Sirens cut through the ruined streets of Virelia, sharp and urgent.
An armored ambulance skidded to a halt near the crater where Kaelen lay unconscious. Its doors burst open, and a small team rushed out—medics, hunters, and one circuit healer, already activating their ability.
"Vitals unstable but holding," one of them said quickly. "Move him—now."
The healer knelt and reached out.
Before their hand could touch Kaelen—
A calm, authoritative voice sliced through the air.
"Don't touch my disciple without my permission."
Every single person froze.
They turned.
Standing a few steps away was Tessandra Liones.
Her presence alone pressed down on the space around her—quiet, controlled, dangerous. Her coat fluttered lightly in the wind, eyes locked on the medics with a gaze that carried no hostility… but allowed none in return.
The healer swallowed.
"…Lady Liones."
Tessandra walked past them without another word, knelt beside Kaelen, and gently lifted him into her arms as if he weighed nothing.
Kaelen stirred faintly.
"…Teacher?" he murmured, eyes barely opening. "You arrived…"
Tessandra smiled—soft, proud, unmistakably relieved.
"You did well, Kaelen," she said quietly. "You're known as a hero now. It won't be easy from here on—but I believe in you."
Kaelen smiled weakly.
"Guess… I didn't embarrass you…"
His consciousness slipped again.
Tessandra held him closer.
"I'll take it from here," she said, and the tone brooked no argument.
The ambulance crew stepped back instinctively.
Tessandra's estate was quiet when she arrived, the wards recognizing her presence and opening seamlessly. She laid Kaelen on the bed prepared in advance—because some part of her had known.
She reached for a potion—
A portal opened behind her.
Golden light spilled into the room.
Alzwalt stepped through first, relaxed as ever, with Kaelven close behind him.
"Hold up," Alzwalt said casually. "Don't use the potion yet."
Tessandra turned, startled. "Alzwalt?"
He glanced at Kaelen, nodded once. "Lemme handle it."
He placed a hand over Kaelen's chest.
Light flowed—clean, refined, overwhelming yet gentle.
Kaelen's breathing steadied. The cracks in his aura sealed. His body relaxed completely.
Alzwalt stepped back.
"He's good," he said. "But he still needs rest. Let the kid sleep."
Tessandra exhaled, tension finally easing from her shoulders.
"…Thank you."
Alzwalt grinned. "Anytime."
Then he tilted his head slightly. "Oh, yeah. Almost forgot—John said he'll swing by later this evening."
Tessandra paused.
Just for a second.
Then her cheeks colored.
Alzwalt caught it instantly.
He smirked. "Ahhh. Love birds."
"What?" Tessandra snapped. "What did you say?"
He raised both hands. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I was just, uh—saying my goodbyes."
She narrowed her eyes.
Alzwalt laughed and turned toward the portal. "Kaelven, you're up."
Kaelven nodded. "I'll head back to Karveth. John's probably already annoyed at something."
They stepped through together.
Before leaving, Alzwalt glanced back one last time.
"Take care of him," he said softly.
Then he was gone.
The Eden Forest of Astria was bathed in moonlight.
Silver leaves shimmered above a still pool, stars reflected perfectly on its surface.
Britanya Washington sat beneath an ancient tree, teacup in hand, her breath misting faintly in the cool night air.
She smiled without turning.
"You're late," she said.
A familiar presence settled beside her.
"Yeah," Alzwalt replied, leaning back against the tree. "Guess I've been away too long."
She looked at him then—really looked—and her smile softened.
"Come sit with me," she said.
He did.
For a moment, neither spoke.
"I felt like I had to come back," Alzwalt said quietly. "Like something was pulling me here."
Britanya leaned her head against his chest. "Am I the only girl you say that to?"
He chuckled. "Most definitely."
She smiled. "Good. Keep it that way."
Then she leaned up and kissed him.
Alzwalt blinked. "…What was that for?"
"For coming back," she said simply.
He laughed, wrapped an arm around her, and pulled her close.
"Walk with me," he said.
They stood and began walking through the forest together—slow, unhurried—talking, laughing softly, learning each other in the quiet between words.
Above them, the night sky stretched endlessly.
And far away, a young hero slept—unaware of how many powerful beings were quietly watching over his path forward.
The era had truly begun.