Chapter 390: Chapter 391 : One Last Goodbye (1)

Holographic screens shimmered into existence across the Avaloria Empire.

They appeared everywhere.

In crowded city squares where celebrations were already underway.

In quiet village markets lit by lanterns and firelight.

Inside noble estates, military halls, and royal banquet chambers filled with music, wine, and laughter.

The sky itself seemed to awaken as towering projections lit up the night, all showing the same image.

Alex Dragonheart.

He stood on the grand balcony of the imperial palace, high above the capital, his cloak flowing in the wind. Behind him, stars glittered like silent witnesses. His posture was tall and proud, yet his eyes carried a heavy, carefully crafted sadness.

For a heartbeat, the entire empire fell silent.

Then the world exploded.

“LONG LIVE THE HERO KING ALEX DRAGONHEART!”

The roar shook cities.

Cheers crashed like thunder waves, rolling from street to street, from mountain outposts to coastal ports. Names and titles poured out of the people’s mouths in wild devotion.

“Savior of the world!”

“Dragon Slayer Supreme!”

“Lightbringer of Avaloria!”

“Eternal Guardian!”

“Unbreakable Shield of the Empire!”

“ONE TRUE KING! THE HERO KING!”

Fireworks erupted over the capital. Wine spilled as people leapt onto tables. Musicians froze mid-song, staring at the sky in awe.

Alex slowly raised his hands.

The cheers grew louder.

Only when the sound reached its peak did he lower them again.

The empire quieted, hanging on his every movement.

He inhaled deeply.

When he spoke, his voice echoed through every hologram, clear and emotional, cracking just enough to feel real.

“My beloved people of Avaloria… my brothers and sisters.”

His voice trembled. Tears shimmered in his eyes, captured perfectly by the projections. He lifted a hand and wiped them away, fingers shaking.

“From the moment I first lifted my blade against the darkness that threatened our homes, it has been the greatest honor of my life to serve you.”

Crowds leaned closer. Some already cried.

“Every dragon I slew. Every cult we destroyed. Every dawn I fought to bring back to this world… I did it for you.”

His gaze swept across the horizon, as if he could truly see them all.

“For your smiles. For your children’s laughter. For futures untouched by fear.”

His voice lowered.

“I gave my blood. I gave my strength. I gave my soul… to stand as your shield.”

He bowed his head.

“And now… it pains me more than any wound I have ever suffered.”

A soft, broken sound escaped his throat. Across the empire, hearts clenched.

“The final battle came with a cost none of us could foresee.”

Gasps spread like wildfire.

“An ancient curse now binds me.”

The air felt heavier.

“In moments, everything I have done… every victory, every legend… will fade from your memories.”

Silence.

“You will forget me.”

The words hit like a blade.

“It will be as if Alex Dragonheart never existed.”

Cries erupted.

“No!”

“That can’t be true!”

“Please!”

Alex closed his eyes.

“This curse exists to protect you. One last time, I pay the price so Avaloria may live in peace.”

His voice softened.

“For me… it was not suffering.”

He smiled faintly.

“It was the pinnacle of my existence to serve you.”

Tears streamed openly now across the empire.

“Live well, my people. Protect one another. Carry the light I fought for.”

The reaction was instant and devastating.

In the capital square, elders collapsed to their knees, clutching their chests as tears poured freely.

Children screamed and cried, reaching toward the sky.

“Don’t go!”

“Please don’t leave us!”

monarchs of the other nations who was now also enjoying the banquet froze before their screens. The Elven King slammed his fist onto the wall.

“Impossible!”

Other rulers also stared in horror, unable to speak.

Inside the imperial palace hall, Serena covered her mouth with trembling hands.

“So Alicia was telling the truth huh….Alex”

Beside her, Reynard gripped the hilt of his sword so tightly his knuckles turned white.

“A curse that erases him… after everything? What about Alicia?!”

As Serena said, “Don’t worry. Alicia has already told all about this. The kid has promised Alicia, so he will come back after finishing whatever he’s going to do.”

“I have faith in him.”

Reynard became silent and simply nodded his head in defeat.

As he said.” I just hope you’re right.”

Elsewhere, more screens flickered.

Ava whispered, her voice hollow, “What is he saying?”

Seraphina’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“He’ll be erased from history…?”

Draven punched the wall with a snarl.

“This is madness!”

But Lily…

Sweet, fierce Lily collapsed against the stone wall, sliding down as tears spilled uncontrollably.

“No… Alex… not you too…”

On the balcony, Alex stood perfectly still.

Tears streamed down his face as he played his role to perfection.

“It was a pleasure to serve you,” he said softly.

Inside his mind, relief washed over him.

’Phew… that’s a load off my mind. Now the whole world knows.’

