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“Do you really have to go, Granny?” Nami sniffled.

“Yes, Dear. That battle was my trial for the Copper Valley, and I passed it. I can now move on to the next tier. I won’t be another Galerus, lurking in a small pond. Besides, there is someone I really must find. If I am going to do so, I will have to get much, much stronger.”

“You’ll do it, Granny,” Burt declared, standing at her side. “I know you will.”

The five of them, six if you counted Wik’s new shaggy companion, were on the far edge of the camp. The kingdom soldiers were mostly around the tower, freeing the hostage children from the cages they had been locked into. The only close agent of the king was Uncle Rom, sitting astride his horse, a respectful distance away to give the small group space to say their goodbyes.

“Well, you will have your own trials someday, but until then, you will take care of each other and little Wik here.”

“I Wiki. I take care them, too, Granny.”

“I’m sure you will, Dear.” Turning to Atti, she asked. “Do you know what is in store for you all now?”

“Uncle Rom is certain we will be named wards of the king. Even Wiki. We’ll be fine and well provided for. Best of all, I’ll have access to the Grand University,” he added with an excited tone.

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“I have no doubt you will do great things, my bright young boy. You all will.”

Betty spread her arms and received a pile of warm bodies against her. A long, wet kiss flicked across her cheek from the wolf, leaving a tad more saliva than she would have liked, but at that moment, she didn’t care at all. Squeezing their small bodies tight to her one last time, Betty considered staying again for the fiftieth time, but she did not want to fall into the trap Galerus had. It would be too easy to stay.

If she moved on, she would face danger again. Yet, if she learned and grew, she would ascend again and someday, hopefully soon, reach Morty in whatever heaven he was living in.

With a final hug, she withdrew from their embraces. The notification was still there, waiting for her.

You have passed your first Trail of Transcendence. Do you wish to leave the Copper Valley and ascend to the Bronze Hills? This decision cannot be undone

Betty consented, and suddenly, light blossomed around her. The illumination formed into a bright glowing tunnel that, for once, did not hurt her new eyes. She looked back one more time. Burt was hugging his little sister to his side. Atti stared at her and the configuration of luminance, capturing both in that exceptional mind of his. Wiki crouched beside her feral new friend, idolization beaming from her huge, pointy smile.

She would miss them dearly. Even though they had only known each other for a brief span, Betty knew she would always remember these fine young children.

Turning back to the passage, Betty stepped onto the scintillating path and vanished from the Copper Hill.

“Gods-speed, Granny Gob,” Atti whispered to fading light.