A faint hum escaped it. The luminite embedded at its tip began to tremble—its blue glow flickering wildly.
Lior's eyes widened. He gripped the staff firmly as the color within the crystal began to shift—from deep blue… to violet… and finally into a glowing purple, swirling with unstable energy.
Lior (confused whisper): w-what's happening?
Lior sits up quickly and tried to control it but the control was still changing and the luminite was making a sound.
Chrono Guardianz
Episode 16: Didnt saw that coming.
Lyra: Lior?
Then suddenly the luminite releases a powerfull wave...not blast but a strong wave that is enough to spread whole world. Lior slowly open his eyes and saw his both legs got healed and everyone around him got healed...he stands up and saw lyra also got healed. She stands up too beside lior..she gently pull lior to her by his shoulder. Lior look in his staff's luminite which was completely purple now.
Lior: huh? What just happened. How did this changed into purple.
Lyra just smiled and then she saw a undead zombie lying on the ground slowly stands up. She pull lior behind taking her blade but then she saw... that zombie was turning back into human. Lior and lyra froze... eyes widen.
Lyra: Did you turn them back into human?
Lior looked down at his glowing staff, his expression still caught between shock and disbelief, as though he himself couldn't comprehend what had just occurred.
Lior: I-I don't know… I didn't do anything. It might be because of the lumini—
Before he could finish, Lyra suddenly stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. Her hug was soft, gentle, and warm, carrying no fear, only relief and quiet pride. Lior stiffened in surprise, his breath hitching slightly as he processed what was happening.
Lyra (smiling as she hugged him): I'm proud of you.
For a moment he remained frozen, then slowly, carefully, he returned the embrace. His arms circled her back as his eyes shimmered with unshed tears. He didn't cry, but a small smile curved onto his lips as he rested his face against her neck, seeking comfort he hadn't realised he needed.
Nearby, Jeff, who had been gathering the used bandages, straightened with wide eyes, taking in the impossible sight around him. The world felt different now, lighter. He looked around at the others, all healed, all alive. Then his gaze fell on Carla, who held Clara in her arms. Tears of joy welled in her eyes, and without hesitation, she rushed over and hugged him tightly, careful not to crush their daughter between them.
Carla: W-We... we are safe.
Jeff didn't reply. His own eyes had turned glassy as he looked down at Clara, brushing her cheek gently with his thumb before lifting his gaze back to Carla, silently sharing the same overwhelming relief.
Not far away, Liza stood staring at the small fire that was slowly dying out — the very flames where Colt had thrown her grandmother. Her expression trembled, caught between two emotions she couldn't separate. Should she smile because the world was healing, or weep because hers had shattered? Her lips quivered as she lowered her gaze, covering her mouth while soft sobs escaped her.
Jeff and Carla noticed her at the same time. They exchanged a brief look, one filled with unspoken understanding, before walking toward her.
Carla (softly): Sweetie?
Liza turned slowly, her eyes red as she wiped away her tears and shakily got to her feet. Carla stepped closer and gently pulled her into a hug. Liza froze for a second, unaccustomed to such warmth, but the moment she felt Carla's comforting touch, she broke down and clung to her, crying openly now. Carla held her close, patting her back soothingly.
Carla: Shhh… it's okay, it's okay. Don't cry, sweetie.
After a while, Liza's sobs faded into quiet sniffles. She stepped back slowly, her breathing uneven but calmer.
Jeff looked at her with a softness he rarely showed, then spoke carefully.
Jeff: If you want… you can live with us now… as our daughter.
Carla blinked in surprise, but there was no confusion in her eyes, only admiration. She turned to Jeff and smiled before nodding warmly at Liza.
Carla: Yes, sweetie. You can live with us. We won't let you go alone. Your grandmother helped us more than anything. Without her… we wouldn't even be alive today.
Liza didn't answer with words. Instead, a bittersweet smile touched her lips, a mixture of grief and gratitude. She lifted her eyes to the clear blue sky, letting the light wash over her face, then slowly closed them and nodded.
Jeff and Carla smiled softly, holding Clara a little closer, as hope quietly settled over the broken land once more.
