In the vast field…
the faint echoes of crying still lingered in the air.
Birds flew peacefully across the open sky,
while warm winds passed gently through the grass.
Medusa held Sota in his arms,
slowly stroking his head.
No one knows the pain this child has gone through…
he thought.
And I won't force him…
He took a quiet breath.
A warm gust brushed against his face as he closed his eyes,
getting lost in his own thoughts.
How pathetic…
He sees me as his hope…
but I'm going to use him like a weapon…
The thought weighed heavily on him.
His grip around Sota tightened slightly.
Sota's warm body made Medusa pause—
as if even his cold soul was being warmed.
Sota slowly opened his eyes.
He wiped the tears gathered at the corners…
…and a small smile appeared on his face.
The heaviness in his heart felt gone.
The person he once feared…
was now becoming the reason he wanted to live.
A gentle fragrance filled the warm air.
Their hair moved softly with the wind.
Their eyes met.
Medusa's face remained emotionless…
but Sota smiled brightly.
Medusa turned his gaze away,
lifting his sword slightly as he fell into deep thought.
How will I make him follow me…?
Before he could think further—
Sota spoke with a smile,
"So… where are we going now?"
Medusa looked at him.
…Looks like I didn't need to do anything at all,
he thought silently.
Pointing his sword toward the east, he said—
"Nemulois City."
Sota's eyes lit up instantly.
"R-really…?"
Medusa gently placed his hand on Sota's head.
A soft wind passed between them.
"Yes."
Sota stepped closer, excitement in his voice—
"When are we going?"
Medusa looked toward the sky and replied,
"Today."
Sota's eyes sparkled.
"Today…?"
Medusa held his hand and said again,
"Yes."
And together…
they began to walk forward.
"This is the beginning…
of a new era…
and a new peace."