Dora Mi looked at the two of them, their resolve unwavering, and could only sigh.
"...I understand."
"You two... take care of yourselves."
"Let's go. Protect the people who need protecting," Yan Huan said to Phainon.
"Mm." Phainon looked at Cyrene and Yan Huan, tightening his grip on the [Savior] card.
"Come on, friends!"
"Even without a sword, give me a hoe... Even if all I have is the crudest iron, I'll use it to defend my home!"
Cyrene studied the Oracle card. After a moment's thought, she smiled, finally understanding.
"So that's it..."
"...Beyond what's written on the card, it can mean that too."
"Not someone perfect from the start, standing high above the clouds and casting a compassionate gaze over the whole world..."
"But someone who takes this small step first, setting out from a quiet little village and slowly widening the [world in his heart], growing and saving others along the way..."
Cyrene turned to Yan Huan and explained:
"When we were little, I told him I hoped this world would never need a savior..."
"But when that wish fell apart, I was glad... he was willing to walk this path."
"And for that..."
"...we have your encouragement to thank, my friend."
"Huh? Who? Me?" Yan Huan pointed at himself, bewildered.
"Yes. Come on." Cyrene stepped beside Yan Huan, affectionately hooked her arm through his, and pulled him along.
"Only with you beside us can Phainon and I find the courage in our hearts."
"I know you're watching, aren't you—future great hero?"
"?" For a moment, the entire Lost Illusionary Realm froze as though someone had pressed pause.
Yan Huan asked Laigushi beside him:
"Tell your story if you want, but why give me so much to do in it?"
"It is a story, but not entirely..."