Chapter 228: Preparation for Departure; The Hero of this World
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The last two weeks had been a storm of change for Pangeal, a time of both mourning and celebration as the world struggled to find its footing after the chaos.
The streets of Erebia which were once filled with fear and uncertainty—until they were all destroyed—were now rewind back in time, revived with magic. They also buzzed with a contrasting mix of relief and quiet sorrow. People had poured into the newly risen cities, their hearts heavy with the loss of loved ones, yet the glint in their eyes expressed their hope for the coming days.
The battles were over, and the forces that had threatened to consume everything had been defeated, annihilated, and erased. They were all happy, returning to their homes. Although a gash of sadness cut through their hearts, for the cost had been steep.
News of the hero's demise had spread like wildfire, and the world mourned the loss of its savior who had returned from another world. They had built monuments in his honor, lighting candles and offering prayers, their grief palpable in the air.
The people celebrated their victory, even as they worked tirelessly to rebuild what had been destroyed while mourning where it needed to be.
I watched it all unfold from a distance, my heart heavy with the weight of what had been lost and what had been gained. I haven't seen this world in a million years, and yet the loss hurt me. I had saved the world, but I hadn't revived the ones who died before I came back.
Regardless, the world was changing, healing, and moving on. Unlike me. That was a good sign.
"Haah," I wandered through the gardens of Erebia under the royal castle. My steps were slow and deliberate as I tried to find some semblance of peace amid everything.
The air was cool, carrying the soft scent of blooming flowers, and the gentle rustling of leaves filled the silence that had settled over me. The garden was beautiful, peaceful even, but it did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside me.
Victory.
We had won. The battles were over, the enemies defeated, and yet, I felt no sense of triumph. There was no satisfaction, no relief. Only an empty, hollow feeling that gnawed at me, reminding me of all that had been lost, all that had gone wrong.
With my goal for eternity, I could never see my people die. So I revived the dead. I was glad that there were no casualties in the end. And yet, the weight of something pressed heavily on my chest. I knew what it was, and I hoped it'd pass in the next couple of days.
I kept walking through the garden, my gaze fixed on the ground, lost in thought. Under the shadow of the grand castle that the garden was built around, I didn't notice the presence that closed up behind me until her familiar voice broke through the stillness.
"Hey there, my gloomy prince," Mem's voice was light, teasing, as she fell into step beside me. She was smiling, her eyes flicking around the flowers as we walked. "Why are you out here all alone?"
I glanced at her, offering a small, half-hearted smile. "Hey, Mem. I'm just walking and, uh, thinking. I guess." It was the truth, but it didn't even scratch the surface of what I was feeling.
"Ah, I see…" Mem-Cho hummed in response, her eyes flicking around the flowers as we walked. "Thinking's good," Mem said, her tone still light but with a note of concern. "But don't let it eat you up. I feel like you're thinking too much."
"Well…"
Mem looked at me, "Aqua, you've done more than enough to earn yourself a break. Don't busy your mind with these thoughts. You should let yourself enjoy the time, instead of pondering over stuff out of your hand."
Out of my hand, huh, I noted her words and nodded. "I guess," I agreed. Thinking too much wasn't a good thing. "But it feels wrong to have all this 'end' just like this, you see. There's no satisfaction in it... Well, not for me anyway. The world is happy that it survived, but for me, it just feels… empty."
"I understand. You saved a world, but the situation made it so you had to pretend to be dead. It's natural to feel empty. But… please don't stay stuck on it. Since you can't control that rumor, that decision, why not just be happy at the good things that have happened? Saving a world… I'd say that's a pretty big deal. I know it's stupid to think this way, but why not hold onto the moments of other people being happy for once?"
I chuckled slowly at that, appreciating her perspective. I didn't agree with it, but I appreciated her speech.
She knew I was much older than her and these philosophical views have long been pondered over by me, but she still tried to help me. She's a lovely girl.
Honestly, I wasn't even… sad. It might be hard to believe, but it felt rather natural to me. I've been wondering about how they'd react when they find out about my true face, and I've been prepared for their reaction. That was why I didn't bother to converse with them while I spoke through my Venerable lips.
