Way of the Knights

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Years passed by quickly, Luna and Raven decided to spend this remaining time to accompany their families. 

They didn't focus heavily on training and just enjoyed a peaceful and quiet life of a normal couple. After they toured the entirety of Grand Ancestral Plane, they came back and decided to remain with their loved once until their time was up. 

Aside from providing instructions to Kyle from time to time, he spent most of the times teaching his sisters the qualities and ways of a proper Knight. His parents were already aware of his decision to ascend, and even though they are in-laws with the royalties by now, he still want to make sure that his sisters had the sufficient strength to defend themselves. Of course he also secretly left them some treasures that would save their lives should they come in danger. 

He also spent some time giving out instructions to some students that caught his interest and paid attention to the construction of the foundation for the Empire. 

So far, the protective walls and defense formations had already been laid out, the construction had already started a few years ago and slowly but surely, it's already taking shape. There's already a transmission array built at the Royal Capital that could be used to safely transport people from here to there. All of this are kept as a secret for now to the citizens of the Kingdom. One day when the foundation of the Empire was built, it won't be too late to announce it by then. 

If anything, it was a pity that Raven won't see its full creation as well as Balmung's inauguration as the Founding Emperor. 

As time passed by, the date of the ascension comes closer and closer. He would be lying if he said that he didn't feel even the slightest bit of reluctance. In the end, who doesn't want to live a long and peaceful life? Who doesn't want to start a family and watch as days passed by in peace? Unfortunately, Raven's destiny isn't tied here. 

He already did all he could for now. In order to truly assure the safety of his loved one's, he had to part with them. 

As their days dwindled into single digits, Raven heaved a heavy sigh and started making preparations…

***

Compared to what he was five years ago, Kyle is a completely different person. 

Just by standing there, one could feel his sharpness. He transformed into a bleak and naive young man into a fearsome warrior that inspired fear to his enemies. His might was overbearing and his transformation was too outstanding, causing his brilliance to outshine most of his folks. 

Today, such a warrior had a solemn face as he knelt down in front of Raven. Even without Raven telling him, he already knew what's about to happen. 

It is time for their Teacher and Student relationship to end. 

"Teacher I…" Kyle wanted to say something but he can't find words to say. Something's pressing down his chest, making it difficult for him to breathe. There's so much he wanted to say, he had forgotten how many times he'd imagined their farewell would turn out but he can't even keep a straight face.

"Kyle." Raven's soft and amicable voice sounded on his ears, causing him to look up. Seeing Raven's gentle expression, Kyle felt his nose stinging. "This is not the time for you to shed tears. Don't be sad that it ended, be happy that it happened."

"But Teacher, I…" 

"I know what you want to say." Raven interrupted him. "However, that won't change my decision. There's still so much for you to do here, and the Kingdom still needs people like you. Where I go, you cannot follow. Not at least for now. It's too dangerous, even I can't guarantee my own safety." 

"Then, when can I look for you?" Kyle asked, his tone filled with reluctance. 

Raven chuckled and said: "You'll know in time. For now, I want you to enjoy your life and see the world as it is."

Tears flowed from Kyle's eyes, he then stabbed his sword on the ground and knelt down while lowering his head fully. 

"I'll do as you say Teacher. At the same time, I'll make sure to get stronger so that one day, I'll be able to search for you." 

Raven smiled in satisfaction and said: "Good! I'll be expecting you then. For now, here's my parting gift to you." He then placed his hand on Kyle's head. 

As soon as he did that, Kyle then entered a state of emptiness. His eyes turned dull and he became unaware of his surroundings. Slowly, a force field appeared around him and some mysterious wisps of energy started dancing around him. 

Raven quietly erected an isolation barrier around him and left in a wistful mood. 

***

Few more days passed and Raven could be found outside of the Kingdom's walls. 

Paul, Mark, Anne, Ellen and Luna could be seen with him, all of them formed a circle as they looked at each other, seemingly wanting to memorize each other's faces before they go. 

"What the hell, this is so awkward." Paul groan, trying to break the ice. Causing a cheerful atmosphere to replace the awkward situation. "It's not like we're not going to see each other anymore. This is just a long ass trip, no need to be emotional."

"He's right." Mark added, "You guys better do great things in the Divine Realm or else, I'll leave you guys to eat my dust."

"Heh? Is that a challenge?" Paul crossed his arms while raising a brow, his tone was provocative. 

"You damn right it is." Mark snickered. 

"Count us in!" Ellen added, "Whoever had the lowest cultivation realm when we reunited will be punished, how about that?" 

"Deal!" Anne agreed, "But what would the punishment be?" 

"We'll think one when the time comes." Ellen suggested, she then looked at the boys and asked: "How about it you two? Do you dare?" 

"You're on, Babe!" Paul exclaimed, though there is a bit of sadness on his tone. 

"Yeah, so I guess we'll see each other then?" Mark probed as he looked at the smiling Raven. 

"Mhm, we'll be reunited once again. You guys take care of yourselves alright?" 

Then then gave each other farewell hugs and departed one by one, well except for Raven and Luna. 

As they flew on opposite directions, they waited until their traces are completely gone before returning towards the palace. As soon as they returned, Raven felt Luna's grip on his hands tightened for a bit, causing him to look at her. 

His heart gently trembled as he saw her tears. He smiled and gently embraced her while stroking her back. He then whispered to her ears:

"You've said your farewells right?" He felt Luna nodding on his embrace, he then wiped her tears and said: "Be strong, you can do this. Do well and wait for me. I'll look for you, we'll be reunited again."

"Take care of yourself okay?" Luna sobbed, "Don't you dare cheat on me, or else I'll slice the thing that makes you a man. You hear me?"

"Yes, my wife!" Raven smiled wryly as he heard her threats. He then saw Luna looking up to him and closed the distance between them. They shared a long and loving kiss before parting. 

"I love you. Always remember that." Luna said while sobbing. 

"I love you too. Remember that as well." Raven replied. 

Luna then walked towards the transmission array on the ancestral grounds and disappeared without looking back. 

Raven stared at the transmission array for a good while. His thoughts were unknown. He unknowingly gripped his fist for a while before loosing a long sigh. His eyes then turned tranquil and he departed from there. 

He then reappeared on his parents' new home near the Royal Palace. He took a good look around, etching every inch of it to his memory. He then quietly went towards the room of his sisters and gave them peck on their foreheads. 

Raven then slowly made way towards the backyard to look for his parents. As soon as he saw them, he knelt down in front of them and didn't speak for a while. 

Luis and Eva carefully sized up their son and pulled him to their embrace. No words were needed to be said, they knew that it's going to be a while before they see him again. He's all grown up now, it's time for him to search for a grander stage and different heights.

"Take care of yourself." That's all they said but for Raven, that's enough. 

With a forceful nod, he then turned around and disappeared. Eva finally couldn't endure it and collapsed in the embrace of her husband. Luis stared at the sky and wished for the safety of his only son. 

Raven then reappeared a couple thousand miles up in the air, standing on top of the clouds as he gave one final glance. Engraving its appearance on his memory. The consciousness of the plane appeared behind him long ago but he didn't dare to disturb Raven. 

After a while, a long sigh escaped Raven's lips. He then turned around and patted the old man's shoulders.

"I'll leave them to you."

"I'll do my best to fulfill your orders Your Majesty." The old man replied. This earned a nod from Raven. 

"It's time to leave." With a wave of the old man's hand, a spatial tear appeared. 

Raven stepped inside and formally began his journey towards the Divine Realm. 

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