The sudden emergence of immense power from the room where Hikaru lay in repose startled everyone. A brilliant white light burst through the windows of her chamber, and the corridor leading to it became impassable, the light acting as a shield that prevented anyone from approaching. The sound of rushing air filled the space, and the warmth of the light enveloped those nearby. Curious onlookers rushed to the scene, but they could do nothing.

Umi was seen straining against the light that barred her path. "UMI!" Fuu desperately tried to pull her back, anxiety twisting her gut. She had no idea what was happening, and the uncertainty frightened her. She could not fathom the source of this power...

"Clef and Nova are inside! They are there!" Umi screamed. "Clef! CLEF!"

Lantis wondered, standing in shock with Shinre, Senna, Serena, Ryuuki, and Kotori. "Keep people away from this place..."

Ryuuki and Kotori understood and ushered Shinre, Senna, and Serena away. They turned to flee, except for Shinre, who seemed oblivious to everything. All that occupied his mind was one thought: his mother, who was also inside. He shook off Ryuuki's hand. The light intensified. Waves of energy began to sweep through the surroundings, pushing objects away... Shinre shielded his face.

"Clef! CLEF!"

Suddenly, the light vanished instantly, plunging the tower into thick darkness. Shinre quickly ignited his fire to illuminate the corridor... He raced after Umi, Fuu, and his father, who were already sprinting toward Hikaru's room.

"Clef!"

The light within the tower returned, illuminating the entire room as it had before. Umi flung the door open and rushed inside, followed closely by those behind her. What they saw was astonishing. The two Magic Gurus appeared to be asleep beside Hikaru.

"Master Clef? Maestra Nova?" Umi called out, shaking Clef's body. She screamed as Clef slumped to the floor. Panic gripped her. "Clef, are you alright?"

Fuu, who had touched Nova, gasped in disbelief. She shook her head. "This is impossible..."

"What happened?" Lantis asked. Confusion was etched on everyone's faces. More people continued to arrive. Eagle and Presea, LaFarga...

Fuu checked Clef and gazed at him with a look of disbelief. She was shaken. "They're not breathing. They're not breathing!"

"It can't be?!" Umi cried hysterically. "Why is this happening?" She could not accept that there could be so much loss in such a short time. After Hikaru, why are the two Magic Gurus now? Presea's wailing pierced the air, and Caldina held her close.

But suddenly, Fuu shouted, "Everyone, be quiet!" The crowd stared at her, bewildered. Slowly, Fuu turned her head to look at Hikaru. What did I hear? Fuu wondered, her heart racing. A breath? Hesitantly, Fuu focused on Hikaru's chest, which rose and fell slowly. "She breathes?"

"Who?" Umi asked, confused. Fuu didn't answer. "Fuu?"

"Hikaru..." The name startled everyone. Fuu hurried over to check on Hikaru. She gasped and quickly turned to the others, her expression a mixture of shock and immense joy. "She's breathing..."

"How is that possible?" Eagle stepped closer to investigate.

"Indeed!" Umi exclaimed, nodding in agreement. "You, see?! She's alive!" She wanted to laugh in delight, but tears flowed like Fuu's instead. She didn't know whether to be happy or sad.

Fuu dropped to her knees. LaFarga stumbled out, bearing the bittersweet news to those waiting outside. Cephiro had lost its greatest masters.

Lantis approached and knelt beside Clef, then turned to look at Nova. "They did a miracle for Hikaru."

Presea stepped closer and embraced Clef. "He's gone..." Umi looked at Presea and pulled her into a hug.

"He accomplished something extraordinary... He was remarkable..."

"But... what am I supposed to feel?"

The room grew increasingly crowded with the presence of Senna, Serena, Ryuuki, and Kotori. "Maestra Nova..." Serena called as she embraced Nova. "Open your eyes!"

Senna stood behind her, gently pulling his sister away from shaking the body of the Magic Guru, then holding her close to calm her. "She saved our mother..."