We walked in silence for a few moments, the only sound of the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of a bird. It was peaceful, and the tension slowly let loose of its tight coil within me.
Mem-Cho's usual banter seemed to falter slightly, she couldn't find a way to start a conversation again. At one point, I noticed the way her gaze drifted downward, her expression becoming more serious. She hesitated, shifting her weight from one foot to the other before finally speaking.
"You know, I… talked with those three," she said quietly, her tone cautious.
She didn't need to clarify who she meant—I knew. The women who had once been my wives, in my 2nd life; they who were now distant and uncertain, unsure of how to process everything that had happened.
"They're not bad people," she added, "they're just surprised and confused, I think. It's mostly the Princess and the Saintess, to be specific. Sieran the Wise understands. She doesn't want her two friends to feel betrayed, that's the only reason why she hasn't come to see you."
"You told them about your and my relationship?"
"I told them, yeah," Mem admitted. "The Princess seemed quite mad, she almost attacked me. Which gives me an idea that she still sees you as hers—that's why she was mad that you had a 'girlfriend' in your new life," she said and I chuckled. "It was Sieran who stopped her. She's a nice woman."
My steps slowed, and I turned to look at her, my expression softening. "I know that. If anyone, I knew Sieran would understand, she is old. She has lived to take part in three Hero Parties, having gone through emotional changes over time. That's why she's the only one whom I told my real age to. She'd understand, the others won't."
"Mhm… Maybe you should have tried explaining to them? Maybe they would have understood too. They lived for 300 years themselves, after all."
I smiled at her. "It wouldn't have worked, trust me. I've tried so before… in different lives." I recalled some unpleasant memories. "It's better to give them some time to come to terms with this of their own accord. Maybe they'll understand one day. And I don't blame them for feeling that way. It's a lot for anyone to take in. I just hope… someday, they'll be able to make peace with it."
Mem-Cho nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I think they will," she said, her voice filled with quiet optimism. "But it's sad if you'd only be happy after that happens. I… I just hope you'd smile a bit more, instead of just waiting for that day to come."
I looked at her, and she looked at me. Our eyes remained locked for a moment, and then she threw herself into my chest, hugging me. "Sorry, I'm talking too much."
I shook my head, putting a hand on her hair. "You're not, silly girl. You don't have to come and comfort me, you know?" I told her, "You're acting like a big sister suddenly. Instead, I would understand if you…"
"Don't say it," she stopped me. "I don't want to hear it. I'm not leaving you… and I'm not mad or jealous. Well, I'm a little jealous, but that's natural. Don't blame me for it. I just wish I was married to you like them, you know?" she said, her face buried in his chest.
I couldn't help but smile a little at her words. "Thanks, Mem," I said, my voice sincere. "I always appreciate your presence."
Before she could respond, a new presence entered the garden, and I looked up to see my old master, Jasmine approaching. She moved with the grace and confidence of an Empress, her expression warm as she greeted us.
"So here you are," she said, a smile on her lips as she met my gaze. "Seriphoth."
"Ah, yes." I nodded. "I was just enjoying the fragrance of the flowers," I said. I was happy that Jasmine didn't look at me like a monster, as some others had. "Jasmine," I added, "You look good today. Done with your royal duties?"
Jasmine, wearing the robes of an Empress, looked at Mem-Cho, offering her a nod of acknowledgment, before her focus returned to me. "Yep, done for the day. Can't believe I have to manage all this after living centuries in heaven in luxury. It should have been your job."
Jasmine's lifespan was at stake before. She was aging too fast, as designed by the Goddess to speed up her growth from an infant to an adolescent. But it didn't stop there, and her hair had turned gray by the time I revived Ranefer. But the ripple of energy from the phoenix's revival had healed her graying hair and also fixed her messy lifespan.
Now, she was granted domination over half the world—at least until her natural age would come to an end, and she'd return to heaven. It was so that the world could regain its harmony and luxury fast under the order of someone capable.
