When Li woke up, he was on a stretcher being carried into a ship. Looking behind him, he saw the other Guardians following.
For the first time in what felt like forever, natural light touched his face.
The darkness was gone—replaced by a stillness that wrapped around him like a quiet revelation.
The light of the universe now shone freely on this planet, unobstructed.
The city skyline, once bleak and imposing, seemed breathtakingly beautiful now compared to the first time he had stepped foot here.
He struggled but managed to lift his head, taking in the beauty that had surrounded him all along—beauty he had failed to notice.
As the ship sealed shut and began its slow ascent, he closed his eyes.
There were no windows here, so he imagined the skyline shrinking into the distance, and the vastness below stretching endlessly. He would be spending a long time in the Wisdom Bank, far away from danger.
Or so he thought.
…
"Li! Look, you're ranked B+ tier now—and you've received several honorary degrees and bonuses!"
Li smiled faintly from behind a thick layer of bandages. Even with advanced medical technology, healing—especially from the kind of trauma he'd endured—still took time.
For now, he found comfort in the company of Naryssa and the Chief's daughter—whose name, he embarrassingly still hadn't learned. The three of them were aboard a transport headed to the General System Headquarters. There, they'd discuss the incident—and bask in the rising fame sparked by the Tyrians' mass return to Atramenth. The donations pouring in nearly made Li an A-tier tycoon, and even greater rewards were on the way from Atramenth's many governments.
And yet, despite it all, Li couldn't shake the thought that weighed most on his heart: he wished there was some way to send all this wealth back to his parents. Because the things he truly wanted… couldn't be bought with money.
…
The girl sat alone in the dark, perched on an old wooden chair. Her face was cloaked in shadow—only her silhouette visible. In front of her loomed an endless void, from which emerged a grinning face. Its eyes, too, were hidden by the darkness.
"Status?" the voice asked.
"Just as predicted," she answered softly. "He's been growing stronger… more successful with each mission. Soon, he might not even need rehabilitation. My time with him is coming to an end. But… I have to admit, I do love him."
"So, you've grown as well," the face mused.
"Yes, Master."
"Very well. Continue for now. When the time comes, you must let go. Until then… enjoy every moment before that day arrives."
The girl nodded, though tears had already begun to fall. Her head sank, and she gripped the sides of the chair tightly.
The face vanished.
She sighed deeply.
And just like her Master had said—
She would enjoy every day… until the last.