Epilogue

Traxxia | City

The citizens of Traxxia begin to vanish. They stare in horror as their hands slowly become transparent. Panic spreads throughout the city.

Traxxia | Arena

Barathesch opens his eyes. Frost collapses to the ground and spits out blood. His blue eyes bleed continuously, and countless bones throughout his body are broken. Despite everything, he looks at Barathesch with a faint smile.

“You know…”

His voice is weak.

“We truly are kindred spirits.”

Frost struggles to breathe.

“You see the truth behind these wars. Behind these systems. These patterns…”

His smile fades.

“But you are still part of the problem.”

Barathesch slowly walks toward Frost. Revia transforms into her sword form, and Barathesch takes hold of her. He places the blade against Frost’s throat.

“You’re right.”

Barathesch looks down at him.

“But you misunderstood me.”

His grip tightens around Revia.

“Fighting gods isn’t what matters to me. Honestly, the gods are only symptoms.”

His eyes narrow.

“The wars, deaths, and sacrifices are not caused by stupidity.”

His voice becomes cold.

“Stupidity doesn’t create patterns.”

Barathesch looks toward the vanishing city.

“This is all calculated.”

He looks back at Frost.

“Everything is calculated. Every god I have fought has been part of it.”

His expression softens slightly.

“I respect you, Frost.”

Frost grins. A tear runs from one of his bleeding eyes.

“My achievements are disappearing.”

He looks toward the city.

“I resurrected them…”

His voice breaks.

“Only to let them die again.”

Frost closes his eyes.

“I genuinely wanted to atone.”

Aurora runs toward them from the other side of the ruined arena. Her body is already beginning to fade.

“Counterblade!”

She reaches toward Barathesch.

“PLEASE, DON’T KILL HIM!”

Frost looks at her.

“I’m so sorry, Aurora…”

More tears flow down his face.

“I failed.”

Barathesch shakes his head. Then he looks toward Caroline.

“Caroline, healhis legs.”

Caroline stares at him.

Then she nods.

“I will.”

Barathesch removes Revia from Frost’s throat.

“I can save them.”

He looks down at Frost.

“Show me the room where you resurrected them.”

Underground | Traxxia

Blue blood is scattered throughout the underground chamber. At its center floats an unstable blue orb. Its shape constantly shifts, flickering between solid and transparent. Aurora, Caroline, Frost, and Barathesch stand before it. Frost drops to his knees.

“It was really bound by me…?”

Aurora looks toward Barathesch. The markings of his network glow deep red.

“Samurai…”

Aurora looks at the unstable orb.

“What are you going to do?”

Barathesch approaches it.

“Soul convergence, am I right Frost?”

He studies the energy surrounding it.

“You gathered their souls inside yourself during the final battle, during your death bed.”

Barathesch's eyes glow and he raises one hand toward the orb.

“I can stabilize their souls and give them true forms.”

Frost looks up at him.

“But?”

“I need your sacrifice, Frost.”

The room falls silent.

“Your existence will disappear.”

Frost shudders.

“My existence?”

“You are the only thing keeping them in this world.”

Barathesch looks at him.

“But they need someone new to justify their existence in the first place.”

He turns toward the orb.

“A new story.”

His eyes narrow.

“A new pattern.”

“Who will be that someone?”

Barathesch looks toward Aurora.

“Aurora already appears throughout history.”

She stares at him.

“I will end your existence, Frost.”

Barathesch turns back toward him.

“History will say that Aurora defended Traxxia against Revia’s mother and negotiated a peace treaty with Revia.”

Revia glows beside him.

“And the new God-King, Barathesch Bloodstream, carrying Revia’s soul, defended Traxxia throughout the endless cycle against the mad God of Time - Frost.”

Frost’s face grows even paler.

“You already erased the God of Time from history” Barathesch says.

Barathesch looks at the unstable orb.

“So, we will give that role to you.”

Aurora opens her mouth in disbelief.

“That is madness…”

Her hands begin to tremble.

“This story- Then Frost will vanish…”

She looks at Barathesch’s glowing mana network.

“And you will die, Frost. I don’t want that”

Aurora’s body goes transparent slowly.

“Right now, we need to play by the rules of this world,” Barathesch replies.

Revia manifests beside him. Her eyes widen.

“BUT BARATHESCH, YOU HATE RULING!”

She grabs his arm.

“WHY ARE YOU ACCEPTING THAT TITLE?!”

Aurora sinks to her knees. Frost begins to laugh.

