On April 10th.
The day had finally come.
Today was the day Father and Mother would return to Japan.
Therefore, all of us headed to the Linea Valley, which had become a battlefield against the demon race.
As Father said, they could only return from the exact same place they arrived from.
Incidentally, the fact that Father and Mother were returning today was widely known, so Emperor Reinhardt and the Ancient Hunters had also come to see them off.
“I heard you can use these on Earth, but aren’t there too many?”
“That’s how many souvenirs we brought back. I’m dividing them among Father, Mother, Older Brother, Sister, and Sarah.”
“Can you handle my family for me?”
“Sure, I’ll make sure they get them.”
We had also arranged for Mako’s family to be notified that Mako was alive.
So, I prepared Mirror Bags for Mako’s family as well, and put magical tools, curtains, and food ingredients inside.
Mako had also diligently prepared gifts for her friends, as well as for Father and Mother.
“Lord Asuka, Lady Maoh. While it may not be enough to repay your devotion, please accept this.”
“What is this?”
“It is a medal signifying an honorary title from the Order’s Guild, Honors Order’s Master. I apologize that this is all we can offer, but we would be honored if you would accept it.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The medal presented by Emperor Reinhardt to Father and Mother was, as His Majesty mentioned, a Lapis Lazuli-made medal honoring them as Honors Order’s Masters.
Lapis Lazuli is a symbolic metal of the Amister-Philias Federation Heavenly Empire, and it seems that even their medals have been renewed.
Due to Lapis Lazuli, Father and Mother’s Mana wouldn’t be able to withstand it, but it should be fine for display purposes.
“This is all we have to offer, but it’s our token of gratitude for saving our lives.”
The Ancient Hunters also presented them with a Mirror Bag filled with various monster ingredients.
Mother enjoyed cooking and was a professional-level chef, and she was also interested in the ingredients from the Helios Orb, so she would surely be pleased.
“Thank you, we apologize.”
“Not only did you save our lives, but you also trained us.”
“Thanks to you, we were able to gain some strength.”
Ah, indeed, not only the Ancient Hunters but also the Raid members and the Ritter’s Guild had undergone Father’s hellish training.
Even with all the Ancient Classes gathered, we couldn’t even scratch them, let alone touch them. However, our levels had still increased, and several Hunters and Ritters had even evolved into Ancient Classes.
Furthermore, Muse and El, and Sley had surpassed level 80, and Rex had reached level 91. It was truly a testament to how rigorous the training was.
“That is good to hear. If a demon attack occurs again, we will not be able to help you. However, if you have all gained strength, you should be able to protect this world, no matter who your opponent may be.”
“We hope so.”
That’s right.
The main reason Father and Mother came to Helios Orb was to search for me, who had gone missing.
However, at that time, I was on the verge of death by the Divine Emperor.
So, Father and Mother used even a Mythical-tier spell to save me.
And it wasn’t just me who was saved; the Hunters and Orders who were participating in the battle were also saved.
However, Father and Mother would never come to Helios Orb again.
That’s precisely why Father had been lending his strength not only to me but also to the people of Helios Orb, enabling them to protect their world with their own hands.
And the same could be said for me.
Thanks to Father and Mother, my base stats had been significantly improved, and the generation of Engraving Divine Artifacts through Dual Heart Fusion Technique with Mako had also been successful.
It might be overconfident of me to say this, but it is undoubtedly a great power to protect Helios Orb.
“And Yamato, take this.”
Then Father handed something towards me.
A memory card for an Engraving Tool?
Why would he give this to me?
“It contains Father’s S-rank spell. With your current abilities, you should be able to master it.”
Father’s S-rank spells, Mist Inflation and Mist Rebellion!
S-rank spells are trump cards developed through the creator’s arduous efforts and their pride.
Therefore, even between parent and child, there is no inheritance of spells.
Occasionally, due to their usefulness and versatility, they might be registered as new Engraving Arts, which is an honor for the creator as well.
However, Father’s Mist Inflation and Mist Rebellion are purely combat spells, and the risk of using them is too high for anyone else, meaning only Father could use them.
My Mist Solution was even just a reference to Mist Inflation.
And he’s giving Mist Inflation and Mist Rebellion to me?
“Really?”
“It’s a final parting gift. Mother was going to give me her S-rank spell too, but it probably wouldn’t suit you. So, she gave it to Mako.”
The final, huh.
No, that’s right.
But I never imagined that I would receive not only Hihishirokane and Engraving Divine Artifacts, but even S-rank spells.
And Mako received Mother’s S-rank spell, making me truly wonder if this was okay.
