*****

Alright folks, this chapter is a special one. Unlike other stories, I didn't reveal everything at the start when mc gets isekaid and all. But now it's time to explore that topic. As I've said before, This is an Au with lots of changes. I have tried to cover everything in this chapter, as well as Edward's purpose, and some other things.

I would request you read carefully, for this will set the future tone of the story. It will also answer some of the questions you might have had previously. But now you might have some new ones xD

I have tried to research as much possible to make sure it is within reason. Hope you guys enjoy it.

On a sidenote, please leave some good reviews as some people have started to leave bad reviews that doesn't make sense. Sigh, some people have too much time.

I wish I could make them work for me with no pay, and 16 hours a day like a sweatshop. I'd speak and they would just type, and you folks would get 15-20 chapters a week. But we don't live in a perfect world.

*****

As Edward stepped into the Silver City, the first thing that struck him was the light.

It wasn't the blinding glare of the sun or the artificial glow of flame. It was something more serene—more alive.

The air shimmered with a soft radiance, as if the atmosphere itself was composed of light woven into air, humming with an eternal harmony.

The sky above was endless and bright, yet not empty—angels soared gracefully through it, some alone, some in formation, each carrying out their tasks with solemn grace.

Edward walked slowly, his eyes scanning the golden architecture that towered around him. The buildings looked like palaces carved from crystal and ivory, every corner adorned with artistry beyond comprehension.

Though he had seen many wondrous things in his lifetime, alchemy's miracles, ancient cities, treasures beyond value—nothing had prepared him for this. There was no question now. He was in Heaven.

Beside him, Amenadiel walked with quiet dignity. His silver wings folded behind his back, and every angel that passed them slowed or turned, whispering among themselves as they caught sight of the stranger walking beside one of their own. Some looked curious, others confused. A few looked cautious. But none dared interfere.

"Don't mind them," Amenadiel said gently, sensing Edward's awareness. "Not many mortals walk these halls, and fewer still walk freely."

Edward gave a dry nod, his expression unreadable. "Figured as much."

They continued in silence, walking through a broad corridor flanked by statues of past archangels and heroes of heaven. Then, taking a quieter path away from the more populated structures, Amenadiel led him to a secluded garden nestled behind the palace.

The change in atmosphere was immediate. The city's grandeur fell away, replaced by peace.

Tall trees with silver leaves swayed in the soft breeze. Flowers bloomed in perfect harmony, the colors unlike anything Edward had seen in the mortal realm, deep blues that shimmered like water, golden roses that glowed faintly in the shade. A stream ran through the middle, its surface mirror-like, and birds sang a melody that felt like it belonged to the world's first dawn.

Near the center of the garden, an old man knelt before a hedge, carefully trimming its edges with worn shears. His clothes were simple, a gardener's apron over a tunic as he worked with practiced care, humming softly.

When he noticed them, he looked up, smiled warmly at Edward, and gave him a small nod.

Edward returned the nod out of instinct, though he didn't smile. He wanted to, but couldn't. There was too much on his mind. Too much weighing him down, even in a place like this.

The two passed the gardener without a word and turned a corner bordered by tall hedges. And there, beneath the shade of a flowering tree, HE was waiting.

He looked like someone pulled out of another time, an elegant figure in a tailored British coat from the 1800s, complete with a vest, a walking cane beside him, and a well-fitted top hat resting casually on his knee.

A white mustache graced his upper lip, and his eyes carried the calm weight of a being who had seen the beginning, and perhaps the end of all things. Despite his quiet presence, the air around him carried gravity.

He looked up with a warm smile as they approached. "Thank you, Amenadiel, for bringing him here," the man said, his voice like calm thunder. "You may leave us. And please, tell the others not to disturb us."

Amenadiel bowed deeply, then turned to Edward. "You're in good hands." With that, he walked back into the garden, disappearing beyond the hedge.

The old man turned his gaze to Edward, his eyes filled with calm curiosity. "We have much to discuss, don't we, Edward Elric?"

Edward gave a polite nod. "That we do indeed."

With a graceful gesture, the Presence waved his hand, and in front of Edward, a beautiful chair materialized, crafted from rich oak, carved with patterns of stars and constellations. He hesitated for a second, then sat down slowly, eyes studying the man before him.

"So," Edward said, folding his arms. "You're the big guy running everything, Big P huh? Gotta say, your fashion sense could use some work."

