Unlimited Power - The Arcane Path Chapter 758 Epilogue

The vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, present day.

Leon's eyes snapped open amidst the cabin's hum as the aircraft announced its descent. Though not typically prone to anxiety during flights, napping while airborne invariably led to this abrupt awakening. Resting against his right shoulder was a woman of breathtaking beauty, a striking redhead—Ilyana, also fast asleep. Leon gently rubbed his left cheek, a sheepish grin forming as he glanced at Ilyana's abdomen. She was pregnant, due to deliver in just a few weeks. A peculiar sense of profound happiness washed over Leon, unmarred by any worry for the future. This serene feeling made him question if the climactic battle had merely been a bizarre, feverish dream. Yet, he knew it was real, for within Ilyana's womb, he could feel Serena's presence.

Precisely as Leon had surmised, when he and his companions launched their assault against the system's architect, the monstrous entity attempted to engulf them all simultaneously. However, the combined might of their power proved overwhelmingly intense, surpassing the monster's final desperate gambit. Through this surge of force, they endured and survived its ultimate trump card. The monster's form erupted in explosions, with numerous segments being violently torn asunder. Yet, the conflict was far from over. The dragon army, alongside Leon and his allies, relentlessly pressed their advantage, inflicting further damage while advancing with astonishing velocity. As their collective energy permeated all, their powers became unified, and their speed matched as one.

The colossal being lost all command over its mana, its form gradually diminishing. However, before the creature could be entirely annihilated, they slammed against the confines of the universe, which had been unnaturally compressed by the monster's influence. At this critical juncture, the monster's presence began to fade. But just before its complete dissipation, Leon sensed a fragment of the monster's mana inexplicably detaching from the universe and relocating elsewhere. The quantity was minuscule, insufficient to preserve the creature's consciousness. Tyrselle attempted immediate pursuit, but Leon and Sylas intervened, restraining her. They could perceive the mana’s trajectory, likely towards another universe, yet they lacked the means to comprehend the force that could traverse the boundaries between realities. Fortunately, Tyrselle relented when she observed the complete disintegration of the monster's physical form, now releasing all its contained mana into the void.

With the sole exception of Leon and his associates, all else had been obliterated; the universe lay in ruins. Nevertheless, wielding such an immense reservoir of mana, they succeeded in restoring existence to its proper order. In fact, they even instituted several alterations. For instance, Ilyana compelled Leon to rewind time to his birth, arrange for her own birth on the same day, and ensure they became neighbors—a fact Leon was well aware of, given Ilyana's unparalleled skill as a stalker. Twenty-two years had elapsed since that pivotal moment, and Leon was now embarking on a journey to visit Makoto. No, he was en route to celebrate the impending nuptials of Ren and Yuki.

“Why the somber expression?” Ilyana whispered softly, her voice a sweet caress near Leon’s right ear.

Leon's eyes sprang open, startled by the sudden, intimate stimulus. His ears were particularly sensitive, a fact Ilyana often exploited with playful affection. While this teasing wasn't the primary concern, Leon found himself troubled by an unexpected urge to have another child, even before Serena had been born.

“I told you to refrain from such things while you’re pregnant,” Leon sighed, attempting to regain his composure. “Apologies if I disturbed your rest.”

“Still contemplating the whereabouts of the system's creator?” Ilyana inquired, her tone shifting to one of seriousness.

“I'm pondering whether that entity managed a successful escape or if some other force consumed the remnants of its soul,” Leon responded. “Even that being possessed a soul, yet as it stated, it could not depart this universe due to its depleted mana levels.”

“You should try to relax,” Ilyana advised gently. “Many years have passed, and we haven't detected any anomalies. We are secure.”

“I am aware of our security. We can vanquish anyone who dares challenge us,” Leon affirmed. “But what of life in other universes? The soul of the system’s creator was scavenged for a reason, and I find no peace knowing that a similar fate might befall other realms, even those unimaginably distant.”

Ilyana nodded in agreement. The thought was unsettling to all who remembered the hardships they had endured. However, they had fought valiantly for their lives and rightfully deserved a respite. Their struggle had spanned tens of thousands of years, after all.

“Worry not, I have no intention of venturing forth,” Leon reassured her. “If inhabitants of other universes face peril, they must be the ones to defend themselves and their realities. I am merely contemplating ways to offer indirect assistance.”

"If that is the case, then you can count on me," Ilyana declared, sealing her promise with a kiss on Leon's right cheek. "Until Serena and the other eight are with us, I will not go anywhere."

It appeared Ilyana had not entirely abandoned the notion of seeking out potential threats beyond the confines of their universe. Leon, however, had already committed to this path. Ilyana, being inherently cautious, disliked leaving potential enemies unattended and might eventually pursue and eliminate them. Gazing at their wedding rings, Leon resolved that he would accompany her, cleansing other universes if the need arose. Just as she had vowed never to leave him again, he made the same pledge to her.

