After a while, the two finally let go and waved toward Alka.
No lingering attachments.
They sat together in a small boat, sailing farther and farther across the calm sea until their backs disappeared into the darkness. Alka's vision blurred once more.
Alka opened his eyes and found himself back on the deck. Sifus's corpse in front of him had turned into a pile of dust, a dagger buried within.
The memories no longer surged; they were truly his own now.
The specks of light floating around Alka's soul completely merged into his soul-body, and the scattered light re-condensed, solid and firm.
His soul had grown stronger, more complete.
Alka crouched down, retrieved the dagger, then carefully scooped the dust into a bag.
He stored it all neatly in his ring.
Just then, a figure gently bumped into Alka's arms, hugging him tightly.
The Lucilia doll on his shoulder also hugged Alka's head.
Seeing their actions, Alka smiled helplessly and said, "Don't worry, I'm fine."
