85 Last Chapter - Epilogue - Time Stamps

December, K432

I turned 25. The birthday was dull and nothing much happened. Shizuka is a bit better, but still in coma. 

Kids are doing fairly well. Xavier, Elijah and Luna would turn 9 in a few months. 

Luna is progressing fairly well. She is advanced ranked in all schools of magic and sword. Elijah has hit saint rank in fire magic. 

Xavier plays chess with me. On the outer side, he is advanced rank in Sword God Style. That is it. Of course, there is a lot more that there is to it, but he and I have decided to stay silent. 

"A little father-son secret"

That's what Xavier called it. 

Lara is doing fairly well. She would turn 8 soon. She doesn't want to compete with her siblings and maintains a healthy distance from divulging in any sorts of competition. 

My youngest daughter, Ruby would turn 6 next month. She's a studious one. According to Ariel, she spends most of her time in libraries, reading every kind of book. She was fastest one to learn reading amongst her siblings as well. 

January, K433

Shizuka woke up from her coma. She is a bit scrawny, but she is alive. Luna and Elijah were over the moon. Xavier cried a little as well. Secretly. That boy has a soft side to him. 

19 January, K433

I stood by the balcony and summoned someone who ALMOST never disappointed me. 

When he arrived, I asked him just one thing. 

"Is it true?" 

He replied with a no. A quick one. 

I beat him up. A little. Well, it was just a jab to the gut and nothing more. 

He stood up and stayed silent. 

And after a while he replied with a yes. He apologised. 

I wasn't mad. It didn't anger me. I just wanted to hear the truth from himself. 

I took his sword and planted it into the ground. 

"Take the sword out when you have her consent." 

2 February, K433

Aisha got married to Adam. They had a relationship for quite some while now. Nothing that I could do about it. Everyone had the choice to live their life, as they seemed fit. 

At least my family had that luxuary. And I wasn't going to take it away from them. 

Norn is still single. I wonder if I took away her the only destined one for her. 

March, K433

The first trio turned 9. We didn't do a big party. Since a bigger party would be appointed when they turn 10 anyways. Everyone received gifts. And the spherical objects I had gifted them 8 years ago in Chapter 11, hatched. 

Xavier and Elijah got red dragon babies. Meanwhile, since it was her luck, when all those years ago Perguis had attacked my house while I was in Begaritt, retrieving something, as luck would have it, Luna's egg hatched a baby hydra. 

She almost killed it because of how scared she was off him. Guess the tough looking one is afraid of something in the world. 

August, K433

A kind of good news and a kind of bad news. 

I am getting worse. 

Good news, kind of, Roxy is pregnant. 

September, K433

Lara turned 8. She was really happy with the gift I gave her. Even though it was a simple thing. 

She even made me a crown made of flowers. 

I think I will wear it until it withers. It is cute. And admirable. Shes quite sweet. 

15 September, K433

It looks like Luna can't train with Xavier and Elijah anymore, without inflicting life threatening cuts on them and breaking their bones. 

October, K433

Ruby turned 6. She didn't come to the house. I had to go there. This time Xavier, Elijah, Luna and Lara came with me as well. Elijah, Luna and Lara met each other for the first time. The timid girl eventually became everyone's favourite. 

Even Luna. Who never showed any liking towards any sibling. 

November, K433

I think I am getting old...

December, K433

It was Christmas again. I was dressed as a cat by my children. 

I had fun. And I... hmmmm. I actually enjoyed it. 

MARCH, K434

The trio siblings turned 10. We hosted a huge banquet for them. For the first time in 10 years, the barrier shielding our houses were let down to have people come in. It was time to release the caged ones into the wild. 

As the banquet reached the crescendo, I announced it. They knew about it already. But I wanted to let everyone know. 

Xavier, Elijah and Luna would leave the house and not return for the next 3-4 years. Experiencing the world through the window was never going to help them. 

And once word came out, people made preparations already. Some to get my and Rudeus' favour through our children. Some to use them against us. 

Oh, I didn't mention. Rudeus' sons, Ars and Sieghart are also going on the same journeys. Rudeus surprisingly agreed to this. 

And hence, when the birthday came to an end; Xavier, Elijah and Luna left to different places, bidding goodbyes to their mothers. Well not Xavier. And once Ariel knew about it, she just smiled, saying her son had grown enough to leave the nest. 

Xavier went into the King Dragon Realm. 

Elijah and Ars into the North. 

Luna and Sieg both went to the demon kingdom. 

Xavier was received by Kalman the second, as a guardian, sent my Ariel. 

Elijah and Ars did not get anyone, since Elijah managed to lose track of the guardian who was supposed to follow him. 

Luna and Sieg were received by North God Kalman the third and Sword God Jino Brittz. 