The Presence raised an amused eyebrow, glancing down at his coat. "I thought this looked rather elegant according to human standards." He smiled faintly.

"But we're not here to discuss my choice of fashion, are we? And you can drop the act. I have no intention of harming you. Despite the... ripples you've caused."

Edward exhaled through his nose and looked him straight in the eye. "Then let's get to the point. What do you want from me? Why didn't I die back in my world? Why the hell am I even here? What's my purpose?"

Instead of answering immediately, the Presence chuckled softly. With a flick of his wrist, a golden bottle appeared on the table beside him, along with two glasses. He poured slowly, the liquid within gleaming with a faint shimmer.

"You are quite blunt, Edward Elric. That's something I respect." He set one of the glasses in front of Edward, who merely stared at it. "And you're right to ask. You deserve answers."

Edward leaned forward. "Then give them, please."

"This meeting, It has been foretold," the Presence said, calmly sipping from his own glass.

Edward's brow furrowed. "What do you mean, foretold? That doesn't exactly put a smile on my face."

The Presence laughed. It was rich, full of genuine amusement. "You're far more interesting than I anticipated."

Edward didn't laugh. His stare remained firm, though something in his expression softened.

Edward said finally. " I do not believe in some divine prophecy, not in fate. I've fought my whole life for my choices. They are my own actions."

"And you shall continue to do so," the Presence replied, his voice quiet and firm. "But understanding one's place in the grand plan does not diminish free will. It only makes the weight of choice more significant."

Edward stared at him in silence, then slowly leaned back in his chair. He didn't drink. Not yet.

"Alright," he said finally. "I'm listening."

The garden remained quiet, a divine stillness surrounding them. The birds had gone silent. Even the wind seemed to pause, waiting for what would come next.

The conversation was only beginning.

*****

Edward leaned back in the soft, almost weightless chair that seemed to mold itself to his form, as though made to cradle not just his body but the weariness of his soul. The air here was unlike anything he'd known, quiet, still, but alive in a way beyond comprehension.

A realm of divinity, where the wine in his hand shimmered with a brilliance that danced on the surface like liquid starlight. He sipped it slowly, letting the taste linger, sweet, yet timeless.

He stared at the being before him, not a man despite his looks, but something more. The Presence. The one whose name echoed in the whispers of angels, the prayers of mortals, and the silence between stars.

"So," Edward began softly, his voice filled with curiosity but tinged with something deeper, something fragile, "why am I here?" He looked down at the wine, his thumb slowly running across the curve of the glass.

"I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but... why not someone else? There were many good souls back on Earth who deserved to live more than I." His tone dimmed, almost becoming a whisper at the end.

The Presence looked at him with eyes that seemed to stretch across eternity, eyes that had seen the birth of stars and the fall of worlds. There was no judgement in them, only understanding, and perhaps, a sorrow that could never be fully expressed.

"Why," the Presence said, voice like a calm tide washing over stone, "do you believe that you don't deserve to be saved?"

Edward gave a small, half-hearted shrug, his fingers tightening on the stem of the wine glass. "Never did much good. Never went to church. Didn't have money to make donations. Isn't that the criteria fr good these days?"

A soft chuckle escaped the Presence, low and almost nostalgic. "Yes, those are some of them," he said, his gaze drifting upward, as if remembering something distant. "But you, Edward... you don't come from a world under my authority."

Edward blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, what?"

The Presence continued gently, "I believe you read something about 'world wills' in your past life. During the quiet moments of the night when you read those stories. You remember them, don't you?"

Edward sat up straight, the realization hitting him like a thunderclap. "Wait, so that 'world will' stuff... that's real?! Never knew fanfic authors got that right. So… which world will did my world belong to?"

The Presence's smile was subtle, but genuine. "I don't think you would know her true name. But I believe you may know her other name… Root."

Edward's jaw slackened. He rose to his feet in disbelief. "Wait a minute! Are you saying Root is real? Does that mean..."

"Yes," the Presence nodded, his tone calm, as if such truths were self-evident. "Some of those worlds you read about do exist. Not all, but many. After all, where else do you think mankind draws their inspiration to create such stories?"

The silence that followed was heavy. Edward stood motionless, eyes distant, heart pounding. "So... why didn't my world have magic?" His voice cracked slightly. "I thought we'd have it since it was supposed to be part of… that world."

