Epilogue

|Jezebeth|

Amidst the cacophony of clashing metals and roaring engines emanating from the fleet of ships preparing to set sail for Dicathen, a frustrated sigh escaped my lips.

"This is such a nuisance," I grumbled, trying to maintain my composure amidst the playful taunts of Cecilia, who seemed to find amusement in my predicament, her arms folded beneath her generous bosom.

"You have no one to blame but yourself," she teased, her laughter echoing through the air. "Perhaps you should have exercised more caution."

My fellow Legacy, dripping with confidence, chimed in, "Don't worry, my friend. According to our agreement, you can join us later, right?"

I nodded, though my frustration simmered beneath the surface. Leaving Ren in the care of these two powerful individuals, despite their immense strength, was a decision I couldn't take lightly. I had learned my lesson from underestimating Ren before, a mistake that had led to my demise.

Ren possessed a formidable power. His current position was a result of limited knowledge about the world and his own body, but I knew better than to underestimate him again. He had claimed to have destroyed the Akashic Records in our previous lives, and I couldn't afford to disregard his true strength.

In the face of uncertainty, I steeled my resolve. This time, I would approach Ren with caution and unwavering determination. Underestimation was no longer an option.

"What do you want, insignificant insect?" I sneered, snapping my head towards the feeble individual who dared to encroach upon our circle.

The Retainer visibly cowered under my piercing gaze, but before I could unleash my wrath, Cecilia swiftly interposed herself, standing protectively in front of him.

"Don't you dare bully Nico, Jezebeth," she snarled, her voice laced with warning.

"Fine, fine!" I relented, though the tension between us three Legacies still lingered. Over the years, we had grown closer, united by our shared purpose under Agrona's manipulation. Yet, distrust and friction remained, a reminder of the individual agendas we pursued alongside his grand scheme.

Our alliance was founded on mutual benefit, each of us striving to achieve our own goals while serving Agrona's larger design.

"The offer still stands, Cecilia~" the male Legacy taunted, twirling a lock of her ebony hair between his fingers. "You know I'm not seeking a committed relationship, just some fun."

Cecilia swatted his hand away, asserting herself, "I am already Nico's," she declared, pressing herself against his arm, causing a telltale flush to creep up his face.

"This pushover will probably enjoy watching us," the male Legacy jested, his laughter resonating through the air.

"You dare," Cecilia seethed, her aura crackling with uncontrolled mana. "I dare," he retorted, his right hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword.

A palpable tension filled the air, causing the surrounding workers to freeze in their tracks, their gazes locked on the impending clash. Even some Scythes, alongside their Retiners, hesitated to intervene, fully aware of the catastrophic consequences that could unfold.

"Enough!" I interjected firmly, stepping between the two volatile Legacies and releasing a surge of my own King's Force. Though I knew facing them both simultaneously would be a daunting task, the display of my power served as a potent deterrent, dissuading them from escalating the situation further.

The oppressive pressure eased, allowing the onlookers to breathe again as the imminent clash was averted, if only temporarily.

"I'll have my victory over you, Cecilia," the male Legacy taunted with a twisted smirk, his voice laced with lingering hostility, before confidently boarding the waiting ship. My attention shifted to Nico, whose troubled expression spoke volumes about the complex emotions stirring within him, yet he lacked the strength to intervene.

Power.

Power was the paramount currency in this world, the driving force behind every conquest and achievement. In my past existence, my race faced discrimination and nearly met its demise. But through sheer determination and relentless pursuit of strength, I ascended to the pinnacle, elevating my race to become the dominant force in the universe.

Weakness, I learned, rendered one helpless, watching helplessly as those dearest to them were snatched away. Family, loved ones, possessions—nothing was safe from the clutches of the powerful unless one had the strength to defend them.

Power was the key to survival, a means to navigate an inherently unfair reality devoid of true equality. It was the instrument through which I would secure the future of my ideals, ensuring their triumph and endurance.

This time, I would transcend all others, seizing the title of the most powerful and securing my inevitable triumph. The pursuit of power became my unwavering resolve, fueling every step I took, every decision I made.

|Lancelot|

"You've both flourished in strength," a voice echoed through the air, capturing Rachel's and my attention. I swiftly turned my gaze towards the source, a smile spreading across my face as I recognized the familiar figure before me.

Gary Whiteborn, the esteemed captain of the Paladins and the greatest genius of Dicathen. I was eager to witness firsthand the extent of his growth and development.

As I welcomed his presence, I noticed Bell appearing by my side, her body trembling uncontrollably.

'What's troubling you?' I inquired through our telepathic bond, concerned about her sudden unease.

'C-Can't you sense it?' Bell stammered, her voice quivering, as she pointed a trembling finger in Gary's direction. 'That monstrous aura... It's overwhelming!'

Intrigued, I delved deeper into the ambient mana, partially activating Mana Sovereign to gain a clearer understanding. Almost immediately, I grasped the essence of Bell's apprehension.

'How is this possible?' I pondered silently.

Through the lens of Mana Sovereign, I discerned that the disparity between us was not insurmountable, given my enhanced abilities. However, his sheer strength was undeniably formidable.

Mana itself bowed in deference to him, a manifestation of his dominance, as if he had surpassed the confines of the white stage and neared the boundary of integration.

Moreover, his command over aether surpassed even that of Windsom, flowing effortlessly at his beck and call.

"Are you prepared for battle?" he inquired, his countenance growing solemn. "Our adversaries have already arrived."