Hours of searching finally led them through the rubble of the Runes settlement and the Iron Palace. The rumble of heavy vehicles and robots filled the air, accompanied by the shouts of people. Alba had brought many with him to investigate what had truly transpired.

The event had shaken them deeply. The Palace's fire was only the beginning; the blaze had spread far beyond the octagonal walls, engulfing the Runes settlement. Soon after, an even more horrifying incident occurred. The entire complex exploded, reducing it to dust... Where the palace once stood was now a vast, barren plain with thick dust clouds rising high into the sky.

What happened here?! Alba stumbled forward in frustration, unable to find anything. Nothing remained of the once beautiful palace. Is this what Nova meant when she said His Majesty Nair had entrusted the Runes to him? Did that include destroying everything connected to the magic swordsmen?

After heading to the palace, the Magic Guru had never returned. Senna and Serena had disappeared without a trace. Everyone vanished, even before he could fully grasp the situation. Alba fell to his knees, grabbing a fistful of dust and throwing it furiously. He pounded the earth in anguish... This is unbearable!

Nexus watched Alba with profound sadness. He bent down and embraced the young man, but there was no comfort he could offer. He felt the same weight Alba did. Happiness had been snatched from the hearts of everyone. Peace was once again in question. The Elder recalled Nova's words, entrusting Alba with the leadership of Runes... Such a heavy burden.

"Let's go back…" Nexus said.

"No! I won't stop until I find them!" Alba's shoulders shook with emotion. "I won't stop…"

"My son, you must steel your heart. This is the reality we all must face…" Alba remained silent. "Let's return. Many people are waiting for you—"

"ALBA!" a voice suddenly called out. Alba quickly looked up to see Gannet running toward him.

Alba immediately stood up, wiping his face. "Do you find something?" he asked hurriedly.

"Yes," Gannet answered swiftly. Alba's eyes widened. "There! The Magic Guru! We found her. She's unconscious!"

A glimmer of hope sparked. "Quickly! Take me there!" Alba called out, running as fast as he could.

At Nexus House

Only the soft hum of machinery and clocks ticking filled the room. Alba had been sitting for hours, waiting for Nova to awaken, his worry growing each minute. He was indeed on edge, desperate for Nova to open her eyes and explain what had happened.

He hadn't noticed that Nova had opened her eyes and watched him, sitting lost in his thoughts. "Albatross…" she called softly. Alba lifted his head at once.

"Maestra…" Alba's voice brimmed with relief. Nova sat up slowly. "Are you alright?" he asked. Nova gave him a nod and a reassuring smile. "We found you unconscious. You're safe now, here in our home." Nova looked away, deep in thought. Alba handed her a glass of water, which she accepted with quiet gratitude.

"Thank you."

"What happened? I was so worried. Everyone is… missing."

"Yes, they did," Nova said, bowing her head.

"Senna and Serena…"

"There's no need to worry about them," Nova interrupted gently. "They're safe."

"What?"

"They left Runes with His Majesty Nair and Lady Frieden," Nova said and then fell silent. "I stayed behind only to complete the final task entrusted to me." Nova swung her legs off the bed.

"The Iron Palace was destroyed…"

"I'm the one who destroyed it." Alba's eyes widened in shock. "By the order of His Majesty Nair."

"But why?" Nova tried to stand, but Alba urged her to sit back down. "Maestra, where are you planning to go?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.

"To fulfill my last duty… I have to go to Cephiro…" Nova nearly fainted again. "To save Shinre…"

"Shinre?! He's alive?"

Nova nodded. "He might be alive… which is why I must hurry."

"No, you can't! Look at your condition." Alba gently laid her back down and adjusted her blanket. "Rest first… And…" Alba hesitated but then spoke the words he'd been holding back, "I'll go with you to take him home."

"Albatross…"

"You can't go alone. After this war, the magic swordsmen are surely seen as criminals there. If you go by yourself, your life could be at risk. You could die before you even find Shinre. I don't know how Shinre might have survived, but I'll help you find him. I'll figure out a way to get you there safely…" Relief washed over Alba. This unexpected news filled him with a sudden joy.

"You truly care for him… Very well, but with one condition." Nova's smile turned sly as though she'd already won. "I haven't heard your answer yet. Will you accept the responsibility of becoming Runes' leader?"

Alba was stunned. A condition? Is this the condition? "Fine. Give me some time," he grumbled, sounding frustrated. "Damn it. You're making it impossible for me to say no…" Yet, for Shinre's sake, Alba was willing to do anything.

