Chương 194: Chapter 73: “After the Battle”

Stopping by a nearby place to replenish energy and shop for clothes, Lilna was now dressed in an outfit perfectly fine for public view.

"How is it? Yu." Dressed in a cool navy blue jacket, she twirled around in front of me and asked for my impression. Come to think of it, this is the first time I've seen Lilna in casual clothes. She was always in armor.

"Yeah. It suits you well."

"I-Is that so." Lilna breaks into a happy smile. I thought she has a maidenly side too. By the time we arrived at Diesnatura City Park, I was finally able to move a little too. While Lilna was shopping, I concentrated on recovery by raising my Qi with all my might, which helped a lot. In the end, in addition to both arms, I lost a part of my left leg. Since Qi Healing cannot recover lost body parts, it will stay like this as long as I remain in this world.

I believe in Lenks, of course, but thinking that it would be really serious if it didn't return to normal in the next world, I feel somewhat detached. Even if it doesn't return, I probably would have done the same. So, this result is a trivial matter. Compared to the magnitude of what I was able to protect with these hands. Gazing at Lilna's smile. Imagining the future of those living in this world, I was satisfied. There are many things I couldn't protect this time too, and I have regrets.

Not everything went perfectly. Still, it reached. I did what I could do. I feel like that. Come to think of it, coming to this park is the first time since I bumped into Lilna feeding birds. At that time, our relationship was still terrible. Even though not many days should have passed, it seems somewhat distant, which is probably a good thing. We parked the car in the parking lot and walked for a while. And when we arrived at the plaza, which was said to be reserved.

There, all the contributors to the battle were gathered, preparing for a party. Theo and the Humite army he led. The underground forces including the Gathering of Ausser-Chilion. And Lorenz and the four members of Dielevats were all gathered together. It seemed to be open participation, as figures of citizen Natura were also seen here and there. The sight I had been wishing for ever since I came to this world was there. Lasla and Asty headed towards Theo, and Lilna headed towards Dielevats.

Left alone, Lorenz, who happened to be closest, noticed me first and approached with a happy smile.

"Oh. You did it!"

"Well, somehow."

"But man, you got beaten up terribly." He slapped my shoulder repeatedly Bashi-bashi, and put his arm around my shoulder frankly. Along with Asty, I was helped a lot by this cheerful vibe. He muttered quietly with deep feeling so that others wouldn't hear.

"With this, Captain William, Nelson, Mina... and David might rest in peace a little. I bet none of the four ever thought it would turn out like this, though."

"I don't know the feelings of the deceased, but. I'm sure everyone wished for this."

"Heh." He moved away from my shoulder and scratched his cheek as if hiding embarrassment.

"Well then. Since this many people gathered. Wonder if there are any good women." Lorenz waved his hand lightly behind his back and disappeared into the crowd. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Kudin, Remi, Ryuto. The people who gave me the opportunity to get involved in this world. Although they couldn't fight directly due to their small bodies, they really helped from the shadows. When I approached, Ryuto, who found me, brightened his face instantly and ran up to me.

"Yu! Hey, hey. Did you see the characters on that gate?" I see. Did you guys prepare that?

"Yeah. I saw it properly."

"Yeah, yeah. I, you see, was happy. Really happy. Thank you so much!"

"I should be the one thanking you. Thank you for fighting with me."

"Ehehe." Ryuto. It was thanks to your courage that we were able to capture that Central Control Tower. It was truly reassuring that you came with me. Belatedly, Remi and Kudin also came. The two bowed deeply and politely.

"I never thought such a wonderful day would really come. We don't know how to thank you."

"It's fine. You don't have to be so formal."

"... Honestly, at first I thought you looked a bit unreliable. But when you do it, you overdo it. You completely changed this world. You are really amazing." Yeah. That sounds more like you. Kudin looked at the faces of Humites and Ausser-Chilion preparing together and said with deep emotion.

"I wonder if our Gathering of Ausser-Chilion has finished its role for the time being."

"No. There is still a lot of work to do. Reconstruction work, rights protection, you won't have time to sleep for a while." Floating a soft smile, Remi patted Kudin's back. Kudin laughed helplessly, saying "good grief."

"Haha. You're right. It's a happy scream." Then, I headed to Dielevats where Lilna was. Steargol, Brinda, and Zeed, the three of them welcomed me warmly first.

"Gahahaha! Yu! You did it!"

"We all believed in the Captain and you."

