The sun was setting over Eterna, bathing the city in hues of gold and crimson. After weeks of tension, the streets finally felt alive again. Goblins hurried about with baskets of goods, merchants called out cheerfully to passing customers, and the Kijin patrolled with pride in their steps. The scars of the Charybdis battle were fading, replaced by laughter, hammers striking wood, and the rhythm of a city reborn.
Atem sat on the wide steps of the newly finished council hall, his tall frame catching the last rays of the setting sun. His sharp eyes watched as Milim darted across the plaza, chasing a screaming Gobta while wielding a honey jar like a weapon.
He exhaled through his nose, the corners of his lips curving ever so slightly. "So noisy…"
But even as amusement touched him, something stirred deeper, pulling his gaze away from the lighthearted chaos.
Shizu.
The memory returned unbidden—the gentle warmth of her smile, the strength she carried to the very end, and her last words spoken to him:
"Please… look after them… my students…"
Atem's chest tightened. Through all the battles, alliances, and the storm that was Milim, he had placed her final request aside. But now that Eterna stood firm, its people safe, he could no longer ignore it.
He rose to his full height, his commanding voice rolling through the square.
"Everyone, gather. I have something important to say."
At once, Benimaru, Shion, Souei, Hakuro, Geld, Rigurd, Gobta, and the rest of his core people hurried to his side. Milim plopped down cross-legged, still hugging her jar of honey, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Atem let the silence settle before speaking, his voice deep and resolute.
"I made a promise. A promise to someone I hold in high regard."
Benimaru tilted his head, arms folded. "A promise, Master?"
"Yes," Atem said, his tone steady, though there was a heaviness beneath it. "To Shizu. Before her passing, she entrusted me with her students—children who bear dangerous burdens. If left alone, their lives will burn out too soon. I swore I would protect them."
A murmur rippled through the group. Though most had only heard of Shizu through Atem's words, they knew enough to understand the gravity behind that vow.
"I've decided," Atem continued, "to travel to Ingracia. I will find those children and fulfill her request. It is something I cannot delay any longer."
Shion clenched her fists, stepping forward. "Then let us accompany you! Eterna will not falter if we divide our strength."
Hakuro shook his head gently, stroking his beard. "No. Atem-sama must choose carefully. Our enemies watch us closely. The core of our strength must remain here to guard Eterna."
Benimaru frowned, considering. "Still, Master, you should not go alone. A small escort at least—Souei, perhaps?"
Milim suddenly leapt to her feet, eyes shining. "Ooh, I'll go! I've never been to this Ingracia place. If anyone dares to cause trouble, I'll blow them into the next continent!"
"Rejected," Atem said flatly, meeting her pout with a sharp look. "If you come, it will become an international crisis before I even speak to the children."
"Ehhh?! That's not fair!" Milim stomped her foot, honey jar wobbling dangerously.
Atem's lips twitched in faint amusement. "Peace, Milim. This journey is mine to walk."
The Oracle's calm voice whispered through his mind, cutting through the chatter:
<
"I know," Atem answered inwardly, his eyes firm as he looked at his people. "That's why I will see it through."
Rigurd stepped forward, bowing deeply with one hand pressed to his chest. "Then allow us to serve Eterna in your absence, Master. We will guard this nation until your safe return."
"Good," Atem said with a nod. "I'll trust all of you to keep Eterna strong. When I return, it will be with Shizu's students—safe and under my protection."
The evening sun dipped behind the trees, its last light crowning Atem's form in golden fire. Around him, his people stood proud, ready to bear the weight of their nation.
For Atem, this was no conquest, no alliance, no trial of strength.
This was a promise remembered.
And now, it was time to fulfill it.
The morning air in Eterna was fresh and alive, carrying the smell of cut timber, cooked bread, and tilled earth. The city had grown beyond anything Atem ever thought possible when he first arrived. The streets were bustling: goblins shouting orders to orcs hauling stone, kijin sparring in the yards, and lizardmen patrolling along the outer roads.
