the epilogue(2)

The world had changed. The war had ended, and for the first time in history, peace was not just an illusion but a reality.

And at the center of it all was Dakota—the man known as the Savior of Humanity, the Strongest Hero, the emperor of flames—and today, he wasn't fighting a battle.

He was getting married.

The city of Altheria had never been this lively. The streets were filled with people celebrating, banners with Dakota and Ava's names fluttering in the breeze. It was a day the world had been waiting for—the wedding of the strongest couple in history.

At the grand estate that Dakota and his friends used as their retreat, everyone had gathered. The ceremony was to take place in the large open courtyard, where enchanted lanterns floated above, casting a soft, golden glow. Flowers from every kingdom decorated the venue, creating an atmosphere of warmth and beauty.

Dakota stood near a table, dressed in an elegant black suit embroidered with silver patterns. His signature smirk was on his face as he watched his friends bicker and laugh.

Henry:

"I still can't believe it. Dakota is actually getting married."

Jack chuckled, sipping his drink.

Jack:

"Yeah, I thought he'd spend the rest of his life being all mysterious and brooding."

Luna grinned.

Luna:

"Ava probably threatened him."

Dakota snorted, turning toward them.

Dakota:

"Oh, absolutely. She said if I didn't propose, she'd drag me to the altar herself."

Amelia laughed.

Amelia:

"That sounds like Ava."

Liam smirked, throwing an arm around Dakota.

Liam:

"Alright, be honest, man. Are you nervous?"

Dakota rolled his eyes.

Dakota:

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

Mia smirked.

Mia:

"Oh? Then why are you gripping that glass so hard it's about to break?"

Dakota blinked, realizing she was right, then quickly set the glass down.

Lucas shook his head.

Lucas:

"Man, you can fight devils and gods without fear, but marriage is what gets to you?"

Dakota chuckled.

Dakota:

"Marriage is scarier than any war."

Henry raised a glass.

Henry:

"To Dakota, finally facing his greatest challenge—marriage!"

The group laughed, raising their glasses in a toast.

Before the ceremony, Dakota stepped away from the crowd to find his parents. His father, an older but strong-looking man, stood beside his mother, who wiped her eyes with a handkerchief.

Dakota:

"Mom, you're not crying, are you?"

His mother sniffed.

Mother:

"Of course, I am! My little boy is getting married!"

His father chuckled.

Father:

"We're proud of you, son. You've done more than anyone could have imagined."

Dakota's smirk softened into a small, genuine smile.

Dakota:

"Thanks. For everything."

His mother hugged him tightly.

Mother:

"Just make sure to take care of Ava. She's a strong woman, but she needs you too."

Dakota nodded.

Dakota:

"I will. I promise."

As Dakota prepared to take his place at the altar, he spotted Ava standing in a private garden, looking at the flowers. She wore a breathtaking white gown, embroidered with golden threads that shimmered in the sunlight.

Dakota smirked and approached quietly, then whispered in her ear.

Dakota:

"You know, I still have time to run away."

Ava jumped slightly, then turned, playfully smacking his arm.

Ava:

"Dakota!"

Dakota chuckled.

Dakota:

"You look beautiful."

Ava blushed.

Ava:

"You're just saying that."

Dakota leaned in slightly.

Dakota:

"No, I mean it. If I were a weaker man, I'd be on my knees right now."

Ava's face turned red.

Ava:

"You idiot! You're supposed to wait until after the vows to make me blush!"

Dakota laughed.

Dakota:

"Where's the fun in that?"

She rolled her eyes but smiled.

Ava:

"Come on, let's get married already."

The courtyard was filled with guests. Kings, queens, heroes, and warriors from every kingdom had gathered. As Dakota stood at the altar, waiting, the music began.

Ava walked down the aisle, her eyes locked onto his.

When she reached him, he smirked.

Dakota:

"So, no turning back now, huh?"

Ava smiled.

Ava:

"Nope. You're stuck with me forever."

The priest cleared his throat.

Priest:

"Dakota, please say your vows."

Dakota smirked, taking Ava's hands.

Dakota:

"Ava, I vow to always love you, to protect you, and—most importantly—to never let you win an argument."

The crowd burst into laughter. Ava playfully glared at him.

Ava:

"Dakota!"

Dakota grinned.

Dakota:

"Fine, fine. Let me say the real vows."

His smirk faded, and his voice turned serious.

Dakota:

"Ava, you are my light. My reason for fighting, my reason for surviving. I have suffered, I have fought, and I have lost many things in my life. But the one thing I never want to lose is you. I vow to love you, to stand by your side, and to make sure that, no matter what, you'll never have to carry any burden alone."

The crowd went silent, surprised by his sudden seriousness.

Ava's eyes softened, and she squeezed his hands.

Ava:

"Dakota… you idiot. Now I have to top that."

She took a deep breath.

Ava:

"Dakota, I've seen every side of you. The warrior, the strategist, the idiot who makes bad jokes. And I love all of them. You are my partner, my best friend, my everything. I vow to stay with you, to fight beside you, and to remind you, every day, that you are loved."

The priest smiled.

Priest:

"You may now kiss."

Dakota smirked.

Dakota:

"Finally."

He pulled Ava in and kissed her as the crowd erupted into cheers.

Henry:

"Congratulations, you overpowered lunatics!"

Jack:

"To the strongest couple in history!"

Luna:

"You guys better not destroy the world together!"

Everyone laughed, and the celebrations began.

Dakota sat on the balcony of his estate, watching the sunset. Two small figures ran up to him—his son and daughter.

Andy:

"Father! Tell us about the war!"

Amy:

"Yeah! What was your life like?"

Dakota smirked, leaning back.

Dakota:

"Well… it was nice. It was painful. I suffered. I was happy. But mainly, I suffered."

The kids burst into laughter.

Andy:

"That sounds terrible!"

Amy:

"But also fun!"

Dakota ruffled their hair.

Dakota:

"It was everything. Pain, happiness, sorrow, joy. I lost people. I found friends. I fought battles that nearly killed me. But in the end, I survived."

Amy tilted her head.

Amy:

"So, if you had to sum it up, what was your life like?"

Dakota smiled, gazing at the horizon.

Dakota:

"Unexpected. A lot of suffering. But, most importantly, full of happiness. And that happiness is the reason I'm still here."

The children hugged him, and as the sun set, Dakota knew—his story was finally at peace.

The End.

[End of volume 4: the truth and the war]