Chapter 1478: Farewell

Three days passed after their conversation with Krono.

During those three days, Erend, Eccar, Aesa, and Sylven spent most of their time thinking about their future. Although they remained within Leonora’s palace, none of them appeared relaxed. The servants of the palace and even the citizens of the city occasionally saw the four Dragonborn wandering around while lost in their own thoughts.

Some servants witnessed Erend sitting atop one of the palace’s tallest towers while staring silently at the endless sky and horizon. No one knew what occupied his mind.

Many believed that perhaps he had sensed another danger approaching the world, while others simply assumed that someone bearing the responsibility of protecting an entire world naturally carried worries far beyond ordinary people’s understanding.

Whatever the reason, no one dared to ask him.

At other times, the four Dragonborn simply walked through the city’s streets without speaking to one another. Their expressions remained distant and thoughtful as though they were searching for answers that existed somewhere beyond the horizon.

The citizens respectfully gave them space whenever they appeared. The atmosphere surrounding them clearly conveyed that this was not a time for celebration or casual conversation.

The journey Krono had spoken of weighed heavily upon their minds.

On the night of the third day, the four of them gathered inside a room that had been prepared for them within the palace. The room itself was spacious but relatively simple compared to the luxurious halls reserved for Leonora’s nobility.

It was located near the quieter part of the palace, allowing them to speak freely without interruption.

"I think we should split up for now," Aesa suddenly said, immediately voicing the conclusion she had reached.

She looked at Erend, Eccar, and Sylven one by one. Their expressions carried the same uncertainty that she herself felt.

Eccar let out a long sigh before nodding.

"I agree," Eccar said. "This isn’t something we can solve simply by sitting here and thinking. And it’s definitely not something we can overcome by staying together. If anything, we’ll only end up influencing one another’s decisions. Krono told me that this is something I must discover on my own."

Sylven quietly nodded in agreement.

Silence filled the room for several seconds before Erend finally spoke.

"Then let’s split up," he said calmly. "I think we’ve all reached the same conclusion."

"Hopefully no monsters or another Cosmic Being decide to attack the world while we’re gone," Eccar joked with an awkward laugh.

Unfortunately, none of his companions appreciated the joke. The atmosphere inside the room immediately became heavier as everyone stared at him.

"That’s not funny," Sylven replied flatly.

Eccar blinked before realizing what he had just said. He scratched the back of his head and smiled sheepishly.

"You’re right," he admitted. "Sorry."

The possibility he casually mentioned was perhaps their greatest fear at the moment.

If they left and another Cosmic Being suddenly descended upon the world, who would protect it? They had no idea how long their respective journeys would take. Weeks? Months? Years? Nor could they guarantee that they would return in time if disaster struck.

The joke that was meant to lighten the mood instead reminded all of them of the risks they were about to take.

Even Eccar found himself silently cursing his own stupidity for bringing it up.

"Alright," Erend said as he stood from his seat. "The decision has been made. Let’s say our goodbyes to the Sky Anchor and Velrion before we leave."

The other three silently nodded.

—

Inside the underground chamber, Velrion stood alongside several Knight Captains and Mage Leaders. The crystalline monolith of the Sky Anchor radiated its familiar white light as though silently observing the four Dragonborn before her.

The four Dragonborn looked at the leaders of Leonora gathered before them. Unfortunately, King Garrie had not regained his consciousness yet, so they would not have the opportunity to personally say their farewells to him.

Velrion and the others wore expressions filled with sadness after learning that the Dragonborns would soon leave Leonora.

Erend and Eccar smiled warmly at them. Aesa maintained her usual cold expression while Sylven remained silent, neither smiling nor appearing hostile. His heart had not found peace yet after confronting the deepest regrets hidden within his soul.

"We’ll be leaving soon," Erend said with a smile. "Thank you for everything you’ve provided for us during the past few days."

"No," one of the veteran Knight Captains immediately replied. His posture remained perfectly straight and his stern expression didn’t show any of the emotions hidden within his heart. "We’re the ones who should be thanking all of you."

Unlike him, the others were far less capable of hiding their feelings. Several mages openly showed their sadness, and some even wiped tears from their eyes.

To them, these four Dragonborn were more than powerful beings. They were their saviors. They had protected Leonora when destruction seemed inevitable and saved countless lives throughout the world.

Watching them leave naturally saddened everyone present.

Erend’s smile became slightly bitter as he looked at their expressions.

"Don’t worry," he said reassuringly. "We’ll come back if the world needs us again."

The words themselves were simple, but to everyone gathered within the underground chamber, they were perhaps the most reassuring promise they could ever receive. That as long as the Dragonborn still existed somewhere within the cosmos, Leonora would never truly stand alone.

Four shimmering portals slowly opened behind each of the Dragonborn, their lights illuminating the underground chamber one last time.

Silence briefly lingered between them as they exchanged their final farewells. There were no lengthy speeches or emotional promises. They had already made their decision several days ago and understood that this journey was something each of them had to undertake alone.

They had agreed not to gather together before departing for their destinations. Their paths were separate now, and so were the answers they sought.

Without hesitation, Erend, Eccar, Aesa, and Sylven stepped into their respective portals one after another.

Moments later, the four portals closed simultaneously, leaving Leonora behind as the Dragonborns began the most important journey of their lives.

—