The cave of Lilith trembled violently as the earth roared its final farewell. Massive boulders crashed down, sealing the entrance forever.
From deep within the darkness, anguished screams erupted—monstrous wails of creatures trapped inside, their voices raw with terror and despair. They knew their mother, Lilith, was dead.
The cacophony echoed like a dirge, fading slowly as the last stones settled.
And then—silence.
The oppressive air lifted, replaced by a strange freshness, as if the world itself had finally exhaled in relief.
The nightmare was over.
Nova, utterly exhausted, stumbled forward until his legs gave way. He collapsed into Scarlet's lap, and she caught him with trembling arms. Tears traced dirty lines down her cheeks as she whispered his name.
"Nova..."
A quiet presence approached—Erki, the old shepherd, leaning on his staff, eyes filled with awe and quiet reverence.
"You've done what no one else could," he said gently. "You survived the Lilith Game."
And then—darkness claimed him.
When Nova next opened his eyes, soft sunlight filtered through tall windows draped in royal silks. The gentle scent of herbs and clean linen filled the air.
He was in the royal hospital of the Kingdom of Martha.
And Scarlet was there.
The moment his eyes fluttered open, she threw herself onto him, arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders, her voice trembling.
"Nova! You're awake! I was so afraid…"
The days that followed were a blur of faces and warmth.
Even King John of Martha came—regal, yet sincere. Beside him stood Micha, the Knowledge Man, his wise eyes gleaming with quiet pride.
"Your victory has brought hope to all of Martha," Micha said, his voice calm, but filled with meaning.
The boisterous laugh of Bill, the blacksmith, followed soon after. He gripped Nova's hand with strength and sincerity.
"You've forged a legend, lad. The whole kingdom speaks of your courage."
Word of what had happened spread fast—how Nova and Scarlet entered the cursed den, faced the Queen of Nightmares, and shattered her throne.
The people rejoiced. Fields once barren began to blossom. The kingdom breathed again.
To honor them, King John hosted a grand banquet.
The palace's great hall glittered beneath golden chandeliers. Long tables overflowed with roasted game, rare fruits, and honeyed pastries. Laughter mingled with music as nobles and commoners raised their goblets high.
Scarlet, radiant in a gown of emerald and silver, stood proudly beside Nova as the king's voice rang across the hall.
"You have saved Martha from darkness. May your names be forever remembered."
Later that night, beneath lantern-lit gardens swaying in the breeze, Nova and Scarlet sat in quiet conversation.
The king had granted them supplies, gold, and a royal charter.
A new land. A new beginning.
Thelara—an independent nation, forged by their hands. A place of freedom and hope.
As dawn broke over shining towers, they stood together at the city's edge.
And then, it came—the familiar chime that rang inside Nova's mind:
[System Message: New Ability Updated – Immortal]
He smiled.
Hand in hand, Nova and Scarlet stepped onto the road toward Thelara—ready to build a new world from the ashes of the old.