The battlefield had quieted, leaving behind only broken stone, blood-stained earth, and the silence of those who would never rise again. Michi's sword felt heavy in his hand, not from weight but from everything it had carried in the last hours—rage, grief, justice, and the final end of Drango.
Veynar and Veylika stood beside him, their faces pale, yet their eyes steady. Canberas wiped his bloodied blade and turned toward the distant horizon where faint torches glowed. A gathering light. Reinforcements.
It was Lior's group.
"Michi!" Lior's voice rang first, relief breaking through the exhaustion. He ran forward, followed by Kael, Junia, Tieu, Zyara, Tiana , Siniadal, and Reres.
Michi turned, the corners of his mouth twitching into the faintest of smiles. "You're all safe… good."
Junia rushed to him, her eyes scanning his wounds. "You look like you've been through hell."
Michi exhaled softly. "I have. But it's over—for now."
Behind them, Nulius approached with his family, his dignified presence calming the restless air. "You've returned alive," he said, his voice strong. "That alone is victory." His wife Esetha and the others bowed their heads in respect.
The members of the Arklight Guild had gathered too, summoned by whispers of what had happened. Pandora's eyes were swollen, her hands trembling as she clutched Shiro's scarf. Tears spilled down her face, falling onto the dirt.
"Shiro… my sweet boy…" she whispered, her body shaking.
Sylvia, standing nearby, stepped forward. She pulled Pandora into her arms, and before the crowd could gasp, kissed her softly on the lips. Pandora froze, shocked, then collapsed into Sylvia's embrace, sobbing.
Michi blinked in disbelief, his jaw nearly dropping. "Wait… Sylvia… what—?"
Sylvia turned her head slightly, meeting his stunned gaze. "What? She's mine, okay? Don't get jealous." Her voice was sharp but laced with warmth. Then she sighed. "But… we are leaving. Our time here is finished. Michi, if you ever need anything in the future… we will come."
Michi nodded slowly, still baffled, but grateful. "Thank you."
The group gathered beneath the ruined archway, where two graves were dug with reverence. Rishdania and Shiro lay side by side, their weapons placed across their chests. Michi, Canberas, Veynar, and Veylika lowered them gently into the earth, while Lior's group and the guild stood in solemn silence.
Junia whispered a prayer, her voice trembling. Tieu clasped her hands together, her silver hair falling over her eyes. Even Siniadal and Reres, usually loud and playful, stood quietly with bowed heads.
Michi placed his hand on the dirt once the graves were filled, his voice soft yet carrying weight. "You fought bravely… You protected each other to the end. Rest now, together, in peace."
Canberas clenched his fists, his wings folding tightly. "They deserved better… but at least they won't suffer under monsters anymore."
Veynar and Veylika spoke in unison, their voices steady despite their grief. "Goodbye, Rishdania… goodbye, Shiro. May your spirits guide us."
When the ceremony ended, Nulius approached Canberas, his eyes sharp but kind. "You have the strength of a true warrior, boy. And the heart of one too. From this day forth, I accept you as a fighter among us."
Canberas blinked, his chest rising with pride and emotion. "I… thank you."
Siniadal grinned and punched his shoulder lightly. "Took you long enough to get noticed!"
Reres giggled, bouncing in place. "Now you're officially one of us!"
Canberas smirked faintly, though his eyes still burned from grief. "Don't get too carried away, you two."
The mood lightened further when Kael's pained cry suddenly echoed through the clearing. Everyone turned to see Tiana, her snakes slithering around Kael's arms and legs, while she smacked him lightly on the head.
"OW! Tiana, seriously! What are you doing?!" Kael yelped.
"You were flirting in the middle of battle," Tiana scolded, crossing her arms. "Unacceptable."
Kael blushed furiously. "I wasn't flirting—I was—well, okay, maybe a little but—"
Another bonk landed on his head. "Not the time."
The crowd laughed softly, even Michi managing a weary smile as he approached. "Glad to see some things never change."
Kael groaned. "You're supposed to be on my side, Michi…"
Michi shook his head, amused.
When the laughter settled, Michi turned serious. He faced Veynar and Veylika, who both straightened immediately.
"You two have lost much… but you've also proven yourselves stronger than your past. From today, I appoint you as the guardians of Qanbarash. Protect it, and its people, with the strength you've gained."
Veynar bowed deeply, his voice solemn. "We accept, with honor."
Veylika placed her hand over her chest, her eyes shimmering. "We will not fail you, Michi."
The following day, the group prepared to part ways. Michi, Lior, Kael, Junia, Tieu, and Tiana stood at the edge of the village, bags packed, weapons ready.
Nulius clasped Michi's hand. "Go. The path ahead is yours. But know this—we stand with you, even from afar."
Esetha smiled softly. "May fate guide you, Michi."
Siniadal and Reres waved wildly. "Come back soon! Don't forget us!"
Pandora, eyes red from tears, clutched Sylvia's hand. Sylvia simply smirked at Michi again. "Remember what I said. We'll come if you call."
Michi nodded, his heart heavy yet steady. "Thank you… all of you. Until we meet again."
With that, the group turned and left, their silhouettes fading into the morning light.
Far from the village, in a candlelit chamber, Lumiella and Sisiliya approached a tall figure cloaked in shadows.
"Dr. Midnight…" Lumiella said softly. "Why have you never met Michi?"
The doctor, his face hidden beneath a hood, adjusted his gloves. His voice was calm, almost eerie. "The time hasn't come. For now, I hunt someone else—Sister Death. I believe she lingers with Fengxi… correct, Raksam?"
Raksam, his new assistant, nodded. "Yes, sir. All trails point that way."
Dr. Midnight exhaled, his eyes gleaming faintly. "Then we continue searching. Michi's time… will come."
Meanwhile, Nulius leaned close to Esetha, his voice dropping into a conspiratorial tone. "Do you see it now? Michi is the one who can save everything. That's why our elder son Henu chose him as master."
Esetha's eyes widened. "Henu…?"
Nulius chuckled darkly. "Yes. Henu, our son. Michi doesn't know—and he never will. Not yet."
Back at the ruins where Drango had fallen, silence ruled once more. Ashes of battle remained, but something darker stirred.
Thessa stepped into the broken hall, her smirk curling as she gazed upon the skeletal remains. "Ah… failed again. This Michi…" Her eyes narrowed. "Don't worry, my queen. I'll finish him myself."
But as she turned, a shadow fell over her. A hooded figure emerged from the darkness, his presence suffocating.
Thessa froze, her hand reaching for her spellbook. "Who are you?"
The figure raised his head slightly, his voice deep, cold, final. "Your foolish queen and her ambitions cannot stop Michi's journey. I am Voidheart."
He raised his hand, clenching it into a fist.
Thessa gasped as searing pain ripped through her chest. Blood burst from her lips as her heart exploded within her, crushed by invisible force. She collapsed to her knees, eyes wide with terror, before falling lifeless to the ground.
Voidheart stepped past her body, his hood hiding the smile on his lips. "The game begins anew."