As Noceron's body dimmed like a defeated star, Lusian felt the tension slowly leave his chest. Yet triumph was not what filled his mind—only a deep unease. If the gods could bless heroes and push them beyond their limits…
What would happen the day their gaze fell upon him?
He had not won a battle. He had only bought time. And somewhere, someone was surely watching.
Lusian descended to the ground softly, though his breathing was heavy. His muscles trembled from the strain and the surge of energy he had unleashed. Before him lay the fallen colossus, motionless—defeated by a perfect mixture of strategy, strength, and calculation.
In his eyes flickered exhaustion, relief, and the quiet certainty of someone who had completely mastered the situation. Every movement had been anticipated, every attack avoided, every strike measured with almost surgical precision. In that moment, the world narrowed to him, his Ætherion Sword and Armor… and the mind that knew every secret of the monster he had faced.
For an instant, Lusian was more than a warrior.
He was Erwin's experience made flesh, confronting for the first time a world that had once been nothing more than a game.
The valley fell silent. The titan's remaining mana dispersed into the air, leaving behind a heavy calm. Lusian drew a deep breath, his sword still in hand, the armor glowing faintly.
Sophia approached with slow, careful steps. Her eyes traced every inch of her son, as if confirming that he was still whole. Her heart beat fast—perhaps from delayed fear… perhaps from a pride she could no longer hide.
Throughout the battle, she had been ready to intervene with her three magical beasts if Lusian fell. But it had not been necessary. In the last four months, since his return from the capital, he had changed. He trained without rest. He hunted. He mastered his mana. He grew stronger.
And she had been there to witness it.
She gently took his arm. Only then did the tension leave her face.
"Are you alright… my son?" she asked softly.
Lusian exhaled, letting the exhaustion surface for a moment.
"Yes, Mother. I'm fine," he replied with a calm smile. "I only did what you taught me."
Sophia shook her head gently, brushing his shoulder.
"You've fought enough for today. Now let me take care of you."
"I suppose even warriors need to rest," Lusian murmured as he allowed himself to lean into her support.
She laughed quietly and brushed his cheek.
"Yes—and I'm going to make sure you do. No matter how strong you are, I won't let you push yourself too far."
Lusian looked at her with quiet gratitude. It wasn't only strength or magic that kept him standing.
It was her.
His mother.
Always there.
Minutes later, he knelt by the hot waters of the river, washing away the blood and dust of battle. Steam rose slowly around him.
"Does it hurt?" Sophia asked from the bank, watching every bruise.
"Not much," he lied with a faint smile. "I just needed this."
She studied him in silence for a few seconds.
"Promise me you won't fight as if you're alone," she said at last. "Because you're not."
Lusian looked up and met her eyes. For the first time in days, he allowed the exhaustion to show in his voice. He wanted to answer… but silence held him for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"I promise."
Calm returned between them—but it was not true peace.
It was the stillness before the world once again demanded more than either of them wished to give.