The journey toward the death-node seemed to be nearing its end.
Beyond the ship’s rail, in that perfectly even, gray-white backdrop, subtle black streaks had begun to appear—so faint they were almost undetectable.
Structures with some solidity were taking shape in the distance, slowly expanding ahead of the Lost Homeland and the Splendid Star.
For some reason, though he had seen this sight more than once, it felt unusually…lonely and long to Duncan now.
He stood quietly at the prow of the Lost Homeland, waiting for the transit to finish.
Footsteps came from behind him; he didn’t need to turn to know who was approaching.
“Lucy,” Duncan said softly, “we’re almost there.”
“I know.” Lucrecia came to his side and, together with her father, watched that distant scenery that was changing so slowly. “The last node, right? Then we return to the Storm Goddess’s slumber… Every journey has an end.”
“I’m sorry. I have to leave alone again.” Duncan sighed lightly.
Even though he knew he only occupied a kind of avatar, complex emotions still rose in his heart before Lucrecia.
How much of those feelings came from “Duncan Aebnorm(al),” he could not say. “I promised you before—”