The valley was bathed in warmth and light as the sun climbed up. Shadows retreated into the earth. Aiden, Lyra, and Caelum stood together, their bodies weary but their spirits triumphant as they caught their breath.
"It's over," Lyra murmured, her voice full of wonder.
Caelum nodded, a faint smile on his face. "The Shadow King's hold has been broken. Eldoria is free.".
Aiden looked down at the Guardian's Blade, where the light had now dimmed and softened as if to match the rest, also being at peace. Feeling grateful, connected with previous guardians, he could perceive the spirits watching over him as he went through life to guide him.
Together they headed back into the valley, for in their hearts was known victory over darkness.
Word of Shadow King's defeat spread around for days after. Hero-worship of Aiden and his friends was rampant. Eldoria flourished under that newfound peace, living free and unafraid, as if the dark cloud of their lives was nothing but a distant nightmare.
Aiden came home to a hero's welcome: open arms, family and friends in great celebration of bravery. Yet, he knew his journey was far from being over. The Gentle pulsation of the Blade reminded him that no matter what, there would always be another threat, another new challenge waiting to be faced by the Guardian.
Then, he crossed Eldoria to his continued journey because the Guardian chose him for protection-who would fight for the light, knowing all times darkness was waiting for the arrival of his blade. Then, with Lyra and Caelum keeping close guard by his side, nothing scared Aiden ever again to keep stopping, as his heart overfull of courage is all in him, guiding everything for him and not yielding under even the unflinching light of the Blade itself.
The legend of Aiden, the chosen of the Guardian, lived on for generations, giving hope to those attacked by the darkness.