65.Night of Memories/ The Day of the Eclipse

Merslin and his companions decided to take a well-deserved break from their arduous journey. That night, they gathered around a campfire, sharing their favorite foods and reminiscing about the adventures they had experienced together.

Serena smirked and turned to Aria. "Hey, Aria, remember when we went to the market to buy clothes? You spent forever picking out that 'combat underwear'!"

Aria's face flushed bright red as she protested. "Serena! Stop bringing that up! That was so embarrassing!"

Merslin burst into laughter at the memory. "I still don't really understand what 'combat underwear' even is."

Elena, grinning mischievously, chimed in. "Merslin, that's a secret only women know. But trust me, it actually does help in battle."

Lisa chuckled as well. "And thanks to all the clothes you picked that day, we had so much fun dressing up. I still remember how excited everyone was in the market."

Merslin nodded, his smile warm. "Yeah, that was such a fun day. Everyone looked so happy trying on new outfits."

Serena added, "And later that night, we all showed off our new clothes and laughed so much. Remember when Aria finally decided to try on her combat underwear? That was hilarious!"

Aria covered her face in embarrassment. "Stop it, Serena! But… I guess it did give me a bit more confidence."

Lisa then brought up another cherished memory. "And remember the time we went skiing in the snowy mountains and then relaxed in the hot springs? That was another unforgettable day."

Elena nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Skiing was fun, but I loved our time in the hot springs even more. We had such heartfelt conversations while soaking in the warm water."

Merslin reminisced with a soft smile. "Sitting in the hot springs, sharing stories… those were truly happy moments. Those experiences made our bonds even stronger."

The warm glow of the campfire reflected the warmth in their hearts. They laughed and talked, but as the night grew deeper, a realization settled upon them—Merslin's departure was drawing near.

Serena's eyes welled up with tears. "Merslin… I still can't believe you're leaving. The time we spent together was so precious."

Aria wiped her eyes as well. "You brought us all together, Merslin. Without you, none of us would have made it this far."

Lisa gently took Merslin's hand. "It's going to feel so empty without you, but I'll support your decision no matter what."

Merslin fought back his own emotions as he responded. "I feel the same way. Meeting you all changed my life. I've learned so much, and I'll always cherish our time together. I promise we'll meet again someday."

At that moment, Elena spoke softly but firmly. "Merslin… I'm going with you. I want to start a new journey by your side."

Everyone turned to her in shock.

Aria hesitated. "Elena… are you really going to leave with Merslin?"

Elena's eyes were filled with resolve. "Yes. I love you all, and our time together has been irreplaceable. But my heart tells me that my path is with Merslin."

Merslin was deeply moved. He looked at her with gratitude and said, "Elena… thank you. I'd be honored to have you with me."

Aria embraced Merslin tightly. "It's hard to imagine this world without you. But if you must go, we'll do everything we can to help you."

Serena wiped her tears and smiled. "Every single moment we spent together was special. I'll never forget them."

Lisa hugged Merslin one last time. "You'll always be our hero. No matter where you go, don't ever forget us."

Feeling their unwavering love and support, Merslin found the strength to say goodbye. They spent the rest of the night under the stars, sharing memories, laughter, and tears, preparing for the farewell that awaited them.

*******

The Day of the Eclipse

Finally, the day Merslin would return home arrived. The group gathered at the ancient ritual site, using the knowledge they had acquired from the Great Library to open the dimensional gate.

The tension was palpable as they prepared for the ritual. Alex, the scholar who had been helping them, reviewed the ancient incantations one last time.

"Is everyone ready?" Alex asked, his voice steady despite the gravity of the moment.

Merslin took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes. It's time."

Elena, standing beside him, held his hand tightly. "Merslin, I've waited for this moment. I'll be right beside you."

Serena and Aria exchanged glances before nodding in determination. "We're with you until the end," they said in unison.

Lisa surveyed the surroundings and added, "Everyone, stay focused. This ritual has to succeed if Merslin is going to return home."

As the sun aligned with the moon, darkness descended upon the land. The sky took on an eerie glow as the moment of total eclipse approached. Standing within the ancient magic circle, Merslin and the others began chanting the ritual incantation.

"At the moment when the sun and moon become one, grant our wish and open the path!" Alex called out.

Merslin concentrated, feeling the ancient power converge around him. Magic energy crackled in the air, and a glowing portal slowly began to form.

A shimmering image of his homeland appeared beyond the gate. Merslin exhaled deeply, knowing this was it. "It's time for me to go."

He turned to his friends for one final farewell. "Thank you, everyone. I will never forget what we've shared. You've all become a part of my heart."

Serena, fighting back tears, whispered, "Merslin, don't ever forget us."

Aria wiped her eyes and smiled through her sadness. "No matter where you are, we'll always be cheering for you."

Lisa pulled him into one last embrace. "You'll always be a part of us. Never forget that."

Elena, still holding his hand, said firmly, "Merslin, I'm coming with you. I want to see your world and walk this path together."

Merslin squeezed her hand, his heart full. "Let's go, Elena. Together."

As they stepped toward the portal, a sudden disturbance shook the dimensional gate. The portal expanded, growing unstable. A blinding light filled the area as something massive emerged from the rift.

A gigantic airship materialized in the sky, its engines roaring as it hovered above the ritual site. Merslin's eyes widened in shock.

"What is this?!" he exclaimed. "The legend… was it all a lie?"

His companions, equally stunned, braced themselves as a figure stepped forward from the ship.

It was Kyle, a traveler they had met before, but his face was grim.

"I'm sorry, Merslin," Kyle admitted. "But everything that has happened… was planned by your future self."

Merslin's heart pounded. "My future self… planned this?"

Kyle nodded solemnly. "Yes. The Merslin of the future sent you here to become strong enough to stop an invasion from another world. Everything you've experienced was part of that preparation."

Merslin's mind reeled. Had his entire journey been predestined? Was he merely following a written fate?

For a moment, he wavered, but Elena placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him. "Merslin, no matter what, we make our own choices. And right now, we need to protect this world."

He looked at her, then at his friends, and finally at the sky where the unknown threat loomed. He clenched his fists.

"You're right, Elena. We decide our own future. And together, we will fight!"

Merslin and his companions steeled themselves as they prepared to face the ultimate battle.