As the airplane touched down in Tokyo, Leon observed that not much had ostensibly changed, despite the continued availability of mana. The primary reason for this apparent normalcy was simple: individuals harbored a deep-seated fear that wielding mana might replicate the destructive actions of the system's creator. When Leon and his companions had restored their universe, they ensured that the memories of the final cataclysmic battle were imprinted upon every sentient being. Consequently, a period of relative peace had settled in. Nevertheless, isolated incidents of foolish individuals attempting to seize immense power and dominate the world still occurred. Fortunately, Leon would briefly disappear and resolve these issues. He restricted these interventions solely to Earth, having no desire to become a

"Only a few months, and you look quite well, Makoto. Especially for someone on the cusp of becoming a grandfather." Leon remarked, a smile gracing his lips. "By the way, if my memory serves me right, you once decreed that your future son-in-law must save the world seven times over. Surely, a single act of universal salvation should suffice for your blessings."

"Please, don't bring that up again, Leon," Ren responded, his shoulders slumping in mild exasperation.

"Worry not, Ren," Makoto chimed in, his smile widening as he placed a hand on Ren's shoulder. "Though you haven't saved the world seven times, you have stood by my daughter's side for centuries. You certainly have my full blessing."

"Could the two of you please refrain from discussing this as if I weren't even present?" Yuki exclaimed, her face flushing slightly as she turned her gaze away.

After a round of shared laughter, Leon and his companions made their way to the imperial palace. Makoto, who hadn't been directly involved in the recent conflict but was fully aware of the events, extended a constant invitation to Leon and the others. In the current era of Japan, his family held limited political sway, leaving him with a considerable amount of free time. Beyond honing his swordsmanship, he dedicated much of his time to conversations with his old acquaintances.

Leon, not one for rigid protocols, found himself frequently preoccupied with the possibility of inadvertently making a blunder during the following day's ceremony. The Japanese-style ceremony presented a slight divergence from his own experience, yet, fortunately, the proceedings unfolded without a hitch. Leon managed to navigate the event without any missteps, despite being merely a guest. As the festivities drew to a close, the decision was made to unwind and enjoy themselves. Leon couldn't help but frown, as a traditional ceremony had just concluded, but it appeared he wasn't the sole individual feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the preceding formality. While Yuki had exuded the aura of a refined princess during the ceremony, at that moment, she and Gisela had the entire gathering roaring with laughter as they engaged in a spirited contest to determine who could consume the most rice balls within a five-minute span. Leon had anticipated Makoto might feel a sense of embarrassment regarding his daughter's uninhibited behavior, but to his surprise, Makoto was the one deriving the most amusement from the spectacle.

"Hello, are you occupied, Leon?" Crik inquired telepathically.

"Well, that depends entirely on your definition of occupied," Leon replied. "If observing two grown women behaving like mischievous children doesn't qualify as being busy, then I'm rather free. How fares it with you, Crik? And what of the situation on your end?"

"I am doing well. I simply wished to apprise you of an escalating trend: an increasing number of individuals are resorting to the use of mana to instigate wars," Crik reported. "Conditions on my home planet are as favorable as could be expected, yet numerous planets within this sector of the universe have commenced engaging in hostilities against one another. Consequently, certain individuals are developing potent spells that facilitate inter-planetary travel, thereby enabling them to reach other worlds. It is merely a matter of time before a truly troublesome entity emerges."

"Are you incapable of handling them?" Leon inquired.

"I possess the capability, but I find myself contemplating the moral implications of their demise after the immense effort expended to restore everything and everyone," Crik confessed. "My current consideration is to employ Mana Link along with another specific spell upon them, thereby rendering them permanently incapable of wielding mana."

"I suppose transforming them into living conduits is a preferable alternative to outright termination," Leon mused. "If you deem that course of action sufficient, then proceed."

Leon harbored a premonition that such a development was inevitable; the world, or rather, the universe, was never short of foolish individuals intent on initiating wars for the sole purpose of conquest. With this foresight, Leon had imparted the knowledge of Mana Link's diverse applications to individuals like Crik. One of the methods Crik devised involved the continuous siphoning of mana from those linked to him via Mana Link, effectively stripping them of their powers permanently.

"Understood," Crik affirmed. "Should any further developments arise, I shall notify you immediately."

The role of a galactic peacekeeper suited Crik perfectly. Now that he and his people had reclaimed their physical forms, they experienced a vitality unlike anything before, especially being back on their home planet. Regardless, Leon's primary desire was for Crik to enjoy a measure of relaxation and not perceive him as a superior officer. They were comrades, united in their fight for the future, and that camaraderie was ample.