"The Goddess is here," she said a moment later. "It's time to go."
I exchanged a glance with Mem-Cho, who offered me an encouraging smile. I took a soft breath and nodded. "Alright. Let's go."
With that, we left the garden behind, the peace of the moment giving way to the chatter of a room's gathering.
****
I pushed the door open and stepped into the room, my eyes immediately drawn to the various figures scattered around the space.
The atmosphere was heavy, oddly so. It was a mix of anticipation and unease that hung in the air. The soft hum of conversation died down as I entered, all eyes slowly turning toward me.
Ai stood by the window, her figure bathed in the soft light that filtered through the glass. She didn't turn immediately, her gaze focused on something distant outside. When she finally glanced over her shoulder, a small, weary smile curved her lips.
"You're back," she said and returned her attention to the world beyond the glass, her expression troubled. It was clear she wasn't pleased, did she talk with the Goddess already? I guess she had every right to feel that way.
"Onii-chan!" Ruby's voice rang out, breaking the tension in the room as she rushed toward me, her arms flung wide. She collided with me in a tight hug, her small frame pressing against mine as if she feared I might disappear if she let go. I returned the embrace, feeling the strength of her grip, the warmth of her affection.
"Ruby… How was your day? Enjoyed mopping houses?" I joked, holding her close for a moment, as she grumbled.
"I wasn't moping them! It just took a soft flow of Nine-Colored Qi, don't make fun of me," she said with a scowl, a glitter in her eyes. She was cute, as always.
"Sure sure," I ruffled her hair before gently pulling back. She looked up at me, her eyes bright with relief, and I offered her a soft smile, one that didn't quite reach my eyes.
Ranefer was there too, leaning casually against the wall, reading some book—I caught the words 'Pangeal's Demons' on the front page. When our eyes met, she raised a hand in a playful wave, her lips curling into a cheeky grin.
Her eyes flickered to Ai's back, and when she noted that my mother wasn't looking this way, she blew me a kiss, her eyes sparkling with mischief. I chuckled at her antics. It seemed she appreciated my presence a lot more than before.
In contrast, Kalawarna stood stoically behind the Goddess Galaxara, her posture rigid like a steel knight. Her eyes met mine briefly, and she offered a small, respectful bow, acknowledging my arrival with quiet grace. I nodded back, glad that she was doing her new job quite well.
They were the only ones here. Quetzalcoatl and the others were in Thyranais, more as a diplomatic presence than anything. I guess we'd regroup with them right after this meeting.
I made my way to the center of the room, where Goddess Galaxara sat. Memmy and Jasmine moved to some other corner of the room as I lowered myself into a chair opposite her, feeling the weight of the moment settle over me.
For a short moment, we simply looked at each other, a silent understanding passing between us. The Goddess looked at me gently, yet the sadness in her eyes was evident.
"Seriphoth, my child…" Galaxara spoke, her voice soft, carrying the warmth of a mother's embrace. "It's good to see you. I hope you've found some peace in the garden." Her tone was filled with genuine care. Unlike her Saintess, she did not care about the creature I was at my depth.
I'm certain she saw through it the first time I met her as Aqua, back in DxD. I noted. The skill that allowed Seraphina to see my allegiance, Galaxara had a greater variant of that power. She likely always knew although she was still quite surprised when she saw me as the Venerable One.
I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. "Thank you, Goddess. It was a needed moment of calm. Memmy here helped." I said, and her eyes turned to Mem, who was standing beside Ruby now. Galaxara smiled and nodded at her.
Then she looked back at me, "I'm glad. But my child," she paused, choosing her words carefully, "won't you please reconsider? I'm talking about your decision to leave. Stay for a bit longer. I will speak with Seraphina, convince her to meet with you, and have a proper chat about—"
"Galaxara, enough." Ai's voice cut through the air like a blade, sharp and unyielding. She had turned from the window, her expression hardening as she stepped forward. "The decision is mine, not my son's. You and I have already discussed this. I will not stay in a world, and I won't let my son stay in a world, where he isn't appreciated."
