Chapter 17. Another day ends

The day of triumph and rebirth, a day filled with joy and unity, where we rose from the ashes and rebuilt our world.

The world's resources flowed back to their rightful places, finding harmony once more.

The swirling chaos settled, finding its peace within the ground beneath us.

In front of everyone, Professor Penatini presented me with an award, acknowledging my strength, courage, and bravery. "Alfonse," he declared, "let these qualities never fade away."

The cheers of my friends filled the air as they clapped and celebrated alongside the people. I gazed at their faces, their unwavering support filling my heart with gratitude.

Returning their smiles, I raised my sword high, a symbol of our hard-won victory, as we basked in the glory of our triumph.

A few weeks passed, and I turned to my friends, seeking their counsel on our next destination.

"Hmm, how about heading to the lake?" I suggested.

However, I also reminded them that we should return soon, mindful of potential reprimands from the higher authorities.

"I think it's time to head back," I shared, concerned about the consequences of overstaying our welcome.

But then, Camilla interjected, urging me not to worry and to follow her lead, deviating from our original plans.

"Alright, I'll trust your instincts. Lead the way," I replied, willing to put my faith in her guidance.

But instead of walking, we decided to sprint, racing towards the place Camilla spoke of.

"This time, we're running!" I declared with excitement, feeling a surge of energy as we embarked on this adventurous sprint through the nameless forest.

"Hold on tight, Callie!" I called out, ensuring everyone stayed together as we charged toward the lake.

"Whoa!" Callie exclaimed, gripping tightly as we all dashed forward.

While I felt the rush of the wind against my face, I also sensed that my life was moving swiftly, aligned with the right path. It was as if I held the reins, believing that anything was possible.

Then, a magnificent sight greeted my eyes—a radiant, bright white light shining upon me as I walked through it. The beauty of the scene overwhelmed me. It felt familiar, like a place I had encountered in my dreams. Yet, here it was, before me, a real manifestation. It touched my heart deeply. Misty Park had always been my sanctuary, a place to express my emotions, and now, its presence enveloped me wherever I went.

"This... this is beautiful! I've never experienced anything like it in my entire life!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with awe and wonder.

Overwhelmed by emotion, I embraced my friends tightly, grateful that they had revealed this hidden gem to me—a place from my dreams, now a tangible reality. Tears streamed down my face as I yearned to remain with them until the end.

"Spending time with all of you has been truly incredible," I choked out, my voice quivering with emotion.

At that moment, I opened up about my solitude in my hometown, and my lack of family or companionship. The words spilled out, sounding cliché, but genuine nonetheless. "I never knew my parents," I confessed, sharing my deepest secret.

They listened attentively, offering comfort and understanding. "Do you have any interest in finding your family?" one of them asked, their caring gaze fixed upon me.

A smile spread across my face as I placed my hands on my back, expressing my gratitude. "I don't know... But I think I've already found it," I replied, my voice filled with warmth and appreciation. I had discovered a new family in my friends, and the knowledge brought me a sense of belonging I had longed for.

"I know what you're going to say," I chuckled, acknowledging their unspoken words. "Yes, I should be proud of myself, right? Finally putting myself to good use."

Nia pointed out a flaw in my shoes, drawing my attention to the untied laces.

"Seems like your shoes are untied," she remarked with a mischievous grin.

I gently patted her head, amused by her playful nature. "Hey, hey... Haha..."

Continuing to express my joy, I professed my happiness at having shared these moments with them.

"I'm glad we had the chance to meet each other," I declared, my voice resonating with sincerity.

A surge of pride filled me as I observed how my friends had grown and endured throughout our journey.

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for all of you. Thank you for accepting me into your lives. Thank you for never giving up on me," I expressed, my voice brimming with gratitude and admiration.

It seemed that the world had regained its balance, the resources returning to their rightful places. For now, worries seemed distant, fading away into the background.

"Tomorrow, we'll have a new classmate!" Camilla exclaimed, informing us of an upcoming addition to Nulvine.

"Great! I can't wait to meet them!" I responded eagerly, embracing the anticipation of new friendships.

No matter what lay ahead, we remained ready, steadfast in our resolve to face whatever challenges crossed our path.

"So, hero, where shall we venture next?" Camilla inquired, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

As I gazed at their expectant faces, a smile spread across my lips. Together, we would forge a new path, destined for even greater adventures.