Chapter 384 - 369: Farewell

Chapter 384: Chapter 369: Farewell

With Galvis’s impending departure having set the stage, Roland didn’t show excessive emotion when Avril announced she was leaving too.

Coupled with her tight-lipped demeanor, he didn’t press for an explanation, simply and concisely relaying Morne’s suggestion to the others.

To head to the ancient Aiselon Continent.

"Aiselon?"

Upon hearing this, a flicker of interest appeared in Avril’s eyes.

"I’ve read that name in some old travelogues. It’s said to be a vast and mysterious land. A pity I’ve never had the chance to see it for myself. I imagine it must be full of new and wondrous things."

"His Majesty Morne’s statement isn’t actually entirely accurate..."

Galvis, at his side, immediately took on a scholarly air, habitually adding corrections and clarifications.

"This land beneath our feet—at least the territory of the Rock Kingdom, where the Dwarves have lived for generations—its historical origins are as ancient as Aiselon’s. It is by no means entirely a ’Land of Rebirth’ formed after the mutation of the Law."

He paused, a particular look appearing on his face—the kind a Minstrel gets when revealing a secret.

"You have to understand, the Dwarf Kingdom, since a time long past... hm, has had countless ties to that land. You could even say they hold the key to a forgotten age..."

Avril seemed to know something of this history as well and immediately joined the discussion, sometimes adding details, other times questioning some of Galvis’s points.

And whenever the topic turned to these ancient records and legends, Galvis seemed to instantly forget his fear of Avril, arguing his points forcefully.

The two went back and forth, endlessly debating the secrets of the Dwarf Kingdom, making for a rather lively scene.

Watching the two argue ceaselessly before him, Roland shook his head with a helpless sigh.

But as the others talked, Teresa, who had been standing quietly to the side, had an undisguisable sadness spreading through her beautiful silver eyes.

Having been through a series of life-and-death trials, the silver-haired woman had come to understand the limits of her own strength more clearly than anyone.

In the several crises they had faced, if Roland hadn’t repeatedly turned the tide, she would not only have been unable to offer any effective help, but might have even become a burden to the team.

Now, Roland was about to head to the legendary Aiselon Continent—a land said to be even more dangerous, where opportunity and challenge went hand in hand.

’With my current Power, if I go with him, I’m afraid I still won’t be of any help to Roland. Instead...’

The thought coiled around her heart like an icy vine.

Teresa bit her lip gently as if she had made some kind of decision. She moved silently, coming to a stop at Roland’s side.

She took a soft breath, her silver eyes downcast, her voice quiet but filled with unquestionable resolve.

"Mr. Roland, my strength... is still far from enough. If I follow you to Aiselon like this, I’m afraid... I’ll only be a burden to you."

Hearing this, Roland immediately softened his tone to comfort her.

"Don’t say that, Teresa. We’re a team. We’ve only made it this far by supporting each other..."

However, Teresa’s expression didn’t waver. She shook her head firmly and cut him off.

"No, Mr. Roland. I’ve already made up my mind. I’m going to set out on a journey alone to temper myself and find a way to increase my strength."

Seeing that Roland still seemed to want to persuade her, she raised her eyes to meet his, her gaze distant as she softly revealed a deeper reason.

"I have felt... the call of Ogma, the God of Truth, Mr. Roland. I am not exceptionally talented like you are."

"For me, to have any hope of keeping up with you, perhaps... my only path is to answer this divine call and seek the guidance of the Gods."

Hearing this, Roland opened his mouth, but ultimately swallowed whatever words of persuasion he had left.

He knew this was a decision Teresa had made after careful consideration. He had neither the right nor the ability to stop her.

In that moment, Galvis, Avril, and now Teresa—three companions who had faced life and death by his side were all about to leave. An indescribable sense of loss and melancholy washed over Roland’s heart.

At his side, Avril keenly caught the flicker of desolation in his eyes.

She walked up and clapped Roland firmly on the shoulder, trying to dispel the somewhat heavy atmosphere with a cheerful tone.

"Don’t look so down, Roland! I’m just going back to the Eternal Song Forest to take care of some things. I’ll be back to find you soon! Adventuring with you is way more interesting than hanging around the forest!"

As she spoke, she turned her gaze to Teresa and gave her a wink.

"Teresa feels the same way, I’m sure of it. Right? As soon as she feels she’s strong enough, she’ll definitely come back and continue adventuring with you. Isn’t that right?"

Teresa immediately nodded vigorously, her silver hair swaying with the movement as a spark of light rekindled in her eyes. ℯ

Seeing this, Roland shook his head and let out a soft laugh.

All good things must come to an end. Everyone has their own path they must walk.

He took a deep breath, pushing down his melancholy. His expression returned to its usual calm as he nodded at his companions.

"I understand."

Then, collecting himself, he began to discuss the specifics of a future reunion with the others, including where to meet and how to stay in contact.

They were all decisive people, and in a few short moments, they had settled all the arrangements, agreeing to depart on their separate journeys the next morning.

That night, as Roland lay on his cot in the temporary camp, just about to fall asleep, the flap of his tent was gently pushed aside.

Just as Morne had predicted, Princess Gloria arrived alone. She once again solemnly made her offer of recruitment... and a proposal of marriage.