Chapter 407 Final Light — Joanna’s Ultimate Magic
After a long battle against Chronos and the betrayal of the Titans, the land of this world now lies cracked under the weight of a history that gnaws at the very foundation of reality. Time's pillars have crumbled like towers devoid of support, a symbol of the chaos that has persisted for thousands of years. The partially open gates of Erebos emanate a dark aura, within which the shadows of erased will writhe, attempting to seep through. Amidst the tremors of time, the echoes of remaining fates guide the abandoned souls, as if calling them back to their lost purpose. Each passing second feels like a thousand frozen memories, flowing in an invisible current that weaves the fabric of destiny, enveloping every facet of this fragile reality.
Amidst this turmoil stands Joanna, her body weak, one wing lost, and blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, revealing the dire cost of her struggle. The painful remnants of her battle linger like thorns embedded in her soul, bringing forth a profound sense of sorrow. Yet, her eyes still shine with a flicker of hope that refuses to extinguish, daring to challenge the darkness threatening to consume her entirely with unwavering sacrifice.
From a distance, Chronos, who had been thrown back, rises again from the hole in time. He reminds himself of the powers and failures he has endured. His body now resembles an ancient clock tower wrapped in chains of memory, each link holding tales of darkness. In every gaze, there are flashes of events deeply etched in the collective memory; whispers from the past traverse his thoughts—betrayals, longings, hopes that are hard to forget. With each step, historical names peel away from reality, ringing like bells echoing in the void, reminding of the tragedy sung by time itself.
"You have burned Omega. Now you wish to burn me as well, Joanna?" hisses Chronos.
Joanna looked down, a bittersweet smile forming on her lips, as if pierced by shards of memory from the shattered world.
"It's not about burning..."
"...I wish to illuminate."
Her body trembled, not only from the fear that enveloped her but also from the hidden hope nestled deep within her heart. In her mind, she could hear Jeanne's voice—soft and near, like a breeze brushing against the wings of a butterfly in the dark night.
"Joanna. You know what you must do. But you also understand the cost, a price that might demand more than mere sacrifice."
"If you ignite that flame... then you will leave everything you know."
Joanna looked towards Rui—her head bowed, breath held, her hands still clutching the wound on her body. Within the depths of her heart, Joanna felt a strong tug; as if from the darkness, sweet and bitter memories floated in her mind. She was trapped in a longing for a lost existence.