After several days of training and adaptation, Rowan's control over Void Sever had improved dramatically.
Each morning, as he trained beside Silvermoon Lake, he could feel his connection with the divine sword growing deeper. The cultivation methods recorded in The True Kunpeng Scripture had also helped him unlock more of his bloodline's potential. Even his presence had subtly changed, becoming calmer, sharper, and more refined.
That evening, the three friends were taking their usual walk along the lakeshore.
The setting sun painted the horizon gold. Rippling water reflected the fading light, while distant mountains stood in elegant silence beneath the evening sky.
Everything looked peaceful.
Yet within Rowan's heart, a complicated emotion had begun to grow.
A feeling of farewell.
"Rowan, you've seemed distracted all day," Luna said softly, immediately sensing something unusual. "Is something wrong?"
Rowan stopped walking.
He stared at the distant sunset for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Luna. Aether."
"I think... it's time for me to leave."
The words struck like a bolt from a clear sky.
Both Luna and Aether froze.
Although they had always known this day would eventually come, knowing and facing it were two completely different things.
"Why so suddenly?" Luna asked, unable to hide the sadness in her voice. "Have you been unhappy here in the Silver Azure Empire?"
"No. Not at all."
Rowan turned toward them, his expression sincere.
"My time here has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I've met friends more precious than any treasure. I've gained strength. More importantly, I've found a sense of belonging connected to my bloodline."
"Then why leave?" Aether asked.
Rowan took a deep breath.
"Because this place is so wonderful."
The two stared at him in confusion.
"I can't remain sheltered in a safe harbor forever," Rowan continued. "A much larger universe is waiting for me beyond this world. There are challenges I still have to face and paths I need to walk myself."
He paused.
"And I still have responsibilities. I'm an employee of the Virtual Universe Company. I need to report everything that's happened here."
His gaze drifted toward the stars beginning to emerge overhead.
"Most importantly, I need to become stronger. Earth still has a long road ahead, and I want to contribute to its future."
Although sadness lingered in her heart, Luna understood.
As the princess of the Silver Azure Empire, she knew better than most that duty and dreams often demanded sacrifice.
"I understand," she said quietly. "Everyone has their own path. Even though I don't want you to go, I support your decision."
"Thank you, Luna."
Rowan smiled gratefully.
"Your friendship means more to me than any treasure I've found."
Aether remained silent for a while before speaking.
"Rowan, let me ask you something."
"What is it?"
"Are you returning directly to Earth, or are you heading somewhere else first?"
"First, I'll report back to the Virtual Universe Company headquarters. After that, I'll probably be assigned to various missions."
He shook his head.
"As for returning to Earth... I honestly don't know when that will happen."
Aether's expression grew heavier.
After a long silence, he finally spoke.
"If you were going back to Earth, I could travel with you."
Rowan blinked.
"The Earth is the ancestral homeland of our people. I have both the right and the responsibility to see it with my own eyes."
His voice lowered.
"But if you're heading elsewhere..."
"What?"
Aether smiled bitterly.
"I can't leave the Silver Azure Empire."
The answer carried obvious helplessness.
"As the Guardian Beast of this civilization, I have responsibilities that cannot be abandoned. The Empire is peaceful now, but who knows when another crisis will arise? I can't forsake an entire civilization for my personal wishes."
A complicated feeling rose inside Rowan.
He understood.
Protecting the Empire was Aether's duty.
Yet the thought of parting from a brother connected by blood was painful.
"I understand," Rowan said sincerely.
"Responsibility comes first. I would never ask you to abandon your duty because of me."
"But that doesn't mean our friendship ends here," Aether quickly added.
"The bond of blood is eternal. No matter how far apart we are, we're brothers."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"And who knows? Maybe fate will bring us together again."
Luna listened quietly.
Part of her wanted to ask Rowan to stay.
But she knew she couldn't.
Everyone had a journey of their own.