The celebratory events surrounding Ren and Yuki's union extended for a full week. As the conclusion approached, Makoto found himself overcome with emotion, shedding tears like a child. He embodied the archetypal father who had long envisioned witnessing his daughter's marriage. Makoto expressed a wish for Leon to remain for an additional week of leisure, but Leon was compelled to decline. Despite possessing the means, he chose not to leverage his powers for financial gain. Moreover, he could not remain idle for more than a week without engaging in his work. This decision, while unsurprising to some, led to Leon ultimately assuming the role of a teacher—not in the arcane arts, but as a regular educator. Although he found a greater sense of fulfillment in instructing magic, Leon felt an unexpected surge of pride in becoming a middle school teacher.

"Farewell for now," Leon said to Makoto, Yuki, and Ren. "Once Serena makes her arrival, I'll bring her by for all of you to meet her."

"It’s a promise," Makoto confirmed with a nod.

For some inexplicable reason, the group felt an urge to return home by airplane this time. Oddly enough, each of them decided to make a stop at Leon and Ilyana's residence before heading to their own homes. This included Gisela and Lennart as well. Leon found himself grateful for this arrangement; with them present, Ilyana wouldn't dare to trifle with him, given her too-sweet voice.

Despite the apparent dissatisfaction of many other passengers, Leon's companions didn't cease their lively chatter throughout the journey. They recounted recent events and shared jokes, making for a rather enjoyable few hours. However, this merriment had to pause when Leon detected an unexpected voice within his mind – it was Tyrselle.

"Greetings, can we converse?" Tyrselle inquired via telepathy.

"I am listening," Leon responded, noticing Ilyana's frown. "I trust you won't mind if Ilyana overhears our discussion. It's not as if I can prevent her, after all. Furthermore, this might deter her from harboring any peculiar notions."

"I do not object," Tyrselle stated. "This message is partly intended for her as well, though I doubt I could convey it directly to her face."

Leon furrowed his brow upon hearing this, as Ilyana was indeed privy to the conversation. Nevertheless, Leon and the others had neither seen nor spoken with Tyrselle since the conclusion of the great battle. The primary reason was the absence of any compelling need for interaction. For an extended period, they had been adversaries, making their current situation understandable. Moreover, even if indirectly, she had been instrumental in the demise of many individuals dear to Leon and his friends. Although the past had been subsequently erased, the stark reality of those events remained.

"Twenty-two years have elapsed, have they not?" Tyrselle posed the question. "Matters here have been somewhat convoluted, keeping me occupied. Yet, over the past few years, my thoughts have been consumed with what I ought to do and say to each of you."

"I understand…" Leon conveyed.

"However, regardless of how deeply I ponder, I cannot devise any means or actions that adequately express the depth of my remorse for my past deeds," Tyrselle confessed. "This is because nothing I can possibly do or say will ever be sufficient to atone for the actions I committed."

"You speak with absolute correctness," Leon affirmed with a nod.

"Therefore, I shall utter this only once: I offer my sincere apologies for everything," Tyrselle declared. "This is the extent of what I am capable of doing at this moment. Yet, it does not imply that I shall forget what transpired. It will not alter the past, for the past is immutable, but I shall dedicate my utmost effort to forging a better future, though I remain uncertain if such a feat is attainable."

"Well… intentions hold significance. The outcomes can manifest later," Leon offered.

"Should you require assistance in the future, do not hesitate to summon me," Tyrselle extended the offer. "Whether the need be great or small, you may depend on my aid."

"Understood, I shall not forget this offer," Leon replied. "Is Sylas with you?"

"Indeed, would you like to speak with him?" Tyrselle inquired.

"No, merely ensure his well-being," Leon instructed.

"Very well… until we meet again," Tyrselle bid farewell.

Even before the telepathic 'call' had fully concluded, Ilyana was already playfully pinching Leon's side. Her jealous nature was quite apparent, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of distress when Leon addressed Tyrselle with such kindness.

"Do not harbor such feelings," Leon soothed. "None of us can truly forgive her past actions, but while it offers no excuse, she too was a victim of the circumstances, much like ourselves. Furthermore, ending her life would achieve nothing. In this particular situation, we have eliminated a foe and gained an ally. Is that not the most favorable outcome possible?"

"I suppose your reasoning holds merit…" Ilyana conceded with a frown. "Just refrain from conversing with her excessively, lest you provoke my displeasure..."

"Very well, very well," Leon chuckled, shrugging. "I shall only engage with her when you discreetly prompt me, perhaps when you shouldn't be doing so."

While Ilyana wasn't particularly fond of negotiating under such circumstances, she ultimately chose to reach a compromise. Several hours later, the entire group had safely returned to Phoenix. Leon promptly contacted his parents, informing them of their impending visit. It was a Sunday afternoon, and with the following day designated for work, Leon felt it was the opportune moment to visit them. After all, few things rivaled the pleasure of sharing lunch with one's parents on a Sunday.

The weather was absolutely perfect for a barbecue, Leon mused, and quite coincidentally, his parents seemed to share the same sentiment. Leon and the others discovered several tables arranged in the backyard, accompanied by the tantalizing aroma of roasting meat.

"Welcome home, son and daughter-in-law!"