“Barathesch from Zeritrea…”

He stares at the unstable orb.

“You will need an enormous catalyst,” Caroline says.

“Look at my body and my network.”

Caroline nods.

“You are the catalyst, are you sure Frost?”

Frost nods with determination, his eyes move toward Barathesch.

“Really, bypassing the Paths to interfere directly with the rules of this world…”

He laughs again.

“That is complete madness.”

Barathesch nods. Frost smiles.

“You truly want to remain the most wanted man alive.”

He slowly rises.

“You’re willing to make the entire world your enemy.”

Frost looks toward his fading citizens.

“But if this succeeds, they will no longer depend on a catalyst or a fabricated reality.”

“We will simply abuse the current system,” Barathesch answers.

Frost nods, Aurora hugs frost directly. Caroline touches his shoulder.

“F-Frost…”

Aurora clings to him.

“I don’t…”

“I love you, Aurora.”

Caroline looks between Frost and Barathesch.

“No one has ever attempted what you are about to do,” Caroline says.

Her mechanical lips tremble.

“I don’t want to forget, Frost.”

She lowers her head.

“And if this fails, all of us will die.”

“My life means nothing without all of you,” Frost answers.

Frost releases Aurora and approaches the orb. He looks at Barathesch.

“Barathesch!”

His voice becomes firm.

“Do what you need to do!”

Frost places his hand against the orb.

“Use my body, the Paths, and everything I possess…”

He closes his eyes.

“In my final moments!”

Barathesch places his hand against Frost’s back. They both close their eyes. Every memory belonging to Frost enters Barathesch’s mind. He sees a young Frostburn. He sees Frost eating with Falsipher in Pramad. He watches Frost playing with civilians. He sees him walking through Traxxia beside his daughter and Aurora. Everyone they pass smiles and acknowledges him. One by one, Frost’s memories begin to fade. His image disappears from them. Aurora takes his place. Then everything around Barathesch turns black.

White Room

Barathesch stands alone inside an endless white room. A deep voice echoes around him. Then he hears thunderous laughter.

“Rewriting history, Barathesch?”

Barathesch looks to the side.

“Holundria…”

Holundria appears beside him.

“Even in the afterlife, you continue fighting for others.”

Barathesch stares at him.

“I died?”

Holundria nods and sighs.

“You want to save them?”

“I do.”

Holundria looks at him for a long moment. Then he nods.

“I will grant your wish.”

His expression becomes serious.

“But next time, I won’t be able to save you.”

A blue sword materializes before Barathesch. Wind circles its blade. Holundria smiles.

“My son…Take it, my last gift. My blessing.”

Barathesch takes hold of the sword. Holundria’s body begins to fade.

“Do what you always do, my son!”

The wind becomes stronger.

“Strike forward and carve your own path!”

Barathesch grips the sword with both hands.

“Thank you…”

His voice trembles.

“For everything, Master!”

Holundria disappears. Barathesch swings the blue sword. The white room shatters. He finds himself floating among countless stars. Memories and histories surround him. The voices of every civilization echo throughout the endless space. With a single swing, Barathesch cracks reality. Blood pours from his body as he forces himself forward.

“I WILL CHANGE THESE RULES!”

More cracks spread around him.

“THEY WILL SURVIVE!”

His mana network burns beneath his skin.

“I AM BARATHESCH BLOODSTREAM!”

His voice echoes across history.

“THE TWELFTH GOD-KING!”

The stars begin to shift.

“AND I WILL AID THE ONLY ALLY I KNOW!”

Barathesch raises the sword one final time.

“I WILL AID AURORA IN HER BATTLE AGAINST FROST- THE GOD OF TIME!”

He swings. Reality changes. Countless cracks open across existence. A blinding white light consumes everything.

Underground | Traxxia

Barathesch opens his eyes. The underground chamber is no longer destroyed. The machinery surrounding him is clean and fully functional. Aurora stands before him and holds him tightly.

“You ended the nightmare.”

She smiles through her tears.

“You defeated Frost, the God of Time.”

Barathesch nods and gently frees himself from her embrace. Caroline looks at him with a wide smile.

“YOU DID IT!”

Her eyes shine.

“A Path without a clear end…”

She begins to laugh.

“And you still killed the God of Time!”

Barathesch puts his jacket back on.

“Aurora. Caroline.”

He walks toward the exit.

“Take good care of everyone.”

