TL NOTE
:
My dear friends!
On the last day of 2024, I want to say:
Thank you for being with me. May the New Year be a time of new achievements, bright emotions and endless inspiration for all of us!
This year was full of adventures, emotions and amazing stories that we experienced together, step by step diving into the world of our favorite characters. I am truly grateful to each of you for your support, inspiration and warm words!
See you in 2025
đ Happy New Year đ!
***
Half a month passed quickly, and the time for Mevis to return to her original timeline had arrived.
On the night before her departure, Leon, Rosvisser, and Noa accompanied Mevis in the backyard, chatting away.
No one mentioned the subject of farewell. Mevis felt that bringing it up might make her emotions harder to control, and if Aurora noticed something, it would be difficult to explain.
This also meant that Mevis would leave without saying goodbye to the "sisters" of this timeline.
The night breeze was cool as the four of them sat on the grass, gazing at the bright and colorful dragon lanterns that lit up the Silver Dragon estate.
They talked about all sorts of topics, but no matter how much they chatted, it was clear that the conversations were meant to mask the sorrow and melancholy of the impending separation.
Even though everyone knew that Mevis was destined for a bright future and that she didnât belong to this timeline, the past month they had spent togetherâthrough everything they had experienced and sharedâhad made her an integral part of the family.
Thatâs what family was: no matter the time, place, or origin, parting always carried a sense of reluctance.
"So, will I become as strong as you in the future, Mevis-sensei?"
Noa couldnât hold back and asked the question that had been lingering in her heart.
There was no doubt about Mevisâs strength.
Her effortless mastery of elemental power, dual-element control, and combat skills rivaling Leonâs made it clear that Mevis was destined to surpass even the Dragon Kings and reach an unparalleled level.
Strength was something Noa had always pursued.
But when Noa asked this, Mevis shook her head.
"I donât know, Noa," she replied.
Noa was visibly taken aback, quickly asking in a panic:
"Why wouldnât you know?"
"Because the price of strength is high," Mevis said softly. "In the future, the reason I grew to where I am now wasnât solely because of the three dragon marks."
"In the system-dominated future, if you donât become strong, youâll be killed."
With a simple explanation, Noa understood the underlying meaning.
She lowered her head, murmuring:
"So⊠because we defeated Shadow, the future changed, and I wonât go through the hardships you did. That means I wonât become as strong as youâŠ"
"Honestly, thatâs not necessarily a bad thing."
Noaâs talent and determination were evident. Reaching the level of a Dragon King or even surpassing it was only a matter of time for her.
In other words, even without the hardships Mevis endured, Noa would eventually become just as powerful.
But for Noa herself, the thought of Mevisâthis future version of herselfâfilled her with admiration and aspiration.
Childrenâs hearts are simple. Noa understood that avoiding pain and suffering was better for everyone, but her innocent, childlike nature couldnât help but feel a twinge of disappointment.
Sensing Noaâs emotions, Mevis turned to her, pulled her into her lap, and hugged her tightly.
"Donât be upset just because you wonât become me, Noa," she said.
"How did you know I was upsetâ"
"Of course I know. Because the person who knows you best in this world⊠is me."
Mevis smiled, gently pinching Noaâs cheek before continuing:
"What I want to tell you is this: you wonât become me, but⊠I will become you."
Noaâs eyes widened in confusion, her pupils quivering slightly. "I⊠donât understand."
Mevis chuckled again, lifting Noa slightly to adjust her position so she was sitting securely on her lap, leaning against her chest.
"The future me depends entirely on the present you, Noa."
"If you work hard to learn and train, then the future me will be just as strong as I am now, or even stronger."
"But if you let laziness take over, Iâll become the most ordinary person on the Samor continent."
"So, in the end, I will become you, Noa."
Some truths are simple, things we understand without anyone saying them.
But when those truths are spoken by your future self, they take on an entirely new meaning.
It was the futureâs expectation of the past self, a rare blessing not everyone could experience.
Noaâs every step of growth had shaped the Mevis before her.
Her present was safeguarded by her parents, ensuring a smooth journey to the future.
And her future, standing here now, offered her the most sincere encouragement.
This beautiful experience and its profound meaning would accompany Noa for the rest of her life, motivating her to keep moving forward.
"Alright, I understand, Mevis-sensei⊠Iâll make sure we become better together," Noa said earnestly.
Mevis smiled with narrowed eyes. "Good girl. Thatâs what I expect from me."
Leon and Rosvisser listened silently to their conversation, not saying a word or interrupting.
When Noaâs little worries were completely resolved, the couple exchanged a glance and smiled warmly at each other.
A smile of relief and contentment.
Then Noa curiously asked:
"By the way, Mevis, Shadow said something strange before he died."
"âThe ruler of another world.â Do you know what that means?"
When they defeated Shadow half a month ago, he had indeed said:
"The last god has fallen, and Samor will now face the ruler of another world."
Leon didnât quite understand what "another world" referred to or what connection this ruler had to the gods of Samor.
Mevis pondered briefly, her expression thoughtful, before shaking her head.
"Iâm not sure either. The future has always been ruled by powers, not a single ruler. Iâve never seen anyone who fits that description."
"I seeâŠ"
Leon nodded in contemplation. "Looks like weâll be facing new enemies in the futureâŠ"
Just as he had feared, the dangers of this world would never disappear. Defeating one enemy would only bring forth stronger ones.
And the only way to protect the ones you love in this chaotic world was to become stronger.
Leon, however, didnât feel particularly worried about this.
After all, the so-called "ruler of another world" had yet to show any signs of appearing. Worrying over something so vague seemed unnecessary.
