"Woah, listen to their cheers."

"Shh, lower your voice."

"So many friends to fight with!"

"...how about we all keep quiet?"

The group spoke in hushed voices, hiding within the shadows. The moment they came through the portal, K'xug concealed their presence immediately and made their way across the demon realm. Meanwhile, the two demons that accompanied them were knocked out instantly by Xue.

They were nearing the neutral borders of the demon and heavenly realm, and they could still hear the deafening cheers from the demons over here.

When Haru's group first arrived, they were stunned speechless at the scenery of the demon realm. If the buildings weren't destroyed because of the war, they couldn't imagine how beautiful the demon realm looked in its prime.

"What are they cheering for anyway?"

"For the final battle," Xue answered, observing their surroundings before gesturing for them to move quickly. "The angels are gathering their scattered forces across the three realms as well."

"We need to meet with Valoel and Raz quickly." K'xug said.

Cecil and Tano explained the plan to them in a concise manner, but their priority wasn't winning the war. It was to ensure that, no matter what, the Creator's plans to create a new balance in the world won't come to fruition.

They had to put an end to the war.

The overload of information, along with Cecil's actual identity, rendered the group speechless. The only ones who knew of Cecil's true identity at that point were Xue, Tano along with the invisible Sevont and Eona.

"You called me?"

The moment they finally set foot into the neutral borders, Valoel appeared out of thin air. Other than Xue and Cecil who sensed his presence earlier, the rest of the group were startled.

"He's...he's just like you, K'xug! You like to appear out of nowhere like this too!" Hana exhaled sharply, smiling.

"No, he's nothing like me. The power he holds is..."

K'xug shook his head, frowning at Xue and Cecil.

Now that I think about it, the power he holds is no less than the current Xue and Cecil.

Valoel showed everyone a benign smile before his eyes landed on Cecil, he made his way over slowly and offered Cecil a courteous bow.

"Oracle, demon general Xue, it's good to see you again."

The group knew Cecil's true identity as she had briefly explained to them, but they didn't know of Xue's other identity in his first lifetime. They blinked in confusion, glancing at Xue with curiosity in their eyes.

"Demon general Xue?"

"Xue was a demon? When?"

"Isn't he the Supreme God?"

"It's a long story as well." Cecil shrugged with a helpless smile.

"There's no time to talk about the past, we need to hurry," Xue said, skipping the pleasantries and gesturing to Valoel. "I sensed your presence back in the demon realm, did you speak to those two brothers?"

"Yes."

"What did they say? Did they agree to stop the war?"

"By hearing the cheers from the people, do you think that is possible?"

"Of course not, they were willing to toss their friendship away just for their own people." Xue smirked coldly. "They prioritise their people above everything else, even if it means jeopardising their own happiness."

Xue frowned deeply.

Something I will never do ever again.

Valoel released a heavy sigh, looking up at the skies that were parting. In the neutral zone, the skies were split apart with one belonging to the demon realm while the other belonged to the heavenly realm.

"That's right, even I, as their master for hundreds of years, was unable to convince them."

"So, are you still sure of your plans to side with us?" Xue questioned. "We both know the real enemy here isn't Veau or Zeau, but the Creator."

"Yes, I have never changed my mind."

"Welcome then," Xue showed Valoel a toothy grin, offering his hand. "To our fight against fate."

Valoel lifted his head up, seeing the entourage behind Xue as he shook Xue's hand. All of them looked at Valoel, exuding an air of confidence and trust.

"They are...mortals? It's a surprise they can survive the amount of elemental energy swirling around in these two realms, unless..." Valoel pondered, his eyes widening in realisation. "Potential vessels for ascension?"

"Indeed," Cecil answered with a smile, glancing back at them. "They are dependable and can hold their own ground. No matter what it is."

"Whatever it is, you can depend on us!" Haru cheered.

"Yeah!" Kiyae grinned, throwing her arms around Haru and Ryo.

Yun nodded at Valoel, a firm look in his eyes.

Valoel stepped forward with a reluctant smile, offering his hand to Xue. "I'll be standing alongside you again, along with the Oracle. Please take it easy on this old angel."