And in the central square, a massive crowd had gathered.
"Lord Atem! Please return safely!" Rigurd's booming voice carried across the square. His old eyes shimmered with tears that he fought desperately to hold back.
Atem, towering in his new majestic form, gave a wry smile. His golden aura shimmered faintly, like sunlight through ancient stone. "Come on now, Rigurd, don't cry before I've even left. Remember—paperwork won't fill itself while I'm gone."
"Y-Yes, Lord Atem!" Rigurd thumped his chest with conviction, though his lips quivered like he might burst into sobs at any moment.
Benimaru stepped forward, his crimson hair catching the light, his expression firm. "I'll see to Eterna's defense. No enemy will breach our walls while you're gone."
"I know you will, Benimaru," Atem replied, his voice calm but commanding. Then, with a smirk, he added, "Just… don't burn down the forest again."
Benimaru flinched, face heating up. "T-That was one time! One time!"
Hakuro chuckled softly, resting a hand on the younger commander's shoulder. "Take it as wisdom, not insult. Lord Atem merely reminds us to temper our strength."
Then Shion pushed her way through the crowd, her violet hair swaying, fists clenched tight. Her eyes shone with determination. "Lord Atem! I'll guard this city with my life! And if anyone dares insult you while you're gone, I'll crush them into the ground!"
Atem raised a brow, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Do me a favor, Shion—don't start a war while I'm gone."
"Hmph! Fine," she pouted, puffing her cheeks.
From the shadows, Souei appeared silently, bowing. "Preparations are complete. The roads ahead are secured, and contingencies arranged."
"Good," Atem said, nodding. "I knew I could rely on you, Souei."
Above them, a massive shadow spread across the square, making the crowd lift their heads in awe. Ranga stepped out, his colossal wolf form gleaming with loyalty, golden eyes burning with excitement.
"Master! I am ready!" Ranga's deep voice rumbled. "I shall carry you swiftly to your destination. Nothing shall stand before us!"
Atem's smile softened. "Perfect. You're my ride, then." He leapt lightly onto Ranga's back, his tall figure sinking into the thick fur.
Just as they were about to leave, a sharp, familiar voice echoed across the square.
"Waaait!"
Milim came barreling in, hands waving wildly, azure eyes blazing. "You're seriously leaving without me?!"
"Milim…" Atem exhaled slowly, folding his arms. "I told you yesterday. This time, you can't come with me." His voice was firm, carrying the weight of authority that silenced most, but Milim wasn't most.
Her cheeks puffed like a sulking child's, her glare fierce enough to make the villagers shrink back nervously. For a heartbeat, it looked like she might blow up half the city.
Then, she jabbed a finger at him. "Fine! But when you get back, you owe me—an entire barrel of honey! Not a jar, a barrel!"
Without hesitation, Atem answered, "Deal."
Milim froze, blinking. "…Wait, really?"
"Really," he said simply, the corner of his lips tugging upward.
Her scowl instantly melted into the brightest grin. "Hehehe! Bestie! You better not forget!" She spun on her heel, skipping away while humming to herself about honey.
The crowd erupted in laughter, the tension vanishing in an instant.
Atem glanced over them all—goblins, kijin, lizardmen, orcs, and countless others. Every face smiling, every voice cheering. His chest swelled with warmth, a golden fire stirring inside him.
"This is what we've built together," he thought. "And I'll protect it. Always."
Inside his mind, the Oracle's calm, resonant voice spoke:
<
"I know, Oracle," Atem whispered back in his mind. "That's why I have to keep moving forward."
He looked down at Ranga, his loyal companion. "Alright, Ranga. Let's go."
"Yes, Master!"
With a mighty leap, Ranga bounded forward, his paws shaking the earth as Souei vanished into the treetops beside them. Behind them, the cheers of Eterna echoed, a promise and a prayer following their Pharaoh-Dragon into the horizon.