Then suddenly, something streaked through the air from far away, moving faster than the eye could follow. It was Adrik, coming at superhuman speed.
Adrik (shouting): THE LUMINITE'S GONNA BLAST! RUN AWAY—
But in his haste, he misjudged the ground. His foot slipped, and he slammed hard against a tree. Everyone's eyes widened as they watched him tumble awkwardly, the force leaving him dazed. Slowly, he pushed himself upright, rubbing his head with a grimace of pain and confusion.
Adrik: The luminite… gonna… blast?
His gaze fell on the staff in Lior's hands. The luminite had turned a deep, brilliant purple, glowing as if alive. He blinked once, then twice, utterly bewildered.
Adrik: Huh?
A soft, shared laugh rippled through the group. Even Lyra couldn't help but hide a small giggle behind her hand, her eyes shining with relief and amusement at the sight of Adrik's clumsy entrance.
The scene shifted back to Draxil and Rex. Draxil stood motionless in front of Rex, who lay slumped against a tree, barely holding on. The air around them felt cold, too quiet, too heavy. Draxil's eyes were fixed on the ground, his expression dark, jaw clenched tight as if holding back everything he wanted to say… and everything he didn't want to feel.
Then the purple wave passed through the forest like a silent gust of wind. Leaves trembled. The dirt rippled faintly. The ground shivered. The air hummed for a second before going still again.
Rex's eyes flickered—dim at first, then slowly fading back into focus. A small, tired smirk pulled at the corner of his mouth.
Rex (weak smirk): Guess that boy managed to control the purple luminite after all… Looks like you were right… he really is a brave kid…
Draxil remained silent. Not a nod, not a word—only a quiet heaviness in the air between them.
Rex exhaled. A long, final breath.
His head tilted to the side, lifeless. The smirk gone. The glow in his eyes gone. Then, softly, silently, his skin began to crack with faint sparks of flame. His body broke apart into ash—slowly at first, then scattering into the wind like dust returning to the earth.
Draxil watched every second, expression unreadable.
Draxil (quietly): You were… a good big brother to your little brothers, Rex.
He looked down at his hand. The luminite that had once glowed dangerously bright now dimmed, flickering for a final moment before crumbling into powder and drifting away between his fingers.
He let the dust fall. He didn't move. Didn't speak. Just stood there in the silence, surrounded by the ashes of a monster who once used to be a human… and a brother.
A few hours later, the world slowly began to breathe again. People who had once been dead or trapped as undead finally returned to themselves, collapsing into the arms of loved ones with trembling relief. Tears streamed down faces everywhere — some cried out loud, others broke down silently against their family's shoulders. Every reunion felt like a small miracle stitched back into the earth.
The fires that had devoured the forest finally softened as a gentle rain fell, cooling the ground and washing the soot away. The clouds remained thick, but the sun still pushed warm golden beams through them, lighting the village in a soft glow. People lifted their faces toward the sky and smiled, as if the heavens themselves were telling them, It's over. You're safe.
And though the village was still broken, houses shattered and streets filled with debris, people had already begun gathering wood, tools, and stones. They were rebuilding — shaky, exhausted, but hopeful. Life was returning.
Adrik, Lior, Lyra, Jeff, Carla, little Clara, and Liza stood together on the path, watching the villagers. Seeing people laugh again. Seeing families hold each other. Seeing the world slowly piece itself back together.
Then Adrik's eyes narrowed when he spotted a familiar figure walking toward them through the misty rain.
Adrik: Draxil!
Draxil looked around until he found them. He smiled — but it wasn't the usual wide, cocky grin. It was faint, tired, softened by everything he had gone through. As he approached, Adrik didn't wait. He stepped forward, grabbed him, and pulled him into a tight hug.
Adrik: Guess we saved the world.
Draxil let out a small, breathy laugh.
Draxil: Yeah… but what was that hug for?
Adrik: I just… thought I lost you back there.
Jeff and Carla exchanged a warm look, smiling at the honesty in Adrik's voice. Little Clara rested comfortably in Carla's arms, cheerful and safe. Liza stood close to them, her eyes softening at the sight.