The Presence's tone shifted, no longer comforting, but solemn. "Because every world reaches its end, no matter how long it may last. Your world did have magic, once. But it became corrupted. Some people found it, hoarded it, and twisted it to suit their own ends. In time, mystery faded. Exploration stopped. And eventually, it was lost to greed."

Edward sat down slowly, his knees suddenly feeling heavy. The chair embraced him again, as though trying to ease his burden.

The Presence continued, "You possessed the soul of Adam, the first human. His spirit began to merge with you after your arrival here. Now, you've fully assimilated with him. But his spirit was still within you before you died."

Edward's hand trembled around the glass. He didn't speak.

"The world will," the Presence went on, "took pity on you as the last human. And she requested I offer you a second chance. There's a cosmic law . Humans, once their world perishes, are no longer allowed to exist under that wills authority. Thus you arrived here."

Edward finally raised the glass again, drinking more deeply this time. He exhaled, eyes still low, voice bitter. "So I was just brought here out of pity, then. Just another poor soul tossed a bone. I'm only alive because of cosmic charity, huh?"

The Presence's expression hardened. His voice, while still calm, carried unmistakable command.

"Raise your head."

Edward looked up, startled by the sudden shift.

"You are not someone who should despair like this, Edward Elric. What happened to your unbreakable will?" His words struck like hammers of truth. "What happened to your desire to protect mankind? You never gave up. You stayed true to your resolve, even with the odds stacked against you. That is a rare thing, even among my creations. You are not someone who should wallow in self-doubt and pity."

For a moment, Edward just sat there. The divine light around them pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat. Then, slowly, a small, sardonic chuckle escaped his lips.

"Hahaha… never thought I'd get motivation from you, of all people." He shook his head. "But what's the point? Me being here is proof that no matter how hard I try... some things can't be changed. I can't change the fate of a child I helped to raise." His voice broke slightly as he spoke.

The Presence leaned forward slightly, his tone turning grave. "That is why we are here, Edward. Because it's time you learned about your purpose."

Edward met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "So… what is my purpose?"

The Presence let out a long breath, as if gathering centuries of thought into a single answer.

"You were brought here to prove that destruction isn't always inevitable. The world you are in, it is one of the worlds fated to be destroyed. It doesn't matter by whose hand. It would end."

Edward's expression tightened, but he said nothing.

"I wanted to see if it was truly beyond redemption," the Presence went on. "The worlds are separated by boundaries. In this universe, they are known as the Source Wall. They do more than keep worlds from colliding—they safeguard the multiverse from a special entity that would consume it all."

Edward's eyes narrowed, tone calm but firm. "You're talking about her, aren't you? Perpetua?"

The Presence nodded slowly, his face grim. "And soon, she shall be free. It is time for another great cleansing. The world you now walk will fall, though not for thousands of years yet. The reason I allowed you to be there... is because I have decided to put my faith in you to save them."

Edward gave a dry laugh, one without humor. "Don't get me wrong, I'm flattered. But I'm pretty weak compared to the other beings in this world. Your sons are much more powerful than me."

The Presence's expression turned weary. There was an exhaustion in his divine features that no mortal could fake.

"It doesn't matter. This was meant to be a cycle of creation and destruction, but something has changed. I believe Perpetua retained her memories after her fall at the hands of the Darkest Knight in her last cycle."

He paused, eyes darkened with concern.

"I do not wish to interfere. But I cannot sit idle and watch her bring absolute destruction to the multiverse. If she touched other world wills, it will mean absolute chaos.The end of Everything."

Edward stared at him in stunned disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me…"

****

The Presence sipped his wine slowly, his ancient eyes reflecting the swirling stars beyond the celestial chamber. Though composed, his voice carried the weight of universes."I know this is a lot to take in," he said gently. "But you must know all of it. Otherwise, this beautiful world… will cease to exist."

Edward stood frozen, his fists clenched at his sides. Every word felt like a hammer blow to his chest. Rage threatened to spill from his throat as he snapped,"What do you expect me to do?! I'm just another human. I can barely save the humans from destroying themselves, let alone the world, or the multiverse. What do I even do in front of such a being?"

The Presence didn't flinch. He met Edward's eyes with calm understanding."Indeed, you can't do much," he acknowledged. "Alone." Then his tone shifted, lighter, hinting at something more. "But what if… you had help?"

