Formidable warrior Gema stood poised, his green eyes fixed on Bota's colossal figure. With a burst of speed, he launched towards the giant's fist, unsheathing his kris. The blade crackled with a menacing aura of lightning, promising a storm of retribution.
Miniature golems, spawned from the giant's fist, swarmed towards him, but they were met with a wall of crackling energy. Each golem that dared to approach Gema disintegrated into dust, consumed by the aura surrounding him.
With a defiant roar, Gema soared toward Bota's head, his body crackling with lightning. He plunged his kris into Bota's skull with thunderous force, cleaving the monstrous entity in two.
The impact sparked a chain reaction, and the lightning, now a raging torrent within Bota's divided form, erupted, the continuous explosion reducing the creature to nothingness.
With Bota's demise, the fierce battle in Avalon had finally ended, leaving behind a landscape of ruin.
Back at the junction, a heavy silence descended upon the people of Avalon. Grief and anger etched deep lines on their faces as they cast accusing glances at Arthur and his knights. Families mourned lost loved ones, their homes reduced to rubble by the devastating aftermath of the battle.
Purnama, Suria, and Palademes had just arrived, bewildered by the charged atmosphere and the crowd's growing unrest.
Arthur's gaze fell on Palademes, his last surviving knight. With a sigh, he stepped into the heart of the junction and signaled for his remaining knights to join him—a battered but unbowed few.
Arthur raised a hand for silence, his voice firm yet weary. A hush fell over the crowd as all eyes turned towards him.
"Hear me, good people of Avalon," he began, his voice resonating with a quiet authority.
"Thy anger is known to me, and I mourn with thee. This war has brought untold suffering upon your fair land. A wise soul within Avalon, hidden from sight, wrought these armors. From thenceforth, we were held as foes of the Darkseed."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the onlookers.
"Though we were believed to have perished, we have risen from the depths. For Avalon, we have returned. May each soul find freedom to guard this realm, and may others join your side without fear."
Arthur stepped closer, his voice rising with conviction.
"We embarked as thirteen, a brotherhood bound by destiny. Now, but seven remain. We have endured loss, treachery, and a crucible of trials. But to know that our kin, those we swore to protect, now dwell in fear, uncertain of our purpose—this wound can never be healed."
In one swift, reverent motion, he unsheathed Excalibur, the legendary blade gleaming even amid the rubble. With a solemn gaze, he extended the sword toward Purnama.
"This day, I entrust Excalibur unto thee—a symbol of Avalon's strength and the indomitable spirit that doth unite us. Let it serve as a beacon, a reminder that Avalon shall forever stand with those who strive for its freedom."
Arthur's voice resonated with a king's authority, echoing through Avalon's remnants.
"With the valorous aid of the Celestrias, we have wrested this land from the grasp of darkness! The hour is upon thee, people of Avalon, to rise and awaken the bridge, to herald a new dawn for this realm, a dawn of unity and hope, offering solace to all who seek its embrace!"
Arthur's knights knelt in unwavering loyalty, forming a sacred circle around him. In a show of solidarity, every knight—except Arthur—drew their swords and plunged them into the earth, a testament to their commitment and honor.
Arthur turned his fierce gaze toward the Celestial Twins, his eyes glinting with gratitude and determination.
"You have fought valiantly by our side. I beseech thee, entreat Gema to guard Excalibur with the very essence of his soul. It is not merely a weapon but a legacy of our hope."
With a voice that surged like a tempest, he recited an ancient incantation. Thirteen brilliant auras, vibrant and full of life, spiraled upward, enveloping the knights in a kaleidoscope of power. Their combined energies coalesced into a radiant white orb, shimmering with promise.
Arthur inclined his head in a brief bow, a gesture of thanks and farewell to his loyal knights.
The cursed soul that had filled their armor was no more, leaving only vacant shells scattered on the ground.
The magical orb ascended, soaring towards Avalon like a symbol of hope, a testament to the indomitable spirit that united them.
As it glided past Gema, who strode towards the junction, the orb erupted in a breathtaking light display, illuminating the city in magical view.
Through the mystic artistry of Merlin, the orb unleashed its power, mending the broken structures, healing the wounded, and resurrecting those who had fallen, casting a brilliant glow over Avalon.
As Gema reached the junction, his heart soared at the sight of Purnama and Suria. He turned to the people of Avalon, ready to deliver a message filled with the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
"People of Avalon, Arthur is not just a great king; he is the savior of this land," Gema declared, his voice rising above the emotional swell of the crowd.
"Not only has the city been restored, but those who lost their lives in battle have been granted a second chance. They await you in Avalon. Remember this: Arthur and his knights live in your hearts, their souls forever intertwined with yours."
As Gema spoke, tears began to flow among the residents, the weight of their grief mingling with the hope rekindled in their hearts. Together, they began to walk back toward Avalon, carrying the swords and armor on the ground as they set about creating a memorial statue to honor King Arthur and his noble knights.
The Celestial Twins exchanged smiles, touched by their friend's heartfelt words.
"That's the Gema we know, right, Purnama?" Suria said, her eyes glistening with pride as she nudged her brother.
Purnama nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face as he passed Excalibur to Gema, along with Arthur's message.
"It's time for them to rebuild their land. This is where our paths diverge. Thanks for your help, Purnama and Suria. Let's get together for dinner in Aurea soon; I'll fill you in on everything then."
Gema offered a brief but heartfelt thanks to his friends, then crushed the Dykin seed. The shimmering portal materialized, and he stepped through it, vanishing from sight.
"That shorty's always in such a hurry," Suria said, shaking her head. "I didn't even get to ask about those Dykin seeds."
Purnama chuckled softly and patted his sister's head.
"It's okay, Suria. I have something even better than Dykin seeds for you." He reached into his cloth bag and pulled out a beautifully crafted kris.
"Here you go—the Gerhana Kris," Purnama said, handing the weapon to Suria.
"WAAA! My kris!" Suria exclaimed, her eyes wide with joy. "I'm so sorry! I'll take good care of you from now on!" She hugged the kris tightly, planting kisses on its hilt.
"Let's go, Suria. Looking at your condition, I think we need Zirko's help to cross the river," Purnama added.
"Yeah, great idea, Purnama! I might faint if I summon Garuda right now," Suria agreed, her expression brightening.
With that, they left Avalon Island, riding on Zirko's back as he formed an icy path beneath them. Together, they continued their journey to Tambora.