Atlasion and Sylvina slowly released their embrace. The two High Elves, radiating an aura of absolute majesty, looked at Alvin's face, which was now so close to theirs, still wet with tears.
Very gently and with deep affection, the two parents raised their hands. Simultaneously, they wiped away the lingering tears that stained their only son's face.
"Alvin, listen to me!" Atlasion said, his tone turning firmer yet still enveloped in a father's warmth. He looked straight into his son's eyes, offering his final words of motivation before their parting. "Live in that world without a single regret! Do not let the past or the shadow of our deaths hold you back."
Atlasion gently gripped his son's shoulders. "Your life is no longer about a fallen kingdom or a pitiful escape. Your life now belongs entirely to your husband and your own happiness! So, dedicate everything to him and your new family over there! Do you understand?"
"What your father says is absolutely true, Alvin." Sylvina added immediately, complementing her husband's firmness with a mother's gentleness. The beautiful woman cupped her son's cheeks. "Never cry over the past to the point it makes you step backward. And most importantly... don't you ever dare regret your decision to bind yourself to a vow and become an immortal being like them! Walk through your eternity with your head held high and a heart full of love."
His parents' words seeped into Alvin's heart like water quenching a parched desert.
Even though his chest still felt tight and heavy with sorrow because this was their final meeting, Alvin knew for certain that he had to be strong and resilient. If I keep crying and lamenting this parting, it will be tantamount to tarnishing and insulting my parents' sacrifice from the past.
The High Elf youth took a deep breath, casting aside the last remnants of his weakness. His eyes now radiated an unshakeable resolve.
"Yes... Father, Mother!" Alvin answered in a loud voice, devoid of a single drop of hesitation. "I promise you. I have decided my path in life, and I will live with my husband, Allen, and Arken in this eternity with all my heart!"
Atlasion and Sylvina smiled broadly upon hearing their son's resolute answer. The final burden on their shoulders as departed souls was completely lifted. They both felt incredibly relieved by Alvin's fortitude and sincerity in wholeheartedly accepting his reality and his immortality.
"And regarding the High Elf bloodline... where you are now the only one left in that world." Sylvina said in a much softer tone, her eyes conveying one final hope. "I entrust the future of our race to you, Alvin. Live proudly as a High Elf."
Hearing the mention of his race, which was now on the brink of extinction, Alvin's expression suddenly hardened. Memories of the day of the attack flashed across his mind once more.
"I will carry the pride of our race, Mother!" Alvin replied, but this time his gaze turned exceedingly sharp and cold. "But before that, there is one thing I must settle. I want to avenge the heinous acts of the demon and dragon races who murdered the two of you, slaughtered many of our elven brethren, and destroyed our kingdom until nothing remained!"
Alvin clenched his fists tightly. "I will never let Hazellios and the demons allied with him live peacefully in the world! I will make absolutely sure they pay for everything!"
Hearing the surge of anger and deep-seated vengeance overflowing from their son, both Atlasion and Sylvina fell silent for a moment. However, neither of them verbally denied or supported what Alvin had said. They simply offered a faint, understanding smile laden with wisdom.
They were very aware of their current limits. There was no longer any place or right for Atlasion or Sylvina, who were now merely entities from the realm of the dead, to interfere in mortal affairs, let alone dictate the course of their son's life in his world.
"Just do what you believe is right and what you wish to do over there, Alvin." Sylvina said gently, touching her son's clenched fist to soothe him a little. "Your father and I are dead. We no longer have any ties, and we have no right to interfere with all the conflicts and destinies unfolding in that world. Whatever you choose, we will only pray for your happiness."
Alvin nodded in understanding. His jaw tensed as his resolve was absolute. He truly wanted to avenge the death of his parents and the destruction of his kingdom against the demon race.
However, amidst the turmoil of his anger, a majestic voice suddenly echoed directly inside his head.