Nova closed her eyes, laughing softly with a look of ease, for she already had her answer in her heart.

Alba spent the night in his study, sitting silently, mulling over the time Nova had given him. Before he knew it, a day had passed. Why was he so hesitant? He opened a drawer, took a photograph, and stared at it for a long time. In the photo, he saw his father and mother.

In all his life, Alba had overlooked one crucial thing—who he indeed was. He had defined himself as no one of significance, simply Albatross. But that name was a mere shadow of his true self, a reduction of everything he was. He was the last descendant of the Vision family.

Seventeen years ago, he lost his father, the esteemed General Albatross, and his entire family in the Autozam-Runes War. His encounter with Hikaru, the eventual peace between Autozam and Runes, and Shinre's presence had all transformed his purpose. He had wanted nothing else since discovering the profound value of peace and happiness. He abandoned his family's ambition and devoted himself entirely and loyally to His Majesty Nair. Though he had every right and ability to seek power, he never desired it.

"What should I do?" Alba closed his eyes, struggling with his indecision. Everyone needed a leader, but he could not quiet his doubts. It was all overwhelming, especially with so many waiting for his decision. Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Come in."

Nexus entered. Alba didn't greet him, returning instead to his deep contemplation. Nexus smiled gently, knowing Alba was carefully weighing his decision. "May I sit?" he asked, and Alba nodded. The elder took a chair, his age showing in his weariness.

Alba put away the photograph of his family, sensing Nexus was about to speak with him. He folded his arms, waiting as Nexus watched him with quiet affection.

"How old are you, son?" he asked in a fatherly tone. It was natural—Nexus had raised Alba since he'd been orphaned.

"Twenty-four…"

"Time moves so quickly. So much has changed. I never imagined living like this with you. Today feels like a dream, and I can't let it pass without saying what I've wanted to tell you for so long. I'd forever feel guilty if I didn't…"

Alba looked at Nexus, surprised as a crease appeared on his forehead.

"War is always so painful," Nexus sighed. "Once, I thought it would be better if you were dead, son. When I thought of your future, I worried about what might become of you, orphaned and held in another's grasp. I made a grave mistake by becoming an accomplice to His Majesty Nair, giving him access to Autozam's outposts. I wished we could all just die… Forgive me… I could find no reason to protect you. I was too wrapped up in saving myself from the guilt of being your father's useless right hand…"

"Nexus…"

"… After everything that happened, I always wondered why that young lady tried to protect you, even at the cost of her life—a sacrifice I couldn't bring myself to make. I didn't understand why she was so determined to keep you alive… I made a statue of her so that one day, I might find the answer and be reminded not to give up on you… so that in my weakness, I'd keep supporting you. And now, I feel I've finally found that answer. Perhaps it was all meant for today."

Alba sat frozen, his eyes welling with tears as a memory crept into his mind—the day Hikaru saved him. "Nexus…"

"I'm grateful you chose a different path than your father. I'm grateful that His Majesty Nair chose a different path, too, becoming the guardian of us all… I no longer mourn the loss of my homeland because I now live in a better country. But I fear, after I'm gone, whether all this will remain or the world will again fall into chaos. That thought fills me with anxiety… I don't expect you to become a ruler of the world or to restore Autozam, but please, make a choice that will preserve the future of Autozam and Runes."

Alba lowered his head, absorbing every word.

"That's all I wanted to say…" With that, Nexus left, leaving Alba alone and rooted in place. His words reverberated within him.

"And now, I feel I've finally found that answer. Perhaps it was all meant for today."

Could that be true? Did you protect me for this day? Could you truly see the future and foresee all of this? Aunt… Alba looked at himself in the mirror, touching his cheek, and remembered her tears from that time.

"Yes. I'm in pain. I am thinking of my past. I've always wanted to achieve one thing. That's why I chose to be here with you. I promised so many people that it would happen… It will remain just a dream if I'm fighting for it alone. I can't do it by myself. Will you help me? To unite all the nations and create peace that spares others from pain…..."

Can I help her with this decision?

From that moment, I made her dream my own. That dream led me to pledge my loyalty to His Majesty Nair; wouldn't it guide me to choose again? I want to make a choice that will, at last, let her smile without shedding a single tear.

Alba straightened, rising with resolute purpose. He stepped out, following Nexus. He went to see his people.