The shackles of billions of years had finally broken free today. The sins and restraints weighing on his heart for endless ages had dissipated by more than half.
He turned to Loren and bowed slightly, his posture sincere and respectful.
"Thank you. If not for your intervention today, not only would I have been unable to free myself, I would have personally buried an entire civilized planet."
"I have completely severed my contract with Galactus and will no longer fight for him. Does your former promise still stand, sir?"
Loren slowly descended, withdrawing the faint Temporal Order glow circulating around him. His expression softened slightly.
"Of course it stands. I will use the power of Temporal Order to completely erase the fundamental contract between you and Galactus, sever every shackle, and protect your home planet in perpetual safety from Galactus's covetous gaze."
"From this day onward, you are free."
Those few words made Silver Surfer's body tremble slightly, endless relief and fervor flashing through his eyes.
Billions of years of enslavement, endless sins of slaughter, and the eternal shackles of fate had finally come to a complete end today.
"From this day onward, Norrin Radd is willing to serve you, repaying this kindness and atoning for the rest of his life."
Silver Surfer knelt on one knee in midair, performing the most solemn rite of the stars. He willingly became one of Loren's cosmic warriors, guarding the barriers of the heavens and deep space.
The crisis had completely ended, and the world returned to clarity.
On the ground, the humans who had survived the catastrophe looked at the clear sky and the powerful figures standing safely above them, erupting into thunderous cheers and tearful cries.
Countless people knelt to pray, while countless others embraced and wept. This apocalyptic calamity, enough