CHAPTER 44: A QUIET GOODBYE

Inside the bundle were long black coats and specially crafted masks.

Imperial handed them out to Ari and Tracey. "We'll be passing through the Royal Capital. We can't risk being recognized—especially me and Ari. These will help us blend in."

Ari raised a brow. "But they can identify us by the Alden card at the gates. Masks won't help with that."

"That's the point," Imperial said. "We'll enter the city properly, with our real identities. But once inside, we'll wear these to move through the capital unnoticed. Tracey can enter separately in a regular uniform to avoid suspicion."

Tracey nodded. "Clever. If the guards or spies track us, they won't know what we're up to."

As Imperial and Ari strolled through the village square, a group of children ran up to them, their faces glowing with excitement.

"Look! We made these for you!" one of the little girls chirped, holding out a small handmade bracelet to Ari.

It was delicately crafted, coated with tiny white and yellow stones that sparkled softly in the sun.

Ari gasped, her eyes lighting up. "It's so cute!" she said, sliding it onto her wrist and beaming with joy.

Another child handed Imperial a simple yet beautiful ring, carved from local stone and tinted with soft shades of white and blue.

Imperial examined it, then quietly slipped it onto his finger, offering the children a warm, grateful smile. "Thank you," he said gently.

The children giggled, proud of their creations. Ari and Imperial bowed their heads slightly, sincerely thanking them for the thoughtful gifts.

Later, as they wandered further into the heart of the village, Imperial paused near a dusty path where a group of kids were playing. They had sticks for swords and colorful cloths tied around their shoulders like capes.

"I'm hero ,I will protect this village!" shouted one boy boldly, raising his stick like a sword. "I'll protect the village from the monsters!"

Across from him, another child growled playfully, pretending to be the monster, stomping around on all fours.

Imperial stopped, a soft smile forming as he watched them. But it wasn't the play that touched him — it was the belief behind it. The kids didn't just pretend. They believed in their protector. In him.

A spontaneous idea sparked in his mind.

He stepped forward and called out, "Hey… want to see some real magic?"

The children turned, stunned. Then they erupted in cheers.

"YEAH!"

Imperial chuckled and took a step back. With a spark and crackle, he performed his Thunder Walk — dashing around them in brief flashes of light and thunder, like a bolt of lightning skipping between clouds.

The kids squealed in delight, trying to chase him, their laughter filling the air.

"Catch me if you can!" he shouted, vanishing and reappearing with sparks under his feet.

The game went on, their joy infectious, until the sky began to fade into dusk. One by one, the children were called home by their parents, waving goodbye with wide smiles.

As quiet settled over the village again, Imperial noticed Tracey standing alone near a small hill at the village's edge. The boy was kneeling in front of a grave, hands clasped in prayer.

Imperial approached slowly and realized — it was his grandfather's grave.

He said nothing. Just stood in silence, letting the wind carry the weight of the moment.

That night, the village buzzed with celebration again. Lanterns lit the streets. Laughter echoed from the gathering hall. It seemed some kind of festival was going on — an annual tradition, perhaps, or maybe just the villagers' way of cherishing life.

Imperial stepped aside and pulled out his comm-stone, dialing a familiar voice.

"Hey, Mom."

There was a long pause. Then Lyra's voice came through, warm and teasing. "Am I dreaming… or did my son just call me?"

Imperial didn't laugh, but the corner of his mouth curled.

"When are you leaving?" she asked gently, already sensing the answer.

"Tomorrow," he said softly.

Lyra knew. She could feel the bittersweet hesitation in his voice. Imperial was growing attached to the village — to its people, its peace, its simplicity. And now he was trying to push those feelings away, to ground himself before he left. So he called her.

Imperial turned the crystal outward. "They're celebrating again tonight," he said, showing her the glowing lights and dancing villagers. "They're happy. It's… peaceful here."

"I can see that," Lyra replied with a quiet smile in her voice.

Later that night, Imperial shared dinner with Ari and Tracey under the stars. No training, no pressure — just warm food, soft laughter, and the comfort of company.

When the meal was done and the village began to sleep, Imperial lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts drifted to the ring on his finger, to the laughter of children, to a boy pretending to be him.

Tomorrow, he would leave. But tonight… he allowed himself to feel.

________________________________________

The first rays of sunlight stretched across the quiet village, casting golden light through the trees. Imperial was already awake. He had finished a short meditation, clearing his mind, steadying his heart. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter.

Elsewhere, Tracey tightened the last strap on his pack. Before leaving, he made his way to the hill where the graves lay—where his grandfather rested. With each step, his thoughts swirled with memories and emotions. As he reached the stone marker, he paused.

But he wasn't alone.

Kneeling in front of the grave was Imperial, head bowed, eyes closed, his lips silently moving in prayer.

Tracey blinked in surprise. Then, quietly, he stepped forward and sat beside him. The two remained in silence for a moment, the morning wind whispering through the grass.

Tracey joined his hands and whispered, "Grandpa… I'm going on a journey. Please watch over us… and the village."

Then he glanced at Imperial.

"I didn't expect to see you here."

Imperial opened his eyes and smiled gently.

"But I'm here," he replied.

They both stood up slowly, the moment hanging between them like a promise. Then Imperial turned, his voice steady.

"Let's go. It's time now."

Tracey nodded with a faint smile, hiding the emotion swelling behind his eyes.

As they approached the village's edge, Ari was already waiting, ready to go. The three of them stood silently before the worn gates that had welcomed them just days ago. Only two figures were there to see them off—Goh, the old elder, and the village chief.

Goh stepped forward, a look of concern on his face.

"Is it right to leave without saying goodbye to the others? The villagers… they'll feel sad."

Imperial looked down for a moment, then met Goh's eyes.

"I know," he said. "But it's not a forever goodbye. We'll return—once we've completed our journey in the next empire. For now… I just needed a quiet farewell."

Goh nodded slowly, understanding the weight behind those words. He stepped toward Tracey and pulled him into a firm, fatherly hug.

"All the best, boy," he said warmly. "I'm sure your grandfather would be proud of you."

Tracey held back tears, giving a small nod as he forced a smile. "Thank you, Elder."

Then, with a flick of his hand, Tracey summoned two swiftbeasts—sleek, majestic creatures with powerful legs and gleaming coats. One bowed its head for Ari, while the other lowered itself for Tracey and Imperial.

The three travelers climbed onto their mounts. As they looked back one last time, Imperial raised his hand in a quiet wave. Goh and the chief returned it with solemn smiles.

And then—they rode.

Past the waving trees, past the morning fog, past the place that had offered them rest, laughter, and memories.

Ahead of them lay uncertainty.

Danger.

Truth.

But together—they were ready to face it.