The next morning, Luo Feng, Lina, and little Suki made their way to Duke Harlan's mansion to say their final goodbyes.
The moment Suki saw Lina standing in the courtyard, the little girl's eyes filled with tears. She let out a broken cry and rushed forward, throwing herself into Lina's arms and hugging her as tightly as her small body could manage.
"I thought… I thought I was the only one who survived!" Suki sobbed, her voice muffled against Lina's shoulder.
Lina knelt down and held her just as fiercely, stroking her hair with gentle hands.
"It's okay now, Suki," she whispered, her own eyes wet. "You're not alone anymore. You'll be safe with me and Brother Feng."
Duke Harlan stepped out to greet them, his wife and younger daughter at his side. Luo Feng bowed respectfully and spoke in his calm, steady voice.
"My lord, I am leaving the Dragon Kingdom with Lina and Suki. We will stay away until the situation with the heroes and the Church quiets down. I thank you again for everything you have done for us."
The Duke nodded with understanding and a touch of sadness. Without hesitation he ordered his servants to prepare three strong, well-rested horses. Each saddlebag was packed full with dried food, water skins, warm clothes, blankets, medicine, and enough supplies to last them many weeks on the road.
"It is a shame my eldest daughter is still away at the academy," the Duke said with a regretful smile. "You still have not had the chance to meet her."
Luo Feng gave a small, gentle smile and bowed once more.
"There will come a time when I meet her. When things are safer."
After a few more heartfelt words and final thanks, Luo Feng helped Lina and Suki mount their horses. The three of them rode out of the capital gates together, the Duke and his family watching until they disappeared over the horizon.
Their destination was the nearest neighboring country — the Holy Kingdom of Elysium.
It was a land blessed and protected by the God of Healing and Cure. White temples stood tall in every city, healers walked the streets freely, and it was said that no curse or dark magic could easily take root there. Compared to the chaos brewing in the Dragon Kingdom, it felt like the safest place they could reach.
Luo Feng rode in front, calm and watchful, the Adamantite dagger at his belt and the Cosmic Trident safely stored away. Lina and Suki followed closely behind him, beginning their long journey toward a new land and a chance to heal.
The road stretched ahead under the open sky, carrying the last three survivors of Eden Village away from the pain of the past… and toward whatever future awaited them in the Holy Kingdom.