Suddenly, a large group of villagers approached. They parted respectfully, forming a gentle path until the mother and her two sons appeared — now joined by a man who held her from the side, her husband who had also returned. The mother stepped forward, her eyes filled with gratitude and emotion.
Mother: You saved us… saved our future and our lives. We will always be grateful to you.
Then, in a single wave of motion, everyone lowered themselves — bowing in respect. Adrik, Draxil, Lior, and Lyra froze, eyes widening. None of them had expected anything like this.
Lior: No, no, no — please don't lower yourselves. Please stand straight. You don't need to bow to us.
The villagers looked up at them, hesitating only for a moment before slowly rising. The mother wiped her eyes, then smiled softly.
Mother: You must all be hungry. Please… have something to eat. It's the least we can offer.
Lior hesitated, unsure if he should accept. Lyra noticed instantly, ready to guide him gently — but before she could speak, two loud, eager voices cut through the air.
Adrik & Draxil: YES!!!
Everyone turned toward them. Adrik and Draxil were already bright-eyed, standing like starving wolves who had just been promised a feast. Jeff, Carla, and Liza giggled, while Lyra shook her head with a faint, amused sigh.
For the first time in a long while, the sound of laughter echoed naturally across the village — warm, hopeful, alive.
The villagers arranged a long wooden table down the center of the clearing, and soon it overflowed with warm food, fresh fruits, bread, and whatever everyone could gather. People sat together in clusters, talking and laughing with relief. Children crowded around Adrik and Draxil, listening wide-eyed as the two dramatically reenacted the fight — Adrik waving his hands like a hero, Draxil growling like a monster just to entertain them.
Jeff and Carla sat close together, sharing food quietly. Little Clara stared at the feast with huge sparkling eyes, reaching her tiny hands toward anything colorful, making Carla chuckle as she gently moved plates out of reach. Liza sat beside them, eating silently, her posture calm but her eyes still holding a shadow of grief.
Lyra's eyebrows slowly drew together. She glanced at Liza, then leaned closer to Lior, whispering softly so no one else could hear.
Lyra: Little one… why didn't Liza's grandma or grandpa get healed?
Lior froze. His smile faded, and he slowly lowered his gaze to the staff resting across his lap. His hand tightened around it as he swallowed hard.
Lior: Big sis… I really wish I could've saved them. But the luminite can only repair what's already there. It can't create human cells from nothing. Her grandma… she was burned into ashes. There was nothing left for the luminite to fix. And her grandpa… if his body had survived, he might've been healed too, but… he never came back. The fire must've destroyed him completely.
Lyra nodded, understanding the pain behind his voice. She looked at Lior, then at Liza, then back to him with a gentle expression.
Lyra: You know… it might help her if you talk to her.
Lior blinked, startled.
Lior: What? Why would I—?
Lyra: Because you were the first one who met her. And… I've seen the way you look at her. That faint blush on your cheeks. Those little glances when you think no one notices — but I do.
Lior's face instantly went red.
Lior: W-wait— what? I didn't blush! I didn't glance at her! I didn't—!
Lyra: Lior. I'm your big sister. I've been watching you since you were born.
He froze, lips shutting instantly like a zipper had been pulled. Lyra smiled softly, patting his shoulder.
Lyra: Go talk to her. I'm not trying to embarrass you. I just know it might help… and I don't want your feelings crushed. Go. I'll wait right here.
Lior sat there for a moment, flustered, his heart pounding. But when he glanced toward Liza — quiet, alone, and pretending to be fine — something in him softened. And he slowly stood up.
Then Lior nervously walked toward Liza, who was quietly sitting on a chair at the edge of the rebuilding village. Her long white hair fluttered softly in the evening breeze, revealing her face clearly. Lior's heart raced. He shook his head, trying to calm himself, and took hesitant steps forward, his hands fidgeting nervously.
Lior (soft, stammering): U-umm… h-hai.
Liza looked up, her pale blue eyes meeting his. A faint, fragile smile curved on her lips as she turned slightly toward him, her gaze gentle but sad.
Liza (quietly): Hai… Did you eat?
