The World's Ego (Book 2)

Goodbyes are not Forever

Third Person POV

Before they knew it, the time to return to their world had arrived. There were bags of souvenirs that they bought and some apparel or accessories they bought from intense shopping sessions. Valuable data and experiences were also noted down by Welt and Bronya for research purposes, which were looked through by Rimuru for approval.

"It's always hard to say goodbye once it's time, isn't it?" Rimuru sighed wistfully before breaking out into a bright grin, "I'm glad we were able to meet again though, Mei! I'm so happy to be able to meet the friends you talked about too! I had fun, even though we were only able to talk to each other at short intervals the past few days."

Mei nodded in agreement, "It's nice to meet everyone again too. I was also glad to be able to introduce you to the others too."

"It was nice to be able to talk to our pioneers from another era as well." Welt added, "It was because of you guys that our world could move forward into a bright future."

"Oh, you don't have to exaggerate the details." Eden giggled lightly, "We simply made sure you guys had stepping stones to take the right steps."

"I'm glad those efforts weren't in vain either." Mobius sighed with a shake of her head, "If it was, then I would have been sorely disappointed."

"You don't have to be so mean, Mobius! Just be honest and say that you are grateful for their efforts too!" Vill-V laughed it off, "And to you guys, good luck once you get back home, okay? I know that there are still many things to be done, but make sure to relax every once in awhile too!"

"You too." Aponia said, turning to the adult Griseo, "What you're doing in New Qiming is a huge restoration of the world, it's not a simple thing you can achieve in a few years."

"I know." Griseo nodded in understanding, "It's okay, I have help from many people, so it will be fine."

Aponia smiled slightly, "... I see. That's good."

"As long as you don't push yourself, then that's fine." Kosma agreed

The younger Griseo approached her adult self, handing her a small canvas, "This... It's for everyone there."

The older Griseo took the canvas gratefully from her younger self, it felt weird, but at the same time, it was like she was looking at the past she once had, "... Thank you. We'll treasure it."

"Hey, is it really impossible for me to stay?" Vita prodded at Feiyun, "Even for a few more months?"

"Absolutely not." Feiyun rebuked, "You should really work on your other friendships rather than caring about this one."

"Aw!"

Senti grumbled, "You know, I don't think anyone would mind if you took her out of our hands."

"Senti..." Fu Hua chided her mildly, "... We can't leave Vita here. You know how she is. Leaving her here will only make them busier."

"Indeed." Sakura nodded along, "... You guys have it hard with someone like her, huh?"

"We have no other choice, do we?" Kira shrugged her shoulders, "If we don't keep an eye on her, then who knows what she might do."

Vita sighed wistfully, "I'm hurt. No one trusts me."

"It's because of your unending curiosity, and sometimes, insensitivity." Iris narrowed her eyes at Vita, "You may have helped us before, but this is as far as we have returned the favor already."

Misteln chuckled, "I'm happy to see that living here has given you some positive impact, Iris. I hope we will get to speak to each other like this again one day."