"As expected of the one who defeated us one after another." They give me words of appreciation one after another. Lilna pulled me closer forcefully and said proudly.

"It's me and Yu, after all. Most things can be managed somehow."

"Gahaha! No doubt!"

"Elntia's strongest duo, after all. It's frustrating, but I admit it."

"Hmph... I see." Zeed seemed to have sensed something, so I just smiled sociably. As for Plato, he was watching us modestly from a little distance without saying anything. When I approached him, he finally opened his mouth.

"You did it." He had a peaceful face as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

"You too. Good work." I also offer words of appreciation. Because it was none other than you who worked hard in the shadows more than anyone for two thousand years. He nods quietly. Then, looking at Lilna talking happily with the three with warm eyes, he said happily.

"Lilna looks truly happy too."

"Yeah."

"However..." He directed a suspicious gaze at me intently.

"When talking about you, she has a strangely romantic look on her face. Did something happen?"

"Umm. About that."

"Umu."

"I took Lilna."

"What?" Just when I thought his eyebrow twitched, my shoulder was grabbed firmly. The eyes glaring at my face are seriously scary. He was like a father with a daughter or something. Actually, he might intend to be one. In a low voice, with a serious face, he warns me.

"She is my precious family. If you ever make Lilna cry—you know, right?"

"I know."

"... Alright. I leave her to you. Your time is limited too, right? Make her as happy as possible."

"Yeah. Of course." Even without being told, I intended to do so. Eventually, the party preparations seemed to have settled down. I saw Lasla and Asty breathing a sigh of relief. Just when it became a state where only the declaration of holding was left. Theo came in front of me. As the organizer of this celebration, as the representative of Humites. He is dressed properly in formal attire. Near him are Lasla, Lorenz, Asty. And Lilna, Plato, Steargol, Brinda, Zeed. Kudin, Remi, Ryuto.

Only the particularly close comrades who shared the truth in this world and fought to the end were all gathered. Theo announced to me in a formal tone.

"From now on, a new era will begin." He continues, looking pained.

"Unfortunately, your achievements might not remain in history." Saying it sincerely must be his way of apologizing. I nodded silently without minding. Whether it remains or not, such things didn't matter. Besides, I understand. There were too many things that the majority of people in this world "don't need to know." Humites and Natura were in conflict because CPD was embedded in Natura. The mastermind who planted malice was the Hundred Machine Council.

The Hundred Machine Council went out of control planning a world ruled by themselves. The ones who stopped it were the Humite army led by Theo and the Natura army led by Lilna, including the underground forces. Well, this is probably a good place to settle. Being ruled by a system created by the struggle of old humans, repeating destruction many times, continuing truly meaningless killing. Such a truth without salvation should be kept only in the hearts of a very few people.

I wanted to know the truth of the world because I thought there might be something I could do if I knew it. Not to thrust it inconsiderately and make everyone suffer.

"But we will never forget this favor. Behind the scenes of the era, we will quietly pass it on." And, staring at me with sincere eyes.

"Hero of the journey, Yu. I thank you from the bottom of my heart." He bowed his head respectfully. Following the King, everyone saluted all at once. I felt very itchy. Because I haven't been thanked so grandly until now. Hero, huh. It doesn't suit me. Seeing me completely troubled with a reaction, Theo chuckled.

"Well, enough with the stiffness. Shall we proceed to the banquet?"

"Yo! We've been waiting!" Lorenz interjects. Laughter was heard from here and there. The start of the party was declared by Theo. All day and all night, the banquet continued. Everyone laughed together. Blowing away the dark mood. Talking about and envisioning a bright future. Let me talk a little about what happened after that. After the mourning for the sacrificed was performed solemnly. I decided to cooperate with the reconstruction work of Elntia. A battle that left unforgettable pain for many people.

Those scars remained here and there. Humites and Natura who have been used in the shadows and continued meaningless killing until now. Just because they became free suddenly, it didn't mean there were no hard feelings at all. Negative legacy from the continued era of conflict. Lumps inevitably remain. But the malice covering both sides no longer exists. This time, surely, they should be able to understand each other. From now on, little by little, taking time. The relationship between the two will improve.

Peaceful days without fighting passed busily in the blink of an eye. I went to various places with Lilna. We did everything we could together and enjoyed it. The days spent with her. The time dating her. Became the most precious memory in this world. And, several months passed. Finally, the day to leave this world came.