The day had come. The air was thick with anticipation as the momentous conference drew near. Alissa was pacing nervously, her usual calm demeanor shaken by the magnitude of what lay ahead. The weight of her responsibility bore down on her more heavily than ever, the guilt of losing her comrades gnawing at her. Every step felt heavier than the last, each one a reminder of the lives lost and the burden she now carried.
Seraphina, ever composed, was quietly preparing herself for whatever might unfold. She knew the importance of the coming meeting, but even she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that hung in the air. The Elemental Continent was a place of immense power and pride, and the parents of Iblis, Marina, and Corrine were not the kind of people who would easily forgive. Seraphina took a deep breath, mentally steeling herself.
Xue, meanwhile, was giving final instructions to the mages who would ensure the teleportation go as smoothly as possible. He was calm, but there was an edge to his movements, a quiet tension that spoke volumes. His hands gripped his sword tightly, a comforting reminder of the weight he had long carried. Every word, every action, was calculated and deliberate—his usual cold resolve now tinged with something softer, a deep sorrow that threatened to rise to the surface.
"Everything is prepared," Xue said quietly, his voice steady but with an undercurrent of grief. "I'll handle the mages' coordination. You both—" He nodded toward Alissa and Seraphina. "—make sure the coffins are secure. They need to be in perfect condition."
Alissa nodded without saying a word, the reality of the task weighing heavily on her. She used her Air magic to gently lift the coffins, the delicate weight of them reminding her of the lives lost. With great care, she guided them toward the teleportation circle, the ground beneath her feet feeling like a distant echo.
Seraphina followed, her eyes lingering on the coffins, her mind already bracing for the confrontation that awaited them. The elemental guardians would demand answers, and they might not be kind in their questioning. But Seraphina knew one thing above all else: she would stand by Xue, no matter what.
As they approached the teleportation circle, ready to activate the magic that would take them to the Elemental Continent, they turned to call out to Xue. But what they saw made their hearts tighten.
Xue was standing alone, his gaze turned upward, his expression unreadable. His crimson eyes, usually filled with sharp intensity, were dulled now—haunted by the burden of the promises he had failed to keep. He was silent for a long moment, his head slightly tilted as if searching for something in the sky, perhaps even in himself.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible, as though the apology was as much to himself as it was to the spirits of his fallen friends.
Then, as if accepting the weight of his sorrow, he straightened and walked toward the circle. His footsteps were heavy with resolve. Without a word, he entered the circle, his presence commanding the attention of all who had gathered.
He turned to the mage at the circle's edge and gave a simple nod. "Begin the magic."
With a flick of the mage's hand, the teleportation circle shimmered, the air thickening with the energy of the spell. The moment had arrived. There was no turning back now.
The trio stood together, the journey ahead uncertain, but the need for closure stronger than ever. And as the magic began to take hold, Xue's resolve solidified. No matter what lay ahead—anger, grief, or accusations—they would face it together. The time for apologies was over. Now, it was time for them to honor the sacrifices of those they had failed to protect.