Months had passed.
The battle had become history.
WHU was rebuilt.
Wounds were healing.
Asher had recovered.
His body was stronger than before.
But since that fight, something in his eyes had changed.
They were deeper.
Quieter.
Training Grounds
Sebastian and Asher stood facing each other once again.
Their strikes were fast and precise.
The ground trembled with every clash.
During a short break, Asher asked:
"Push the Limit… what exactly is that power?"
Sebastian steadied his breathing.
"It's the peak version of your future self."
Asher listened carefully.
"In that state, you're not the current you. Your body isn't controlled by your conscious mind… it's driven by instinct. By your highest potential."
Asher frowned slightly.
"So there's no control?"
"Almost none," Sebastian replied. "You don't make decisions. The power moves you."
"Is there a time limit?"
"Yes. And it's different for everyone. Some last five minutes. Some three. Some… only ten seconds."
Asher fell silent for a moment.
"Have you ever activated it?"
Sebastian slowly shook his head.
"No."
A brief pause.
Then Sebastian gave a faint smile.
"But you did."
They resumed training.
Until sunset.
Evening — WHU
That night, there was a small celebration at WHU.
For the first time in months, the heroes were able to breathe freely.
Lance, Poll, Oliver, Mark, Lina, Charlotte — everyone was there.
Laughter filled the halls.
Music echoed through the building.
Asher stayed inside for a while.
But eventually, he slipped away and climbed to the rooftop.
Someone was already there.
Julia.
She stood alone, looking up at the sky.
It was clear.
Full of stars.
Asher walked beside her.
She turned and smiled.
"Escaping the noise?"
"You noticed quickly," Asher said softly.
They both looked up.
Two stars were shining side by side.
Brighter than the rest.
Asher spoke quietly.
"Look… they're beautiful."
Julia kept her gaze on them.
"Yeah… like they'll never leave each other."
A gentle wind passed.
Asher hesitated for a moment.
Then he spoke.
"There was a moment during that battle…"
"I thought it was over."
"I thought I'd never see you again."
Julia turned to him fully now.
Asher continued:
"I wanted to be strong. To protect everyone."
"But in that moment, I realized something."
"Strength isn't about standing alone."
"It's about having someone you want to protect."
His voice softened.
"Julia… you're my strength."
Her eyes shimmered.
Asher took a deep breath.
And finally said:
"I love you."
The words hung in the air.
Julia stepped closer.
She smiled.
And wrapped her arms around him.
"I love you too."
Asher froze for a second.
Then held her tightly.
Their heartbeats aligned.
They leaned against the rooftop edge together.
Watching the two stars.
The war was over.
The darkness hadn't disappeared completely.
But that night—
Asher wasn't alone.
And that…
Was stronger than anything.