Lior: Yeah… well… um… I… I'm sorry about your grandparents.
Liza's smile faltered slightly, her eyes clouding with sorrow.
Liza : Hey… it's okay. You don't need to apologize. It's not your fault. They… they just… I-I wish they could see this too… but… it's how fate chose.
Her voice trembled, and Lior felt a pang of panic and helplessness in his chest. He quickly sat on a chair beside her, leaning slightly forward, trying to offer some comfort even as his own heart pounded.
Lior (gentle, firm but soft): H-Hey… don't cry. They always wanted to see your smile, even after everything. You survived all of it. You're still here. So smile—at least for them. Maybe they're watching from the sky, or shining through the stars at night. They're always with you… watching you grow, watching you keep going. They wanted you to live happily, not carry more pain. If you cry, their sacrifice loses meaning. So smile for them. Live for them.
Liza blinked slowly, her lips trembling as a few tears escaped. She wiped them away with the back of her hand, trying to hold herself together. A small, shaky smile appeared as she looked at him, and for a moment, the weight of the loss seemed lighter, just a little.
Liza (soft, tearful smile): Thank you… really… thank you.
Lior's own chest swelled a little. He wanted to say more, to promise her that everything would be okay, but words failed him. He simply reached out and let his hand brush hers, a quiet reassurance that he would be there, that she wasn't alone.
From a distance, Lyra watched them quietly, a small, knowing smile on her face. She could see the warmth and relief in the exchange, the fragile connection slowly mending hearts after so much pain.
Then Lyra glanced at the dishes spread across the long wooden table, the warm steam rising into the air, and her eyebrows knit together in confusion. She slowly turned to the person beside her and asked.
Lyra: Where did all of this food come from? I thought everything got destroyed in the fire.
One of the men standing nearby raised his hands quickly, shaking his head.
Man 1: No, no, no—these are our saved rations. Don't stop eating. Every year we store almost half of our food—rice, grains, dried vegetables—in a big underground bunker.
Another man stepped in with a proud grin.
Man 2: Yes. That bunker is a miracle for us. We can store anything inside, and it stays good for five… sometimes even nine months without spoiling.
Lyra's expression softened a little as she listened, and she nodded slowly. though there was a tiny flicker of doubt in her eyes. She wasn't completely convinced, but she still offered the two men a polite, gentle smile—grateful that at least there was something left for everyone to share.
A few days later, when the village had finally regained its shape and life began flowing back into every corner, the large open ground became a place of soft chatter and gentle goodbyes. Under the shade of a tall old tree, Jeff stood close to Carla and Liza. Baby Clara sat in Liza's arms, playing with a lock of her white hair and giggling whenever it tickled her fingers. The rebuilt houses, the repaired roads, and the happy voices of the villagers created a warmth that none of them had felt in a long time.
Adrik, Draxil, and Lyra spoke quietly with Jeff and Carla, exchanging stories and final words, while Lior stood a little behind them, focusing on the soft humming glow of the purple luminite as he finished charging it. Even though the staff was ready, none of them could shake the feeling that leaving would be harder than they expected.
Carla looked at the group, her expression filled with gratitude and sadness.
Carla: I really didn't think… you all would have to leave so soon.
Jeff nodded, eyes lowered as if trying to accept the moment.
Jeff: So… when will we see each other again?
Lyra smiled gently, though the uncertainty was clear in her eyes.
Lyra: We don't know. But I truly hope that someday, we will meet again.
That hope made everyone smile softly, the kind of smile that carried both warmth and ache. Suddenly, Clara turned toward Lyra, stretched her tiny arms out, and started babbling insistently. Lyra blinked, unsure for a moment, then stepped forward and carefully lifted the baby into her arms. Carla chuckled at the sight, and even Adrik and Draxil smiled at the sight.
Jeff: Looks like someone doesn't want you to go
Lyra giggled as Clara snuggled closer. Then, out of nowhere, Clara leaned in and planted a tiny kiss on Lyra's cheek. Lyra froze completely, eyes wide, while everyone around her burst into soft laughter. Slowly, she looked down at Clara. Her expression slowly melted into a soft smile as she gently brushed Clara's hair.