Traxxia | Main City

Barathesch walks through the streets of Traxxia. The citizens celebrate their freedom. Everywhere he goes, he hears people condemning the evil God of Time. Barathesch whistles. Yennefer rushes toward him and leaps through the crowded streets. He jumps onto her back. The people turn toward him and begin to celebrate.

“GOD-KING BARATHESCH IS HERE!”

Before the crowd can gather around him, Yennefer races out of the city.

Outside Traxxia | Erathia

Revia manifests beside Barathesch.

“You truly accepted the title.”

Her expression fills with admiration.

“It was incredible how you fought the Four Sinners of Time and reformed Princess Elare.”

Barathesch closes his eyes. He sees Frost standing before him with a confident smile and proud posture.

“Revia…” Barathesch looks at her.

“You were the one who destroyed those people.”

Her eyes widen.

“Don’t lose yourself in these false memories.”

He looks back toward Traxxia.

“We are the villains in their story.”

His expression hardens.

“And our enemy remains the same.”

Revia closes her eyes. Then she grins.

“So, your worst nightmare came true. I saw your memories, it contradicts mine but. It makes sense, because I know who I was.”

“Yeah.”

Barathesch sighs.

“It’s somewhat convenient that you share my memories.”

Revia bursts into laughter.

“But I’m quite comfortable with you taking the title of my dead civilization.”

She moves closer to him.

“It also means you are technically my husband.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Barathesch looks away.

“We can plan the wedding later.”

Yennefer presses herself affectionately against Barathesch. Revia takes his hand. Barathesch whistles again. Fisalia descends from the sky and lands before them. Barathesch removes his red kasa and scarf. He carefully fastens both of them to Fisalia.

Four Weeks Later | Pax City | City Hall | Conference Room

Fatari sits inside the conference room. Aurora and Caroline sit to his left, while Elare sits to his right. Ayden sits across from them. To Ayden’s right sits a giant wearing a silver visor with glowing red displays. A glaive rests behind him, and he wears a red suit with a black tie.

To his left sits a woman with long black hair, red wolf-like eyes, and a black tail. She wears a sleeveless black shirt, loose pants, and red cestus around her fists. A mage sits nearby. He wears a tall white hat and a blue suit. His enormous blue staff contains a sea-blue orb, and his long white hair reaches the table.

An elven woman sits opposite him. She has pale skin and silver eyes, and she wears a short white dress with red thigh-high stockings. Fatari looks at each of them.

“Rethara, Chairman of the Mercenaries of Mathras.”

The giant grins.

“Enigma, representative of the Enigma Kingdom.”

The mage looks deeply into Fatari’s eyes.

“Violet Wolffang, representative of the Wolves Continent.”

The black-haired woman licks her lips as her tail sways behind her.

“Ayden, the Precision Mage of Cada.”

Ayden nods.

“And Charlotte, representative of the Naritea tribes.”

The elven woman looks toward Fatari. Violet leans forward and talks.

“So, so…”

Violet’s red eyes narrow.

“You want to become part of our alliance?”

Rethara laughs and says.

“A godless country?”

Rethara crosses his arms.

“Why did you call us?”

Charlotte sighs and says.

“He saved all of you, didn’t he?”

Enigma speaks in a deep voice.

“Of course he did the same to you.”

The mage places both hands over his staff.

“He cannot bear to watch innocent people die.”

Ayden grins and answers.

“You understand that an alliance between our countries will make all of you vulnerable to attacks from other nations but also it will give you great protection against them.”

Fatari nods.

“All of you were saved by him.”

He looks toward Aurora, Caroline and Elare.

“Aurora, Caroline, Elare, and I want to create a country founded upon peace and honor.”

His expression becomes serious.

“But it must also be strong enough to defend itself.”

Rethara strokes his chin.

“You are already quite advanced.”

He looks toward Aurora and Caroline.

“Two lost cities have revealed themselves, along with technology we believed had been wiped out.”

The giant nods.

“Mathras is willing to negotiate.”

Violet raises one hand.

“The Wolves Continent requires more assistance. We are still rebuilding.”

Her tail stops moving.

“So, we are also willing to negotiate.”

Enigma nods.

“The Enigma Kingdom agrees.”

His fingers move across the staff,

“Combining magic with advanced technology would be highly beneficial.”

Charlotte looks around the table.

“The Naritea tribes stand behind the Counterblade.”

She smiles faintly.

“Even if he refuses to accept us as his people, we remain under his protection. The tribes and the people of Sakura Lotos support your decision.”

Ayden sighs.

“Cada will provide you with information.”

He leans back.

“But it will not be free.”