Below, the empire broke apart in grief.

Some screamed his name in desperation.

“Alex!”

“Alex Dragonheart!”

Others sobbed openly, clinging to loved ones.

“We won’t forget you!”

“Thankyou for everything!”

Alex straightened.

His voice hardened, steady and final.

“Fear not.”

The words cut through the chaos.

“I name Lucas Evans Avaloria as your new king.”

Murmurs rippled across the crowds.

“He has signed a mana contract that binds him to serve you loyally, with every fiber of his being.”

Alex raised his chin.

“Place your faith in him now, as you once placed it in me.”

He paused.

“Long live Avaloria.”

The holograms flickered.

Cheers mixed with sobs.

As the light slowly dimmed, celebration and heartbreak collided across the empire.

And above it all, the shadow of the curse loomed closer.

Before another cheer could rise, before another tear could fall…

The soldiers moved.

Thousands of elite troops lined before the imperial palace moved as one.

Steel boots struck marble in perfect unison.

Bang.

Every soldier slammed their clenched fist against their chest, right over their heart.

The sound echoed like thunder.

Then, as one single body, the army of Avaloria bowed.

Deep.

Absolute.

At the very front stood Erwin, Commander of the Shadow Guards. His armor gleamed under the palace lights, but his face was wet with tears he made no effort to hide.

He struck his fist to his heart and bowed lower than all others.

Behind him, banners dipped. Weapons lowered. Helmets tilted down.

Every soldier’s eyes shimmered.

Then the shout came.

Not from one voice.

But from all of them.

“It was our pleasure to serve you!”

The cry tore through the night.

“Thank you for everything you have done for us!”

Voices cracked. Throats burned.

“For you shall always be the one true king who saved us in our darkest times!”

Their fists struck their hearts again.

“LONG LIVE ALEX DRAGONHEART!”

The sound rolled outward.

Across the empire, people froze.

Then, as if the world itself had agreed…

They followed.

In city squares, civilians placed trembling hands over their hearts and bowed.

In villages, farmers removed their hats and knelt in the dirt.

In taverns, drunkards sobered instantly and lowered their heads.

In noble halls, lords and ladies stood, fists to hearts, eyes wet.

In temples, priests halted their prayers and bowed in silence.

All of Avaloria bowed.

Alex stood on the balcony, stunned for just a fraction of a second.

Then…

He smiled.

A real smile.

“It was my pleasure,” he said softly.

The words carried, gentle but firm.

Behind him, chaos erupted inside the palace.

Monarchs of the other nations also rushed forward, robes flowing, guards scrambling to keep up. They surrounded alex in a tight circle, voices overlapping.

As suddely all of the rulers voice came saying..including Thalion the elven king.

“What are you saying alex.?!”

“A curse that erases your existence?”

“Why were we not told?!”

Lucas stood frozen, his face pale.

“I… I don’t know,” he said honestly. “He didn’t tell me any of this.”

Before anyone could speak again, footsteps echoed.

Alex walked toward them.

The room fell silent instantly.

Every monarch turned, faces filled with confusion and disbelief.

Just as one of them opened their mouth—

Alex spoke first.

“I’m not in the mood to answer questions right now.”

His tone was calm. Final.

“What I said was the truth. That’s all there is to it.”

He glanced across them.

“If you really want answers, ask Zarvok later.”

The name alone shut them up.

Slowly, one by one, they nodded.

Alex turned to Lucas.

Lucas straightened instinctively.

“I’m leaving in a few hours,” Alex said. “From now on, you are the king. Take care of the nation.”

Lucas swallowed hard.

Then he stepped forward.

He placed his fist over his heart.

And bowed.

Deeply.

“Thank you,” Lucas said, voice shaking. “For everything you’ve done for us. I… and the Empire of Avaloria… will forever be grateful.”

The monarchs exchanged glances.

Then, one by one, they followed.

Each bowed.

“You saved our people.”

“You saved our nations.”

“We will never forget this debt.”

Alex smirked.

“Of course you should be grateful.”

For a heartbeat, there was silence.

Then smiles broke out.

Thalion smirked, crossing his arms even now, arrogance unshaken.

“Still arrogant, even at a time like this.”

Alex laughed.

“I was born with that attitude.”

The tension broke.

Alex stepped back.

“So,” he said lightly, “goodbye. Take care of the world while I’m gone, okay?”

They nodded.

Alex turned and walked away.

Back toward his chambers.

Down the quiet corridor, he stopped.

Seraphina stood there.

So did Ethan, Draven, Ava, Alden, Alyssa.

They were waiting.

Alex looked at them, eyes softening.

“Looks like,” he said gently, “I still have one last goodbye to say.”

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