As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded, Ariella rushed forward, enveloping Rein and Lanz in a tight embrace. "I'm so glad you two are alright," she breathed, relief washing over her.
Rein stepped back, his eyes scanning the group. "Jay?" he asked, the worry palpable in his voice.
Marielle's expression darkened. "He's gone," she replied softly, her words hanging heavily in the air. Rein nodded solemnly, processing the loss. His gaze shifted to Marco, who was supporting Dian, still breathing but weak.
Dian managed a faint smile, meeting Rein's eyes. "You kept your promise to me," he said, his voice a mere whisper.
Rein returned the smile, though it was laced with regret. "I'm sorry," he replied, understanding the weight of the promise he had made.
Together, the group descended from the heights of their recent struggles, their feet guiding them toward the beach. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore offered a soothing backdrop as they reached the water's edge, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
Rein turned to the others, determination in his eyes. "I will fix everything," he declared. He handed Ariella the power of The Freedom Phoenix. "Only the three Children of Cefron can use The Supreme to its good use."
In a synchronized motion, Lanz, Ariella, and Rein joined hands, channeling their energies together. As they activated The Supreme, a radiant light enveloped the city, restoring it to its former glory. The Force Phoenix infused the citizens with joyful memories, laughter echoing where despair had once reigned. Simultaneously, The Dark Phoenix absorbed the shadows of their past, purging the lingering sorrow that had tainted their lives.
Brick by brick, the destroyed buildings transformed back to their original states, vibrant and alive. Once they completed their monumental task, Rein looked back at his friends. "We have to let go of the Power of The Phoenix. Seal it, and never take it again."
In a final act of unity, they sealed The Phoenix, the energy shimmering one last time before fading into the ether. At that moment, the weight of their past battles lifted, granting everyone the freedom to move forward.
Lanz turned to Janne, a hopeful glimmer in his eyes. "Ready to start a new life here? In this city?"
Janne's face lit up with a smile. "Of course! I'll go anywhere with you," she replied, her enthusiasm contagious.
Marco approached Marielle, a hint of urgency in his voice. "Go."
Marielle's smile softened as she looked up at him. "Thank you. You will always be my best friend," she said, pulling him into a heartfelt hug, one that promised unbreakable bonds.
As the embrace ended, Marielle moved toward Yuri, intertwining her fingers with his. He looked down, his cheeks warming as he met her gaze. They leaned in, their lips brushing against each other in a tender kiss, a culmination of feelings long held back.
Five years later, life had transformed for each of them. Lanz and Janne were now parents, their son named Janz—a symbol of hope and a fresh start. Yuri and Marielle welcomed a daughter, naming her Nharrie, a tribute to their fallen friend Nhar, whose spirit lived on in their hearts.
Marco, Rein, and Ariella had forged new paths, each embracing their own journeys while remaining connected through the memories of their shared trials and triumphs. Together, they had found their happy endings, woven from the threads of love, friendship, and resilience, proving that even in the face of betrayal and loss, hope could always rise anew.
YOU ARE READING
The Swordsman 4: The Final Book (Pt.1-2)
FantasyAs they ventured deeper into this new world, a sense of foreboding loomed over them. The Dark Phoenix awaited, and they would have to confront not just him, but the darkness within themselves to save their past and secure their future. Their journey...
