"Well... now that this is over, let's go back to the village! Let's solve the curse on the villagers!" Kira announced energetically, clapping his hands as if the chaos they had just endured was a minor inconvenience.
With Deliora's story concluded, it was time to focus on the lingering issue affecting the villagers. Gray and the others, however, were still unsure.
"But what should we do? The changes in them are due to the influence of the Moon Drop, right?" Gray asked, looking toward Leon, hoping for some insight.
"I don't know!" Leon snapped, turning his head. "We've never interacted with those villagers directly, and their claims are full of misunderstandings. Don't forget, we were also under the Moon Drop's influence..."
Kira interrupted with a knowing smile. "I understand everything. No need to explain! Let's go!"
As the group turned to leave, Kira noticed that Urrutia had quietly disappeared. Not surprising. She had her own agendas to deal with.
Before departing, Gray hesitated, then turned back to Leon. "You... should think about joining a guild. You'll grow stronger, and... having companions is something worth cherishing."
Kira's voice chimed in from the distance. "Yes, yes! And if you can't surpass Uru, you can try to surpass me!"
Leon was speechless.
As Kira and his group moved out of sight, the remnants of Deliora melted into the sea, and Leon stood staring at the waves.
"After working for ten years, now everything has come to a halt. What should I do next? Where should I go?" he murmured.
He clenched his fists, then glanced at the sky as a fleeting voice echoed in his heart:
"Seeing Gray's growth, I'm sure you'll feel relieved, right, Uru?"
Leon froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Uru?"
He spun around, but there was no one there. Silence. Perhaps it was just his imagination, or maybe... Uru really was watching.
After a long pause, Leon smiled faintly. "Companions... a guild, huh?"
On the journey back, Rocky couldn't contain his curiosity. "So, Kira, have you figured out why the villagers were affected by the Moon Drop?"
"Of course," Kira replied confidently. "The Moon Drop emitted a gas that formed a purple film over Karna Island, affecting the villagers' memories. Break the film, and they'll return to normal."
The three companions craned their necks to look at the sky. "But... it's so high up! We can't even tell where it begins or ends!"
Kira chuckled smugly. "Hehehe. This is when you rely on my magic weapon! Let me tell you, this weapon is powerful—not just strong but with an incredible range. I can break it with just one shot!"
As they entered the village, the curious villagers swarmed around them.
"Master Wizard, when will you destroy the moon and lift the curse?"
Gray and the others wanted to explain, but Kira cut them off.
"Right now!" he declared. "Remember, villagers often cling to their superstitions. They won't believe the real explanation. That's why, as professional wizards, we determine the best course of action to achieve the desired result. Don't let ignorance or paranoia cloud your judgment!"
Gray, Rocky, and Cana nodded, though they still seemed a bit puzzled.
The villagers, unaware of the nuances, cheered enthusiastically. "Thank you, Master Wizard! But how will you do it?"
Kira reassured them with a confident smile. "Leave it to me!"
Looking up at the purple film in the sky, Kira turned to Cana. "Didn't I promise to show you the power of those special cards? Pay attention now!"
Cana's curiosity was piqued, as was everyone else's.
Kira walked toward an open space, pulling out a shining card from his pocket. Holding it dramatically, he struck a pose and declared, "Prepare yourselves. This is an attack that will shatter the sky!"
The villagers gasped. "Ohhh!"
Rocky and Cana stared intently at the card in Kira's hand, anticipation building.
But then...
Silence.
Everyone stood frozen, watching Kira, who was still holding the card and looking skyward. Seconds ticked by. Then a full minute.
"What are you doing?!" the three companions yelled in unison.
Kira's eyes narrowed. "Wait for it. Here it comes!"
"Um?"
More silence.
"If you're going to do it, hurry up!"
"I can't take this anymore!"
The villagers, ever patient, stopped the agitated companions. "Please, let the master focus! Destroying the moon requires precision!"
Finally, Kira shouted, "It's decided!"
"Go! Moon-Shattering Cannon!"
He threw the card with a dramatic flourish, and it streaked into the sky like an arrow.
"So you were thinking of the name this whole time?!" everyone yelled.
The card lit up midair, emitting an intense white glow. Energy surged wildly, whipping up a windstorm that sent sand and stones flying. The villagers clutched each other as the ground trembled beneath them.
"That... that's incredible!" Cana whispered, her hair blowing in the gale.
With a deafening roar, the card exploded against the purple film, tearing it apart in a dazzling display of light and sound.
Pieces of the film dissolved into the air, revealing a pristine night sky. The purple hue that had enveloped the island vanished entirely.
"It's... it's gone!" a villager exclaimed, falling to his knees in awe.
Kira dusted off his hands, turning back to the stunned group. "See? Easy. Just leave everything to me."
The villagers erupted into cheers, crowding around Kira to express their gratitude.
"You truly are a master wizard!"
"Thank you for lifting our curse!"
Amid the celebration, Kira leaned toward Cana with a smirk. "Now do you see? Those cards are worth every jewel."
Cana rolled her eyes. "I'll admit, they're powerful, but you still don't deserve to charge that much."
"Talent has its price!"
Rocky sighed. "Why does everything with you always lead back to sales?"
As the joyous villagers celebrated, the group finally relaxed, knowing their mission was complete.
The sky above was clear, the curse was lifted, and somewhere in the distance, the quiet waves of the ocean lapped against the shores of Karna Island.
Their job was done. But the bonds they had forged and the lessons they had learned would linger far longer.
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