On this day, everyone shared a joyous celebration.
They'd completely neutralized the Descent of the Alternate World crisis and defeated the Divine Power. Now, they'd perfectly embodied the phrase that men could conquer the heavens.
Everyone who'd taken part in the battle felt an overwhelming pride and glory. Their joy was unrestrained, and the internet flooded with emotional and exhilarated messages.
After collectively enduring what could have been a world-resetting calamity, people across Crisea and beyond felt a rare sense of unity.
No one sensed that something was amiss. Even if someone did wonder why the vortex that had just begun to reverse ever so slowly suddenly disappeared along with the Alternates, that curiosity lasted only a moment. Such doubts were quickly cast aside.
They never thought about it too deeply. Naturally, no one remembered someone else had vanished with the Rift Vortex.
Sensing the spreading joy all across the nine realms, Benjamin felt no relief. Instead, something pressed heavily against his heart, but he had no idea why he couldn't quite put a finger on it.
He closed his hand around the half Core Vein Stone and turned to Kai. "Let's go home."
Kai sensed nothing odd either. He nodded and instinctively lowered his body so Benjamin could ride on him, but the latter's body dissolved into golden light and returned to his true form.
Staying in a half-crouched position, something felt amiss to Kai as he watched Benjamin leave. But he shook his head and launched into the sky, following Benjamin's true form.
"Cornelius, keep up!" he called out.
Cornelius gave him a flat look and curtly said, "Don't order me around."
This battle had cost Benjamin nearly all of his golden light. By all rights, he should now fall into slumber to recover his power and wait for the next awakening. But for some reason, his instincts told him he must not sleep.
Though he knew there was much to be handled in Jamborough, he left those affairs to Luke and returned to Seastone with Kai.
He felt something still needed to be done at the Cooper residence in Seastone. When he couldn't recall what it was, Kai offered a reminder.
"Is it about Ms. Wynthorpe? Her divine soul was injured when she fought against Vlad in the alternate world, and she's still unconscious right now.
"Ben, you did promise to take care of her, right?"
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