Time passed, second by second. Seasons changed, one beauty after another continued. The wheel of life turned and people resumed their routines. Clef listened to it all. Birds chirped freely in the morning of Cephiro without a Pillar. Clef observed it. Flowers bloomed on the earth of Cephiro without a Pillar. Young girls tended to them, full of cheerfulness, then played with water, screaming with joy.

Their voices mingled with cheers of people, the roar of tamed monsters, and the chatter of forest fairies, all working together to rebuild cities, villages, homes, their livelihoods. It sounded pleasant, echoing through the forest, woods dragged to construction sites, the clang of iron being hammered, stones being quarried... Slowly, the beauty that once existed was reborn.

On the other side of the castle, young men practiced martial arts or their magical abilities. They were the next protectors of Cephiro. They were so passionate, knowing that the drops of sweat from their intense training were so valuable for the land they loved. Children ran towards the fields... The first harvest in Cephiro. Wild birds also flew towards the golden wheat fields.

Thousands of creatures moved with the same vision. Cephiro. Fahren and Chizeta also extended their hands in apology for invading Cephiro. Builders were brought in from both lands. After the borders were opened, goods flowed into Cephiro for the first time. Contact was also made with Autozam... following what Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu had said as another way to save the land.

"Collaborating to exchange ideas," Fuu said before a forum of representatives from the four nations. "That's what we do in our world to solve various problems. We form international organizations where people with various skills sit together and discuss issues and solutions..."

Umi nodded. "That's called cooperation." She understood this well because her father was a diplomat. "Each country appoints representatives to neighboring countries and can visit each other to see the situation in the visited country. Each country not only supports each other but also watches over each other to prevent unwanted incidents..."

Such things were truly new in Cephiro and other countries, and that was the approach used to help Autozam out of its crisis. And again, this world is so mysterious... With the ability to use magic, the recovery time that would normally take years was cut down so much that after one year, Autozam could see blue skies and lush green plants growing.

Autozam agreed to reduce the use of engines emitting harmful gases and change lifestyles through strict regulations. Land once covered with thousands of technological products was opened up for numerous trees. Fahren dug giant canals to channel some of their rivers to cross Autozam. Little by little, pollution lifted from Autozam. The dark clouds that had hung over Autozam for so long parted, allowing the warm sun to shine throughout the year, even during the usually freezing winters...

In exchange, Fahren obtained a flat area north of Autozam that stretched westward, quite spacious. A slight reduction in territory was not a big issue for Autozam, which was seeking a cure for its dying condition. Fahren did their best to help. After Chizeta received the promised territory from Cephiro, the four nations had balanced territories in terms of size and strength. Cephiro began to build military strength in response to the absence of their protective Pillar. Today, all countries are in a position of equality and friendship, sharing experiences and knowledge they possess...

"This is a victory not only for Cephiro but for the entire world," said Clef, leaning back in his chair, recalling everything that had happened after one year had passed. "Isn't that right, Ferio?" Clef turned...

Accompanied by Presea and Fuu, Ferio began his studies as the head of state of Cephiro. Ferio looked at sheets of paper, parchments, drawings... He was not a good learner considering he had spent years in the wild. Clef smiled... This young prince indeed needed to learn, and it was not easy. During this learning period, Clef temporarily led the country.

Presea had a stubborn student, debating with him on various matters... Meanwhile, Fuu patiently explained various things to him. And their break times turned into romantic moments...

"Ahh..." sighed Ferio, leaning back in his chair. "I used to imagine having a cottage in the Forest of Silence..."

"For what?" Fuu asked casually, flipping through something she was reading.

"To live with you." Presea and Clef raised their heads, surprised, then laughed. Meanwhile, Fuu's face turned as red as a tomato.

"What are you talking about at a time like this?" Fuu playfully hit Ferio with a roll of paper. "Seriously, focus on your studies!"

"Alright, alright..." Ferio chuckled. "If you don't want to, I'll build you a castle!"

Yes, Ferio's greatest happiness was Fuu. Ferio's greatest fortune was how reliable Fuu truly was. Their relationship was so close. Clef himself imagined their marriage. Clef saw the ring on Fuu's hand and recognized it well. In his childhood, Princess Emeraude had shown him that ring and enthusiastically said she would give it to the man she loved.

"Sorry." Clef rose from his chair. He straightened a few things. "I need to get some fresh air..."

