Author's Note: Well, this is officially the last chapter of this arc. In the next chapter, we will move on to the next world.
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Today was Iria. As such, I decided to go out with Morgana, Milim, and Gaia.
We left the forest and walked until we reached a plain. Something strange was that Morgana had been very quiet since the morning; every time I wanted to talk to her, her face would turn red, and she would ignore me while hiding behind Milim.
Because of that, I could only look at Gaia, who was on my shoulder, and talk to her. After we arrived at the plain, they sat on the grass while I remained standing.
—Today is the day I will present your gifts— I began as I addressed everyone. —Due to unfortunate events, it was delayed, but now it's time—
—Milim, we will start with you— I said, and a weapon appeared in my hands. It was a black scythe as dark as night and more than twice Milim's height. She was captivated upon seeing it.
I smiled and introduced it.
"She is Aba. A scythe I created with great effort. In full bloom, it is a weapon almost, if not impossible, to evade." I emphasized the last part, feeling proud of myself.
—Being an extremely powerful weapon but the most fitting for your nature, I decided to grant it to you— I said with a smile, but I raised my hand when Milim almost lunged for the weapon.
—However, I have placed two seals on it. The first you can unlock as long as you provide the necessary energy; the second seal will require the weapon's approval, and above all, mine, to unleash its true name— I said seriously.
I saw Morgana become serious and raise an eyebrow; she knew I owed her an explanation. I sighed and began to explain.
—In its sealed form, it can cut through anything; it is destructive, and its weight is comparable to a world— I mentioned casually. —With its first seal released, it can cut through space and destroy the soul of the target—
I coughed several times when I saw Morgana squinting; I think she wouldn't like the second seal much.
—The second seal, as long as the weapon and I allow its release, a slash would destroy the space-time in a localized manner, returning that place to the
—Milim, this is a powerful weapon even with its seals. Show me that you are worthy to wield it... don't make me take it away from you— I spoke in a stern voice; I couldn't allow myself to be lenient.
Milim nodded with a serious face. "I understand, Dad; I won't let you down."
I nodded with a smile as I handed the scythe to Milim. "Drip a little of your blood on it, so it can bond with you."
I looked at Gaia while Milim dripped blood on it. "Gaia, I have the perfect gift for you. I hope you like it."
I didn't give her time to react when she began to float in the air, and the voice of the world was heard.
{Report. Checking the amount of energy required for evolution... Confirmed. The required conditions have been met. The Harvest Festival will now begin.}
{Initiating body reconstruction... evolving as Dragon King... successful. Acquiring semi-spiritual physiology... successful.
Initiating acquisition of intrinsic skills... acquiring Dragon Haki... successful. Acquiring nullification to physical attacks, universal sense, nullification to spiritual attacks, thermal nullification... successful.
Initiating skill evolution... The unique skill [Gaia, Mother Earth] has evolved into the ultimate skill [Lady of Nature, Gaia]... successful.
Harvest Festival completed.}
After the evolution ended, Gaia remained unconscious. Carrying her in my arms, we returned home as Milim chatted with the scythe and Morgana scolded me for giving Milim such a dangerous weapon.
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Next Day.
Today, I was saying goodbye to Milim and Gaia, who had cried all night upon learning that I was leaving.
—I promise, I'll only visit a few places, and then I'll return; you don't have to be sad— I consoled them while we sat on the sofa in the house.
—Besides, I'll bring you gifts— I finished with a smile.
Seeing the girls calm down, I went to the kitchen where Morgana was. Upon entering, I noticed her eyes were red.
—Why are you crying?— I asked while taking a cup of coffee from the kettle.
She looked at me with swollen eyes. —It's just... your leaving is unexpected; you didn't even consult us— she said.
Our eyes met for several seconds until I looked away and sighed. —I have to do it; I have my reasons. If I told you, then you'd protest about me leaving— I replied, looking at the ceiling.
—You can take us; you can take me.— I heard her say in a low but firm voice.
—I could, yes.— I replied. —But I have to be careful even traveling outside this world; now imagine if I took you with me.—
—I'll return, and until then, I only ask that you take care of Milim and Gaia; I only trust you to do it— I said before she could say anything.
I approached her and hugged her. —Once I return, I'll take you when I travel again— I said with seriousness in my voice.
—Also— I mentioned quickly. —I'll have a surprise for you when I come back—
I saw her smile as she pulled away from me. —I hope so, or you'll face the consequences, idiot— she said in a whisper.
I just smiled and kissed her on the forehead, and a beautiful smile spread across her face in response.
We spent the rest of the afternoon together with Milim and Gaia; we went to the forest, had a picnic, and played until Milim and Gaia fell asleep.
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It hurts my chest every time I think about leaving them, but I knew I had to do it. I had to search for the souls of my brother and sister-in-law.
I got out of bed, and a dark blue mist enveloped me; the next moment, I was in my usual black suit.
I looked at the bed, where Morgana was. Her white hair sprawled across the bed, a blanket covering her body.
I stayed, watching her as if nothing else existed in the world... I sighed and quickly dismissed those thoughts. "What's happening to me...?"
I walked to the other side of the bed and approached her face; a beautiful smile hung on her lips. I looked at her for a moment, and after making a decision, I leaned in and kissed her.
I pulled away, averting my gaze from her, and left the room as I teleported.
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Morgana opened her eyes when she felt Velzarion leave. A tear fell from her eyes, and a sweet smile grew on her face.
—You show emotions without realizing it ; you're a fool, master— she said with joy in her voice, but her eyes began to close from exhaustion.
"I love you..." she whispered as she closed her eyes.