World Legacy Echo

A dreaded Aurum clutched the dying Ib tightly in his embrace.

He was stunned by the event that suddenly took place, and so was Ningirsu, whom stood silently behind him, watching the gruesome moment.

Auram's eyes stored more pain than words could describe. The lifeless body of his best friend's sister and his lover rested peacefully within his arms. How did he allow such a tragedy to happen?

"It's my fault." Auram's voice abrupted the disturbing silence that filled the atmosphere. "It's my fault for dragging you both into this. It's my fault Ib is dead. All of this is my fault."

"It's not your fault, Auram." Ningirsu calmly responded. Even in the most dire situations, Ningirsu kept his cool.

"How can you be like this, Ningirsu?! Do you even care that she's dead! Your very own blood!" Auram turned to confront the taller male, tears already rolling down his cheeks. "How can you be so inhumane?"

Ningirsu did not answer, instead he slowly approached Auram and then halted. He narrowed his eyes and without warning, a hand appeared and smacked Auram across the face as he was forced to lose his grip of Ib's body and rubbed where he'd been hit.

"Why you-"

"Shut up, Auram." Ningirsu commanded firmly as Auram was obliged to listen. "Don't you dare insult me like that ever again. What proof do you have that I don't care about my sister when I truly do? She's the only family I have left after the destruction of our village from the Mekk army. Even if we weren't related by blood, I'd still care."

Auram blinked. There was sincerity in his voice. The death of his sister had affected him more than he thought, yet he wondered now he was able to conceal such deep sorrow behind an expressionless mask.

"However, my honor as a living being remains, and you offending me for It is something I cannot tolerate regardless of the conditions we find ourselves in." He added. His lips then curved. "Ib may be dead, but her spirit continues to live on. Perhaps there's still hope for us."

Ningirsu's words resonated in his mind. He was right. He was a living being and so was he; they were living beings; the longer they lived, the more battles they would fights until their victory was secured.

He had to agree. There was still hope for them, and even the possibility to resurrect Ib and bring back her youth and liveliness, as well as that lovely smile she gave him whenever he doubted himself.

Afterwards, Auram carefully positioned the deceased Ib on the ground as he instructed Imduk to guard her body until he and Ningursu returned. His powers had weakened during his battle against Lee and Ib in the form of Destroymare Ibee. However, that did not restrain him in any way, and fueled his determination to continue battling instead.

As Auram stood up, he walked towards Ningirsu and nodded. "Let's go. We still have some business to attend to."

Ningirsu smiled at this, stepping aside as he gestured him.

"Lead the way, then."

The war was not over yet.