A light-hearted chuckle was heard beside Cecil, and she felt a weight down her shoulder. Tano manifested right beside her with a mischievous grin.

"You are the first mistake that the Oracle has ever made, and a good one."

"Would you ever stop talking about that?" Cecil sighed, her arms across her chest.

"Extending my lifetime is something I have always been grateful for, Oracle. You have given me the chance to experience the world as it is."

"Woah, Cecil can do something like that?" Haru exclaimed in shock.

The rest of them echoed in amazement, looking at Cecil in a new light as she gave them a warning look.

"Don't ever ask me to extend your lives. I won't do that anymore."

"Raz." Xue called out.

"Yes, my lord." Raz appeared out from the white mist trailing behind them, kneeling right in front of Xue.

"Woah! Woah." Haru gasped. "Where did he come from?"

Haru's shock startled Ryo from his sleepy daze.

"Captain, why are you so impressed at everything?"

"How can you not be impressed?! Look at this place!" Haru exclaimed, flailing his arms all around. "Huh?!"

Kiyae shrugged in response.

"Indeed, the forest in the distance looks ethereal. I wonder what other sights we'll see." Yun agreed, observing the heavenly forest in the distance with interest.

"What's the situation in the heavenly realm?"

"The ones who can't fight have left, and you must have seen where they ended up. They are the ones who stepped away from the war."

"I did." Xue nodded. "They are better off remaining with Ceolred, they won't have to involve themselves in this war."

"The ones who can fight, and thirsty for battle are disorganised. They are either fighting for you, for the glory days or for survival," Raz explained, shaking his head in disappointment. "My attempts to convince them otherwise have failed, they are only out for blood, just like the demons."

"Hah!" Xue scoffed, a cold glint in his eyes. "Fighting for me? Even if they were manipulated by Zeau's spells, it didn't change the fact that they bore malicious intents for me deep inside their hearts."

"My lord, if I may offer any advice, I suggest you leave them be." Raz suggested, standing up and looking conflicted before he continued speaking. "The ones who regretted their actions or truly wanted to see your dreams until the end have stepped away from the war. The ones that remain are only greedy for their own dreams, whether it is regarding you or not."

"I know, I have already planned on doing that," Xue spoke as he glanced back, a soft look in his eyes as he observed the people standing around him. "The ones I want to fight for are here, and the ones that should see a world without strife are the innocent ones living with Ceolred."

The group smiled back at Xue in approval.

Raz observed the scene, feeling emotional as he inhaled deeply. "My lord."

"What, you need to report something else?"

"No, I just wanted to thank you. As embarrassed and guilty as I am to say this, I am thankful that you found me again. I have no regrets about being able to help you once more."

"..."

"No matter what, I feel grateful for meeting you once more. If I had the chance to return back to the past and–"

"Stop right there."

"...?"

"I'll listen to your touching speech after we win the battle." Xue sighed.

"But–"

"We need to make a diversion." Xue interrupted, glancing at everyone and Cecil's eyes lit up in realisation.

It seemed like she knew what Xue was planning even before he said it.

"A diversion?" Raz asked, the touching speech that he had prepared in his mind had faded away.

"Putting an end to this war will require Veau and Zeau to cooperate with me, and the more people we have to fight against the Creator, the better it is," Xue explained, his arms across his chest as he lowered his voice. "I know what being a ruler is like, I know what it is like to listen to the pleas and cries of your people. With the demons there..."

Xue closed his eyes, shaking his head. "As long as their people are standing alongside them, Veau and Zeau will never give up. Even if Eona or Valoel is there to convince them otherwise."

Being a leader to people was never an easy thing. No matter what a leader did, there was no possible way to satisfy every single party around them.

Xue knew the position of a leader more better than anyone else, and he also knew what it is like to be a leader that was blind to his own flaws that everyone else could see.

"You want them to make their own choice without any other influence, huh?" Haru asked.

Xue blinked in surprise, giving Haru a look of approval and Haru furrowed his eyebrows. He clearly took offence to Xue's stare.

