Chapter 395 The Sage's Return

“She’s crazy strong. I don’t think I’ve met anyone more powerful!”

My old comrades couldn’t hold a candle to Karlia. It made me realize just how small I was, and how fortunate my life had been to have someone like her by my side.

Then, just as I was basking in silent victory, the tide of the battle completely changed.

Why?

It was because ‘they’ appeared.

The Demon Lords!

All six of them assembled, floating in the air as they stared down at Karlia.

As I watched their multiple colors in a blur, my body trembled. I was shaking violently, feeling their power from the distance I was in.

‘No. Run, Karlia... RUN!’

I wanted to hurry back, but my actions would be completely useless.

As I was still contemplating this, I felt the gaze of one of them shift.

It was the one who was colored black–the Demon Lord of Noir.

He glanced in my direction, and for a moment, I felt my insides tingle. He saw through me in an instant.

At that moment, I knew it was over.

However–

>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!<

Just as the Demon Lord was about to lunge at me, Karlia intercepted him and took the brunt of his hit.

I saw her cough out in shock, but she still managed to push him away.

Quickly, she turned to me. Even with our distance, I knew she could see me.

Our eyes locked... and she spoke some words to me.

I didn’t hear them, but I could read every single syllable loud and clear.

Those words made my heart ache–especially because I felt the same way.

“I... I love you too.” My lips moved of their own Accord, and I silently wished she would be able to hear me.

Then, Karlia smiled. Her expression turned dark a moment after, and then she nodded in my direction.

“RUN”

Those were her next words.

She told me to run.

And so, I did.

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me.

Even when I felt the earth rumble.

Even when I heard mountains crumble.

Even when blinding sparks of light flew in the sky.

I didn’t stop running.

My breath was heavy, but I made sure to keep moving.

It was hard.

“Idiot! idiot! I’m so glad you’re back, you big idiot!”

Tears fell from my eyes as I watched them speak.

“You guys...”

My aching heart raced, and then, just as I was about to calm myself, one final person entered the tent.

“Is he awake already? Let me in!”

As the sound rang in my ears, a face I had long relegated popped into my head.

‘N-no... no way...’

The tent door opened, and the last person I was expecting to see appeared.

“Lewis... you’re awake. You’re alive... you’re here...”

The whimpering voice came from a white-haired Elf. Her ears shook and her face turned red.

Uncontrollable tears fell from her eyes as she stared at me.

“I... E-Emi...”

My lips couldn’t utter her name.

Even though she was looking at me with such love, devotion, and utter relief, I couldn’t call out to her.

Guilt.

Immense guilt came over me. Then regret. Then anger. Then loathing.

I hated myself.

I couldn’t bring myself to look at her, or any one of my comrades.

Thanks to my foolish recklessness, I left everyone on a quest to be the savior. Yet, I had returned... after so long... an utterly broken man.

I was going to wallow in this abyss forever–or so I thought.

“LEWIS!”

My body jumped once I heard the loud voice of an Elf I loved.

“Look at me, Lewis!”

Her words were met with no resistance. Hesitantly, I raised my face.

‘I don’t deserve to look at you. It’s all my fault. I betrayed you. I’m despicable. I’m horrible. I’m useless.’ Those thoughts swirled around my heart as my weary eyes looked at her.

But!

The moment I stared at her completely clear face...

“Lewis...”

The very second my eyes gazed upon her...

“... I’m so glad...”

Every single one of my doubts and grief dissipated.

“... That you’re back.”

Her warmth encapsulated my horrid self, and I found myself deeply wrapped in Emilia’s love.

Once again, the light within me bloomed once more.

“E-Emilia...” For the first time in years, her name came out of my lips.

More tears fell as I stared at her. My comrades smiled. Some cried.

“... It’s good... so good to be back.”

The emotions displayed in that tent were enough to last a lifetime for me.