Chapter 450: Chapter 450 - Cherished Memories(Part 3)
"I owe you guys a massive debt...if it wasn’t for you, I might still be a slave, or dead. But I avoided that fate because you two freed me...thank you for that, I just wish I had the chance to repay you."
"You don’t owe us anything, kid, you’ve more than repaid that debt, as far as I’m concerned," Shrugged Gior in response.
"And I never saw it as you owing us a debt, in the first place, so there was never anything to repay," Added Phyurio with a grin.
"Even so, I’m grateful. And I had a lot of fun hanging out with you guys too, I enjoyed your company," I replied with a smile.
"Likewise, kid. If anything, we owe you a debt...we were wanted criminals before we met you, and now, we’re able to live freely, and that’s thanks to you. For so long, I never thought we’d ever get the chance to walk around in the open without having to constantly look over our shoulders, we can’t emphasize how much that means to us," Said Gior as he patted my shoulder gratefully.
"Yeah, what he said. We’ve come this far because of you, it’s very possible that we would’ve ended up dead and forgotten at this point if it wasn’t for you," Nodded Phyurio in agreement.
I don’t know about that, they were pretty damn good at what they did, after all. Also, it’s getting harder and harder to keep my emotions in check...I didn’t expect to get so much appreciation and gratitude showered onto me like this, it’s really stirring up my emotions.
And it’s making me that much more aware of the fact that, before much longer, my time in this world will come to an end. And once that happens, I’ll never see any of them again...
"I’m counting on you guys to keep Arcadia on its current path once I’m gone...I know I can rely on you, so I’m confident that things will be just fine without me," I smiled, as I pushed down my emotions.
"Rest assured, we’ll do everything we can to make sure that everything you’ve accomplished won’t be undone. But you’re wrong about one thing, things won’t be fine once you’re gone...we’re all going to miss you, it won’t be the same without you," Replied Phyurio, his eyes watering as his voice cracked slightly.
"Yeah...what he said," Added Gior quietly.
...
...
"I probably should’ve told you that I’m from another world a long time ago, I’m sorry. I bet you must be feeling pretty deceived, huh?" I remarked apologetically.
"Well, I was pretty taken aback...but no, deceived isn’t the right word. Even knowing this, I still consider you my son, all the actions you’ve taken are all the proof I need of that," Smiled Rhyle, as he placed a hand on my shoulder.
"I-...thank you, that really means a lot to me. I had an awful family in my previous life, so once I got to know what kind of people you and mom were...I was really happy. I truly treasured those days in Juana Village, you know. I felt so blessed to have been born into such a warm, loving family," I replied honestly.
"I’m glad to hear that...your mother and I were pretty nervous once you and Argent were born, we had no idea how to be parents. I’d like to think that we did our best, but still," He admitted sheepishly.
"As far as I’m concerned, you were the perfect parents, I had nothing but the utmost respect for the both of you. I wouldn’t have traded those years for the world. Honestly, I often felt like you were too good for me."
"Oh, I disagree with that, I think it was the opposite."
"I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree then," I smiled wryly.
"Hahaha, yes...I suppose so."
...
...
"I’m surprised...even though you won’t be here anymore, you still want to make sure that Arcadia will be in good hands after you’re gone?" Remarked Terrastra.
"Yeah...I mean, I did play a significant role in founding this nation, so I’d like to do everything I can to ensure that it won’t fall apart after I’m gone," I replied with a smile.
"Well, you don’t have to worry about that. We quite like it here, so we’ll stay and protect this nation," Aereeze assured me.
"Yes, we Dragon Kings likely would all be dead if you hadn’t approached us to join Arcadia in the first place. There may only be two of us left now, but that’s probably two more than there would have been if it wasn’t for you...oh, wait, I guess it’s three, since Frielektra technically isn’t dead," Mused Terrastra thoughtfully.
"So, what happens to you after this?" Aereeze inquired curiously.
"Well, it looks like I’ll be reincarnating into a different world. Beyond that, I have no idea what may or may not be in store for me, I guess I’ll find out soon enough," I sighed in response.
I really don’t want to find out, though...I want to stay here. I want to remain in this world, I’m...I’m not ready to say goodbye yet.
"I see...I suppose all we can do now is wish you the best in your next life," Replied Terrastra.
"Thanks, I appreciate that."
"I never even considered such a possibility, to think there are other worlds in existence. It makes me feel...rather insignificant," Smiled Aereeze wryly.
"Yeah, the whole multiverse thing does make things feel pretty inconsequential. But lately, I’ve come to realize that doesn’t matter. So long as you live a fulfilling life, a life that you don’t regret, who cares if it’s insignificant in the grand scheme of things? And I know one thing for sure...all the memories I’ve made in this world, all the bonds I’ve formed, I’ll never consider any of them to be insignificant."
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