Chapter 186: Ch 184 - A Decade of Change
Ten years had passed since Alex descended into the Underworld, leaving behind a world forever changed.
Though his memory had vanished from everyone's minds, the impact of his presence continued to shape a new era of peace and prosperity.
The four great kingdoms had become steadfast allies, bound not only by shared treaties but by a unity of purpose that Alex had inspired—if only they could remember how it began.
The Clover Kingdom was nearly unrecognizable, having embraced a future where science and technology coexisted with magic.
Crystal-powered airships ferried people and goods across the skies, connecting the once-distant kingdoms in hours rather than days.
Magically enhanced technology was everywhere: from enchanted streetlights that never dimmed to bustling markets with vendors advertising wares both mystical and mechanical.
Julius Novachrono, the ruler of Clover Kingdom, stood on his palace balcony, overlooking the city he had once protected as the Wizard King. His once-youthful face was now marked with age, yet his eyes retained a spark of wonder. He had lost his time magic over a decade ago, but he had found another way to serve his people.
Still, the weight of the crown grew heavier with each passing year. He spoke softly, almost to himself, as the wind carried his words away.
"It's almost time to pass this throne on," He mused.
Turning, he addressed a trusted confidant, Marx Francois. "We need a worthy successor, Marx. Someone with the wisdom to lead and the strength to protect."
Marx nodded thoughtfully.
"Perhaps someone who bridges our past and our future," He suggested. His voice softened. "But have you noticed, Your Majesty, how sometimes we all feel like we're missing something? Or someone?"
Julius's brow furrowed. "Yes, Marx. Every day, it's as if there's an echo of a memory just beyond my reach."
Meanwhile, the Magic Emperor Yuno Grinberryall sat at his desk in the towering citadel that served as his office, with papers, and reports stacked around him.
Despite the demanding role he had taken on, his eyes remained focused, filled with a fierce dedication to protect both the Clover and Spade Kingdoms.
Knock Knock
A knock at the door broke his concentration, and Mimosa Vermillion entered, carrying a tray with tea and snacks.
"You've been working non-stop again, Yuno," Mimosa said with a gentle smile. "Even you need a break."
Yuno exhaled, his lips curving into a rare smile.
"Thank you, Mimosa," He said, accepting the tea. He took a moment to gaze out of the window at the horizon, the rising sun painting the sky with hues of gold and pink.
"Do you ever feel like you're searching for something?" He asked, his voice distant.
Mimosa tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What do you mean?"
"I don't know," Yuno admitted, his hand tightening around the teacup. "There's this feeling… that someone important is missing. Someone I cared about, like a brother. But I have no memory of them."
Mimosa's smile faltered, and a shared, unspoken sadness passed between them.
"Yes," She whispered. "I feel it too."
At the Silva family estate, the atmosphere was far more joyful. The grand halls that once echoed with formality were now filled with laughter.
Acier Silva sat in the garden, her silver hair catching the sunlight as she observed her children. Noelle, now a confident and powerful warrior, demonstrated a new spell to her mother.
"That was incredible, Noelle," Acier praised, clapping her hands. "Your strength has surpassed even my expectations."
Noelle blushed, her eyes bright.
"It's because of your training, Mother," She replied. "And… because I want to protect everyone, just like you did."
Nearby, Nozel watched with a rare, genuine smile.
"You've made us all proud, Noelle," He said.
The once-distant siblings had grown close over the years, united by the happiness their mother's return had brought. Even Solid and Nebra, who had been arrogant in the past, had softened, and their family was finally whole.
In the Vermillion estate, Mereoleona trained in a courtyard engulfed in flames, her roars of exertion echoing through the grounds.
A small, fierce girl with bright orange hair mimicked her mother's movements, giggling as she attempted to conjure fire. Mereoleona turned, her stern expression melting into a rare, affectionate smile.
"Not bad, little flame," She said, scooping her daughter into her arms. "But you'll have to do better if you want to keep up with me."
The girl laughed, her eyes sparkling. "I'll be the strongest, just like you, Mama!"
Mereoleona's heart swelled with pride, but a familiar ache lingered in her chest.
Though she had forgotten Alex, she had never looked for another partner. Something deep inside told her that the father of her child was out there, and she clung to the hope of his return.
She whispered to herself, "Wherever you are, come back to us."
Elsewhere, Nacht Faust wandered the moonlit halls of his estate, his shadows whispering in the silence. He paused, his gaze fixed on the stars.
"Why does it feel like I owe someone a debt?" He murmured, his voice barely more than a breath.
The shadows had grown restless over the years, yearning for a presence they could no longer remember.
At the Black Bulls' base, Yami Sukehiro sat in his office, feet propped on his desk as he exhaled a cloud of smoke, a blurry face kept flashing in his head, causing him to furrow his brows.
The members had adjusted to the new world but never forgot the void that Alex left.
Vanessa Enoteca lounged in the common room, her gaze far away as she sipped her wine.
"It feels like a piece of us went missing," She murmured to Finral Roulacase, who sat beside her.
Finral, who had matured over the years, nodded. "Yeah. Sometimes, it's like there's a shadow of someone who used to be here."
Magna Swing and Luck Voltia, ever the duo, had continued to grow stronger, their rivalry pushing them to new heights.
"Oi, Luck, think you can beat me now?"
Magna challenged, flames sparking around his fists.
Luck grinned, lightning crackling around him. "Only one way to find out!"
Their camaraderie never wavered, even as they shared the same inexplicable emptiness.
In another part of the kingdom, Charlotte Roselei trained with her trusted aide, Sol Marron. The two women had developed a strong bond over the years, and though they had both forgotten Alex, they often felt a pang of longing. Charlotte, usually composed, found herself distracted during training.
"Captain, you're off today," Sol noted, concern in her eyes.
Charlotte paused, exhaling a sigh.
"It's nothing, Sol. Just… an ache I can't quite place."
Her fingers tightened around her lance. "It feels as if someone important is missing from our lives."
Sol's expression softened. "I feel it too. Whoever he was… he must have meant the world to us."
Elsewhere, Rebecca Scarlet's life had changed dramatically. Thanks to Alex's support, she had opened a thriving bakery in the capital. Her younger siblings helped in the shop, laughter and warmth filling the once-struggling household.
Rebecca stood behind the counter, a soft smile gracing her lips as she watched her siblings play.
"Whoever you are… wherever you are," She whispered to herself, "Thank you. You made all this possible."
Even if his face was a blur in her memories, the warmth he had brought into her life remained.
The Black Bulls, united in their chaos and loyalty, continued to protect the kingdom. But each of them carried the same unspoken burden—a sense that someone had left a void in their hearts. Even in their laughter and bickering, they never stopped wondering about the mysterious figure they couldn't quite remember.
Across the four kingdoms, people lived their lives in peace, strengthened by the bonds Alex had once forged. The world had grown prosperous, but for those who had known him, a quiet yearning lingered.
The shadow of a forgotten hero loomed over them, a whisper in the wind, a promise left unfulfilled.
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