At the End of the Journey
As Trish landed her final blow, her opponent's afterimage faded into mist.
But for some reason, Trish stood there completely still.
Trish, are you okay?
...
Are you hurt?
...Hehe.
Hehehe...
Good match... But seems like I was just a little faster.
So you're really okay?
Hahaha! Of course I am.
But more importantly, what'd you think of that last attack?
Pretty cool, right? Totally awesome? Bet you wanted to try it yourself! Kinda started looking up to me, didn't you?
...I thought you were seriously hurt.
Hehe...
The way of the hunter! Set the mood before delivering a killer line!
You still have a long way to go, Captain.
...
So this is really the end.
Thanks, Captain. I owe you big time for this past year.
Anyway! Don't forget our promise. We're going hunting again, got it?
Aw, what the heck. I'm in a good mood!
I'll splurge for you today, Captain. You can look forward to it!
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.
...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].
Haha... Ha...
...
Hmm?
What did you say?
Congratulations... on completing the Journey...?
Oh. Right. Completing the Journey.
So that's it. It's done...
With that out of the way, I guess it's time to plan the next big hunt...
And make a fortune and live it up again—
...No.
Is something wrong, Savior?
Something feels off.
Thinking about enjoying it all alone... doesn't really sound fun.
...There was someone here with me.
Always nagging beside me, but never really annoying...
...Excuse me?
It's hard to explain, but I'm sure of it.
Hehehe... I dunno where you ran off to, but you underestimated me, didn't you?
The way of the hunter...
Never let a prey get away!
Wait for me! I'm coming for 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.