382 Daruuns Departure (1/2)

That morning Jack woke up to a pleasant sight. The smaller elf woman was in his arms, having fallen asleep in his chest.

Carefully, Jack ran his fingers through her hair as he took in the situation.

A lot had happened since his arrival in Kartonia. His entire world had changed, literally. Now, he was regarded as a hero by many and had three beautiful wives, which he had finally grown accustomed to living and traveling with. Also, he had made some amazing friends, unlike anything he ever had before in his lonely life. With his friends, he finally felt a sense of companionship that no online party ever had given Jack in the past.

Maybe it was because everything was real now, but Jack was glad to finally have a party of his own. In the past, he had made fun of such groups yet now he was happier than ever to be a part of one.

Sure, he had some rough patches so far. Jack had also experienced death in a way that was rare in his past world, losing two party members on two different occasions due to their self-sacrifice. If it hadn't been for either of those two, Jack understood that he would've died a long time ago.

His head was clear and sharper than ever. But there were still plenty of things that Jack still needed to confront or decide.

”What's on your mind?” Daliea's soft voice caught Jack's attention.

Smiling tenderly, Jack answered, ”A lot… but also not a lot… I'm just trying to take it all in, I guess.”

”Well, is there any way I can help my husband?”

”No, I wouldn't want to worry my wife so soon after the wedding. I'm sure you'll be plenty worried later when I get some crazy idea or try something stupid again,” chuckled Jack.

Daliea leaned her head into Jack's chest. ”It sounds like you're finally back.”

”What do you mean?”

”Back to the Jack I met before we left Reinolt.”

”Oh… I didn't realize I was gone for so long,” sighed Jack.

”I'm sure Maura will be glad to have you back too,” added Daliea. ”I think she missed that confident, playful Jack more than any of us.”

”Really? I guess I'll have to make it up to here, then.” Jack gave Daliea a quick peck on the forehead, before letting her go. He got up and started getting dressed. ”Come on, we still have to speak with Daruun before he leaves.”

”Okay…” Daliea playfully sighed.

They both readied themselves for the day and then hurried to Jack's office. There, everyone was waiting for them with smiles and curious looks.

Maura blushed a little, replying, ”A little…”

”Next time, let's all sleep together. That way you won't miss me either,” replied Eliza, getting Maura to blush more, as well as Daliea.

”Now that we're all here, I can finally say my goodbyes,” stated Daruun, grabbing the attention of the four of them and everyone else. ”Jack, I don't think we need to say goodbye, but know that I'm proud to have you as a grandson as well as my sole representative on Kartonia.”

Turning to the three gods near him, Daruun added, ”It was also a pleasure to see my sons again, and I'm so glad to see them getting along.”

”Of course, Pops,” Guuro chuckled. ”Why should we bicker like the other gods? If we argued too much, then I'd end up ugly. How else has Pestro become the icon of hideousness other than his foul temper?”

Sterfen laughed heartily and threw his arm around Guuro. ”And should any god act out of line, I'll take care of them. If not, then how will Guuro be able to sleep so soundly?”

”Great!” Daruun chuckled as well, now turning to Eedaj. ”Take care of Trodar. Soon, you'll have others to help you with that, but for now, it's on you.”