Clef left the three who had returned to their activities. Along the corridor, Clef looked at Cephiro... This world was also the dream of his two friends. He wanted to dedicate this victory to them and remembered them with a heavy heart. But how could he convey it? Nair and... Nova of Runes. Their whereabouts hadn't been known for a long time. They were Autozam' most wanted fugitives. They were the masterminds behind the Runes people's rebellions to expel the Autozam people who had invaded their land. As the relationship between Cephiro and Autozam grew closer, Clef actually wanted to start discussing the fate of the neglected Runes people. However, he hadn't found the right moment to bring it up in the four-nation forum or discuss it with Ferio himself.

"Master Clef!"

Clef jumped at hearing his name called. He turned toward the source of the voice and found Umi and Ascot surrounded by a dozen children gathered in the grassy, flower-filled courtyard of the castle. They were playing with Ascot's monsters and had laid out a picnic.

"Join us!" the children shouted in unison.

"What are you doing?" Clef asked as he approached them.

"Big sister is telling us a story!" answered a little girl named Mira. "And we're acting it out. Ascot is the horse! I'm the princess!"

Clef burst out laughing. Ascot's face turned red, and he seemed to rub his head in embarrassment as his feelings were revealed. If it was Umi's request, he would do anything. Ascot's monsters jumped around joyfully. It was a heartwarming sight.

"Big sister, teach us how to bake cakes!"

"Not today, little ones..." Umi shook her head. "I need to prepare the ingredients. Next week we'll come back, and I promise that day will be just for you!" Umi exclaimed excitedly. She picked up the youngest child and tossed him into the air, playing.

This is another victory... thought Clef. There was much more joy now. There was no longer the real threat of war as the four countries had made a peace agreement. This was what safety felt like, allowing children to laugh so freely. Children couldn't lie about what was in their hearts...

"Where are you going, Master?" asked Ascot, panting. He had been chasing a child who had taken his hat.

"Back to my tower. But first, I need to check on Eagle's condition today."

"That's a shame..."

Clef smiled gratefully. He felt he was too old to play with them... he explained to those urging him to stay. He waved to the children and walked away from them.

The commander of Autozam's forces, Eagle Vision, had not left Cephiro since that time. He was still unconscious. So far, Autozam was not ready to receive him home, and Eagle Vision needed him. All this time, Clef had been personally responsible for his care, along with Lantis and Hikaru, who remained by Eagle's side.

Clef evaluated Eagle Vision's progress daily. The young man was truly suffering from a previously unknown illness. Degeneration of consciousness due to excessive mental energy usage. He had never encountered it before. Nevertheless, Eagle had avoided a critical condition and was slowly moving towards recovery...

"You want to see Eagle, Guru Clef?" Geo Metro greeted him politely. Unexpectedly, they crossed paths on the way to Eagle Vision's room. "Good. I want to go there too." Geo Metro was one of the Autozam soldiers who had survived last year's invasion. He had been defeated by Ascot and Umi in the battle back then but managed to escape. Now, he was their comrade, and together with Zazu Torque, he had decided to stay in Cephiro to keep Eagle company.

Clef observed Geo Metro's impressive appearance in his white military uniform adorned with various badges. "Are you returning to Autozam?"

"Yes. I'm going to say goodbye to Eagle and Lantis. But my departure is only temporary. I will return. I can't leave Eagle alone for too long here. Thank you for accommodating us all this time."

"So, when will the Autozam forces depart?"

"Not long. About an hour from now. Oh, by the way, I left the NSX in Cephiro. I couldn't take it back due to the severe damage. Zazu is still struggling to save the ship. Hopefully, he succeeds. He is very determined. He's also set on repairing the FTO and GTO. He's really insistent, even though I've told him it's not necessary. This peaceful condition doesn't need war machines..."

"That's true."

Eagle's room appeared before them. The door was wide open, and the voice of a girl chatting away could be heard. Hikaru was there, which also meant that Lantis was present. Clef saw the two of them and felt amused... Such an unusual pair, as different as night and day.

"How are you?" Geo greeted.

"Geo! Master Clef!" Hikaru immediately got up to meet him.

"You're so noisy..." Geo complained. "What's today's story?"

Ignoring the question, Hikaru exclaimed, "You look so cool!" She was captivated by Geo's appearance, while Guru Clef passed by them and approached Eagle Vision's bed. Lantis moved aside to give Clef some space.

Hikaru seemed to be narrating an incident from her world. Clef sat down and listened for a moment before turning his attention to Eagle and Lantis. Without Hikaru nearby, the atmosphere became silent. Lantis wasn't one to engage in lengthy conversations, but there was something about his heart when he was alone with Eagle. They surely talked a lot.