Edward blinked, caught off-guard. The frustration gave way to confusion."What do you mean by help? From whom?"

The Presence's lips curled into a small smile, almost proud. "That's the reason I called you here. You see, your previous world will, it gifted you the souls of heroes. But it also gave you something else. Something even more rare."

Edward tilted his head, wary. "What else?"

"You," the Presence said softly, "carry something unlike any other being in creation. Your soul, it does not contain just your own essence. It holds over billions of souls from your old world. All those who perished.They have merged into you, condensed over time, like a crystallized echo of your Earth. That is why you are virtually immortal."

Edward's breath caught in his throat. "Immortal?"

"Not truly," the Presence corrected. "You can die, but only once all those souls have been consumed. Until then, you are a vessel of staggering potential. You carry within you something akin to a world's will. A living memory of a lost realm. You cannot yet harness their power, but if you were to unlock it, combined with my blessing—you could, in theory, defeat Perpetua."

Edward's eyes widened at the name. Before he could respond, the Presence continued.

"But there is a cost. Those billions of souls would be destroyed in the process. Only the heroic souls that accompanied you would remain, if you are lucky."

A silence settled between them, filled only by the soft hum of the galactic void.

"You see," the Presence said with more gravity, "Root allowed me to take you, and those souls, as part of a favor. The cosmic balance is delicate. World-wills are not eternal. There are outer beings, entities that dwell in the void between realities. Creatures of pure chaos. You may know them… from the stories of a man named Lovecraft."

Edward didn't even try to hold back this time. He threw his hands in the air."Oh fuck me! Cthulhu is also real?! This is officially the worst day of my life!"

Despite the ominous topic, the Presence laughed , amusement glinting in his timeless expression.

"As I was saying," he resumed, "I owed Root a favor. So I agreed to help her preserve certain timelines by sending you as our agent. She, in turn, would grant your desire of saving humanity. After all, if the world ends, humanity ends with it."

Edward groaned, dragging his hand over his face as he paced restlessly."So I not only have to save humanity here, but also in that world?! Why is it always about destruction, apocalypse, end of times… why can't I just have a happy and peaceful life for once?!"

The Presence's voice softened. "I know. It is a great burden. And I would accept it if you chose not to carry it. You can live the rest of your life in peace, as you wish. Forget all of this. But…" He paused, eyes narrowing slightly, "I have a feeling that you are not the kind of person to do that."

Edward let out a long sigh and looked up. Above him, stars twinkled, nebulas swirled, and entire galaxies drifted lazily in the endless expanse. He stood still, the weight of reality pressing against his chest like a vice.

"You know," he muttered, "I hate that you can read me like that. Who the hell would say no… when they know they're the only one who can save everyone? Knowing if they say no, everything would end. Specially after seeing it all fall apart once already…"

The Presence looked down, almost guilty."Many would. You owe nothing to anyone, Edward. You could have used your powers for yourself. You carry within you my gift of miracle, after all. But you chose the harder path. Something bigger than yourself. And I am glad… to see the man you've become."

He paused, and his voice became more solemn. "If there is anything I can grant within reason, without breaking the natural order, I will."

Edward shook his head, offering a bitter smile."You already know I won't ask for anything. Nothing I want would stay within your 'order'. And anything within the order… I don't want."

The Presence gave a long sigh, a trace of regret in his expression."You know… Yeshua, too, has his destiny. Despite what humans make of him after his ascent, his existence brings hope. Just like yours does."

Edward turned away, voice hollow. "Is there truly… no other way?"

The Presence looked toward the stars. "I'm afraid not. There are cosmic rules for a reason. Without order, chaos would reign. Even those gods you slayed, flawed as they may be—represent balance. But this world… there is no longer a connection to the sphere of gods."

That caught Edward's attention. His brows lifted sharply."So that's why they felt so weak. I knew something was wrong. They're avatars, manifestations. Their real forms must be bound to the sphere. But they didn't do anything when I killed their avatars ."

The Presence nodded. "And they severed that connection… because of you."

Edward blinked. "Me?"

The Presence smiled faintly, then let out a low chuckle."Why do you think they did it? When a human possesses the power to undo gods, even if it is difficult, their entire existence becomes threatened. If their true forms were slain, they'd vanish forever. So they did what any survival-driven being would do, they withdrew."

