The world did not change overnight.
Cities rebuilt slowly. Kingdoms argued, treaties formed, and old wounds took time to heal. But one thing was certain—the Empire no longer ruled by fate or fear.
Ethan walked through a quiet village at the edge of the Silver Forest. Children laughed nearby, chasing fireflies. No magic storms. No soldiers.
Just peace.
Lyria stood beside him, her silver hair catching the sunset.
"You could have been anything," she said softly. "A king. A god."
Ethan smiled. "I chose to be human."
The Fate Mark on his chest was still there—faint, no longer burning. It no longer whispered commands or promised power. It listened.
They returned to the place where their journey began. Beneath the ancient tree, Ethan took Lyria's hand.
"I was born without mana," he said. "I was told I was weak. That I didn't belong in this world."
Lyria squeezed his hand. "And yet, you changed it."
Ethan met her eyes.
"In every battle, every choice, I stood at a crossroads. Power or love. Fate or heart."
He took a breath.
"My heart chose you."
Tears filled Lyria's eyes as she leaned into him.
Around them, the forest shimmered—not with control, but with harmony.
Far away, new heroes would rise. New stories would begin.
But this one…
Ended with a choice freely made.
With love.
With hope.