Chapter 193 Oda Nobuzan & Shigure Katsuhiro
From behind the ethereal veil of mist that draped the shoreline of Lake Cerza, Rinoa stood motionless, her gaze intense and unwavering. Her garments, still dampened by the delicate spirit dew that clung lovingly to the fabric, cascaded around her, while her hair flowed in dark waves, merging seamlessly with the encroaching shadows of night. Yet, it was her eyes that captivated the most—they were luminous orbs, radiating a depth that suggested she was perceiving Fitran not merely as a lover, but as an ancient entity, transcending the very confines of time and space.
As she glided closer with ethereal grace, Rinoa moved past the remnants of a shattered dimension, her senses ignited by the haunting scent of divinely scorched weapons, consumed by Fitran's relentless will. The usually free-spirited wind hesitated, seemingly respectful of the profound gravity that hung in the air, as though it too recognized the monumental significance of this sacred encounter.
Fitran turned towards her, and in that heartbeat, his expression altered—what had once been cold and unyielding in battle morphed into a tranquil visage that radiated a rarely seen human tenderness. The atmosphere surrounding them felt charged with magic, enveloping them in a warm, soft glow.
"Rinoa..."
She halted, standing a few paces from him, her attention drawn to the Excalibur sword still held in Fitran's grip, its blade shimmering faintly as it mirrored the gentle light of the peace blossoming between them. Her voice emerged softly, almost reverently,
"So... this is why everyone is afraid of you."
Fitran remained silent, an unyielding statue in the fading light. At that moment, Rinoa's gaze swept over him, uncovering the invisible wounds etched upon his body. These scars were not merely the result of sharper edges or blades, but were instead the heavy marks left by difficult choices and burdens he had shouldered throughout his life.
"But you know what, Fitran?"
"I am not afraid."
With resolute confidence, she stepped forward, closing the distance until she could feel the faint warmth of Fitran's breath, which was almost snuffed out. Her hand reached out slowly, gently placing it against Fitran's chest, where his heart should still beat... as if life still clung to the mysterious body of the Voidwright.
"I fear... when you start to think you have to stand alone."