"Why are you both so quiet?" Lantis turned his face away and looked out the window beside him, as if hiding something he didn't want Clef to know. What was wrong with him? Meanwhile, Eagle chuckled softly. "You sound happy, Eagle."

"Of course..."

Yes. Without a sound. It was truly a miracle that, despite his paralysis, Eagle could still communicate with those around him in this way. There was no sound, but it echoed in their minds as if their hearts had ears. They were connected through telepathy.

"You can laugh like this now..." Eagle listened. "You really are going to recover... You might regain consciousness soon." That word "might" was somewhat saddening because it still reflected the uncertainty of Eagle's condition. However, there was great optimism in the way Eagle responded...

"Yes. I hope so. Someone is sincerely praying for my recovery... I must get better..."

Clef glanced at Hikaru and smiled. "Yes. She is extraordinary." Clef examined several parts of Eagle's body. "Can you feel the warmth of the sun? It's very bright today..."

"Not quite yet. But I can sense how bright the world around me is..."

"It's summer now. There's not a cloud in the sky. Can you feel the gentle breeze? The window next to you is wide open. The curtains are swaying, and the bells hung above you are tinkling... Their sound is so faint, evoking a longing for something distant..."

"Even though it's so faint... It's very comforting..."

"It is faint, but it's certain. Everything feels like it's creeping along. A year has passed already. Just be patient a little longer..."

"I am truly learning patience. I'm not thinking too much about when. I can enjoy it. Even in its simplicity, there is always happiness. I'm grateful to be alive here, so much so that I don't even want to return to my country."

"Is there a reason for that?" Clef was curious.

"That's a secret."

"Alright. We're done," Clef said, standing up. He looked at Lantis. "Lantis... What's wrong? Why won't you look at me?"

"Nothing," he replied curtly. But Eagle chuckled again.

"Do I need to examine you?" Clef asked, feigning concern.

"You're getting good at joking. I'm fine."

Clef chuckled, "If you want to consult about something, come to me. Naughty boy..."

Lantis blushed deeply. "I'm not a child..." he said through gritted teeth.

"See you all later." Young people... they were always somewhat difficult for this old man to understand. Clef walked out of the room, but he soon heard laughter erupting again. Just outside the door, he listened for a moment.

Geo's laughter was the loudest. "Oh my God, are you still talking about that incident? Thinking back on it, I still want to laugh. The first time you went crazy, Lantis!"

"Don't embarrass him..." Hikaru pleaded. "Talk about something else. You know, a kitten-"

Geo ignored her attempt to change the subject. "Hikaru, the question now is whether you have progressed. If Lantis asked you again if there was someone you wanted to marry, what would your answer be now? Do you still want to marry everyone in the world?"

Clef covered his mouth to stifle his laughter. He, too, wanted to laugh whenever he thought about it. He had witnessed that event firsthand... Lantis, who had known only swords, magic, training, and combat all his life, had finally become a more complete man when he began to love a woman and declare his love.

"Hey, I'm still 16!"

"You know, my mother gave birth to me at that age?"

"You're just joking. I know that. Stop it..." Lantis defended Hikaru.

"Even if you don't say it, I can see it clearly," Geo teased them both. Suddenly Geo remembered why he was there. "Oh yes, the Autozam soldiers are about to depart. I need to send them off on your behalf, Eagle."

"What are you carrying?" Hikaru asked.

"A camera!" Geo replied cheerfully. "You two, come closer to Eagle. I want to take a picture of you together with Eagle. I'll make this photo a gift for your father, Eagle. He'll be reassured knowing you're well in Cephiro... But what will happen if he finds out you don't want to go back?" Geo laughed. "Hey, what's with you two?" Geo shouted at Hikaru and Lantis.

"What?"

"Why are you both so stiff? Embrace him, Lantis! Don't you love her?"

"Geo!" Hikaru objected to the request. "Lantis!" It seemed Lantis obeyed.

"Stop moving... I want this guy to stop talking. So, hurry up." Lantis didn't let go of Hikaru.

Geo laughed again... "Great! You two look perfect together…"

Clef decided to continue on his walk, still smiling. That was life; to have someone to accompany you, friends, lovers, to love and be loved.

He never had a youth like that to look back on because he never experienced it. However, he could be grateful for his long life. He could witness change—good change. Seeing this generation happy was his victory as a teacher for his pupils. For the first time, when he looked back on the past, he felt light and satisfied. This was also his victory as a human being since he decided not to give up. The future of Cephiro was still long, and perhaps he would still be blessed with a long life.

THE END