Edward's hands curled into fists again. "And I suppose they whined to you?"

"They did," the Presence said with a sigh. "In fact, they demanded their own realm, a timeline where they could rule freely. I permitted it. On one condition: if their avatars perish in this world… they lose the right to return."

Edward's jaw tightened. "Can I go there and kill them? Specially Poseidon, Zeus and .....Odin."

The Presence gave him a disapproving look. "If you killed their true forms, the consequences would be catastrophic. Their divine authorities are tied to the fabric of this world. Slay the original Poseidon, and entire oceans would rise. The flood would wipe out most of humanity. They are necessary, Edward. For now."

Edward growled through gritted teeth. "So even if I save this world, they just come back later and continue their tyranny?"

The Presence shook his head firmly. "No. As I said, they severed their connection. That was their decision. If their avatars fall, their ties to this world vanish. Forever."

Edward scoffed. "Some consolation, at least. And what about other things? I can change them, right? The Crusades, World Wars… hell, I might even kill the Pope and some presidents if I feel like it."

The Presence raised a hand. "This is the only time I'll ask you to restrain yourself. Yeshua's death must happen. It catalyzes humanity's evolution. I can't reveal all the reasons, but everything has a purpose, even the most tragic parts."

Edward cracked his knuckles, frustration pulsing in every word. "That does not make it better. And what about the Endless?"

The Presence raised a curious brow. "What about them?"

Edward leaned forward. "If I help any of them… does that change anything? They can be a great asset for the war to come."

The Presence gave the question its due thought before answering. "You can help them. I have ensured that you remain unaffected by the cosmic rules binding them. But don't mistake that freedom. You are still part of the balance. You can't act without consequence. Which is why…"

He paused, locking eyes with Edward.

"I will grant you something special."

Edward lifted his brow in cautious curiosity. "Oh? A special gift from the big man himself? What is it? This should be interesting."

****

As the divine garden shimmered with ethereal stillness, the Presence's calm chuckle echoed gently. With a simple gesture of his hand, a soft, radiant white orb appeared and drifted forward.

It floated gracefully toward Edward, who instinctively stepped back, unsure of its nature. But the orb showed no malice, it merely hovered in front of him before gently phasing into his chest.

Edward gasped softly as a warm, calming sensation spread through his body. It wasn't painful. Rather, it felt like a wave of peace had washed over him, like a quiet reassurance in the darkest hour.

His eyes narrowed slightly, his expression caught between curiosity and wariness. "What did you give me?" he asked, his tone more measured .

The Presence smiled in that same calm, timeless way, his voice rich with ancient wisdom. "I gave you the universal embodiment of Hope. No matter the situation, you will never lose hope. Your existence shall radiate it—to people, to animals, to even the smallest forms of life. Every world is born from one thing, Edward: hope. The hope to witness, to create, to feel something greater. And now, you carry that. Use it wisely."

Edward blinked slowly, absorbing the words. He felt something, more than just warmth. It was subtle, but unmistakable. A quiet resolve forming deep within.

"So… I've become like the Endless now?" he asked, half-joking but still seeking clarity.

The Presence shook his head gently, adjusting the lapel of his old British coat. "No. The Endless are fundamental forces. They are bound to their roles, to their functions. But you, Edward, are something beyond them.

You don't carry their obligations or restrictions. You are a vessel of Hope , free to choose your path. This is my gift to you. A fair compensation, I would hope, for the burdens you've already carried, and the ones still to come."

Edward tilted his head slightly and gave a faint shrug, "Didn't expect anything when I came here, but I got a free gift, so it's not all bad. It might sound lackluster compared to some cosmic force or godlike power, but it's… enough. It's all I need."

The Presence looked at him with something bordering on admiration. "That's a rare sentiment. If there's more you wish to ask, I am here. So long as it lies within my ability, I will answer."

Edward nodded and shifted his weight, expression turning more serious. "You said I have to be your and Root's agent. What does that actually mean?"

The air stilled for a brief moment, as though the garden itself was listening. The Presence replied calmly, "It's not as heavy as it sounds. You'll be summoned to various branches of reality—fractured timelines teetering on the brink of collapse. Worlds on the verge of extinction or about to spiral into irreversible destruction. Your role will be to intervene, to stop the chain reaction before it consumes everything."

Edward frowned slightly, arms crossed. "So, I'll be thrown into dying timelines, play the role of a savior, then what? Come back here?"