"Why give me that look! I'm a leader myself too, you know!" Haru clicked his tongue, gesturing to the group standing beside him. "Kiyae, Yun, Ryo and my people, they are my precious subordinates."

"Yes, yes captain. You are a good leader." Kiyae grinned, patting Haru on the head.

"Good captain." Yun nodded.

With his pride restored, Haru smirked and raised his eyebrows at Xue.

"I didn't say you aren't one," Xue said with a shrug before he continued on the topic. "Hence, to ensure that our plan won't fail, we need to create a diversion."

"As long as you are able to separate the demons from their lords, it won't be a problem." Yun smiled. "Distracting people is nothing new to us."

"Leave it to us, Xue!"

"Mhmm!"

"...urgh, I have to stay awake."

The other two echoed along with Yun, and Ryo struggled to keep his eyes open, rubbing at them.

"However, my lord, the angels would be there as well. I'm not sure if the demons would be easily led away when their fated enemies are there." Raz stated hesitantly.

"It won't fail."

Raz stiffened, widening his eyes. For a moment, he could have sworn he saw Xue in his resplendent golden armour with a confident, toothy grin on his face. It was as if he was transported back into the past.

It wasn't only Raz who saw this sight, but Hana and K'xug did too.

"You trust me, don't you, Raz?"

Raz grew emotional, lowering his head as he nodded adamantly. "Yes, yes I do. I always will, my lord."

Xue frowned in confusion, wondering why there was a slight tremor in Raz's voice.

"No matter what anyone says, Xue, it's good to have you back." K'xug said, leaning in to give Xue a quick hug.

However, before K'xug could withdraw, Hana dashed in and hugged Xue as well. She squished the two men together.

"Xue, I...I really hope to see you happy this time!"

Cecil watched the confused Xue with a soft smile. He could only pat on the backs of his friends, not knowing the reason behind their outburst of affection. Even Raz was fighting to control his tears.

K'xug and Hana eventually withdrew from the hug, still smiling at him. Xue stood there with an awkward and bewildered expression.

"What was that for?"

"Nothing. We'll be joining Haru and the others too, they will need a hand." K'xug stated, changing the topic without a sweat.

"Mhmm, if it's being a distraction, I can do it!" Hana beamed. "So don't worry, Xue! Leave it all to us!"

"Thanks." Xue grinned at his reliable friends, the same friends that had been by his side the entire time. Their support for him never once faltered.

Just then, Tano placed his hand on Raz's shoulder, patting him in a comforting manner. "There there, your lord is truly back. He will be here to stay."

"My lord..."

"Yes, yes. There, there. I'll handle the poor little angels, and my friend will handle the poor little demons~"

"Huh? What?" Raz sniffled, blinking in confusion.

"Oh no, no. Just continue being emotional over Xue, you poor little angel~"

"I never said I would stop the demons, he decided that on his own. Well, not like I disagree with him."

The translucent figure of Sevont stood beside Xue, shaking his head in resignation. After all these years, the playful demeanour of his good friend has never changed.

Xue placed his hand on his forehead, sighing. "Tano, just stop teasing him and go."

Just then, Tano flinched when he saw Ryo sniffing beside him, his nose twitching.

"I smell a familiar scent from you. You are...strong. Very strong."

"Ah, so you are finally curious about my identity, huh~?" Tano smirked, walking to Cecil and placing his hands on her shoulders. "I am just as important as her, and maybe a tad bit weaker. Just a bit."

Everyone else nodded along to Tano's words, but clearly no one believed him.

Cecil gave Tano a look before rolling her eyes, and she paused as she realised Valoel wasn't speaking at all. This entire time, he only wore a contemplative expression.

"Valoel, are you still against this?" Cecil asked with a hint of concern. "It's fine not to choose sides, you know."

"No, not that, Oracle." Valoel said, his deep frown easing up as he smiled helplessly. "I am merely thinking how I would face my disciples again."

"You can choose not to face them, and join the group to act as a diversion." Xue offered.