The Goddess looked taken aback, her gaze flickering between me and Ai. "Hoshino, my dear friend, I understand why you would feel that way," she began, her tone conciliatory, "but… it's still his world. He is this world's Hero. I am sorry that I couldn't show proper hospitality, but you're wrong. Everyone loves him. They all appreciate him."
"All but the people who actually matter to him," my mother replied, frowning at my Goddess, who looked troubled.
I shook my head, cutting between them. "Mom, let me speak," I said, and that made Galaxara turn to me with a delighted expression. Unfortunately, the reason I stepped in wasn't because I disagreed with my mother. "My Goddess, I agree with my mother. And I think it's wiser to leave. Staying here like this is pointless, more so when I have important stuff back in my new world."
My voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.
There was only silence for a moment, until a heavy sigh escaped Galaxara's lips, her shoulders slumping slightly in resignation. "I see," she murmured, a trace of sadness in her voice. "Very well. But remember, you are always welcome here. This is your home, and I consider you as my child. You can always return here, easier than ever before. The connection will remain stable since Kalawarna is staying behind."
"Wait," Ai interjected, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Kalawarna is staying back? Why?"
Kalawarna stiffened on her spot as we started talking about her. I exchanged a glance with Galaxara, then turned to Ai, ready to explain. "Yes. By keeping Kalawarna here, Ruby can use Dimension Lost to reach a stable connection with this world and teleport us back here anytime we want to or need to. We needed a person to keep here, to act as an anchor, and she seemed like a good choice. She's officially my Goddess' archangel now."
Archangel of Death, Kalawarna.
The angel nodded at Ai, showing respect, while she blinked, processing the information. "Ah… that's good, I suppose. Fine," Ai said, nodding slowly.
"Um, thank you for your understanding," Kalawarna bowed toward her. I noted that Ai had earned quite the respect among the people during this trip; her display as the Venerable One – the younger, Heavenly Demon Variant – had done her well.
"In that case, will we be taking someone from this world back with us? So that the people of Pangeal can use them as a medium?" Ai proposed, tilting her head.
Galaxara's eyes brightened at the suggestion, and she looked at me with a hint of curiosity. "That's an excellent idea. What do you think, my child? Do you want to bring someone along? Perhaps… Sieran? I'm sure she'll tag along if we ask her. Or, I can set up someone totally random too."
I hesitated, unsure about this. "I… no, I don't want to take anyone back."
Before the room could fall into awkward silence, Jasmine, who had been quietly observing the conversation, stepped forward. "If not a person, how about this," she said, her voice steady as she unsheathed her sword. She extended it toward me, the blade gleaming in the soft light. "Eldergleam is more important than most living beings here. Its energy should be easier to detect than that of a random person. How about taking this along?"
My eyes narrowed slightly as I stared at the sword. The room fell silent, everyone's attention was now focused on the weapon in Jasmine's hands. The Hero's Sword.
"And I'm sure Eldergleam would love to travel the multiverse… with its favorite master."
Eldergleam… The sword that had once been mine, accompanying me for decades, during my time as Seriphoth the Hero. Yet, when I had tried to pick it up recently, back in the Elven Forest, the blade had burned my hand, rejecting me.
What was Jasmine trying to do, raising it toward me?
I looked into her golden eyes, and she stared back. I see… Slowly, I reached out a hand, hesitating only for a moment before my fingers brushed against the hilt.
I held the blade tightly.
I fully expected the searing pain to return, for the sword to reject me once more.
But this time, the blade didn't burn. Instead, it let out a soft chime, a sound that resonated through the room, as the entire room brightened. Clear and pure energy filled the room, and Erebia seemed to hum with holy power.
The sword recognized me.
"No…fucking…way!" Even Jasmine was baffled, as she shouted with a grin. The others in the room also looked at me in surprise, their lips widening into smiles.
For the first time in weeks, my lips too widened into a genuine smile that spread across my features. My cheeks hurt, and my heart thumped with the sword's warmth.
After three hundred years and one failed attempt, Eldergleam recognized the Hero of this World.
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