The Presence chuckled softly, "Something like that. You won't be able to use any of the powers native to my domain, but I suspect Root may grant you certain… advantages. You used to be one of her children, after all."

Edward arched a brow. "And if I die?"

"With your strength, that's unlikely," the Presence said with a knowing smile. "But if it were to happen, your essence would simply return to the world unharmed. Nothing more, nothing less."

Edward sighed, running a hand through his blond hair. "Figures. Can't be anything simple with cosmic deities involved."

He paused, then asked with genuine curiosity, "This world I'm in, what Earth is it? Doesn't feel like any timeline I've seen. Feels too… mixed up."

The Presence leaned back slightly on his stone bench, watching the birds fly above them in perfect harmony. "Because it is not any Earth you've known. It's a newborn world, one forged under the influence of chaos leaking from the cage."

Edward narrowed his eyes. "That cage?"

"Another conversation for another time," the Presence said calmly. "For now, understand that this Earth is an anomaly, a product of both design and accident. A canvas not yet fully painted. And now, you hold the brush."

Edward paced a step and looked down thoughtfully, "And my actions, if I change events, disrupt timelines and natural order, what happens then? "

"You're free to act as you see fit," the Presence said firmly. "Unless your choices would harm or destroy the world entirely, I will not intervene. Rule a kingdom, live quietly, fight wars… the path is yours. Just know the responsibility you hold is heavy.."

Edward nodded slowly, internalizing every word. "And about this Hope thing… how do I use it? I don't feel different."

The Presence gave him a small, knowing smile. "You'll know when the time comes. Trust yourself. But never forget, Edward Elric: you are important. Your existence matters. Your actions matter. Even the smallest of them. You've already changed countless lives, even if you couldn't save everyone."

There was silence for a moment. The soft rustle of wind through the leaves filled the air. Edward looked at the grass beneath his feet and exhaled deeply.

"You can't save everyone, huh?" he muttered.

The Presence's voice was firm, but kind. "No. But be content with those you did save. Light cannot exist without darkness. Hope cannot exist without despair. Life cannot exist without death. Balance is everything."

Edward sighed," So, where do I go next from here?"

The Presence spoke gently,"Golgotha. I would allow you to meet him one last time. Much time has passed by since you came here, it is almost the promised day."

Edward's eyes widened but he steeled his heart to face it.

He stood up and stretched, his body still carrying the heaviness of the conversation despite the warmth inside. "Alright, then. Can't say I've enjoyed this whole thing, being thrust into destruction and existential crisis and all that, but… thank you."

The Presence smiled, his tone almost amused, "Despite your cynicism, Hope rather suits you, Edward Elric. It is I who should thank you, for carrying this burden, even when you had no reason to."

Edward gave a half wave, already turning to leave. "Thanks, Big P. I hope so too. And maybe… try patching things up with Lucy. He's one of those tsundere types. Acts like he hates you, but really just wants to be acknowledged."

The Presence let out a rare, honest laugh, but didn't respond. His eyes followed Edward as he vanished from the garden, his form fading gently, returning from heaven to earth.

The garden remained silent for a long moment, until the quiet sound of footsteps approached. The old gardener, dressed simply with a kind face and dirt-stained gloves, stepped forward.

"You seem to be in a good mood, my lord," he remarked casually, trimming a nearby rose.

The Presence turned his gaze toward him, a smile still playing on his lips. "Yes," he said quietly. "I suppose I am, Joshua. It's been a while since I gave something… without being asked for it."

The old gardener tilted his head. "You think he'll make a difference? That's an interesting power you have given him. "

"I do," the Presence replied. His eyes gazed out toward the shimmering horizon of heaven, the endless light beyond. "That man… he might be the savior this world needs. Sometimes, you just have to put faith in your children."

And with that, the garden fell back into its still serenity. The old gardener resumed his quiet work. The Presence simply sat, watching the breeze ripple through the leaves, a peaceful smile lingering on his face, for the first time in eons.

Far below, on Earth, Edward appeared near a mountain. He fell down on his knees, as he felt his body convulsing and adjusting to the new powers granted to him, by the Presence himself. The power of Hope coursing through his veins. It wasn't something he could command properly, yet. But in time, he would learn to do so.

For the final battle with the fate of the world rests on his shoulder.

But for now, he has to say a goodbye .