"No, I cannot do that. Xue, you won't be able to convince Veau and Zeau alone, and for the Oracle..." Valoel trailed off, a conflicted look on his face. "I do not mean any offence, but you have no involvement in this."

"You are right, I am not involved in any way," Cecil responded with a smile, shrugging Tano's hands off her shoulders and glancing towards her right. "But I know someone who does."

Eona was surprised to be brought up suddenly, but she shook her head reluctantly.

"I wish to speak to my master under better circumstances."

Seeing that Cecil was looking at empty air, as if gazing off into the distance, those who did not understand shrugged it off. Meanwhile, Valoel could only stare at the empty space where Cecil's eyes were directed to.

"Master, Eona is alive."

He suddenly recalled those words uttered by his treasured disciple.

Just like that, the planning session came to an end. They discussed for one last time before heading their separate ways. Tano, Sevont, Haru, Kiyae, Ryo and Yun would become the diversion, luring the demons and angels away.

Since Tano was the first Supreme God to exist, and Sevont was the first Demon Lord to exist, they were more than enough to act as a distraction. Alas, there was only one problem.

Sevont could only manifest his physical body to the demons when Cecil fully unleashes her powers.

At that point, there was no doubt that the Creator would notice her.

Valoel provided accommodation to the group, bringing them to his hut. All of them had to get complete rest for the final battle, and that night, spending time alone in whatever spaces they could find.

All of them only had profound thoughts in their mind as they readied themselves for the final battle.

"I hope everything will turn out fine."

That was the only sentiment that everyone shared.

***

The group was silent as they donned their white robes in their individual rooms, unfortunately, those were the only spare clothes that Valoel had. Its material was light and soft, making it easy for them who were going to be involved in constant combat. They checked their weapon for the final time, their expression solemn.

"Cecil."

Cecil was prepared to leave her room when she saw Xue standing behind her. The wooden window behind her was opened with traces of dirt and leaves on the ground where Xue stood. A gentle breeze blew in, making her raven-coloured hair sway to the wind.

When did he even enter the room?

She smiled haughtily, placing her hand on her hip as she raised an eyebrow. "You sneaked in."

"No, I–I was just in a rush."

At this point, Cecil noticed something strange about Xue and she dropped her smile, her expression full of worry.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Cecil questioned, approaching him and entwining her hands with his. "Don't keep it to yourself."

Xue lifted their entwined hands up, placing a soft kiss on her palm. Cecil smiled, tilting her head with a curious glint in her eyes, she wanted to open her mouth to say something but Xue pulled her closer.

She found herself in his warm, gentle embrace and she blinked rapidly, bringing her hand up to pat his back. "Xue? We can't take too long."

"..."

He still didn't say anything, closing his eyes as he snuggled his head into her shoulders. He breathed in her familiar fragrance as a sense of comfort washed over him. His arms went around her waist, squeezing her slightly.

"Promise me something, Cecil."

"Hmm?"

"...don't use your powers."

"..." Cecil pulled back from the hug, cupping his cheek with one hand. "You know what's at stake, Xue. I cannot promise you that. If I were to back down, the one suffering will be you and the others."

"I know, I just..." Xue wore a sad smile, clasping her hand on his cheek. "I just wanted to try saying it."

"Xue..."

"Once your powers are revealed, I know what will happen, I know we have to be ready for whatever, but..." Xue lowered his eyes, his voice trembling ever so slightly. "If it involves you, no matter how prepared I am, I will falter."

The countless lifetimes he had shared with Cecil was flitting past his mind, and he inhaled sharply. Whether he had to leave her first, or she was forced to leave him first, he could never forget the pain of losing Cecil in each of those lifetimes.

...but this lifetime was different.

There was a premonition within him. He knew that this would be their final lifetime together.

"It's the same for me," Cecil said, her smile reflecting his. "When it involves you, I will falter."

The sunlight bathed the couple in a soft glow, and Xue saw the beautiful scenery before him, making something resonate within his heart. Her lovely smile, her comforting fragrance and her warm touch lingered in his mind, making his heart palpitate.

