The morning arrived quietly.
No ceremonies.
No grand speeches.
No crowds.
Just a road.
And a decision.
---
The gates of Yggdrasil stood open.
The same gates that had welcomed them months ago.
The same gates that had welcomed countless travelers.
And now—
The same gates that would send them away.
Again.
---
Akshay stood near the entrance.
Beside him was Tchoco.
The two watched in silence.
---
In front of them—
Alice adjusted her travel pack.
Raj checked supplies.
Taai stretched lazily.
---
The atmosphere felt strange.
Not sad.
Not exactly.
---
Final.
---
Like the closing of a chapter.
---
Nobody wanted to be the first to speak.
So naturally—
Taai ruined it.
---
"Well."
He yawned.
"If we stand here long enough maybe destiny will solve our problems for us."
---
Alice immediately smacked him.
---
"Ow."
---
"Move."
---
"Violence isn't the answer."
---
"It is when you're involved."
---
Raj nodded.