STARTED A NEW LIFE

Epilogue

More than a week has passed, it's been the same atmosphere for everyone. Orichi took custody of the refugees, educating and training them. Hikari stayed at Graspmoon for a while, just to make sure no one would come after those children. Broko and Mista warmly welcomed Hikari to their place, making her comfortable during her stay. Kyap gave Nin the prosthetic leg that he promised, allowing her to move just like before. Akari, Reiko, and Ryuu continue to accept quests on Mechtown but only those within the city, they are still waiting for Kane's next decision.

The party takes a break after doing a community quest. They all head to the tavern to ease their hunger. While eating, Kane entered the tavern as well, leaving his room for the first time.

"CAPTAAAIN! YOU FINALLY WALKED OUTSIDE!" Ryuu excitedly greeted Kane.

"Calm down, we've been waiting for this" Reiko whispered.

"So… Kane, how's everything?" Akari nervously asked.

"Mind if I join your meal?" Kane requested.

"Of course, have a seat" Reiko replied in panic.

"Waiter! Give him the best meal you have here!" Ryuu ordered.

"I've been thinking… I want to visit my brother's grave but I don't have the courage to do so. Travelling to Hikage will take some time.." Kane said.

"It's on the far Left continent, that would also cost a lot of resources" Akari responded.

"Not to mention, a lot of town hopping and camping outside" Reiko added.

"WAITER? WHERE'S MY ORDER?" Ryuu shouting in the background.

"With that said, will you guys help me go to Hikage? I'm not in a hurry, we can still do quests along the way so that we can still have the resources that we need. Maybe by the time we reach Hikage, I'm ready to face him." Kane requested the party.

"As I've said before, we won't be going anywhere… Especially without you" Akari answered.

"You certainly don't need to ask, though it feels nice to hear you opened up with us~" Reiko added.

"ANOTHER ADVENTURE! WE CAN LOOK FOR OTHER MYTHIC STONES AS WELL!" Ryuu excitedly suggested.

"Calm down, we can do that after Kane's request" Reiko said to Ryuu.

"We can take things slowly and have fun along the way. We will be happy to continue this adventure with you" Akari warmly said.

Ryuu energetically hypes everyone "On my count we'll shout our catchphrase! In 3… 2… 1…!"

"YOSHA!" Everyone shouted as they looked optimistically on their next step on their journey.

Finally leaving Mechtown, they bid their farewell as well as their utmost gratitude to Kyap. Hoping someday, their path will cross again. The party also went to Graspmoon and told everyone that they will be gone for a long time. Hikari hugged Akari tightly as they looked forward to meeting again someday. Broko and Mista promised that they will take charge of the refugees for the time being.

Months have passed, everything went smoothly yet chaotic like it has been. Exploring caves, defeating dungeons, handling all sorts of misfortunes. But those events give them unforgettable memories that strengthen their bond.

...

-This is refreshing…

Lying down on a soft grass near the river, the time feels slower as they cease their movement for a while. It's been a long time since Kane was able to have his own free time.

-I've changed?

His Memories flashes back as he remembers all of the suffering he had before, making him wonder at what point he starts to become different. He wasn't able to track his progress but he is aware of the drastic change.

-Seriously, what am I doing?

Kane feels lost as they voyage on this world. The experiences they have together felt warm in his chest, giving him a purpose aside from vengeance.

-This feels new to me..

Kane raises his hand as he looks up at the sky. He then sat down and prepared himself to catch up with his party. Those changes make him question which part of him is true. He thinks that his behavior back then and now are two different persons.

-Who Am I?

In the next instant, he-Hokori Kane-started his new life.