"...don't go."

"...?"

"Don't participate in this war, Cecil. You can look away, turn away from all of this!" Xue blurted out with a crazed look in his eyes, his hand squeezing hers. "You need to be alive and well. Just alive, where I can see you clearly."

Cecil widened her eyes, inhaling shakily. She could feel the desperation in Xue's voice, and that desperation only made it difficult for her to swallow her saliva.

"Please. Promise me, this is the only time I'll be selfish. I swear. I will listen to anything you say after this, even if you tell me to punish myself."

"Xue."

"I can lose you in this world too, and this would be the last time. I-I might not be able to see you anymore."

"..."

"There's no point in saving everyone, if I can't even save the one most important to me."

"Without me there, all of you will cease to exist. I am the only one who is capable of facing the Creator–"

"Please!"

Unable to hold in her tears, Cecil wrapped her other hand around his cheek and pulled Xue closer. Her trembling lips kissed his forehead, dragging out from his stupor and he gazed right into her pained eyes, tears streaming down her face.

"There's no point in saving myself, if I can't even save the people most important to me."

"..."

Xue couldn't say a word in response, choking up in his own tears and he embraced Cecil, squeezing her into his arms. Cecil didn't know if she couldn't breathe due to her own tears, her own pain or her fear of leaving Xue behind.

I don't know what to say.

...because nothing I say will change the situation.

I cannot promise Xue anything.

"Xue, I can only give you my heart and my soul," Cecil wept into his shoulders, her arms going around his waist. "I'm sorry."

Xue knew that very well. It was only because she gave him a piece of her heart that he could accompany her through those lifetimes, but now, this was as far as they could go.

"I'm so sorry, Xue. This is my choice because I don't want to lose anyone. Not even you."

Xue withdrew from the hug, and his lips met hers in an instant. His kiss was powerful yet gentle, pouring out his heart into her. He dared not to loosen his grip on her, his shivering hand digging into her hair while the other held her waist. He could taste the salty tears as their lips melded together.

It was only when she found it difficult to breathe, he finally parted from the kiss.

"I love you," he whispered. "Forever."

Not waiting for her response, Xue turned towards the window. In an instant, his figure dissipated into mist as he turned towards the window, floating out from the room.

"..."

Cecil collapsed onto the ground, burying her face into her hands as her shoulders shook. For a long while, her heart-wrenching sobs filled the room.

***

The demon army was split into two sides. One side was led by Veau, while the other was led by Zeau. They planned to flank the remaining forces of the heavenly realm, before building up their power and confronting Xue once more.

However, there was a surprising piece of news.

"A group of people led by Xue has entered the two realms?" Veau raised an eyebrow at his subordinate.

They were flying through the skies, en route to the backgates of the heavenly realm.

"Yes, my lord."

"Anything else?"

"The last time we saw them, they...th-they..."

"Get on with it."

"They disappeared, and they reappeared but now, they are all dressed in identical outfits, and they are all the Supreme God! We cannot differentiate their presence from one another!"

Veau was bewildered at the unexpected development, glancing up into the skies as he communicated telepathically with Zeau.

"Did you receive the news, brother?"

"I did, but how is that possible? The power that Xue possesses isn't easy to mimic."

"We'll have to split our forces up."

Veau and Zeau reached swiftly, splitting up their forces according to the reports of the scout. Unbeknownst to them, K'xug was observing them from the top of the heavenly palace, concealing his presence completely.

"It's done." K'xug murmured softly.

The trap had been set. Now, it was time for the final counterattack.

***

Pt. 1

《 start 》

I can promise you my love, my heart and my body.

...but I cannot promise you my life.

If I were to promise you my life, I would lose everyone and the world itself.

Even you.

I don't want to leave you behind.

...but I cannot bear to lose you either.

So, I can only fight.

《 stop 》

***

Pt. 2

《 start 》

I do not want to lose you.

...but I cannot bear to see you unhappy either.

There's nothing I can do to stop you. 

I can only make a promise through a thousand lifetimes, and an eternity. 

A promise to love you.

《 stop 》