"What happened?" Kei inquired, concern etched on his face as I struggled to catch my breath.
Exhausted and drained of all energy, I had pushed myself to the limit. Failing to save both compounds 004 and 007, I rushed back to compound 003, relieved to find out we had emerged victorious there. With my last ounce of strength, I returned to my home, Compound 009, where I could finally take a moment to calm down and assess the outcome of the battles.
Yet, as I took that moment of respite, the consequences of my exertions hit me like a tidal wave. The pain, backlash, and overwhelming fatigue from overusing my powers assaulted my body, causing sharp pains to radiate throughout.
Kei, Celina, and Chandler rushed to my side, followed closely by Davy and Cliff, all of them bearing wounds of their own. They provided me with medicinal aid, allowing me to recover a sliver of my energy, enough to engage in conversation.
"Don’t tell me you lost." Kei implored, his voice tinged with despair.
I hesitated before beginning my account, taking deep breaths in between each recollection. I recounted the arduous battle with the Keeper of Time alongside Kabir, my encounter with the caretaker and his ominous warning, and, finally, my inability to save the fragment of Compound 007 from the portal’s clutches.
"So, compounds 004 and 007 have collapsed," Chandler remarked gravely after I finished my report, his expression sombre.
"Don’t fret, Wallace. The collapse and death of a limbo are not immediate processes. When previous compounds fell, it took a month for them to disintegrate completely, much like how a corpse slowly rots away," Celina reassured.
Kei’s hope seemed to rekindle as he asked, "Does this mean all the Venturers will be able to leave?"
"Yes. H.A.D.E.S. has established protocols for such scenarios. A team of Paladins will enter Limbo and evacuate all trapped Venturers. Moreover, H.A.D.E.S. is probably already aware of the impending invasion and prepared for this situation," Chandler answered on behalf of Celina.
In retrospect, I recall Gary Hall saying something similar about evacuation when we met after the demise of Baek Hyun.
"Nevertheless, we also managed to inflict a permanent wound on the Void Order. Thanks to you, Wallace. All of the compounds would have perished today if it were not for you. Overall, we succeeded in eliminating a Voidkeeper and three Voidshades at once. Even though you couldn’t retrieve the 7th fragment, you managed to kill a Voidshade, thinning their forces further," Celina stated calmly.
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After she finished speaking, a moment of silence hung between Kei and me, as if our gazes alone were enough to communicate something that could affect our friendship.
"Wallace, you knew that I was going to get a choice to become a Herald, didn’t you?" Kei asked, his voice devoid of emotion.
He was right. Nebeus had intended for Kei to become the next Ninth Herald. I had kept this information hidden from him, not wanting to hinder his self-training. Moreover, becoming a Herald was a significant commitment, tying the user to the limbo. However, there was a purpose behind letting him gain this authority.
"I didn’t tell you because I thought it might impede your growth. My plan was to reveal it after this battle was over, but I had no idea you would be forced into a situation where saying yes was the only option for survival," I explained.
"I sense another motive in your words," Kei replied, perceptive as ever.
"You’re right. The authority of a hare is necessary, along with the spherical artefact, to reveal the secret of the 48th realm." I explained.
"What secret?" Kei inquired.
"You’ll find out soon. Besides, it’ll all be over soon, so don’t worry about not being able to return to Earth," I reassured him.
"What do you mean?" Kei asked, still puzzled by my cryptic words.
"Just make sure not to remove the black watch I gave you," I urged, rising to my feet and feeling a small surge of energy return during our conversation.
"Where are you going? You still need rest," Celina interjected.
"I need to meet Gary Hall to discuss the next course of action." With those parting words, I vanished like a ripple, ready to proceed with my plans.
***
As I strolled along the lakefront streets upon my return to Earth, I couldn’t help but notice how vastly different everything seemed now. In the past, this place used to be bustling with venturers and students from all corners of the world, giving it a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
However, this time, the once lively streets were eerily empty, with only a handful of people in sight, most of them security guards. Mistaking me for a Venturer, they allowed me to pass, and I continued my walk through the desolate streets.
The lifeless aura and empty streets were a direct consequence of Baek Hyun’s death two years ago. With no one to protect this place, most of the Venturers had retired and moved on.
It didn’t take me long to spot Gary’s burly figure heading towards a nearby jet. He was accompanied by his niece, Cheryl, and they seemed to be on the verge of departure. Reacting instinctively, I rushed forward. Though my powers were ineffective here, I had grown significantly stronger since my last visit, and my inherent Zen state allowed me to run at three times the speed of an average human.
The moment Gary and Cheryl noticed my approach, a profound change took over Gary’s demeanor. His intimidating presence softened, and his eyes welled up with tears. Without a moment’s hesitation, he hurriedly made his way towards me, as if drawn by an invisible force.
For an instant, I believed he would pull me into a warm, comforting embrace. But to my surprise, instead of a hug, Gary’s emotions manifested in an unexpected way—he gave me a solid, affectionate blow to the head. The impact stung, but I understood that it was his unique way of showing concern and affection.
"Where have you been, you problem child? he exclaimed, his voice a mix of worry, relief, and affection. Despite his teary eyes, he attempted to maintain a sense of composure.