Chapter 88: The Last Hope

The room was dimly lit, the faint hum of medical machines filling the silence. The curtains were drawn, shielding the world outside from the fragile life that lay within. Lia's breathing was slow and uneven, her pale hands resting weakly on the bed. The once vibrant light in her eyes had faded, yet she still forced a gentle smile when she saw him.

Jin stood at the doorway, his figure shrouded in shadow. His lips parted, but no words came out. He had stood before demons, gods, and calamities beyond comprehension, yet now, standing before her, he was powerless.

Lia's gaze softened. "Jin… you're here."

His feet felt like lead as he approached. He knelt beside her bed, forcing himself to stay strong, but his voice betrayed him. "Lia… how are you feeling?"

She chuckled weakly. "Like I fought a celestial war and lost."

Jin's throat tightened. He wanted to smile, to share in the joke, but his heart ached too much. Instead, he reached out and gently held her hand. It was cold—too cold.

Lia's eyes flickered with concern. "Jin… what happened?"

He flinched. He had no answer. How could he tell her that everything they had fought for was gone? That Kaelros, Arden, Lysander, and Rin were dead? That World Guidance had collapsed? That there was no hope left?

Lia's fingers curled around his. "Jin… please. Talk to me."

His lips trembled. He opened his mouth to speak but the words caught in his throat. The weight of grief, of failure, of despair—it was unbearable. His vision blurred, and before he could stop himself, he lowered his head onto her lap and broke.

Tears streamed down his face, his shoulders shaking as he sobbed. He had held back for so long, but here, in front of her, he couldn't anymore.

Lia was startled at first, but then, with the little strength she had left, she ran her fingers through his hair. "Jin…"

His cries were muffled against her. He had lost everything—his comrades, his strength, his purpose. But losing Lia? That was something he couldn't bear.

"I tried," he choked out. "I tried everything… but I failed. I failed everyone. I failed you."

Lia's fingers trembled as she lifted his chin. Her own eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Jin… you never failed me."

He shook his head violently. "You're dying, Lia. And I can't do anything."

She smiled softly, brushing away his tears. "Then do what you always do… fight."

Jin's breath hitched.

Lia's grip tightened. "You always find a way. I believe in you."

Her words struck something deep within him. For the first time in days, a flicker of resolve returned to his eyes. Then, a memory surfaced.

[Quest: Olympus Journey]

Jin's breath stilled.

Olympus.

Hope.

His heart pounded. He had been so lost in grief that he had forgotten. If there was even the smallest chance, he had to take it. He had to.

He stood abruptly, determination washing over his face. "Lia… I promise you. I'll find a way."

She smiled weakly. "I know you will."

He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before turning toward the door. He couldn't afford to waste another second. He had to reach Olympus.

Jin stood before the great portal atop the ruins of World Guidance Headquarters. Lightning crackled through the stormy sky, illuminating the ancient structure that had long been sealed away. The Olympian Pantheon.

Behind him, Lillian approached cautiously. "Jin… are you sure about this?"

He didn't look at her, his gaze locked onto the portal. "There's no other choice."

Lillian hesitated. "Olympus isn't just a place. The gods won't simply grant you what you want. They'll demand something in return."

Jin clenched his fists. "Then I'll give them whatever they want."

Lillian sighed. "I'll come with you."

Jin finally turned to face her. "Why?"

She met his gaze, unwavering. "Because you're not alone. You never were."

For a moment, he was silent. Then, with a small nod, he turned back to the portal. Together, they stepped through, vanishing into the divine realm.

And so, the final battle for hope began.