Kalman the third was alive and was submitted into obedience once I had defeated him. 

May, K438

I am now 31 years old. Feel good to be in thirties. 

I received a letter from Kalman the third. Luna landed solid 10 hits on him and 5 on Jino. Sieg was also keeping up with her. However, Jino wrote that Sieg was acting weird around her. 

They're already that age, huh? 

Time sure flies. 

Aren't they cousins though? 

June, K440

It has been well above 4 years. 6 years and 3 months. 

The siblings were finally returning. However, they decided to meet in Asura before coming to the main house. 

"I tried my best, but it wasn't enough." Luna groaned. 

"Hey, sword emperor at 16 is massive. Dad was emperor at 16 as well." Elijah consoled. 

"He killed 4 God classes at 16." Luna countered. 

"Well, you are not him. It is like comparing two opposite things. Logically and realistically, you, me or any seven of us will never be him."

"Seven? We are seven now?" Luna asked, eyes wide. 

"Luna what the----" Elijah almost cursed, an unbelieving look in her eyes. 

"She'd know if she spared a little time from her lover boy." Xavier mocked. 

"He is not my lover." Luna spoke with a deadpan look. 

"Sure. He is literally drooling when you aren't looking." Xavier replied. 

"Must be uncle's genes." Elijah scoffed. 

"Not wrong there." Xavier cracked a smile before picking up a glass of wine. 

"You'll drink?" Luna asked. 

"Dad never prohibited it. See, this is your problem, you try too hard to be exactly like him. That is why you never got the attention you so craved for." Xavier spat. 

Her aura expanded but she suppressed it. Gently standing up, she walked out of the pub as the scared people, who were well aware of who the three were stepped to the side. 

The devil spawns of Greyrats. 

That was what they had gained their names in. 

"That was harsh, don't you think?" Elijah asked, looking back Luna who flew away. 

"She is still like a child. On the inside. One day or the other, she had to learn it." 

July, 440

Today Julian's children returned. Not only the three, but those who had left after them also returned. 

First one to arrive was Xavier. Now a royal advisor to the king. Also, someone who manipulated the current king and former prince to kill his own father. 

Following closely was Elijah Greyrat, a King Class Fire mage. 

With her head covered in cape, holding Xavier's sleeve was his little sister, Ruby Greyrat. While she was a Saint Class in magic, she was actually now just rewriting "Travelling the World" but an updated version of it. 

The last one to return, riding the hydra that dwarfed Xavier and Elijah's dragons was Luna. 

A Sword Emperor, North and Water Saint. Even her approach made everyone recoil. However, time had nurtured her. She looked too different than the time she had left. With an unsheathed sword in hand, she unmounted and went towards the main doors. 

Those who made names were rewarded. The reward being a demon eye. Julian and Rudeus had agreed to supplying Kirishika with food all year long, for as long as they lived. In return, for their kids to get compatible demon eyes. 

K445

At the early age of 44, Shizuka died. I tried what I could. But in the end, I couldn't do anything. 

Her loss should've made me feel something.

Elijah and Luna didn't cry. However, Cecil cried herself to sleep. 

K448

Paul died. 

He was 60. 

Me and Rudeus buried him. 

K449

Mom died. 

I was told I cried. Not sure what that means. Or how is that true. It was raining. 

Must be the rain. 

I don't remember. 

I feel like I'd be consumed. 

I...

...

...yeah, I miss her. 

K450

Morning routines without mom seem a bit incomplete. It is astonishing how I had gotten used to it without me realising. I can almost feel my heart beating when I think of her. 

I still visit her grave every day. Lay down some flowers. Wet the tombstone. And talk to her. 

It is an illogical act, in all sense of world. No matter how you look at it. But it is soothing. 

I like talking to her. 

It almost feels like she is talking back. 

K455

Lilia also died. 

These past few years have been jarring. Although Lilia's death wasn't something too heavy. For me, at least. 

K463

The older ones left the house. Except Lara. She stays by my side. All the time. 

K470

Rudeus was poisoned by Suzanne. I went too late. Her child was being threatened by someone. So, she added poison to his food. It was a request from someone from a small duchy east to the King Dragon Realm. A revenge because Rudeus humiliated him by rejecting his offer in his own state. 

Sieg and Ars killed everyone. 

Everyone seems to be taking us lightly due to me and Rudeus being in recluse. 

Later that day, I went to his burial. 

As his casket was brought over, I removed his hair from his forehead and placed my own against it. "I'll take care of them." 

He has been a good brother. This is what normal life was all about, right? Act like a normal human. Humane. 

I was getting tired of sleeping at home all day anyways. 

K475

Asura kingdom expanded and integrated everything into itself, except King Dragon Realm. The world just had two kingdoms now. 

