Nathanās expression turned solemn as he summoned Anubis. Then he said, "Nice to meet you. Iām Nathan Reckmoon."
"Nathan Reckmoon." Crotto muttered. "It looks like you have met the ancient one. No, I guess itās more accurate that we have also met."
"Iāve met all three of you. Crotto, Roggoth, and Cthulhu."
"So, you are from Roggothās region. Roggoth must have told you about the ancient one..."
"Yes."
"Roggoth. He..."
"Heās dead." Nathan didnāt hold back. Roggoth had indeed died after pulling the stunt to find him. Then, he sacrificed his own life to help Evelyn.
"I see." Crotto didnāt say much more. It looked like he was already aware that Roggoth was destined to die. "It looks like you are the chosen one of this generation, not just the chosen one of your continent."
Nathan nodded. "I believe so. At least, thatās what Cthulhu told me."
"If the ancient one said so, then he must be correct. Unfortunately, Iām not in a position where I can help you."
"You donāt have to worry about that." Nathan pointed to Anubis. "He can help you. However, I wonāt be holding back my words today. If I want to enter the portal, I will need your help. Cthulhu pointed at you when I mentioned it."
"I see. Since Roggoth is dead, I should fulfill my role as the guide. Have you seen any other chosen ones?"
"This is my first continent. As for the other continents... Iām assuming that the supervolcano on the continent south of this continent is the culprit of this entire disaster. So, I donāt have any way to determine whether he is still alive or not.
"But most likely heās dead..." Nathan shook his head. "As for the other one, no. Iām not sure whether I will go there or not."
"I see." Crotto had figured out the entire picture. "Do you know anything about us?"
"More than you think I do." Nathan nodded.
"Thatās good. I donāt have to tell you about everything then." Crotto paused for a moment. "Do you know the current situation of the alien race?"
"Cthulhu mentioned that Nyarlathotep has a plan. Still, we need to fight Yog-Sothoth and Azathoth if we want to win."
"Indeed. Yog-Sothoth. Our god that governs space and time. You wonāt be able to escape from him as long as you remain constrained by space and time.
"However, he is still incomparable to the great god Azathoth. Heās the reality itself. He will know everything in this reality, as everything comes from him.
"I donāt know the plan itself, but Iām fully aware of my role as a guide. As long as I am able to move again, I will gladly use my power to aid you."
Nathan raised one finger. "However, I still need you to do something."
"And that is?"
Nathan showed his Soul Contract. "I need you to sign a contract with me. I canāt have you betray me or trick me."
"Thatās understandable. To think that you possess a Heavenly Ability. I guess thatās why youāre the chosen one."
Nathan formed two contracts with him. He didnāt want the alien to take advantage of him.
Once the contract was signed, Anubis activated his power.
"I can feel my strength returning." Crottoās voice had gotten smoother as his injuries disappeared. "Thank you, Oā chosen one."
"Just call me Nathan." Nathan nodded. "Since Iāve gotten what I want here, I will leave you two together."
Nathan and Crotto could talk about other things at a later date. It was better to give Crotto and Luna a chance to catch up.
While watching his back, Crotto called him again. "Nathan."
Nathan halted his steps.
"Please take care of Luna."
Nathan finally turned around with a smile. "Donāt worry. I will cherish her for the rest of my life."
Crotto felt relieved. In the end, she was her uncle even though they were from different races.
As Nathan left, Luna and Crotto started talking. Luna didnāt interfere with Nathanās judgment even though Crotto was her uncle, because Nathan didnāt mean harm to him.
She trusted Nathan even though his word choices were a bit harsh. In the end, she didnāt know what kind of experience Nathan had with the aliens, so she didnāt plan to judge him.
Since they were going to Gratzel together, Luna chose to stop after two hours. They could always continue their conversation on the way back or at other times.
It was time for them to do the last and most important thing before their return.
In the base, everyone had gathered with food and drink on the table.
Everyone surrounded the table with a glass in their hand.
Evelyn took her glass and started speaking. "Weād fought together for so many years, and this journey has come to an end.
"I created this Sleeping Garden to destroy the Death Society, but I couldnāt do it alone. Revon, you had been honing yourself and taking care of all the mess. Neyeid, youād worked hard in maintaining our finances.
"Sonia. You did a great job in gathering information. Iām sure youād encountered many dangers along the way, but thank you for persevering. Christopher, people might not see you standing out, but we all know that without you, our group would be full of holes.
"Bella, thank you for managing the group with me. And the most important person... Nathan. Without you, this entire revenge wouldnāt be achieved even if we spent our entire lives chasing them. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
Evelyn paused for a moment. "Vivian, Melissa. Even though both of you were not a part of us, you too had worked hard as well. I hope that this journey was worth it."
Vivian and Melissa clenched their hands into fists. They nodded solemnly. For being able to avenge the people they loved, the trip was definitely worth it.
"Now, it is time for us to return to where we belong. This is the end of the Sleeping Garden, but this is the beginning of our own path. This is not goodbye. This is the start. Our paths might be different in the future, but I will never forget all of you."
Evelyn smiled and raised her glass. "With this, I officially announce! Sleeping Garden has now disbanded!"