the epilogue(1)

The world had changed.

Ten years had passed since the war ended, since the devils and djinns had been completely eradicated. The battles that once tore the world apart had become legends, stories passed down to new generations who would never know the horrors of war.

And at the center of it all—Dakota.

He had become the most famous human in history, hailed as the Savior of Humanity, the Strongest Hero Ever, the Strongest Human to Ever Live. His name was known in every kingdom, every continent. Statues were built in his honor, books were written about him, songs were sung in his name. Wherever he went, people bowed, whispered, stared in awe.

But Dakota himself?

He was just happy that the world was at peace.

And that he could finally enjoy life with his friends.

It was a warm afternoon in the city of Altheria, a place that had flourished in the era of peace. A massive estate, once used for royal gatherings, had been turned into a personal retreat for Dakota and his friends—a place where they could meet whenever they wanted.

Today, they were all gathered there for something special.

Dakota stood near a large, open balcony, gazing at the city below. The streets were alive with laughter, music, and celebration. The world had truly moved on. Behind him, familiar voices filled the air.

Henry:

"Oi, Dakota! Stop zoning out, man. We're planning something important here!"

Dakota turned, smirking as he saw Henry sitting beside Amelia, the two of them leaning into each other like a perfect couple.

Dakota:

"Relax, I was just enjoying the view. Besides, I already know what this is about—weddings, right?"

Amelia laughed softly.

Amelia:

"Well, yeah. We've been planning ours for months now."

Henry grinned, wrapping an arm around her.

Henry:

"I finally got her to say yes, man. It only took, what, eight years?"

Amelia playfully smacked his arm.

Amelia:

"Maybe if you weren't such a dumbass, it wouldn't have taken so long."

The room erupted in laughter.

Jack leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm. Luna sat beside him, rolling her eyes at Henry and Amelia's antics.

Jack:

"Honestly, I can't believe all of us are actually getting married. It's like we're finally living normal lives."

Luna smiled, intertwining her fingers with his.

Luna:

"You sound surprised. Did you really think we were all just going to stay single forever?"

Jack shrugged.

Jack:

"Considering everything we've been through? Yeah, kind of."

Mia, sitting across from them, grinned.

Mia:

"Well, Liam and I had no doubts. Right, Liam?"

Liam, who had been lazily leaning against the couch, perked up.

Liam:

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Totally."

Mia gave him a look.

Mia:

"Are you even listening?"

Liam chuckled, pulling her closer.

Liam:

"Of course, I am. I just like hearing you talk."

Lucas, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly spoke up.

Lucas:

"You guys are all acting like we weren't going to get married eventually. I mean, look at us. We're legends, we're famous, we're good-looking—of course we found people."

Henry snorted.

Henry:

"You make it sound like it was easy."

Lucas smirked.

Lucas:

"It was easy. I met my fiancée at a party, and we just… clicked. Unlike you, who took years to confess."

Henry rolled his eyes.

Henry:

"Alright, alright, whatever. But now that we're all here, let's actually finalize everything."

Dakota took a seat, glancing at each of them.

Dakota:

"So, you guys are really doing this, huh? Alright then. Tell me—when's everyone getting married?"

The next few months were filled with preparations.

Henry & Amelia's Wedding

The first to tie the knot were Henry and Amelia. Their wedding was grand but filled with personal touches—flames danced in the air as part of the ceremony, a symbol of the fire magic they both wielded. Amelia wore a crimson dress that shimmered like embers, while Henry looked surprisingly refined in his formal robes.

During the vows, Henry, in his usual style, added a little flair.

Henry:

"I, Henry, promise to love you, protect you, and—most importantly—not piss you off too much."

The guests burst into laughter, and Amelia playfully smacked his arm before giving her real vows.

By the time they sealed their union with a kiss, the sky was ablaze with fireworks.

Jack & Luna's Wedding

Jack and Luna's wedding was smaller, more intimate. They chose a beautiful forest clearing, surrounded by glowing spirits that Luna had tamed. The entire atmosphere felt magical, as if nature itself was blessing their union.

Jack, never one for long speeches, kept it simple.

Jack:

"Luna, you've always been my light in the darkest places. I don't need to say anything else. I love you."

Luna smiled, her usual sharpness softened by emotion.

Luna:

"You're lucky I love you too, idiot."

They kissed under a full moon, with the spirits glowing brighter in celebration.

Liam & Mia's Wedding

Liam and Mia's wedding was chaotic—just like them. Their ceremony was held in a grand city square, where thousands of people gathered to celebrate. They had always been the life of the party, and their wedding reflected that.

Liam grinned as he held Mia's hands.

Liam:

"You know, I was gonna say some fancy words, but let's be real—I've always been bad at that. So, instead, I'll just say the one thing I know for sure. I'd rather fight a thousand battles than live a single day without you."

Mia teared up but smirked.

Mia:

"That's cheesy as hell, Liam."

Liam laughed.

Liam:

"Yeah, but you love it."

They sealed their marriage with a kiss as confetti exploded around them.

Lucas & His Fiancée

Lucas, despite being the most laid-back of the group, had the most extravagant wedding. His fiancée—an aristocratic mage—insisted on a royal-level event. The ballroom was filled with nobles, scholars, and famous figures from around the world.

Lucas, however, remained himself.

Lucas:

"I'd say a bunch of romantic things, but let's be honest—you already know how much I love you. So let's just skip to the kiss."

And with that, he dipped his bride and kissed her, much to the delight of the crowd.

As the celebrations died down, only one wedding remained—Dakota and Ava's.

They sat together on a balcony, overlooking the sea. The night was calm, the waves reflecting the moon's light.

Ava leaned against Dakota, her fingers tracing lazy circles on his hand.

Ava:

"So… it's finally our turn, huh?"

Dakota exhaled, a small smile on his lips.

Dakota:

"Yeah. It is."

Ava looked up at him, eyes shining with mischief.

Ava:

"You nervous?"

Dakota smirked.

Dakota:

"Me? Nervous? You're forgetting who I am."

Ava chuckled, squeezing his hand.

Ava:

"Good. Because I'm not letting you run away."

Dakota turned to face her fully, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Dakota:

"I wouldn't dream of it."

As the wind carried their laughter across the night, the world around them felt at peace.

For once, there was no war.

No battles.

Just them.

And a future waiting to begin.