Aurora lowers her head.

“Thank you…”

A Few Days Later | Pax | Graveyard

The graveyard is enormous. Fresh earth covers the ground in every direction. Elare stands before Fate’s grave. Fisalia descends from the sky, wearing Barathesch’s red kasa and carrying his scarf. Elare looks at the grave.

“Fate…”

She takes a deep breath.

“We formed an alliance.”

A melancholic smile appears on her face.

“Ironically, it includes every country Barathesch saved.”

Elare looks toward Fisalia.

“Even after leaving, he continued helping us.”

Her eyes move toward the city.

“The city I brought back is heavily populated now.”

She smiles faintly.

“It has even become an attraction, tourism combines with the blue bloods from the present and the blue bloods that was stuck on time. Makes it quite lively.”

Elare looks down at the grave.

“I keep asking myself whether this was the future you saw.”

Her eyes fill with tears.

“If it was…”

She closes them.

“It is a beautiful future.”

Her voice breaks.

“I miss you.”

Elare turns and leaves. Words are engraved upon the gravestone.

HERO OF PAX

FATE, THE EYE OF THE FOX

HERO OF ERATHIA

After Elare leaves, people begin gathering around Fate’s grave. One by one, they place flowers before her. Elare glances back from a distance.

“I need to atone for killing you, my friend.”

She clenches her hands.

“I will make them all happy.”

Her eyes harden with determination.

“And I will become strong enough to protect them.”

Outskirts of Sarati

Desya sits cross-legged upon a tree stump. Firath stands before her with an enormous backpack strapped to his shoulders. He finishes telling her his story.

“So, that is how Barathesch saved Erathia?”

“Yes.”

Firath smiles.

“He remained true to his principles.”

His smile widens.

“He fought like a complete maniac and made the impossible come true.”

“And now you want to travel to Naritea and help him?”

“A hero always needs someone to take good care of him.”

Firath points at himself.

“And I am the greatest blacksmith alive.”

He grins. Desya chuckles and rises from the stump.

“He saved me too.”

She looks toward the road.

“I have known him since childhood.”

Her expression becomes thoughtful.

“You know they call him the Blood Samurai?”

“He killed many people, didn’t he?”

Desya clenches her fist.

“He had a difficult life.”

Her gaze lowers.

“He was born into difficult circumstances.”

She remembers his past.

“One battlefield followed another.”

Her expression darkens.

“His urge to fight. His desire to kill… But his Master used it and showed him how beautiful everything can be.”

Desya sighs.

“He carries every possible red flag.”

Then a faint smile appears on her face.

“But he has principles.”

She looks into the sky.

“He believes in a world without war.”

Her eyes soften.

“He genuinely believes in peace.”

The wind moves through the trees.

“Most of the continent believes he is a threat.”

Desya looks toward the distant horizon.

“A killer who destroys the balance of the world by slaying gods.”

Her expression becomes serious.

“But what if that balance was broken from the beginning?”

Firath listens silently.

“Whenever Barathesch intervenes, the people are better off afterward.”

Desya places one hand against her chest.

“They regain their power.”

Her smile returns.

“He is this world’s countermeasure against injustice.”

She closes her eyes.

“Even if the world believes he is its enemy…”

Desya looks at Firath.

“The Barathesch I know is not merely a killer. He is not a threat.”

Her voice becomes proud.

“He is the Counterblade.”

She continues.

“To some, he is the Blood Samurai. To others, he is a Godslayer.”

She looks into the forest toward Naritea.

“But to the people who have truly met him…”

Her smile widens.

“Barathesch is a hero.”

One Month Later | Naritea | Sakura Lotos

Sakura Lotos is a city built across twelve enormous layers. Massive tree houses rise above one another. Merchants and workers fill the streets, and countless races move throughout the city. Demi-humans like lizards, cats, hamsters, and wolves. Elves. Dwarves. Giants. Humans. Their clothing and customs are as varied as the races themselves.

A blacksmith’s shop stands on the ninth layer. Enormous tree trunks rise along both sides of the building. Its front window is green and surrounded by flowers. A samurai with long black hair stands in the doorway. He wears a black kasa and has a bandaged arm. As he looks around the shop, he sees swords, firearms, bows, axes, and lances lining the walls. A bald man approaches from behind the counter. It is Firath.

“Young samurai, what do you need?”

“I heard that you were a friend of my master.”

Firath studies him.

“I see.”

His eyes move toward the man’s sword.

“You were one of Holundria’s disciples.”

