The throne hall of the Reverent Palace was bathed in the soft glow of Roze Apocalypse's aura. The golden crown-mark on his forehead pulsed with quiet authority, radiating power and control that even the oldest Reverents could not challenge. The air was thick with the residue of divine energy, a silence heavy with anticipation, as Roze stepped forward.
"Listen carefully," he said, his voice carrying both command and finality. "From this moment onward, there will be no more Reverents."
The Reverents, eighteen of them standing before him, exchanged surprised glances, but none spoke. Roze continued, his tone unwavering.
"You are free," he said, gesturing toward them. "You may live here on this planet, Luxar, or go elsewhere—wherever you choose. But Amandon…" His eyes fixed sharply on the former leader, the Reverent of Light and Darkness. "You have to leave this planet. You cannot live here anymore."
Amandon's face twisted with fury, but there was no room for argument. Roze's presence was unyielding, his aura suffocatingly powerful. The other Reverents stepped back, their expressions a mix of respect, fear, and acknowledgment.
Roze's gaze swept across the hall as he spoke again, his voice softening but remaining firm. "I've glimpsed fragments of the future. Fengxi will come—she will attempt to destroy this planet. But she will not succeed easily. There will be a defender, one who stands against even the supreme beings… Michi."
He paused for a moment, his eyes locking on Life Apocalypse, who stood silently by his side. "And Life… I will preserve you as the ultimate weapon for that day. You are our safeguard. You will awaken when the world needs it most."
The Reverents, even Amandon, fell silent for a long moment. Then one by one, they stepped forward, kneeling slightly and lowering their heads.
"We accept," Hexos said quietly, his voice calm yet respectful. "We will bestow our final powers—our blessings—throughout the world. The marks of our legacy will spread to all lands, guiding and protecting the future."
One by one, the Reverents lifted their hands, letting streams of energy radiate outward. The power traveled through the air, through the mountains, rivers, and forests of Luxar, embedding itself into the soil, the oceans, and the skies. From these blessings, glowing marks appeared on the foreheads of key individuals across the planet—symbols of their presence, their guidance, and their protection.
Mysan's blessing shimmered as a crescent-shaped symbol, while Musan's mark glowed faintly silver with a small soul-like sigil. Agarias's symbol appeared as intertwined glyphs of knowledge, weaving across the foreheads of scholars and sages. Each Reverent contributed a unique design, marking Luxar with their enduring legacy.
Roze chuckled softly, shaking his head. "See? Finally, you all got recognized too," he said, voice carrying amusement and warmth. For a fleeting moment, even Amandon's expression softened, begrudging acknowledgment in his eyes.
Amandon stepped forward, voice low but clear. "You have won, Roze Apocalypse. But mark my words… master Fengxi will come. That is unavoidable. I will return during your reign."
With those words, he lifted off the ground, dissolving into a streak of clouds, leaving only whispers of wind behind.
Theodre, the Reverent of Time, bowed deeply to Roze. "Thank you for believing in me, Roze Apocalypse. My avatar, Twilight, will serve you always."
Twilight, the avatar, faded like mist, leaving the hall quieter than before.
One by one, the remaining Reverents stepped forward, each offering words of guidance, farewells, or wisdom for the future.
Melancholy's voice echoed softly. "Balance is fragile. Remember the weight of despair and hope alike."
Selina said, her voice as cold as shadow, "Death is a tool. Use it with purpose, and it will obey you."
Hanabi smirked lightly, "Beauty lies not just in creation but in judgment. Remember that when shaping the world."
Kaihold's tone was sharp, precise. "Nature is indifferent. Respect its cycles, or be consumed."
Soverina added, "Dragons and creatures of the old world will heed you if your will is true. Protect or destroy—it is your choice."
Jiliana's voice resonated like the elements themselves. "Water, fire, earth, and wind all bend to balance. Bend them wisely."
Sinial and Sebas spoke together, their tones harmonizing. "Nature and life will recognize strength and sincerity. Leave a mark that endures beyond your reign."
Musan nodded, "Souls will follow those with vision and resolve. Guide them well."
Nianos's laughter was faint, almost playful. "Even the smallest of creatures see the truth. Do not underestimate them."
Mysialsia's voice purred, "Desires and ambitions will rise and fall. Channel them into something meaningful."
Hexos, as usual, remained calm. "Emotions shape reality as much as any power. Respect them, and they will respect you in return."
Hanabi's gaze lingered for a moment longer, a smirk on her face. "And remember, some lessons come not from allies, but from the unexpected."
Selina whispered once more, "Death is always watching… but so are opportunities."
Melancholy's voice followed softly, "Despair is temporary if wielded. Make sure it strengthens, not breaks."
Theodre's avatar, Twilight, had already departed, leaving silence for Roze to absorb the weight of the farewells. The last to speak was Heath, the Reverent of Music. His voice carried a haunting, melodic note. "Harmony must exist, even in chaos. Rule wisely."
With their final words spoken, each Reverent disappeared into the winds, leaving Roze alone in the hall, save for Life Apocalypse and the unconscious Hikari at his side.
Minutes passed. Slowly, Hikari stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. Her gaze met Roze's, a flicker of pain and determination in her eyes.
"I have seen the future," she murmured. Her voice shook as she rose, black light flickering and swirling around her form. "I got betrayed again… everything I trusted… it was taken. There will be no Hikari anymore."
The black light intensified, consuming her form, twisting and reshaping her. When it faded, she was no longer Hikari. "I am Hayabina now… oh, Master Isiya Uradhara, I've seen your future glimpses with Life. I will wait for you."
Before Roze could speak, she vanished, leaving only a lingering echo of her words and a faint trace of dark light in the air.
Roze exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "Ahh, some people never change."
He turned to Life Apocalypse, whose crimson aura flickered faintly in acknowledgment. "Life, let's return to the castle. It's been a long day. Gather the bodies—we'll bury them properly, and later, we'll claim their kingdoms as well."
Life's eyes glowed softly. "Father… you are immortal now. This will be my final act before I sleep for ten thousand years."
Roze smiled faintly. "Yes, Life. I will miss you, but it's for the greater good. At first, I thought this world was garbage… but now I see, I deserved this. Finally, I can call a place home, with true friends. This world… this planet… is special. I'll save it—for the future, and for Michi. I know he will shape it far better than I ever could."
A soft golden light began to envelop Roze and Life. Slowly, their forms shimmered, blending with the aura around them, until they were one with the glow.
The throne hall faded, the echoes of the Reverents' blessings lingering in the skies above Luxar. The world was quiet, yet alive—charged with potential, ready for the coming centuries.
And with a final whisper, as their forms vanished from sight, Roze Apocalypse and Life Apocalypse left behind a legacy carved into the very essence of the planet: a world protected, a kingdom saved, and a future awaiting the one named Michi.