The Lands Between might still harbor many undiscovered secrets, but Aoko and Touko both felt they had been away from home for far too long.
Even though they both had a bit of a wandering spirit, they had to admit—it was time to go back and take a look.
Although visiting the Lands Between came with some cost (referring to spellcasting materials) and a bit of danger (referring to potential interference from the Greater Will), for Aoko, these were not unacceptable prices. As long as she wanted, she could always return to the Lands Between.
Ranni wasn't surprised by their farewell. After all, Aoko had made it clear from the beginning that she and Touko were outsiders who would eventually leave, so neither side put on a show of sentimentality.
Before they left, Ranni gave each sister a pendant. If they ever return to the Lands Between, they could use it to notify her. Aoko and Touko accepted them gladly.
Before departing, Aoko made a trip to Leyndell, the royal capital, and met with Messmer, who had already ascended the throne but looked visibly uncomfortable sitting upon it. Messmer expressed his gratitude for Aoko's help along the journey and, on behalf of the Golden Dynasty, rewarded Aoko and Touko with some rare royal magical tomes.
Aoko casually flipped through them and was surprised to find new material she hadn't seen before despite having read so many magical books around the Lands Between. She couldn't help but marvel at how many treasures the Golden Dynasty had plundered over the years of conquest.
Rellana gifted her signature technique, Twin Moons, to the sisters. After all, if not for them, she would never have been able to be with Messmer—he was, after all, the type of man who was single-minded to a fault.
Strolling through the royal city of Leyndell, Aoko and Touko admired its grand, majestic, yet now somewhat desolate and quiet beauty.
They took photos and sighed with emotion.
When they passed by the largest statue of Radagon in the city, they paused briefly—because from behind the statue, Queen Marika, the goddess of the Lands Between, stepped out.
Aoko and Touko exchanged glances, unsure why the Eternal Queen had secretly come to meet them. But they had no objection to chatting with this elusive deity.
"Thank you," Queen Marika said. "If not for you, the state of the Lands Between would be far worse than it is now."
"We didn't do much," Aoko shook her head. "Or rather, we were just acting in our interest."
"That's not true," Marika denied, shaking her head. "True outsiders are the greatest help to me—because only you can escape the fate of this world."
"This universe, created by the Greater Will, is like a precise machine," Marika continued. "Those inside it, no matter how they struggle, can only reach predetermined outcomes according to their fates."
"Ranni killing Godwyn was predetermined. I shattering the Elden Ring was also predetermined," Marika lowered her gaze, though her voice was clear. "But you two are different. You are anomalies in this world, and once you entered this machine, everything you did disrupted its outcome."
"Whether it's Messmer or Melina, their original fates were far crueler than what they now face," Marika looked at the sisters again. "I'm glad they now have a good ending."
"Maybe we just got lucky," Aoko said with a smile. "May I ask you a question?"
"Go ahead," Marika replied freely. "As the god of the Lands Between, I must answer a guest's question."
"Is Miquella dead?" Aoko asked calmly. "The Elden Ring was originally a magnifier of law—so what law does it now embody?"
Marika didn't answer immediately. She hesitated, then turned to look in the direction of the Erdtree.
"That child isn't dead," she said with a sigh. "Or rather, it's because he isn't dead that I was able to return."
"To revive a god, only another god can pay the price," she continued. "Now, I am both Marika—and Miquella."
"The law of the Eternal Queen no longer fits this world," she said. "So now begins the 'Age of Kindness' that Miquella once promised."
Aoko's pupils widened slightly. She quickly checked her mind for any signs of enchantment, but found none—and quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
"You don't need to worry," Marika seemed to read her thoughts. "Miquella is still asleep, like his discarded half-body, so he cannot yet manifest his law."
Aoko relaxed slightly.
"I won't allow it either," Marika winked. "Though I've done many hypocritical things, it was all out of necessity. Perhaps that's the helplessness of being an adult."
Aoko and Touko did not comment. Marika's life had been far too complex and long—far beyond the judgment of two youngsters. The morality of her actions exceeded the human realm.
"I want to give you a gift," Marika said. "Even though you are already powerful divine beings, my blessing can still benefit you greatly."
With that, Marika extended her right hand. A brilliant golden light forced Aoko and Touko to squint. When the light faded, Marika was gone.
The sisters immediately checked their bodies. Something subtle, barely perceptible, had embedded itself deep within them, and their eyes now glowed faintly.
"Even far from the Erdtree, this blessing will allow you to resurrect unconditionally once," Marika's voice echoed in their minds. "Farewell, travelers from afar. I wish you all the best."
Aoko and Touko were perfectly content with the blessing. They were both the type of people who were very hard to kill. Touko, as the current Third Magician, was probably the most unkillable being in the Nasuverse—even if all of humanity perished, she would likely still live. And if she did die, a new Touko would likely emerge immediately.
As for Aoko, she had shifted the burden of her death onto the universe itself. Even if someone broke through the suppression defenses across the stars, she could still escape death instantly. Still, an extra means of survival was always welcome.
The two stood on the top balcony of Raya Lucaria Castle, gazing out over the beautiful misty landscape of Liurnia.
As they stood there, Thops passed by behind them in the corridor, holding a large scroll. He caught sight of the red-haired sisters and was about to greet them—
—but they vanished without a sound.
Their departure was just as quiet and unknowable as their arrival.
End of Volume.