Chapter 39:The Bonds That Bind Us(Updated)

I teleported back to the final floor of the dungeon and was met by proud and joyous shouts of victory. Despite some injuries here and there, the healers had done an outstanding job ensuring no one died. With the mission complete, everyone teleported back to the familia headquarters, where a grand feast was decided upon to celebrate our triumph.

As I sat enjoying the feast, surrounded by Hestia, Finn, Aisha, Ais, and all the members I'd recruited into the familia, I stood up and knocked on the table to get everyone's attention.

Sora: "Hestia familia, friends, and allies—I can't express how proud I am of each and every one of you today. But there's something important I need to say. Tomorrow, I will embark on a long journey. I don't know when—or if—I'll return, but rest assured, I will come back. Everyone here is my family, and this place will always be my home. I've done everything within my power to ensure you'll remain safe, strong, and happy after I leave. Some of you have already chosen life partners; others are dating or even married. Seeing my hard work rewarded fills me with immense happiness. It's incredibly difficult for me to leave, but my father and mother await, and I must save my father and restore our family's position and glory. So, I cannot stay—but I promise, I will return."

Silence fell over the room before voices erupted from every corner.

Familia Members: "We stand with the commander and will accompany him on his journey!"

"Yes, we do! We stand with the commander!"

"Yes, we do!"

Seeing their unwavering support filled my heart with warmth and pride.

Sora: "I'm truly grateful for your words, but this journey isn't one I can take all of you on. However, I've already chosen those who will accompany me—those who have trained and supported the familia from the start, though they've never officially become adventurers. They are Igris, Shiro, Merlin, Gara, Kenshi, Hanzo, and Sub-Zero. Do not worry about me—I will be safe. And tomorrow, I will begin my journey."

Sadness and reluctance clouded many faces, but Gareth's voice saved the day.

Gareth: "COMMON LADS! DON'T ACT LIKE KIDS SAYING GOODBYE TO THEIR PARENTS! A MAN LIKE THE COMMANDER HAS TO SPREAD HIS WINGS ONE DAY, SO DON'T BE SELFISH AND KEEP HIM GROUNDED HERE! LET'S CELEBRATE LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW AND SEND HIM OFF WITH THE BEST SMILE YOU HAVE!"

He raised his cup high and shouted:

Gareth: "FOR THE COMMANDER! FOR THE HESTIA FAMILIA!"

The room erupted in cheers. Smiles returned to everyone's faces as they lifted their cups and echoed Gareth's toast:

Everyone: "FOR THE COMMANDER! FOR THE HESTIA FAMILIA!"

We drank deep into the night until most of the familia passed out where they sat. All except me, of course—with my current status, alcohol has no effect on me. I made my way toward the gate of the familia, followed closely by my Shadows, with Merlin trailing just one step behind.

Merlin: "My lord, is it truly alright to leave without saying proper goodbyes?"

His question surprised me on multiple levels. First, because my Shadows rarely offered input beyond combat-related matters, and second, because it came from Merlin—a former High Orc chief who had evolved significantly since joining me. Now that they'd reached the P.Immortal realm (thanks to holding 90% of my stats), their personalities and emotions had developed further. Of course, their loyalty to me remained absolute, as they were still part of me, created to serve. Yet, Merlin's concern stemmed from empathy—he understood my guilt at leaving without formal farewells, despite having informed them yesterday.

Sora: "It's fine. I've already told them I'm leaving, and they're too drunk to remember anything anyway."

Merlin: "As you wish, my lord."

Sora: "And Merlin…"

Merlin: "Yes, my lord?"

Sora: "Thank you."

Merlin: "It's my honor to serve."

From behind me, another voice called out:

Hestia: "SORA-SAN!"

I turned to see Hestia running toward me. She leapt into my arms, and I caught her warmly.

Hestia: "How dare you leave without saying goodbye, bad Sora!" She buried her face in my chest. "I'm going to miss you so much. I never thanked you properly—you were my light, the one who saved me from despair, helped me restore my dignity, and gave me the best and strongest familia anyone could ask for. You became my anchor in this life. Please don't go… I know I'm being selfish, but please stay."

With a gentle smile, I gently separated her from me and wiped away her tears.

Sora: "You've always been strong, Hestia. Your dignity was never truly lost. You are the strongest woman I know—not in terms of physical strength, but because you endured hardships that would break most others. While others might have given up and fled back to the higher realms, you stayed. You fought against the tide, worked in a local shop to survive despite your pride as a goddess, and braved the harsh cold nights in that abandoned church. Stand tall, Hestia-sama. You are the goddess of the Hestia familia—the strongest in this world—and my family."

Voices chimed in from behind us as other familia members gathered around.

Finn: "Yes, you are!"

Ais: "Yes, he is!"

Tiona: "Hestia-sama! Sora-sama!"

Hestia pulled herself together, standing tall once more. Together, she and the entire familia shouted in unison:

Everyone: "Have a safe journey! We await your return!"

Sora: "Jarvis, use the crystal and set it for The Seven Deadly Sins ."

Jarvis: "Right away, sir."