With the breaking dawn, finally, for the first time in all those years, the once place where only coldness was felt, slowly began to get a bit warmer.
As the Hero turned his gaze to the hands of the Sword Saint, embracing him shoulder to shoulder. His eyes began to melt in tears as he gradually faded into time.
Ghost of the Sword Saint: The rest is now all up to you... Remember... We're here for you...
Hearing his heartfelt words, someone else came to walk beside him. His stature was small, yet he was big enough to carry the burdens alongside him.
???: He's right. Push forth and continue.
???: You are our "pride."
The Hero's eyes trembled in deep longing as he turned his head to his right, seeing a faint shadow coming from behind.
He stared blankly as he gazed at what seemed to be a miraculous encounter.
???: Never in our lives have we ever mistaken you.
???: Our words and resolve. Let our blood be your guide.
The Hero's heart began beating unbelievably fast as he stared at the shadow holding a weapon that seemed to be an axe.
Ghost of the Sword Saint: Even "he" agrees. Well, I mean, when have you ever not agreed with me? Right, Dwarf?
Ghost of the Dwarf: I've always believed in our bonds. Don't let "us" down, Hero.
Ghost of the Dwarf: No. Yuusha. Don't forget us when you defeat the Demon King.
The Dwarfs lips showed a hint of a smile. His beard was steady and wasn't swayed by the cold winds. His red mantle returned to its former color. The once crimson mantle he wore has now been purified and turned into the color of the azure sky.
As the Sword Saint and the Dwarf were about to disappear, the Dwarf came closer to the Hero and tapped his shoulder.
He looked at the Hero's eyes, focused on his shadow.
Ghost of the Dwarf: Now then, Yuusha. Say it with me.
The Hero turned his gaze to his right completely to meet the Dwarf's gaze.
Hero and Dwarf: Valhalla.
The Dwarf voiced with heartfelt joy, his smile painted like the rising dawn.
On one side, the Sword Saint stood, lending his shoulder to the Dwarf.
The Dwarf slowly let go of his hands from the Hero's shoulder. As if everything was zooming out, the 2 figment of illusion went farther and farther away from him.
The Hero rose from where he knelt, turning his back with haste just to see them one last time.
With him facing the fading Sword Saint and Dwarf, he saw the two clenching both of their fists, pounding them right into their chest. With a bright smile on their faces, they both spoke.
Saint and Dwarf: Good Luck, Yuusha.
A ray of light then shone right as they bid their farewell. Taking the two back into the place where they now belonged.
Upon seeing them fade into the light, with his hair flowing from the cold high winds, he clenches his fist, pounding it into his chest.
His eyes that have once lost their spark, were once again reignited. Both visions are now as clear as the first time he wishes to wake up from this nightmare, which is called "Reality."
As the first dawn breaks, a single daffodil flower bloomed in the middle of where his companions once stood before they were taken in by the light.
However short it was for him to have met them once again, it was enough for him to continue, reminding himself what he had set to accomplish and what he had set to save.
Yuusha: Thank you... My friends... My Brothers... My Mentors... My Family...
He stood there for a few more minutes before turning his back to face the upcoming challenges once again.
Given another opportunity, he picked up the hilt of his makeshift sword embedded in the snow.
The Hero then tightened his grip as he knelt on one knee. He first offered his prayers to the lives that had been lost before standing back up again.
Yuusha: I offer my deepest prayers to the lives that have perished... From this unending war... Whether humans, elves, dwarves or demons. May you all rest in peace.
He then took out a necklace hidden within his armour embroidered with silver. There at the necklace hangs a silver cross.
The Hero clenches it into his hand, closing his eyes.
He spoke with great determination.
Yuusha: This is for everyone.
Once he opened his eyes, his expression changed once again, much clearer than when he first entered the battlefield.
His gaze has attained the true meaning of "peace," seeing none of his foes as enemies but also victims of the rules of this world.