“It’s the starting of a new era today – one of peace and harmony,” Paragon said.
“The fate of the Universe – especially that of the Dark World – has changed, and in a good way,” Rath continued.
“Evil was an intricate part of the Dark World so far,” Oni said. “The three most powerful things in the Universe – the Arcane Crown, the Slayer and the Pages of Destiny – would have always attracted evil forces. But not anymore,” Oni said as he looked at the disappearing Slayer and the ‘Book of the Universe’.
“These have been destroyed now. There is no more ultra-powerful thing left in the Universe that could attract evil,” said No One, looking at the Scavenger and the children.
Within moments, the Slayer and the ‘Book of the Universe’ disappeared.
The Scavenger’s army raised their weapons and roared.
They had won.
23
The Scavenger looked at the setting Suns.
The medics were rushing about, administrating medicines to the injured. The lead medic took Matt away for treatment.
James, Archer and Daniel stood beside the Scavenger, with Pyros, Thomas, Staler and Skazen.
The Scavenger turned to the waiting Gods. “Thank you for everything. We couldn’t have won the war without your help.”
“It’s our honour,” Paragon said.
The Gods shook the Scavenger’s hand. “It’s time for us to leave. You and the four Elemental children have saved the Dark World from all evil forever. We pray the Dark World remains peaceful for eternity.”
The Scavenger nodded. “Amen.”
“But our task will never be over,” No One said, shaking his head.
“In this Universe, there are many places like the Dark World, which keep requiring our services. One thing is sure. Whenever we visit Earth, we will definitely meet with the great Elemental children,” Paragon said as the Gods waved everybody goodbye, disappearing into a portal.
The Scavenger walked up to Skazen. Thomas intervened, “It was our grave mistake to mistrust Skazen. We mistreated him.”
The Scavenger was about to say something to Skazen, but he started speaking. “I don’t carry grudges. With your experiences with Flor and Cayden, it was but natural that I would also be looked on with suspicion. Don’t worry. All’s well that ends well.”
The Scavenger hugged Skazen.
Skazen beamed. Getting a hug from the greatest warrior known was overwhelming for him.
Pyros said, “It’s time to free the Kings of Necron and restore the Good Kingdom.”
The Scavenger nodded and summoned a portal. The children, Thomas, Staler and Skazen went to attend Matt.
The Scavenger and Pyros emerged inside a deserted fort.
It was the Castle of Fate.
The Scavenger knew the place like the back of his hand. Within minutes, they reached the protective chambers. The chambers had doors of steel with no handles to open them.
The Scavenger placed his hand on the steel door and muttered a spell. His hands started glowing, and the steel doors parted open.
The Kings of Necron were inside.
They gasped as the door opened, but then their faces lit up when they saw the Scavenger.
“We did it,” the Scavenger said. “The enemy is defeated.”
The Kings of Necron cheered and thanked the Scavenger.
Ekthatep said, “You were our last hope. Thank God that you received our message.”
The Scavenger and Pyros reinstated the Kings of Necron. A detailed order was issued from the Castle of Fate to all the inhabitants of the Dark World nullifying all the previous orders issued by Osay. The inhabitants were also briefed about the happenings in the Dark World.
The Scavenger and Pyros took leave of the Kings and came back to Cotton Village.
They were happy to see Matt chatting excitedly with his friends at the medical facility.
Matt’s eyes lit up on seeing the Scavenger, and he passionately hugged him.
The Scavenger asked, “Are you fine, Matt?”
“Absolutely,” Matt said. “Up to my spirits. Although I can still feel the remnants of the darkness inside the dimension...” Matt shuddered.
“Relax, buddy,” Archer comforted him.
Matt said, “Fighting the Skull Warrior inside the dimension was a constant struggle. It was only the Slayer that prevented the powerful Skull Warrior from killing me. I know it sounds strange and unbelievable, but it took several minutes for us to take one step inside the dimension. Apart from that, hallucinations, delusions, dreams, nightmares were common. Time moved extremely slowly. But we kept on fighting. We didn’t stop. The dreams plagued us as we fought. It was like hell.”
Matt stopped. Tears rolled from his eyes. “But now I am here, alive, thanks to you and everybody.”
“We all had promised that we would return to Earth together,” Archer said. “God forbid, if we would have failed to get you back, what would have happened to our parents? We were all so sure that we would never return to Earth without you.”
There was silence. Though nobody said anything, they knew how right Archer was.
Next day, the children were surprised to see the Kings of Necron at Cotton Village. The children were going back to Earth, and everyone was gathering there to wish them well.
Skazen shook hands with the children.
The Kings of Necron bowed to the children. The Kings bowing to them was the highest honour the children could have ever got.
Pyros wiped away a tear from his eye. “It was an amazing journey. The precious memories shall forever remain with me.”
Thomas and Staler were crying. Thomas said, “If it weren’t for you, we humans would have been lost to the enemy. Thank you.”
Staler said, “The spirit of Brentinute is honoured to have died by your side. Goodbye, my friends.”
The Scavenger was the last to wish the children goodbye. “I am short of words to express my feelings. Goodbye.”
The Scavenger’s eyes were full of tears. He wasn’t sad. He had a few things planned in his mind already.
The Kings of Necron waved their hands, and a portal formed in the air, ready to take the children to Earth.
“Please visit us in our dreams,” Matt said while the children waved at everyone.
Everyone nodded and waved back.
The children were
