Murphy had wanted to spend a little more time preparing a proper grave for Fato. But after seeing how fiercely Eul guarded the sculpture, he knew there was no way he could take it away. So he didn't disturb Fato and Eul's final reunion any further, and turned toward the forbidden zone in the swamp.
The moment he stepped into the forbidden zone, the reflection of the Blood River rippled, and Murphy said:
"You should've shown yourself earlier and surprised Eul."
"No need."
The echo of young Fato emerged from the rippling Blood River. He looked around the forbidden zone with a wistful gaze, then said:
"In Eul's eyes, I'm already dead. The symbol of its infancy has been returned to my child's heart, and with its regret now laid to rest, Eul no longer has any shadows in its heart. It can devote itself wholeheartedly to the great goal of leading its people.
"I have no wish to disturb Eul's peace of mind again.
"Giantsnakes are highly intelligent. They're even cleverer than most ordinary people, and can understand the most obscure and complicated emotions. I've left Eul's life, which is sure to be a long one, so all I can do is wish it well.
"But Murphy, you know giantsnakes are astral beings. The fact that they can live in the physical world doesn't mean it's truly suited to them.
"I just checked Eul's development and found that the lack of psionic energy in the physical world had kept it from reaching the strength an adult of its kind should have. So I have to ask: when do you plan to revive the Astral Realm?"
"Soon, soon! Why's everyone nagging me one after another? Can't a man have just one day off?"
As Murphy grumbled, young Fato pushed up