Chapter 1851: Celebrations
Chapter 1851: Celebrations
—–
“Where do you think I get all this power to share with everyone who enters the Inheritance—multiple times, no less?” Heracles asked, his voice calm but resonant, like a distant drum echoing through the sacred chamber. “It was never just me. This is a joint effort, a legacy built on love, sacrifice, and the will of those who chose to remain.”
Silvia’s breath caught in her throat. “Woah…” she whispered, her eyes wide with awe.
“When your time comes,” Heracles continued, his gaze softening, “I’ll offer you a choice. You may stay here, among us, or move on to another place. Those who choose to stay become part of the Inheritance itself. They empower it, breathe life into it, and keep our legacy alive—not just within you, but within every soul who completes the trials.”
Justicio and Aquarina exchanged glances, sensing something profound stirring in the air. They turned toward Heracles and saw him now surrounded by dozens of ghostly figures—luminous silhouettes of men, women, and children, their expressions serene and filled with quiet pride.
“You’re all so very lovely,” said Heracles’ wife, her voice like a warm breeze brushing against their hearts. She smiled at Silvia, Justicio, and Aquarina with maternal affection. “Mama is proud of all of you.”
Silvia and Justicio stood frozen, overwhelmed by the weight of her words. It was as if time had paused to honor them.
“So don’t worry about me, lass,” Heracles said, his tone light but tinged with farewell. “I’ll be just fine. Now go—your lives are just beginning. Don’t linger for an old man like me. Live boldly. Love deeply. Laugh often. That’s what I want for you.”
“Yes!” Justicio and Silvia nodded, their voices trembling with emotion as the great doors began to close.
Through the narrowing gap, they caught one last glimpse of Heracles, his wife, and their children walking away together. The space behind them shimmered and twisted, revealing a breathtaking realm of golden dunes, crystalline oases, and majestic mountains bathed in divine light. Then, with a gentle hum, the door sealed shut.
“Was that… the afterlife?” Justicio asked.
“I don’t know, but it was incredible,” Silvia replied.
“That was probably something like it,” Aquarina nodded. “Or maybe… a Divine Realm. It makes sense now—why we received Divine Protections, but also why the protection doesn’t label him a God or Divinity. His powers aren’t singular. He’s able to accumulate them by stacking the strength of thousands of souls—his children who chose to remain with him.”
“Wait, what?!” Justicio exclaimed. “No way… that’s how you gain Divinity?!”
“It’s more than a Divinity Spark or Divine Aspect,” Aquarina said. “It’s a Collective Divine Soul or something like that. Fascinating! Sylphy is going to love hearing about this.”
“It’s awesome, yeah!” Silvia nodded. “Oh look—our parents are here! Svana too… and the whole village?!”
What the trio didn’t know was that whenever someone successfully completed the trials, a glowing burst of golden light erupted from the ruins like a firework.
This signaled the good news to everyone in the Village of Everstone, who rushed to greet their new heroes—the inheritors of their ancestor’s legacy.
“You did it!”
“Silviaaaa!”
“Daddy! Mommy!”
Silvia ran to her parents, who embraced her and lifted her joyfully.
“Justicio! My son!”
“Oh my dear!”
“Dad… Mom!”
Justicio was also welcomed by his parents. His mother hugged him tightly, and his father joined in as Justicio knelt to receive their embrace.
“Well done. We never doubted you could achieve this,” Shade said warmly, hugging Aquarina.
“You did it, Aquarina! You’re amazing! I’m so proud you’re my daughter!” Nepheline said, her voice full of emotion.
“Mom…” Aquarina blushed, tears welling in her eyes. “R-Really?”
“Aah, of course! I’m sorry if I’ve been too strict sometimes… I do it because I love you so much!” Nepheline cried softly, hugging her daughter. “I love you… I always will.”
“Mom…” Aquarina sobbed, hugging her mother tightly.
“Woohhh…” Little Esmeralda watched the scene, wide-eyed at all the commotion.
Pyuku emerged from Aquarina, only to be scooped up and squeezed by Nepheline.
“Uwaah?!”
“Thank you for taking care of her, Pyuku! You’re like our child now too!”
“R-Really? I mean… I’m her familiar, so of course I… Thanks.”
Pyuku smiled, feeling deeply appreciated. Just then, Svana stepped forward, arms crossed and beaming.
“Well done! Amazingly done! You did it!”
Though the young warriors expected a formal speech, Svana surprised them by roaring with joy, raising her arms, and hugging all four of them at once—lifting them off the ground.
“I’m so proud of you! You’re the pride of our village! Hahaha!”
As she laughed heartily, the villagers returned to Everstone, where a grand feast and festival began. Delicious meals were served, games were played, and every nearby village was invited to join the celebration.
And then…
“Agua?! Quetzal! And the chief! You came!”
Aquarina ran toward her friends and the chief, joined by Silvia, Justicio, and Pyuku. Agua laughed and hugged them with her stretchy water-formed arms, while Quetzal nodded with a proud smile.
“We were invited, so we came. The Great Oasis Spirit allowed us to leave our Sacred Grounds just for this occasion. We couldn’t miss it,” said Aguarapida.
“Yeah! She’s really happy too!” Agualinda added.
“Well done, everyone. I always believed in you. You’re strong,” Quetzal said gently.
“Alright! Now that the whole team’s here, let’s eat and drink all we want!” Silvia cheered.
“Wait—drink?” Justicio asked.
“Duh, we’re adults now, remember?” Silvia grabbed his hand and winked. “Let’s do whatever we want! Hehehe! Mooch!”
To encourage him, she kissed his lips again. Justicio blushed, tasting a hint of liquor.
“You’ve been drinking, haven’t you?”
“Come on, let’s go!”
Silvia dragged him into the dancing area, where everyone moved to the vibrant melodies of desert elves and amazonians. Bonfires blazed, and people danced around them in celebration.
As Silvia ate, danced, and laughed with her friends, she caught a glimpse of Agualinda and Quetzal kissing. It made her happy—and a little jealous that everyone had someone they loved.
“Damn it… My Sylphy… I wish she were here.”
She clenched her fists and smiled.
“But now that I’m done here, I think I can return to her in a few days. Let’s persevere!”
—–
NOVGO.NET