At the End of the Journey
Heh. That was easier than I expected.
Can't believe people actually washed out before even making it here.
Says the one who's still catching her breath, huh?
That's not...! I'm serious! It really wasn't that hard!
Running laps around the training ground was way worse!
You want to stop! Your whole body's about to give out!
But your legs just keep moving anyway! Do you have any idea how agonizing that is?!
But... even if I was forced to move, I guess all that running wasn't for nothing.
I think I've gotten stronger. I don't tire as easily now.
Even in battle, I can think clearer and keep things cool...
...Not that I'm saying it's thanks to you!!
I'm just saying...
By and large, it wasn't the worst experience...
There. That's all you're getting.
I watched her brightened face for a moment.
The one who stands at the end of the [Journey], having endured countless moments of pain and suffering.
There will be more hardships ahead.
But I believe in her.
She'll surpass me one day...
And become the greatest [Savior] of them all.
Her light was so bright... I closed my eyes.
...
...
...Wait. I was supposed to tell her this in person.
Oops...
Oh no...
Aaah...
...Congratulations, Savior.
With this, you have passed the final trial of the [Journey].
Shall we head back now?
They are throwing a huge celebration in your honor for [completing the Journey].
...
...Savior?
Wait...
Wasn't someone else just here?
I thought there was someone...
...Strange.
There's been no one else but us here from the start.
...The Firstborn's Duty and...
The Duty of Obedience.
...
The Duty of Obedience!!
You didn't free me from it!!!
S-Savior?! Where are you going?!
Where did you go?! You think you can just vanish and that's the end of it?!
I believed in you! I really believed in you!!
You promised... You said you'd tell me!!!
Tell me that you believe in me...!!
Captain!! I'm going to find you!
I won't stop until I get those words out of you!!!
And so, another new starlight ignited.
Its radiant flame was etched into the Archive—a beacon to pierce the endless dark of the cosmos.
Observation complete.