Trying to hold someone back would only hurt both sides.
"When are you leaving?" she asked.
"Three days from now."
"Three days..."
She repeated the words softly.
Such a short amount of time.
"Then let's make the most of them," Aether declared, forcing a brighter tone. "We'll visit every place you haven't seen yet. We'll eat the best food in the Empire and make enough memories to last a lifetime."
The next three days passed in the blink of an eye.
The three friends were nearly inseparable.
They traveled across Swordheart Planet, visited famous landmarks, tasted countless local delicacies, and even gained access to ancient ruins normally closed to the public.
Every destination left behind memories.
Every experience became a treasure.
Luna's parents also found it difficult to say goodbye.
The young man from Earth had become part of their family.
"Rowan, no matter where you go, this place will always be your home," Luna's mother said, tears shining in her eyes.
"If you're ever tired, come back and visit."
"Thank you, Auntie."
Rowan bowed deeply.
"I'll never forget your kindness."
Luna's father stepped forward and placed a hand on Rowan's shoulder.
"Son, you're an admirable young man. I believe you'll achieve great things out there."
On the final evening, the three friends returned to Silvermoon Lake one last time.
Moonlight shimmered across the water like countless diamonds scattered across the surface.
This was where they had first shared their deepest conversations.
And now it would become the place of their farewell.
"Do you remember our first conversation here?" Luna asked softly.
"You had only just arrived in the Empire and everything seemed new to you."
"Of course I remember."
Rowan smiled.
"Back then, I never imagined I'd meet friends as precious as you."
"Neither did I," Aether said.
"I never thought I'd find a true blood brother."
His eyes reflected the moonlight.
"Or rediscover the culture of my ancestors."
The three sat quietly together.
No one spoke for a long time.
Tomorrow would bring separation.
But tonight's memories would remain forever.
"Rowan."
Aether suddenly stood.
"Even though I can't go with you, there's something I want to give you."
He reached into his robe and produced a glowing silver-blue feather.
The feather was nearly half a meter long.
Starlike light flowed across its surface, radiating gentle yet powerful energy.
"This is one of my Life Feathers."
Aether carefully handed it over.
"It contains a fragment of my spiritual power. Through it, we can stay connected."
He smiled.
"No matter where you travel in the universe, if you activate this feather, I'll be able to sense your condition and location."
Rowan accepted the feather.
The warmth and trust contained within it touched him deeply.
"This is too precious. I..."
"Don't refuse."
Aether waved him off.
"This is the best protective charm I can give you."
A mischievous grin appeared on his face.
"Besides, this way I can keep an eye on you."
Luna stepped forward as well.
She held a small, elegant box.
"I prepared something too."
Inside rested a crystal pendant.
At its center floated a single drop of water from Silvermoon Lake.
Under the moonlight, it glowed with a dreamlike radiance.
"This is sacred water from Silvermoon Lake," Luna explained.
"It's said to calm the heart and dispel negative emotions."
Her smile was gentle.
"I hope it helps you stay strong whenever life becomes difficult."
Rowan carefully placed the pendant around his neck.
"Thank you."
His voice was quiet.
"I'll treasure these gifts forever."
"I have something for both of you too."
He removed two compact devices from his pocket.
"These are communication devices from Earth."
He chuckled.
"They probably won't work across such distances, but I've filled them with information about Earth's cultures, history, and traditions."
"If you're ever curious about my world, take a look."
The gifts were exchanged.
The warmth in their hearts grew stronger.
Though they would soon part ways, these keepsakes would remain as proof of their friendship.
"Let's make a promise," Luna suddenly said.
"A reunion?"
Aether asked.
She nodded.
"Ten years from now. On this exact day."
Her eyes sparkled.
"We'll meet again here beside Silvermoon Lake."
"I like that idea," Aether said immediately.
"No matter where we are, we'll return."
"Agreed."
Rowan extended his hand.
