Multiversal Ascension

The golden radiance gradually faded, revealing once more the divine realm they had first set foot in upon accepting their mission. The air was still imbued with an ethereal warmth, the sky shimmering with hues of gold and silver, a realm untouched by the burdens of mortality.

Seraphis stood before them, her very presence exuding an aura of tranquility and grace. Yet, as she opened her mouth to speak, her gaze landed on Kiara—comfortably nestled in Mikael's arms, her head resting against his chest as if she had found the perfect spot to doze off. She looked utterly at ease, not in the slightest concerned that they were standing before a goddess.

A flicker of amusement passed through Seraphis's golden eyes, and for the briefest moment, it seemed as though she might laugh. She had witnessed many things as a goddess, but seeing this scene unfold before her own eyes was something else entirely. Of course, she maintained her composure, her divine dignity unshaken, though the mirth in her gaze remained as she finally addressed them.

"This is where we part ways," she declared, her voice as serene as ever. However, despite her best efforts, there was a subtle shift in her tone—an underlying sadness that she quickly concealed. Her gaze drifted to Amelia and Lyra before she inclined her head slightly in gratitude. "Nevertheless, I am deeply thankful for the aid you have provided to my kingdom, and I am certain that they are as grateful as I am."

Mikael, on the other hand, was experiencing a rather unexpected wave of embarrassment. The moment Seraphis's gaze had lingered on Kiara, he had caught that brief flicker of amusement, and it made him acutely aware of how ridiculous the situation must have looked. Here they were, standing before a goddess, and he was holding Kiara in a princess carry position.

Of course, Kiara remained utterly unfazed, far too engrossed in what she personally deemed to be a far more important endeavor—soaking in Mikael's warmth and enjoying every second of it. She had no intention of moving anytime soon.

Clearing his throat, Mikael shifted Kiara slightly in his arms, subtly trying to reassert a more dignified posture. "Yeah... about that," he said, glancing at Seraphis. His voice was casual, but there was an unmistakable sincerity beneath it. "I guess this is goodbye. But not a permanent one."

Seraphis's expression remained composed, but her golden eyes locked onto him, searching for the meaning behind his words.

He smirked, his confidence unwavering. "I'll come visit you again. So soon, you won't even have time to realize I was gone."

For the first time, Seraphis hesitated. It was brief—so brief that none of the others would have noticed—but in that moment, something unspoken flickered in her gaze. A strange sensation stirred within her, something unfamiliar yet not entirely unwelcome. The idea of a mortal leaving an imprint on her thoughts should have been trivial, insignificant even, yet Mikael had done just that.

"...Is that so?" she finally murmured, her voice softer than before.