Dark-gold dust drifted slowly down like snow.
The dragon's corpse that had blotted out the sky was gone. The colossal creature that had once dominated the heavens rapidly disintegrated, leaving only vast clouds of ash.
Faint currents of heat lingered in the air, but not a trace of draconic might remained.
Louis stood at the center of the ruins.
The instant the last speck of dark-gold dust touched the ground, an ethereal figure slowly appeared before him.
The figure was incomplete, its outline seemingly worn away by time again and again, barely retaining a human shape.
Louis raised his head and saw the figure's face clearly.
He recognized that face.
It was Noken, the deceased Archmage who had spat the Primordial Heart into his mind back in the Primordial Land. Perhaps he also had another identity, one named Lin Ze.
But now, he was no longer that elegant, composed chief steward.
His body had died many years ago. The being before Louis was merely a remnant of a soul forcibly severed from its whole.
With obsession as his anchor and prophecy as his guide, he had endured for a thousand years through sheer resolve.
Louis simply watched him without speaking immediately.
From the state of that remnant, he already understood everything.
Noken quietly returned Louis's gaze.
Deep within his hollow eyes, the faintest trace of emotion emerged. It was not joy, but something closer to the relief of finally being able to let go.
The thousand-year plan had finally reached its end, and his mission was completed in that moment.
Louis remained silent for a long time before saying softly, "Thank you for everything."
His voice was quiet, but deeply solemn.
Noken merely lowered his head slightly and bowed, as though bidding this world a final farewell.
The next moment,