“Accept it. Asuka and Maoh won’t be able to see you again. S-rank spells are the creator’s pride and their way of life. As long as you have them, Yamato, you won’t forget them, will you?”
I don’t think I’ll ever forget Father and Mother, but I understand what Mako is trying to say.
Besides, Mist Inflation and Mist Rebellion are incredibly appealing spells to me, so I will gratefully accept them.
“Thank you, Father.”
“Ah. It’s almost time.”
With that, Father drew Caladbolg and plunged it into the ground.
“Father-in-law, Mother-in-law. It was a pleasure meeting you. Please stay well always.”
“Thank you. Prim, Mana, Yuri, Hilde, Rika, Athena, Meena, Flam, Lydia, Ludia, Aria. Please take care of Yamato and Mako, and also Saki, Asuma, and the grandchildren yet to be born.”
“Yes!”
Prim spoke on behalf of everyone, bidding farewell to Father and Mother, and Father nodded, mentioning me and Mako and the children.
“Mako… be well.”
“Don’t cry. Unlike that time, we can say proper goodbyes now.”
“But… we won’t be able to see each other anymore? And Mako too…”
“Of course, I thought I would never see you again too… But we met again… and I was so happy.”
Next to me, Mother and Mako were embracing each other, with tears streaming down their faces.
For Mako, it was a friend who disappeared a little over a year ago, and for Mother, 25 years ago. This was truly their final farewell, so it was natural for this to happen.
“Yamato… be well…”
“Ah. Mother, take care of yourself.”
“Okay…!”
Mother, while hugging Mako, also pulled me close.
“Maoh, I know it’s difficult, but…”
“Yes…”
Prompted by Father, Mother released me and Mako, and like Father, she plunged Failnaught into the ground.
“Caladbolg, Failnaught. Do it.”
““Understood.””
Mana erupted from Caladbolg and Failnaught, plunged into the ground, and formed a magic circle that enveloped Father and Mother.
And just before the magic circle was completed, Father and Mother opened their mouths.
“Yamato, Father and Mother will never come to help you again. From now on, you must protect your family properly.”
“Ah, I understand.”
I never dreamed that Father and Mother would come to help me back then.
So, I’ve taken that battle as a lesson and am keeping it firmly in mind.
For the past month, not only Father but also Mother have instilled in me not only training but also the right mindset, so I will never expose such shameful conduct again.
“Yamato, Mako, everyone else too… be well!”
“Bye-bye, Maoh! Lord Asuka! Please give our regards to everyone too!”
“Okay!”
“Be well.”
“You too…!”
Mako’s tears also wouldn’t stop.
“Father, Mother. Thank you so much.”
Supporting Mako, who looked like she was about to collapse, I conveyed my heartfelt gratitude to Father and Mother.
“Yamatō…”
“From another world, we wish you success and happiness.”
“Ah… Father and Mother, please stay well always too!”
“Of course. Well then, Yamato.”
“Take care of yourself, okay…!”
With those words, Father and Mother were enveloped in light.
And as the magic circle floated up into the sky, it burst open and slowly faded away.
All that remained were the marks where Caladbolg and Failnaught had been plunged into the ground.
This must truly mean that Father and Mother had returned to Japan.
“Mako, are you alright?”
“Please don’t push yourself, okay?”
“Okay… Thank you…”
Lydia and Ludia supported Mako, who looked like she was about to collapse, on my behalf.
“They were wonderful parents.”
“I suppose so. Yes. For me, too, a clear goal has been set.”
“Us too. We’ll never see them again, but we never thought we’d meet them in the first place. So, this past month has been truly fulfilling.”
Prim’s only complaint was that she couldn’t spar with Father and Mother because she was pregnant.
Even so, Father thoroughly instructed Prim and Flam on their fighting styles.
While both of them could only solidify their images until childbirth, I have a feeling they’ll do something spectacular after giving birth.
But before that, we must first eradicate the demons rampant in Kobaldia.
Once the demon race disappears from the Philia Continent, the gods protecting the Treasure Tree will be able to move, and the evolution of monsters will return to normal.
After that, we will solidify our forces and invade the Gradia Continent, and this time, we will defeat the Divine Emperor.
Then, true peace will come to Helios Orb.
It will likely be several years from now, but for that day, and for the sake of the children yet to be born, I will surely do it this time!
With new vows in my heart, I looked up at the sky where Father and Mother had departed.
Thank you, Father, Mother.
This concludes Chapter 17.
I’ve taken a belated winter break, so the next chapter will start in February.
I worked through the New Year without a break, so I’d like to rest here properly…
