396 Farewell (1/2)

Years passed by quickly, Luna and Raven decided to spend this remaining time to accompany their families.

They didn't focus heavily on training and just enjoyed a peaceful and quiet life of a normal couple. After they toured the entirety of Grand Ancestral Plane, they came back and decided to remain with their loved once until their time was up.

Aside from providing instructions to Kyle from time to time, he spent most of the times teaching his sisters the qualities and ways of a proper Knight. His parents were already aware of his decision to ascend, and even though they are in-laws with the royalties by now, he still want to make sure that his sisters had the sufficient strength to defend themselves. Of course he also secretly left them some treasures that would save their lives should they come in danger.

He also spent some time giving out instructions to some students that caught his interest and paid attention to the construction of the foundation for the Empire.

So far, the protective walls and defense formations had already been laid out, the construction had already started a few years ago and slowly but surely, it's already taking shape. There's already a transmission array built at the Royal Capital that could be used to safely transport people from here to there. All of this are kept as a secret for now to the citizens of the Kingdom. One day when the foundation of the Empire was built, it won't be too late to announce it by then.

If anything, it was a pity that Raven won't see its full creation as well as Balmung's inauguration as the Founding Emperor.

As time passed by, the date of the ascension comes closer and closer. He would be lying if he said that he didn't feel even the slightest bit of reluctance. In the end, who doesn't want to live a long and peaceful life? Who doesn't want to start a family and watch as days passed by in peace? Unfortunately, Raven's destiny isn't tied here.

He already did all he could for now. In order to truly assure the safety of his loved one's, he had to part with them.

As their days dwindled into single digits, Raven heaved a heavy sigh and started making preparations…

***

Compared to what he was five years ago, Kyle is a completely different person.

Just by standing there, one could feel his sharpness. He transformed into a bleak and naive young man into a fearsome warrior that inspired fear to his enemies. His might was overbearing and his transformation was too outstanding, causing his brilliance to outshine most of his folks.

Today, such a warrior had a solemn face as he knelt down in front of Raven. Even without Raven telling him, he already knew what's about to happen.

It is time for their Teacher and Student relationship to end.

”Kyle.” Raven's soft and amicable voice sounded on his ears, causing him to look up. Seeing Raven's gentle expression, Kyle felt his nose stinging. ”This is not the time for you to shed tears. Don't be sad that it ended, be happy that it happened.”

”But Teacher, I…”

”I know what you want to say.” Raven interrupted him. ”However, that won't change my decision. There's still so much for you to do here, and the Kingdom still needs people like you. Where I go, you cannot follow. Not at least for now. It's too dangerous, even I can't guarantee my own safety.”

”Then, when can I look for you?” Kyle asked, his tone filled with reluctance.

Raven chuckled and said: ”You'll know in time. For now, I want you to enjoy your life and see the world as it is.”

Tears flowed from Kyle's eyes, he then stabbed his sword on the ground and knelt down while lowering his head fully.

”I'll do as you say Teacher. At the same time, I'll make sure to get stronger so that one day, I'll be able to search for you.”

Raven smiled in satisfaction and said: ”Good! I'll be expecting you then. For now, here's my parting gift to you.” He then placed his hand on Kyle's head.

As soon as he did that, Kyle then entered a state of emptiness. His eyes turned dull and he became unaware of his surroundings. Slowly, a force field appeared around him and some mysterious wisps of energy started dancing around him.

Raven quietly erected an isolation barrier around him and left in a wistful mood.

***

Few more days passed and Raven could be found outside of the Kingdom's walls.

Paul, Mark, Anne, Ellen and Luna could be seen with him, all of them formed a circle as they looked at each other, seemingly wanting to memorize each other's faces before they go.

”What the hell, this is so awkward.” Paul groan, trying to break the ice. Causing a cheerful atmosphere to replace the awkward situation. ”It's not like we're not going to see each other anymore. This is just a long ass trip, no need to be emotional.”

”He's right.” Mark added, ”You guys better do great things in the Divine Realm or else, I'll leave you guys to eat my dust.”