The other two placed theirs atop his.
Beneath the moonlight, they sealed their promise.
Perhaps it would be difficult to fulfill.
But it gave them something precious.
Hope.
The following morning, the time for departure finally arrived.
A Virtual Universe Company transport vessel had landed at the royal spaceport.
Its sleek metallic hull gleamed beneath the sunlight.
Everyone had come to see Rowan off.
Luna's family.
Aether.
Even Kaito rushed over.
Though everyone wore smiles, none could hide the sadness in their eyes.
"Teacher Rowan..."
Kaito's eyes were red.
"When you come back, I'll already be a true swordsman."
Rowan laughed and patted his head.
"I know you will."
He smiled warmly.
"Remember everything I taught you and keep practicing."
Luna's parents offered their blessings once more.
To them, Rowan was already family.
"Son, the universe is beautiful," Luna's father said.
"But it's also dangerous. Be careful."
"And remember," Luna's mother added through tears, "this will always be your home."
Finally, only Luna and Aether remained.
The three friends walked to a quieter corner of the spaceport.
It was time for their final goodbye.
"Rowan."
Luna struggled to keep her composure.
"Thank you for giving us so many wonderful memories."
"I hope everything goes well for you."
"And thank you."
Rowan smiled gently.
"For giving me a friendship I'll never forget."
Aether stepped forward and pulled him into a fierce embrace.
"Brother."
His voice was firm.
"Even though we're parting ways, the bond of blood will never break."
He tightened his grip.
"No matter what challenges you face, remember this."
"You are not fighting alone."
Rowan nodded.
"I'll remember."
He returned the embrace.
"And you take care of yourself too. Protect the Empire."
Luna then stepped forward and hugged him lightly.
"Safe travels, my friend."
"You too."
Rowan smiled warmly.
"My beautiful princess."
When they finally stepped apart, Rowan took one last look at them.
Then he turned and walked toward the starship.
Every step felt heavy.
But he never looked back.
Because he knew that if he saw their tears, he might lose the courage to leave.
The hatch slowly closed.
The engines roared to life.
The vessel lifted from the platform and ascended into the endless sea of stars.
Through the viewing window, Rowan could still see Luna and Aether standing below, waving farewell.
He raised his hand in return.
Only when the ship climbed beyond sight did he lower it.
Goodbye, my friends.
May we each walk our own path bravely until the day we meet again.
Swordheart Planet gradually shrank into a distant point of light before vanishing into the cosmic ocean.
Yet in Rowan's heart, the memories remained brilliant.
A treasure more valuable than any artifact.
Back on Swordheart Planet, Luna and Aether continued gazing toward the heavens long after the ship had disappeared.
"He'll come back, won't he?" Luna asked quietly.
"Of course."
Aether's answer carried absolute certainty.
"We made a promise."
"Ten years from now, we'll meet again."
He placed a hand over his chest.
"And the bond between us tells me we'll see each other long before then."
Luna smiled.
"Then ten years from now, we'll gather again beside Silvermoon Lake."
Her eyes reflected the stars.
"And by then, I think we'll all have incredible stories to tell."
Night settled over the world.
The two friends cast one final glance at the star-filled sky before turning and walking home.
Meanwhile, far beyond the planet, the Virtual Universe Company's interstellar vessel, Galaxy, sailed steadily through the boundless cosmos.
It was a state-of-the-art mid-sized passenger starship designed to transport important personnel between star systems.
Inside, luxurious accommodations combined with cutting-edge navigation systems and powerful defensive technology.
As the stars streamed past outside the viewport, a new chapter of Rowan's journey was about to begin.
-------------------------------
Already hooked? Tell me what reeled you in leave a review, spark the fire with a comment, and if we hit every 250 Power Stones, a bonus chapter drops!
The evolution's just begun. Dive deeper into Unbound Evolution and stay leagues ahead!
[email protected]/_tey
Change @ to a.