Leon was resolute. He had prepared himself to face anything that might come his way. Whatever would come, would come, and this time, Leon was ready to confront any enemy.
No one would ever take his family from him again. No one.
âFrom now on, Mom, Dad, when you face stronger enemies, youâll have to rely on yourselves,â Mevis said. âThe future has changed, and I donât know if Aurora will ever manage to recreate the
magic that transcends time and space. I might not be able to come back and help you.â
Leon nodded. âI understand. Donât worry. Your mother and I promise that in the future, you and your sisters will grow up happy and safe.â
Mevis smiled softly. âAlright, I believe you, Dad.â
The next day, at the border of the Silver Dragon territory, the group gathered to say their farewells. Among them was the Damirlo family, who had accompanied Mevis throughout this journey.
The family of threeâMr. and Mrs. Damirlo and their daughter Kate, Mevisâs younger sisterâwere the last surviving members of the Black-Wing Dragon Clan.
Seeing her sister after so long, Kate, who had now grown into her human form, couldnât contain her excitement. Ignoring her parentsâ calls, she dashed forward and threw herself into Mevisâs
arms.
âSis⊠I missed you so much⊠I thought Iâd never see you againâŠâ Kateâs voice trembled with emotion.
Mevis returned the embrace, gently patting Kate on the back. âItâs over now. Iâve completed my mission. Now⊠I can finally keep my promise to you, Kate.â
Hearing this, the Damirlo couple stepped forward. They appeared nervous and reverent, hesitant to meet Rosvisserâs gaze, overwhelmed by her majesty as the Silver Dragon Queen. However,
Rosvisser had long been aware of the circumstances surrounding Mevisâs connection to them. She addressed the couple with a calm and gentle tone.
âPlease, thereâs no need to be so formal. Iâm deeply grateful for the decision you made back then and for all the care youâve given Mevis over the years,â Rosvisser said.
âWithout you, without Mevis, we wouldnât be where we are today,â she added, her voice steady and sincere.
The couple exchanged glances, their tension easing slightly. âThank you⊠trulyâŠâ
Mevis offered a respectful bow to the Damirlo family before turning back to her parents. The three of them exchanged glances, understanding each other without a word. Then, as if on cue, they
ran toward each other and embraced tightly.
âMom, Dadââ Mevisâs voice cracked with emotion.
âWeâll see you in the real future, Noa,â Leon finally said, his voice soft yet resolute.
Mevis nodded firmly, her tears spilling over. Sniffling, she let go of them and turned toward Rosvisser, motioning for her to step aside for a private conversation.
Rosvisser, understanding her daughterâs intent, followed without question.
âYou! Stay here!â Mevis called back to Leon, wagging a playful finger at him.
Leon shrugged in confusion, kicking a small rock in idle boredom.
Once they were alone, Rosvisser asked, âWhatâs so secretive, Mevis?â
âMom, did Dad ever secretly take⊠weird pictures of you?â Mevis grinned mischievously.
âPictures?â Rosvisser froze, her cheeks flushing crimson. âHow do you even know about that?! Itâs so embarrassing! Forget it, forget it!â
âCalm down, Mom. Iâm not a kid anymore. I understand⊠adult things,â Mevis said with a knowing smile.
Rosvisser turned her gaze away, still red-faced. âYes⊠your father did take some strange pictures of me while I was unconscious. I was so furious I almost kicked him out of the house. But he
swore he destroyed them all. Why do you ask?â
Mevisâs grin widened. âOh, Mom⊠do you really believe Dad destroyed all of them?â
A glint of danger flickered in Rosvisserâs dragon eyes. âWhat⊠are you saying?â
âOh, nothing. Just that if youâre looking for the rest, they might still beâŠâ Mevis leaned in and whispered the rest.
Nearby, Leon continued to kick rocks, completely unaware that his carefully guarded secret had just been exposed by his own daughter from the future.
Two minutes later, Rosvisser and Mevis returned.
âDone with your little secret chat?â Leon asked.
Mevis smiled slyly. âYep, all done~â
âWhat did you talk about?â Leon asked, though he knew he wouldnât get an answer.
Rosvisserâs smile was warm and serene, but her eyes glinted mischievously. âOh, nothing at all~â
Leon frowned but let it go, muttering, âIf you donât want to tell me, fine.â
âOh, Dad,â Mevis teased. âDonât get jealous just because I talk to Mom more.â
As she spoke, she removed a ring from her finger and handed it to Leon. He caught it deftly and inspected the small black crystal embedded in it. The crystal shimmered faintly under the
sunlight, exuding an enigmatic aura.
âThis is meaningful. Iâm sure youâll know when to use it,â Mevis said with a faint smile.
Leon nodded, understanding her intent. âGot it. Iâll take care of it.â
Mevis exhaled deeply, pressing her lips together. âAlright⊠Iâm leaving now.â
âGoodbye, Noa,â Leon said softly.
âSee you later, Mom, Dad.â
With those words, Mevis activated the reversal magic. A surge of primordial energy engulfed her as a pillar of white light shot into the sky. When the light faded, the future souls were gone,
leaving behind the present Mevis.
âSis!â Kate cried, rushing to support Mevis as she stumbled.
âKate⊠itâs youâŠâ Mevis murmured, her eyes fluttering open.
âYes, itâs me! Youâre finally back!â Kate sobbed, hugging her tightly.
âMevis⊠my daughterâŠâ Mrs. Damirlo whispered as the family reunited.
Leon and Rosvisser stood quietly, watching the touching scene. Then, their gazes turned upward toward the spot where the pillar of light had disappeared.
âMay the future be kind to you, Noa,â Leon said softly.