Eagle watched them all with a pained yet joyful expression. He turned and left the room, meeting Ferio, leaning against the wall. "Difficult to comprehend. When humans love each other, they protect one another and dare to sacrifice," he said.

LaFarga approached. "I will prepare a place for the two Magic Gurus and the funeral..." he said, trembling. He wiped his eyes. The general's strength returned as he moved on.

"What a long and difficult time it has been... But we have endured," Ferio sighed. "Albatross," he called to Alba, who stood at the door. The young man turned to him. "Come with me for a moment." Alba glanced at Eagle, seeking reassurance. Eagle nodded to him, then he followed Ferio.

Ferio led Alba to the grand hall. Initially silent, he eventually spoke. "You're relieved, aren't you? We're all so glad she's back," he said, facing away from Alba as he regarded the paintings on the walls.

Alba nodded. "Why did you bring me here?"

"I'm going to take down these paintings of the Pillars." Alba was taken aback. "Pillars are no longer needed in this world. We have all become a strong nation." Ferio turned to face Alba. "We stand on our own two feet." He paused for a moment. "I've never said this before, but this time I feel I must. Thank you so much for what you've done to unite the countries." Ferio bowed in respect to Alba.

"Your Highness!"

"I do not deserve to be called that. There is something I want to tell you. I will resign from my position."

Alba was shocked. "Hikaru's return is like the sun returning to this land. I do not want any division among those who may want her back in power while I am still in charge."

"I understand."

"I want to hold an election, but everyone will likely think as I do, so we need not complicate the situation. Replace me."

"What?" Alba gasped, unable to believe what he had just heard. He quickly protested, "I'm not worthy! I'm too young and inexperienced..."

"What nonsense are you speaking, President of Runes? I was much younger when Clef appointed me all those years ago. Yes... and I made many mistakes because of it." Ferio fell silent, smiling at Alba. "You have proven many things. You have shown that you have walked a different path. I won't force you; think about it. Make the decision that will save the entire nation. I hope for it dearly, and I feel Hikaru would wish for the same." With that, Ferio left him.

Alba stood in the grand hall for a long time. He gazed at the painting of Hikaru and recalled her words to him.

"Do you wish to be the ruler of the world? That is a beautiful thing... You can create magnificent cities. You can care for and bring happiness to those you love..."

Now, it was no longer just a desire but a weighty responsibility.

Eagle was alone in the corridor. Soon, he saw Lantis and Ryuuki carrying Clef and Nova out of the room. They exchanged looks of mutual support as they passed, followed by Presea, Kotori, Serena, and Senna, who wanted to help tend to the two Magic Gurus.

"Indeed, there is always a price for everything," he murmured. He smiled, took a deep breath, and entered the room to check on Hikaru.

Eagle observed Umi and Fuu sitting on either side of Hikaru. Shinre stood by the window a short distance from Hikaru's bed, watching his mother with a furrowed brow, struggling to contain his emotions. He seemed to be wrestling with something within.

"The funeral for the two Magic Gurus will be held tomorrow," Eagle informed them, moving closer to sit beside Umi. "How is she?" Eagle looked at Hikaru gently.

"She's alive but hasn't awakened," Umi replied, caressing Hikaru's face tenderly.

"Hikaru," Eagle called softly. There was no response. "She seems to be in the same state I once was. A deep sleep..." He took Hikaru's hand in his own. He tried to listen for any voice from Hikaru, but nothing was echoing in his mind. He realized that what Hikaru was experiencing was far heavier. Her consciousness remained untouched by anyone.

"When will she wake up?" Umi asked.

Eagle shook his head. "She will surely awaken. Just give her time; one day, she will open her eyes. One day... whenever that might be. We will watch over her and hope for the best for her."

Shinre listened quietly to their conversation. Unbeknownst to anyone, he slipped out of the room, shivering. The two Magic Gurus's death could not overshadow his immense joy. Gazing up at the night sky, his face streaked with tears, he was overwhelmingly happy. Truly happy. He had experienced significant loss, and now he had regained something monumental. He knew everything he had done for his mother was not in vain.