Chapter 117: Peace
Scene: A week has passed since the agreement between the South and North Nations and the Holy Island. King Thalanor has sent Commander Elara, along with Zarek and two guards, to escort the citizens of the Holy Island to their new home in the East Nation. The tension of past battles has faded, replaced by hope for a new chapter of peace.
Narrator: The time has come for the people of the Holy Island to leave their sanctuary and move to the East Nation, now renamed the Great East Holy Nation. With Zarek's help, they will be transported to their new home, where a fresh start awaits. The weight of the past still lingers, but today is about new beginnings.
At the Holy Island's center, Commander Elara, Zarek, and the two guards arrive. Zarek's chains have been removed for the journey, though the presence of guards reminds him of his lingering consequences. The citizens of the Holy Island are already gathered, waiting with packed belongings and eager expressions. There is a sense of both excitement and apprehension in the air as they prepare to leave the only home they've ever known.
Commander Elara: (calmly) Zarek, are you ready? This will require a great deal of your mana.
Zarek nods, his expression serious but focused. He knows that transporting this many people will be a test of his abilities, but he's determined to help his people reach their new home.
Zarek: (firmly) I can do it. It's time.
With a deep breath, Zarek begins channeling his mana, his hands glowing with a bright light as the air around him crackles with energy. The citizens of the Holy Island gather close, and Zarek's mana envelops them all. The strain on his body is visible, but Zarek pushes through, determined to succeed.
With a flash of light, the entire group is teleported to the East Nation.
When they arrive in the East Nation, the people of the Holy Island look around in awe. The land that was once desolate is now filled with life—rebuilt homes, freshly planted gardens, and a new castle gleaming in the distance. The citizens of both the South and North Nations have gathered to welcome them, and a warm cheer rises up from the crowd.
King Thalanor and King Ragnar stand at the forefront, smiling as they step forward to greet the newcomers.
King Thalanor: (proudly) Welcome to your new home—the Great East Holy Nation. High Priest Helio will now be your ruler, guiding you as you rebuild and prosper.
The people of the Holy Island cheer, tears of relief and joy filling many eyes. For the first time in generations, they have a place to call their own. High Priest Helio, standing beside the kings, bows deeply, his gratitude clear.
High Priest Helio: (gratefully) We thank you, Your Majesties, for this gift. We will honor this land and build a future for our people.
Narrator: With the citizens of the Holy Island now settled in their new home, the kings and heroes join the celebrations. A grand party is thrown to mark the beginning of the Great East Holy Nation, a moment of unity and joy for all who fought and sacrificed for this peace.
The festivities begin in earnest, with music and laughter filling the air. Long tables are laid out with food from both the South and North Nations, but it's the cuisine from the Holy Island that captures everyone's attention. The food is unlike anything the heroes have tasted before—rich flavors and spices that leave them amazed.
Zarek, standing quietly at the edge of the festivities, watches the celebration with a distant look in his eyes. Though he is still bound by his past, there is a sense of peace in seeing his people happy.
As the party continues, Eren and Rylan approach King Thalanor and King Ragnar with a request.
Eren: (earnestly) Your Majesties… we'd like Zarek to stay for a while. Just for tonight. Let him celebrate with his people before he's sent back to the South Nation.
Rylan nods in agreement, understanding the weight Zarek carries but believing in second chances.
Rylan: (calmly) He may not be forgiven yet, but he's one of us. He should be allowed to enjoy this moment.
The kings exchange a glance, and after a moment, they both nod.
King Thalanor: (softly) Very well. He may stay for a few hours. But after that, he will return to the South Nation's prison.
Eren and Rylan smile, grateful for the gesture. They walk over to Zarek, who looks surprised as they approach.
Eren: (grinning) You're staying with us tonight. No chains, no prison—just for a few hours.
Zarek blinks, caught off guard by their kindness. For the first time in a long while, a genuine smile tugs at his lips.
Zarek: (softly) I… didn't expect this. Thank you.
As they mingle with the crowd, the heroes ask Zarek about his childhood memories, hoping to hear more about the boy who once lived on the Holy Island. Zarek hesitates at first, but soon, he begins to share stories—moments from his past that remind him of simpler times.
The group laughs as Zarek tells a story about his childhood friend, Volkra, a boy he grew up with on the Holy Island. Zarek's face brightens as he talks about their mischief and adventures, but there's also a sadness in his eyes.
Zarek: (thoughtfully) Volkra… he was always there for me, even when I didn't deserve it.
Suddenly, Zarek's expression changes, and he looks around the crowd.
Zarek: (smiling) Speaking of Volkra, I think I see him.
Zarek waves to a tall young man with dark hair standing at the edge of the gathering. As Volkra approaches, his eyes narrow in a mix of anger and relief. Without warning, he punches Zarek square in the arm, hard enough to make him wince.
Volkra: (angrily) You idiot. Why do you always have to do everything alone?
Zarek rubs his arm, laughing softly despite the hit. He looks at Volkra, his voice sincere as he speaks.
Zarek: (apologetically) I'm sorry, Volkra. For everything. I didn't mean for it to turn out like this.
Volkra's expression softens, and after a moment, he pulls Zarek into a tight hug, his voice filled with emotion.
Volkra: (gruffly) Just don't do it again, alright?
The two childhood friends stand together, a moment of reconciliation passing between them. The heroes smile, happy to see Zarek finding some closure, even as his journey remains far from over.
Narrator: As the night wears on, Zarek introduces the heroes to the unique cuisine of the Holy Island. The rich flavors and textures surprise them, and the group laughs and enjoys the rest of the party, forgetting, if only for a moment, the burdens of the past.
As the festivities begin to wind down, Zarek is approached by Commander Elara and the guards, ready to escort him back to the South Nation. He turns to Eren, Rylan, Asher, Aria, and Volkra, a look of gratitude in his eyes.
Zarek: (quietly) Thank you… for letting me stay. I know I still have a lot to answer for, but this… this meant a lot.
Eren pats him on the shoulder, offering him a warm smile.
Eren: (softly) You're not alone anymore, Zarek. We'll figure it out—together.
With that, Zarek nods and is led away by the guards, heading back to his prison cell in the South Nation. Though his fate is still uncertain, tonight he was able to feel like a part of something again, even if just for a few hours.
Narrator: The chapter ends with peace settling over the Great East Holy Nation. The people of the Holy Island have found a new home, and the bonds between the nations are stronger than ever. Though Zarek remains in chains, he has taken a step toward redemption, and the heroes look to the future with hope in their hearts.
The final scene shows the newly built homes of the East Holy Nation, the streets filled with laughter and celebration as the people begin their new lives. In the distance, the castle where High Priest Helio will rule stands tall, a symbol of the unity and strength forged in the aftermath of war.