Firath leans against the counter.

“May I ask how you learned about this city?”

The black-haired samurai laughs.

“I am searching for my brother.”

His expression becomes serious.

“His Name, Barathesch from Zeritrea.”

Firath grins.

“He lives on the outskirts. May I ask your name?”

“I am Chilla.”

Chilla looks around the shop.

“But why doesn’t he live inside the city?”

He raises an eyebrow.

“Isn’t he supposed to be its leader?”

Firath bursts into laughter.

“Believe it or not, he isn’t.”

He gestures toward the city outside.

“The people who live here are its leaders.”

Chilla sighs.

“He always surprises me.”

His shoulders sink.

“Always…”

He looks toward the window. Firath speaks.

“I don’t understand him, at first, I believed it was some strange form of hedonism.”

Firath scratches his beard.

“I mean, he laughed like a maniac after killing two of the Sinners of Time. But after watching how everything turned out…I no longer believe it is hedonism.”

He studies Chilla’s expression.

“You don’t know how to speak to him, do you?” Firath asks,

Chilla remains silent. Firath points north.

“Follow the path toward the enormous Sakura tree.”

He returns to the counter.

“His home is isolated from the rest of the forest. It should be easy to find.”

Chilla nods and turns toward the exit.

“Thank you…”

Naritea | Outskirts | Cherry Blossom Tree

Barathesch sits upon a wooden chair. His hands are clasped together, and his eyes remain closed as he looks toward the ground. Footsteps approach. Chilla emerges from the distance and removes his black kasa. Cherry blossoms fall around them.

“So, so…”

Chilla stops before him.

“Counterblade Barathesch.”

His eyes narrow.

“Or should I call you the new God-King?”

Barathesch remains still.

“You accepted the title and then did absolutely nothing with it.”

Chilla crosses his arms.

“What exactly is your plan?”

Barathesch bursts into maniacal laughter.

“Maybe you could begin with hello.”

Chilla lowers his head.

“Thank you…”

His voice becomes quiet.

“My brother.”

Barathesch opens his eyes.

“Why?”

“I had a nightmare.”

Chilla’s expression darkens.

“A world without oxygen.”

His hand moves toward the sword on his back.

“Machines running rampant everywhere.”

He looks at Barathesch.

“But I could feel that it was real.”

“Chilla…”

Barathesch leans back and speaks.

“Consider it nothing more than a nightmare.”

Chilla sighs. He looks at Barathesch for a long moment. Then he draws the black sword from his back and drives it directly into the ground. The black blade begins to glow. Its metal turns silver with a blue glow.. Wind gathers around Barathesch. Slowly, the sword transforms into a beautiful woman.

Elisalea.

Barathesch’s eyes widen. Revia manifests beside him.

“I knew it.”

She looks at Elisalea.

“Your soul possesses that blessing.”

Elisalea runs toward Barathesch and embraces him.

“Barathesch…”

Her voice breaks.

“I am so sorry.”

Barathesch wraps his arms around her. He bites his lip.

“I-I couldn’t escape that prison, my son… Since Holundria died, i was stuck…”

Elisalea clings to him.

“Chilla told me everything.”

“Elisalea…”

“I’m not angry.”

She pulls back and looks into his eyes.

“You fulfilled his wish, you met him.”

Her hands tremble against his shoulders.

“You became stronger.”

Tears flow down her cheeks.

“And you will guide this world toward peace.”

She smiles.

“I am proud of you.”

Barathesch sinks to his knees.

“I’m not that emotional…”

His voice trembles.

“Elisalea…”

Revia kneels beside him and takes his hand. Elisalea lowers herself before them.

“You left immediately after their deaths.”

She touches Barathesch’s face.

“I didn’t know what to say.”

Her tears fall onto the ground.

“I truly didn’t know.”

She closes her eyes.

“And then we fought…”

Her voice breaks.

“I regretted it so much. Mirai and Hope…”

Elisalea begins to sob.

“I am so sorry. But…”

She struggles to continue.

“But…”

More tears stream down her face.

“Please don’t say anything more, Mother.”

Barathesch embraces her again. Chilla sighs. Then Chill begins to cry as well.

“You idiot…”

He wipes his eyes.

“I was only trying to end—”

“Shut up, deadweight,” Barathesch says.

Chilla’s eye twitches.

“I AM NOT DEADWEIGHT, YOU MANIAC!”

Barathesch shows Chilla his tongue, and Chilla shows it back. Revia sighs and looks into the horizon.