Chapter 32 (Volume 2 Finale)

Sanguinella pants, blood magic crackling faintly around her. Her breath fogs the air from the sheer cold pulsing off Chiketsu. She stares Berwick down—eyes glowing with a frigid scarlet hue.

Berwick stands, his coat lightly torn, his katana lowered. He nods, silently beckoning her to finish it.

SANGUINELLA:
(softly)
I’m not just your daughter anymore. I’m a fighter.

She spins, driving Chiketsu down with an icy surge that anchors the blade beside him, not into him.

BERWICK:
(smiling)
And I’m proud. You’ve finally learned when to strike—and when to stop.

Her rage subsides. The glow fades. The air clears.

SANGUINELLA:
(quietly, breathless)
Thanks… Dad.

They walk inside together, no victor claimed—only respect earned.

Astera adjusts his dark green uniform, adorned with floral insignias. His twin swords, Chrysanthemum and Empire, are sheathed behind his back.

Nalea, dressed in a simple lilac gown, waves to him through the crowd of graduates.

NALEA:
(grinning)
Valedictorian and youngest captain to enroll in Imperial U… How do you feel?

ASTERA:
(stretching)
Like I need three months of sleep. But I’m excited. Just… not for Calculus IV.

NALEA:
(laughing)
We’re gonna make it. You’ll have training and captain duties, and I’ve got performance prep, but… it’s all in the same city.

ASTERA:
(smiling)
And we’ll figure it out. It’s Meeresboden: Central. If there’s anywhere people like us can grow—it’s there.

They share a look. Not a confession. Not yet.

Just hope.

ASTERA: (softly) Here’s to what comes next.