The palace doors opened once more, this time revealing Neve, Jessie, and, surprisingly, Vanessa, all entering at the same time. Neve stepped forward.
"Kazimir…" she began, voice tentative.
Kazimir stopped and turned, meeting her gaze. "Yes, Neve?"
"I… I owe you an apology," she said, swallowing hard. "Back there… I accused you of hypocrisy, of speaking about peace while leaving destruction in your wake. I… I spoke harshly because I couldn't reconcile the man who saved so many with the devastation you left in Capriha. I let my anger blind me, and I spoke without understanding the full weight of what you carried."
She paused, taking a breath, her voice softening. "I judged you too quickly, and in doing so, I disturbed the peace you've fought so hard to create here in Vrasnia. That was wrong. You don't owe anyone an explanation, and I should have respected that… especially after everything you've done to protect this world."
"I can't take back my words," she finished, "but I promise to be more measured, to see beyond my own frustration before I speak. Please… forgive me for letting my doubt and anger cast shadows on the work you've done."
Kazimir stepped forward, his presence calm but commanding. "It's okay, Neve. You're still a goddess in my eyes. You're my master—I will always respect you, even if you were my enemy. You were also a light I needed in my life, and nothing can change that."
A tear of joy ran down Neve's cheek. She glanced at Riah and asked softly, "Can I… hug him?"
Riah responded simply, "I would prefer if you did it properly."
Kazimir raised an eyebrow. "Wait… why are you asking her?"
"Because she's not trying to be disrespectful," Riah replied, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Even though the first part was funny."
Neve wrapped her arms around Kazimir's waist, pressing her head to his chest. "Thank you, Kazimir. I promised to do better next time. This planet is beautiful, and I want to help build it."
Riah and the others smiled at the scene. Kamaki muttered, "Damn… this guy just never misses."
Raijin scoffed, envious. "Yeah… what do you expect from his female-appeal-looking ass?"
Tyrone muttered, "You just said you can't find any girl on this planet that wants you?"
Raijin tssed. "Whatever. I wanna go back to Earth anyway, now I can become a Vandor and have all the huzz I need."
Tyrone shot him a look. "Oh, well… good luck with the responsibilities then."
Moments later, Gendai finally woke. Felicia's voice called out. "Gendai… you're finally awake."
All eyes fixed on her—Tyrone, Lihanna, Felicia, Neve, Jessie, Kazimir, and Riah. But when Gendai noticed Vanessa, she shouted, "Kazimir! Do something with that girl! She assaulted me! Broke my limbs! Left me in my own blood! You have to do something!"
Neve stepped back from Kazimir, and all eyes turned to him.
"I'm aware," he said calmly. "But whose fault is it that you resorted to violence? You acted against someone with her power. You're outsiders—control yourselves, and this wouldn't have happened."
"But what about Lihanna? Didn't she also disturb the peace?" Gendai shot back.
Kazimir cut her off. "Lihanna is a victim here. Did you forget you created a continental-level meteor? Over a playful duel? Trying to kill Lihanna over a joke about losing in love? Tell me, Gendai… what is your desire for me?"
Gendai hesitated, then admitted quietly, "You're putting me on the spot… in front of everyone?"
"You like having an audience," Kazimir said flatly. "The first thing you did was lash out, like you always do."
Gendai clenched her hands. "Fine… the reason is… because you're my ideal. I just want to protect you, the same way you protect me."
Kazimir's expression darkened. "Your ideal? What a joke. Our first interaction—you tried to seduce me in a dungeon using that disgusting stench of lust, thinking it would work. You just wanted me as a weapon. That's the truth."
Everyone watched in stunned silence, though Kamaki and Raijin seemed entertained.
"Damn, this guy can't catch a break tonight," Kamaki muttered.
Raijin smirked. "Well… I don't mind witnessing another bang."
Gendai yelled, "NO! THAT'S NOT TRUE! I WAS JUST EXCITED! THAT'S ALL!"
Kazimir faced her, voice steady but cutting. "Let me tell you my truth, Gendai. I believed in you. You had the strength to be a Vandor on Earth, and I thought you were finally on the right path. But I was wrong. Your anger… your obsession with me… is the thing I hate most about you."
Gendai, confused and worried, asked, "What do you mean? What are you saying?"
Kazimir's gaze was unflinching. "I will never love you. All you've done is make my life more miserable. I waited, hoping you'd change… but I've lost all hope. I won't wait anymore. I've given you enough chances."
Vanessa created a portal with her Dimensional Leap. Gendai began to cry, realizing she had lost Kazimir's trust. She called for Riah, but Riah remained still, eyes closed. Jessie, Neve, and the others stood silent.
Raijin patted Kamaki on the back. "Alright, gang, I'll see you some other time."
"Alright, broski. Stay safe, brother," Kamaki replied.
Raijin gave two thumbs up before stepping into the portal and disappearing.
Gendai, heartbroken, rose from her knees and walked slowly past the group. Vanessa waited by the portal. As Gendai reached her, eyes buried in despair, she stepped through—and the portal closed, leaving everyone watching in stunned silence, unsure of what to say or do.