Heartfelt Words...

"You are all independent individuals and should not, and cannot, always revolve around me. Your potential far exceeds what you imagine. Staying by my side will only hold you back. Only by flying on your own can you soar to the heavens. You need to spread your wings! The universe is a vast stage, and you cannot always play a supporting role for me. You must shine on your own!"

"Our lives are infinite, and I don't want you to become merely an appendage to me in the future. That wouldn't be fair to you. It's only for a few years; it will pass quickly! Do you understand?"

Upon hearing Zane's words, Lorna's crying grew louder, and she repeatedly pounded Zane's chest with her small fists. "I don't care, I don't care..."

It seemed that Lorna hadn't listened to a word Zane said, leaving him exasperated. It was just a retreat for training, but she was acting like it was a life-and-death separation. Apparently, no matter the world, reasoning with women was futile.

Now, there was only one way to persuade Lorna. With a glint in his eyes, Zane unleashed a surge of death power, instantly shattering both his and Lorna's clothes into fragments. Then, he lifted Lorna's head, ignoring her struggles, and kissed her deeply. Gradually, her fists stopped pounding his chest and her arms wrapped around his neck.

The flames of passion ignited!

Lorna had indeed listened to Zane's heartfelt words and even wanted to create her own legend in this vast universe. But her attachment to Zane overrode everything else. In her life, it was Zane who brought her light and gave her a warm home. She couldn't bear to be apart from him for even a moment. Dreams, desires, ambitions—all were worthless compared to Zane.

Zane gently kissed away Lorna's tears, feeling her growing frenzy as she realized she was about to be separated from him. It was as if she wanted to merge her body into his. Eventually, she passed out from exhaustion, having fought a battle that lasted a whole day.

Zane tenderly covered the sleeping Lorna with a blanket and kissed her forehead. "Girl, bloom to your heart's content! Our separation won't distance us; our hearts will always be together."

Without hesitation, he dressed and left. He feared that if Lorna woke up and tried to persuade him, he might soften. Everyone knows that tender affection is a hero's grave, yet heroes spend their lives seeking their own 'grave.'

As Zane paused at the door, he sensed that Lorna, though asleep, had tears silently streaming down her delicate face. She had been awake all along! He clenched his teeth and stepped out of the room.

In the hallway, Bastis, Little Bone, Rocket, and Groot were waiting. "I won't say much. I only hope to see a different version of you when I finish my seclusion. Go forth without worries! Whether you slaughter all beings or save the world, free your minds. Don't be afraid of causing trouble; I'll be here to support you!"

Seeing their downcast expressions, Zane shook his head with a bitter smile. They had always centered their lives around him. Now, with him urging them to spread their wings, they seemed lost.

Fortunately, the situation wasn't irreversible. If this continued for too long, they would become his virtual slaves, living only for him—something Zane didn't want.

"Bastis!" Zane called.

"Master..." Bastis responded, her ears drooping. She was no longer the lively cat errr... panther she once was.

"You were among the first to follow me and the strongest among them. I trust you the most," Zane said, patting her head.

"Master, I've been with you since birth. Now..." Bastis trailed off, looking even more dejected, her eyes filled with confusion like a child lost far from home.

"I understand how you feel. Don't be afraid or confused. Remember, you are a goddess! Your faith power is meant for protection. Using it just to guard us is a waste. Go seek out those who are worthy of your protection. That's the true essence of a guardian deity. Guarding just us makes you nothing more than a glorified bodyguard."

Zane hugged Bastis, comforting her. Feeling the warmth from his embrace, Bastis's despair and confusion began to fade. Zane's words echoed in her mind, and a new resolve shone in her eyes—a direction in life.

"I understand, Master. When you finish your seclusion, you'll see a new Bastis, a guardian deity," Bastis declared, still somewhat weary but with a newfound determination.

"I believe in you!" Zane said, placing her down and turning to Little Bone.

"Little Bone!"

"Here, Master!" Little Bone sprang up from the couch, ready to listen attentively.

Seeing her nervousness, Zane smiled wryly but didn't tell her to relax. "Little Bone, you were once the mad angel Zarathos. With the few memories you retained, you stubbornly followed the angelic code of conduct."

Hearing this, Little Bone lowered her head in disappointment, even her Hellfire burning less fiercely.

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