago, Jero couldn’t beat Jell. Now, his strength made Jell wary.

"Hmph. You won this round, but that doesn’t mean I lost," Jell declared, hands behind his back. He puffed his chest, gazing at the golden sunset. "I’ll be king! I’ll rule the world!"

This was his sworn vow—a promise of hope, longing, and dream.

"Haha, brother, don’t joke! You can’t even beat me now!" Jero blinked, then burst out laughing. "How could we ever be kings? Stop fantasizing."

"Little brother, do you know?" Jell stared intently into his eyes. "Becoming king isn’t just about strength."

He tapped his temple.

"It’s about strategy. And strategy needs a sharp mind," Jell said. "You might not understand that yet."

Jero grinned slyly and flung a handful of dust at him.

Jell, caught off guard, took the dirt full in the face.

His brows knotted into a deep frown. "Jero, you’re dead!"

He lunged, snarling.

"Hey, dummy brother!" Jero made a face and bolted.

They chased each other onto a grassy field.

"Y-you stop running!" Jell panted heavily. "I’m not chasing you anymore. Game over!"

"Haha, can’t catch me?" Jero flopped onto the grass. "And you want to be king? What a clumsy king."

"Hah! Still mocking me?" Jell chuckled, lying beside him. They rested their heads on their hands, gazing at the starry sky.

Thousands of stars twinkled above. The night was clear, almost cloudless.

Starlight softly brightened the dark grass—a scene like a dream.

"You’re mocking your own brother now? Getting bolder lately," Jell said, though a smile crept onto his face.

"Oh, no, no," Jero replied, his smug grin contradicting his words.

"Ugh, you’re really pushing it," Jell sighed, half-amused. "Alright, what’s your dream?"

"Hmm." Jero paused thoughtfully.

"I want a world without sorrow, without evil. No one should ever die again."

"I want to create a world where no one cries."

"I hope everyone lives happily, free from power struggles. All people treated equally."

"No more wars between races. No more exile or rejection for us."

"I want this world filled with love. I’ll use powerful magic to change it."

"After all, magic is so strong. If I grow powerful enough, I can do anything," Jero beamed. "Right, brother?"

"So that’s your dream," he murmured softly. "What a foolish, pitiful dream."

Yes, foolish and pitiful. Dreams remain dreams. In the end, he never achieved it—just hid his name, running a blacksmith shop, drifting through life.

Perhaps his path was wrong from the start, as futile as chasing the sun.

That day might have been the start of their rift.

"Brother, what did you say?" Jero asked.

"Oh, nothing," Jell stammered, covering up.

"Hmm. What about yours?"

"I’ve said it: I’ll be king of the world."

His voice swelled with passion, as if he’d already claimed the throne.

"I’ll dominate this world. Crush all who ever defied me."

"My people will adore me. Those who respect me gain riches. Those who defy me? Death without mercy!"

He raised a finger toward the stars. "Even the stars must bow to me."

"The whole world will praise my greatness. My name will echo through eternity. I am of the Eternal Clan—I’ll rule forever."

"I will be this world’s master!" His fervent cry pierced the night.

Jero stared blankly at the standing Jell, scratching his head. "I think your dream isn’t as great as mine."

Jell’s lips twitched. He ignored the remark. "My dream will come true!"

Jero jumped up, defiant. "Mine will too!"

"Good. Let’s bump fists. May our dreams become reality!" A slight curve lifted Jell’s lips as he offered his fist.

Their small fists collided. They locked eyes, sharing a knowing smile.

May our dreams all come true.

May we brothers never part.

May the world grow ever brighter.