(***)

Julian was sitting in his room as a woman in her prime accidently stumbled in his room. 

With a heavy breath, Julian called out. 

"Welcome home, Luna." He turned back and looked to the right. "Good to see you again." 

Luna was about to ignore him. Ignore him for the lack of interest and ignoring her despite how much she tried to please him. However, she stopped, eyes wide. Her voice quivered. 

"Dad? I am standing over here." 

"Oh? It's gotten quite bad, I see." 

He had lost his sight 12 years ago. The amount of information that his eyes could see from the day of his birth rendered it impossible to maintain a pristine vision. 

Julian slipped into the couch as he explained everything to Luna. 

His actual vision had disappeared and all he could see now was mana. He used to discern people's emotions from the spike and fall in mana in certain areas.

It all made sense now. The lack of response or approval in his eyes. It was because he couldn't make much of things. And he went to war in this state. 

The house rumbled as someone barged in. Xavier who was inside the house at that time rushed to Julian's room, followed by Elijah, Lara, Ruby and Cecil, swords and magic staffs in hand. 

However, they stopped as they saw the intruder smiling at Julian. Their father also had a contended look on his face. It wasn't convincing but seeing that Luna has not ripped the person to pieces was enough proof for them. 

"You see too old, Julian. How about the duel we promised." The silver haired man with a huge scar on his face asked, his eyes reflecting an ocean deep sadness. 

"You arrived too late, Orsted. A bit too late." Julian mumbled as his voice got increasingly slow. "I did wait until the end. Maybe not everything is fulfilled in life." 

"Do you regret it? Anything?" 

"Regret? Don't remember the last time I felt it." 

Orsted smirked. "Good to hear." However, behind that smirk, his heart tightened at the withered away form of his friend. 

"Father? FATHER!?" Luna cupped Julian's face in her palms, jerking it, however, his eyes stayed distant. "Please, please, no. Father. No, wake up. Don't play around..." 

There was no response. No pulse. No breath. 

However, he had a smile on his face. Orsted came forward and placed a hand on his head and swiped down, closing his eyes. Luna looked back as she realised. 

It was the first time in years everyone was present in the house. And it managed to make him smile. 

Xavier fell the ground, his eyes wide as he hyperventilated. He clutched on to his head, breaking into a fit of sobs. For the first time. 

Elijah stooped down and patted his back. 

Julian Greyrat, who was also known as the "Strongest Human to ever take birth" in his later years had died at the age of 68. 

In the presence of all of his 8 kids. 

Xavier Greyrat. (52 years)

Elijah Greyrat. (52 years)

Luna Greyrat. (52 years)

Lara Greyrat. (50 years)

Ruby Greyrat. (48 years)

Lily Greyrat. (43 years)

Cecelia Greyrat. (40 years)

Arthur Greyrat. (30 years)

Word spread like wildfire. Many states rebelled against the Asura, to get freedom from them. Perguis moved to gain his revenge of Julian from his kids. 

However, they weren't alone. 

Randolph, Kalman the second, Kalman the third, Badigadi, Atofe and most importantly Orsted started gathering in one place as well. 

Julian was buried an hour later of his death. And while the sand on his grave was still damp, Elijah and Xavier killed Perguis, for stepping foot near their father's grave. 

(***)

JULIAN GREYRAT

I was floating. In a motionless void. 

However, I could see, perceive. 

"How was it?" 

A voice spoke---above, beneath. Everywhere. 

"Oh, you won't recognise me." 

Light gathered and took the shape of a woman. 

"Origin." I mumbled under my breath. 

"You've been using my gift quite well, I see." She, or rather it spoke. 

"The prickling sensation and the garbled voice. My one-day comprehension. It was you." 

"Indeed." 

I could almost see it smile. 

"Why?" I asked. 

"Out of pity? For you and little Orsted. It was an endless cycle of suffering. Even for you, had you stayed in that world." 

"You can tell?" 

"Of course, I can." 

"My time has come. Just let me go." I spoke, my voice tired. 

"I am afraid...well, you will know later. But how was it? This life?" 

How was it? 

It was... 

...everything I could ask for. 

I realised it a bit late. 

"I had fun." I replied. I could feel my lips curve up. I could smile. 

On purpose. 

"Good to know." She said as she placed a finger on my head. I felt my body fragment. 

Ah, yes. The mana theory. Everything is built of mana. And everything made of mana, eventually becomes mana. 

Hm. I think it was a fitting end. 

With that last thought, I lost my touch with everything. 

[THE END]

Thanks for reading, everyone.

Been a blast, but I think, much like Julian, I also deserve a break. So, I most probably won't be writing anymore. Or at least for the time being. Sorry if someone was looking forward to my other fics. 

On that note, thanks for being loyal to this fic. 

Sayonara.