The Tree Spirit's wrath finally subsided after the cleverly concealed veil of the Escape Route hid the entire valley from the annals of history. The Elf village gradually regained its former peace. Elly's ashes were carried away by the wind, the brainwashed soldiers were cured, and the Forbidden Library returned to its solemn tranquility. Having survived a near-annihilation, the Elves looked at Hegemon with completely different eyes – no longer prejudice against an immigrant, but profound respect for a savior.
However, this peaceful valley was never Hegemon's final destination. He knew that to find the ultimate answer to the curse of time rooted in his soul, he and Lily had to continue their journey.
That morning, the morning sunlight bathed the ancient trees in golden light. The entire Elf village, led by the elders, Esktra and Yuki, gathered at the village gate to bid farewell to their two companions.
"If it weren't for your composure and evidence, I would have been a lifeless corpse at the hands of that assassin," Tusuki Kenji stepped forward, placing his hand on his chest and bowing respectfully to Hegemon. He pulled out an ancient, meticulously detailed map made of leather with magical ink from his pouch: "This is the route map to the Western Kingdom – where I serve. It will guide you two along the safest path across the border swamps."
Yuki also stepped forward, a radiant smile on her face, and waved: "Hegemon, Lily! Follow the upstream river that Kenji has marked. The Western Kingdom is a very prosperous place; you two will surely love it!"
Hegemon took the map, nodding slightly in return: "Thank you everyone. Your help is our greatest support."
Lily clutched the strap of her small backpack, smiling gently and waving goodbye to Esktra and Yuki. Now, they were no longer lost immigrants, but travelers carrying the friendship of the ancient Elf tribe.
Leaving the valley boundary, the noise of the Elf village faded into the void, giving way to the rustling of the forest wind. Hegemon and Lily officially embarked on a new journey.
Next destination: The Western Kingdom.
Because the ancient teleportation array required a long time to recover its magic power after being forced back through the cosmic shockwave, Hegemon and Lily decided on the most primitive option: walking. According to the calculations on the magical map Kenji gave him, the distance from the Elf village border to the gateway of the Western Kingdom was over 50 kilometers. For a mortal with unhealed spiritual scars like Hegemon, this was certainly a considerable physical challenge.
"50 kilometers..." Hegemon looked at the rugged trail stretching as far as the eye could see ahead, sighing softly, but his gaze was incredibly determined.
"It seems we'll have to camp overnight in the forest, Lily."
"That's alright!" Lily quickly stepped forward, turning back to look at him with a radiant smile like the morning sun. "Anyway, I have the 'Treasure of Knowledge' to tell you stories along the way. Walking this long distance won't be boring!"
Looking at the small but energetic figure of his companion, Hegemon felt a strange warmth in his chest. He thought to himself, after fifteen near-death experiences filled with blood and tears, the moment of peaceful walking in the sunshine with Lily was the most priceless reward. They held hands, step by step, heading towards the distant western horizon, where new mysteries awaited them.