The Boy Who Walks Beyond The End-Chapter 85: A new light

A dull ache pulsed through his bones—sharp enough to remind him he was alive, faint enough to feel far away.

Zen's eyes fluttered open.

The ceiling above was made of smooth stone arches lit by soft blue orbs—calm, magical light dancing across polished walls. He was lying on a firm bed, linen sheets stiff with the scent of herbs and iron. The Sanctum Ward, no doubt.

[System: You're finally awake... I—I was worried about you, Zen]

"...Thanks," Zen whispered.

After that, Muffled voices drifted from nearby.

He turned his head slightly—and saw them.

Kael stood just a few steps away, arms wrapped tightly around Diliya. She had thrown herself into his chest, body trembling, eyes glistening with tears that refused to fall. Kael clutched her like something precious—fragile, irreplaceable. His voice cracked with barely contained emotion.

"I thought I lost you again..."

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Zen blinked, silent.

He looked away, giving them the moment. His gaze drifted toward the window where the first light of morning crept over the horizon.

Flashback – 7 Years Ago | Border of Virellia Forest

Kael was only a boy, maybe twelve. Bruised, blood dripping down his cheek. Cornered by three older mercenaries — bandits in polished armor, hunting for sport. He'd tried to stop them from hurting a young merchant's wagon. Tried to be a hero.

Now, he was on the ground. A sword aimed at his neck.

"You should've kept walking, brat."

Then—

"Let him go!"

A girl leapt between them. Barefoot. Dressed in rags.

Her silver-white hair was messy. Her left ear, pointed — barely hidden beneath the strands. A Demi-Human.

The mercenaries laughed. "Look what crawled out of the gutter."

Kael blinked. "W-What are you doing? Run!"

But she didn't.

With a flick of her hand, she cast a faint wind spell — not strong enough to hurt, but enough to push the man back.

She took a blow meant for Kael.

She bled.

But she stood her ground until the villagers came. The bandits fled. Kael lived.

She saved him.

And the next day—she vanished.

Sold.

The village elders didn't say it outright, but Kael overheard the whispers. "Half-blood." "Illegal." "Taken by the slave traders from the south."

She saved him. And they sold her to the black market.

---

Back to Present

[System: sleeping beauty zen, would you like a status report, a sandwich, or a therapist?]

Zen sighed faintly. "The others... the prisoners. What happened to them?"

A beat of silence.

[System: They've been relocated to a safe zone. No casualties. I even triple-checked—like the responsible little cube I am.]

"...Good," Zen murmured, the tension in his shoulders easing.

By noon, they left the Sanctum behind.

The road stretched onward, the air crisp with the scent of pine and morning dew. A distant village awaited—quiet, unnamed, unburned.

Zen walked with them, bruised but breathing.

The storm had passed.

But something new stirred in the ashes it left behind.

• Night

That night, a fire crackled in the stone hearth. Zen sat on the porch, stargazing, while inside the cottage...

"I don't care where we live," Diliya said softly, "as long as I can stay by your side."

Kael reached into his jacket and pulled out a thin, silver band. "Then... stay with me, forever."

Her hands flew to her mouth, tears falling freely.

"Yes!"

[System: Achievement unlocked – "Love Forged in Battle"! Title not available. Because you're single.]

"...Thanks," Zen deadpanned.

• The Quiet Aftermath

Zen helped Kael reinforce the cabin for safety. They shared drinks, old stories, and plans.

"You've changed," Kael said as they sat under the stars. "You're not that scared kid anymore."

Zen just smiled, but his eyes held distant weight. "I'm walking a path no one else can."

Kael frowned. "Then don't forget... even gods fall without people to remind them they're still human."

Zen didn't answer.

But Diliya, watching them from the doorway, said softly,

"You've got people. Even if you don't see it yet."