Chapter Fifteen: Farewell

  The entire village was shrouded in darkness, with the lights of each household twinkling like stars on the mountain slope below. The dim yellow light seemed hazy and distant in the black night, making one feel as if they were in a peaceful dream. I lay on the mountain slope facing the village, casually plucking a grass root and chewing on it, savoring the bitter and sweet taste that I had grown accustomed to since childhood. In the past, I would often play games with Dapo, Serin, and several other companions here, and their carefree laughter still seemed to linger in the air.

  But now, Dapo is gone, Serene is still immersed in grief and can't extricate herself, while I have to leave here to escape the pursuit of a vengeful spirit master who is unknown where, to avoid implicating my loved ones, I had to leave my parents, leave these companions, leave this familiar village, and embark on a path that even I couldn't imagine what the future holds, who knows?

  I got up and walked to the other end of the mountain slope, where the cemetery was. I wanted to take a last look at Dapo, say goodbye to this childhood playmate. Dapo was unfortunate, his life's canvas had not even been unfolded when it ended, but he was also fortunate, his short life was filled with happiness, he had a loving mother, a group of close friends, and a beautiful girl who truly loved him, haha, in this regard, I even envied him.

  Thinking of this, I couldn't help but shake my head in self-mockery. Where is my love? Will my future wife love me as deeply as Xeridia Everhart did? Is she still waiting for me somewhere?

  As I wandered in thought, I unknowingly arrived at Davy's grave site. In the distance ahead, I saw a familiar figure sitting silently beside the grave.

  "Celine? It's so late, why are you here alone? What if you run into that bad person from last time again?" I called out to her softly, afraid of startling her.

  "Is that Alec? I just arrived...I was afraid Dabo would be lonely here by himself, so I came to keep him company." Celine recognized my voice.

  I walked over and sat down beside her, keeping her company, keeping Dabo company. Dabo, do you know? Celine is here with you, she misses you.

  I don't know how long it took, but I woke up from my reverie to find Celine still sitting silently beside me, lost in thought, perhaps reminiscing about the good times she had with Dabo.

  "Cerine, I'm leaving the village tomorrow. I'm going to a place I don't even know where it is to practice magic, and maybe I won't be back for a long time." My voice pulled Cerine out of her reverie.

  "What? What was that, Alick? You just said something?" Serene asked in a daze after snapping back to reality. I repeated what I had just said again.

  "Oh... are you leaving too? Dapo left, now you're also going to leave... no one will be with me, comforting me anymore." Serene said, tears streaming down her face.

  I gently wiped away her tears with my sleeve and softly comforted her, "Don't be sad, maybe in a few years I'll be able to come back and see you. Don't worry, Serene, as long as I know you have any difficulties, I will travel thousands of miles to return to your side."

  Celine stopped crying, but still said sadly: "Why do you also have to leave here? You all left, I will be very lonely..."

  "I'm actually unwilling to leave, but during the last battle with the Lich Wizard, I was branded with his soul seal. If I don't follow Ankar, the great magician, to learn magic, once the Lich Wizard's teacher comes, it won't just be me who suffers, the entire village will face destruction."

  "Is that so...... Then you must remember to come back early, I only have you as my best friend."

  "Uh, I'll definitely come back early, Celine. Don't be sad anymore. Those who have passed away cannot be stayed, but the road of life is still long. You're immersed in sorrow every day, and I think Dabo wouldn't want to see that either. Cheer up soon, and I hope when I come back, I can see a happy Celine!" I said sincerely to her.

  "Uh-huh, got it. I won't be like this forever, don't worry about it. Dabo is most afraid of me being unhappy, I'll definitely get better." In the darkness, I seemed to see Serin smile slightly.

  "Let's go back, it's getting late, don't let Uncle Müller and the others worry." I pulled up Celine's hand and led her to walk towards the village, just like when I was a kid, I held her hand and took her out to play. On the way, Celine sang a song for me, saying it was a farewell gift for me.

  "Don't look back, my dear companion"

  In this dark night, there are you and me relying on each other

  Don't look back, my dear companion

  The eagle must soar in the sky

  The distant place is the hometown in men's dreams

  There, you have your beloved girl

  Don't look back, my dear companion

  When you go through wind and rain, you have strong arms

  Maybe one day you will return to my side

  At that time, I will soothe every wound of yours

  Don't look back, my dear companion

  Just remember that behind you, there is a heart that depends on you.

  Celine's singing voice lingered softly in my ears until I returned home, lay down on the bed, and that voice seemed to still echo in my dreams.

  Dawn finally arrived, and I followed Teacher Ankara out of the village. My mother hung a pendant around my neck, saying it was an heirloom from her family that would keep me safe on my journey. I hugged my parents and bowed deeply to Teacher Ellen and Uncle Lock, who had come to see me off, before turning and heading out of the village.

  "Take care, Alex, I hope you'll become an incredible magician by the time you return." Uncle Lock shouted behind me.

  "Alyric, don't forget to practice your sword skills, they can make you stronger." Teacher Ellen also chimed in.

  I walked forward while turning back to wave at them until I couldn't see their figures, then I turned around and followed Teacher Ankara.

  The morning sunlight gradually dispersed the hazy mist, and the distant scenery gradually became clear. I saw a girl's figure standing on the distant mountain slope for a long time. When she found me, she lightly waved her hand at me. It was her, Celine. She was there to bid farewell to me.

  My eyes suddenly became moist, and even Serene seemed a bit blurry. Faintly, I saw Dapo standing beside Serene, waving at me too. Tears streamed down my face, one drop, two drops, gradually merging into a small stream. I could only wave frantically at her. Goodbye, Dapo! Goodbye, Serene! Goodbye, my village! Goodbye, my childhood! Goodbye, the most beautiful and happy days of my life!