Just then, Lior walked toward them holding the staff.
Lior: The staff is charged now. We can… go home.
There was a hint of fear in his eyes, something he tried to hide—something no one else seemed to notice. When he looked up, he saw Liza holding Clara, her cheeks faintly flushed. Lior felt his own face warm as he blushed too. Then he reached into his pocket and took out a bracelet.
Lior (voice soft, shy): I… um… I wanted to give you this. To thank you. For staying with me..... that day.
Everyone fell silent—not teasing him, not laughing—just smiling warmly as they waited for Liza's response. Liza's blush deepened, her expression soft and touched. Without saying a word, she lifted her free hand toward him while still holding Clara with the other.
Lior gently slid the bracelet onto her wrist. It was silver, simple but beautiful, with a tiny violet stone that shimmered like the luminite he carried. Liza looked at it, then at Lior, and her smile was small but full of emotion—grateful, shy, and warm all at once.
After some time, Jeff and the others gathered near the open field, waving at Adrik, Draxil, Lyra, and Lior as they prepared to leave. Lior stepped forward with the staff, inhaling quietly before focusing.
Adrik: Bye, guys! We'll see you soon!
A portal flickered open in front of them, swirling with soft purple light. Lior let out a relieved sigh—only for the portal to suddenly collapse with a sharp crack.
Adrik: Ugh—what happened?
Draxil: Was that supposed to happen?
Lior: N-no… I just— I'll try again.
Before he could, Draxil's expression shifted. His smile disappeared, replaced with the same troubled look he had back when Rex spoke his final words.
Draxil: Guys… I need to tell you something.
Everyone turned to him immediately.
Adrik: What is it?
Draxil: It's about Rex. Something he said before he died.
Adrik tensed, Lyra's eyes widened slightly, and Lior held the staff a little tighter.
Draxil: What he meant was… we didn't time travel. We— we entered another world.
Adrik: WHAT!?
Draxil nodded.
Draxil: He said… there are six more worlds. And if we don't save them like we saved this one… something big will happen. I don't know what he meant, but…
Adrik: S-s-six worlds? What— how— that's not even— he must've been kidding, right?
Draxil didn't reply.
Adrik: RIGHT!?
Lyra: Why didn't you tell us earlier?
Draxil rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
Draxil: I… uh… forgot. When I saw the food.
Adrik stared at him in disbelief.
Lior took a deep breath and focused, his hands tightening around the staff.
Lior: Come on… I can do this.
He closed his eyes, pouring all his concentration into forming the portal. The air shimmered and twisted, and suddenly, a glowing doorway appeared right beneath Adrik and Draxil.
Adrik: Lior, you—
Draxil: What the—!?
The two of them lost their footing and tumbled into the portal. Lior and Lyra rushed forward instinctively, but before they could reach them, the portal snapped shut with a sharp, echoing crack.
They froze, exchanging worried glances, and then both looked down at the empty spot where the portal had vanished. Their hearts pounded in silence, heavy with unease.
Inside the portal, Adrik and Draxil were falling through a night sky. City lights glowed beneath them—a massive urban landscape with tall buildings, roads filled with cars, and quiet, peaceful streets bathed in moonlight.
Adrik flailed wildly.
Adrik: AAAAAH—DRAAAAXIL—WE'RE—WE'RE FALLING—!!
Draxil was falling too… but calmly, arms spread out like he was enjoying it.
Draxil: I believe I can fly—
Adrik slapped him in midair.
Adrik: WE'RE FALLING, IDIOT—NOT FLYING! I BELIEVE WE'RE GONNA DIE!
Just as they reached building height, a dark shadow shot upward at incredible speed. It grabbed both of them in an instant, snatching them out of midair before they could hit the ground.
The scene zoomed out slowly—showing the glowing city, the faint mist, the quiet roads, and finally the full moon shining overhead.
The world felt quiet for a moment, almost too quiet, as the reality of what had just happened settled around them. They knew one thing for certain — the next challenge was coming, bigger and more dangerous than anything they had faced before.
TO BE CONTINUED IN NEXT ARC.