Goddess Nirfelia, who from the very beginning had only stood in silence and watched, already knew the thoughts and intentions of the High Elf youth. As the Creator, balance was absolute.
"You must not blindly exterminate all the demon and dragon races in that world, Alvin!" the Goddess reprimanded through telepathy, her voice sounding firm and warning. "Not all of them are evil or participated in the massacre of your kingdom. Justice is not the same as genocide!"
Hearing the absolute reprimand from the Creator, Alvin was slightly taken aback. His anger slowly subsided, replaced by a more rational understanding.
I understand, Goddess Nirfelia. Alvin replied in his heart, answering the Goddess's command with respect. I will not kill the innocent. I will only eradicate those who deserve to die.
Hearing the inward reply from Alvin, Goddess Nirfelia used her authority to catch a brief glimpse into the flow of future time, ensuring what the High Elf would actually do later in the mortal world.
After seeing that Alvin would keep his promise and act appropriately without destroying the balance of the races in the world, the Goddess smiled in relief.
As the parting moment between Alvin and his parents reached a peaceful climax, Atlasion and Sylvina slowly looked past their son. Their gaze landed on the figure of the silvery-white-haired youth who had been standing calmly watching from a distance this whole time.
Not only Alvin's parents, but at the exact same time, Borris and Lordius also released the embraces of their respective sons and began to walk in the same direction.
The four parental figures of the three youths now walked side by side, approaching the young man who had become the anchor of their sons' lives.
Kazien, realizing that he was now being approached by his four parents-in-law from the spirit realm, did not remain idle. With quick reflexes, the silvery-white-haired youth immediately corrected his posture, placed both hands at his sides, and stood as politely as possible.
Atlasion and Sylvina were the first to arrive before Kazien.
"Is it true that you are the young man named Kazien?" Atlasion greeted, opening the conversation between them. His tone was authoritative, attempting to assess the youth who had become the husband of his only son.
"That is correct, Father-in-law." Kazien answered in a voice that was calm and polite, yet radiated an undeniable charisma of leadership. He bowed his head slightly as a form of the highest respect.
The High Elf man smiled with satisfaction upon seeing Kazien's manners and composure. Atlasion raised his right hand and patted the silvery-white-haired youth's shoulder very gently. His face radiated the warmth of a father.
"Thank you, Kazien... thank you for saving, healing, and ultimately providing such a joyful life for my son." Atlasion said with utmost sincerity, holding no pretense in his voice. "With this, I release my responsibilities, and I entrust the entire remainder of my son's life into your protection."
Before the silvery-white-haired youth could even open his mouth to answer Atlasion's words, Sylvina stepped forward and chimed into their conversation.
"I feel incredibly calm and at peace knowing that the person accompanying Alvin in his eternity is you, Kazien." Sylvina said softly, her eyes looking at Kazien with maternal affection. "My husband and I deeply bless the relationship between the two of you. Please, be the wings that will always protect him."
Receiving the blessing and trust of Alvin's parents, Kazien felt an immense yet joyful responsibility being pinned onto his shoulders.
"Thank you so much for the trust and blessing that you both have given, Father-in-law, Mother-in-law." Kazien replied, looking straight at Atlasion and Sylvina with profound respect and seriousness. "I swear, I will make absolutely sure to always care for, protect, and love Alvin with my entire soul, for all eternity."
Atlasion and Sylvina smiled in immense relief upon hearing the sacred and firm vow from the husband of their only son.
"I believe in you completely, Kazien." Sylvina said gently and full of conviction.
"Yes, Mother-in-law. I will never disappoint that trust!" Kazien replied firmly.
"Once again..." Sylvina added.
"Congratulations on your marriage, Kazien." Atlasion and Sylvina said in unison, a sincere smile blooming on their faces.
"Thank you so much, Father-in-law, Mother-in-law." Kazien answered as he bowed his head respectfully once more, accepting the blessing from Alvin's parents.