The crisis was averted. The Hero was gone. The world was safe.
Ren sat on the balcony of the highest tower. His burns were healed by holy magic, but he felt tired.
[Mission Complete, Host! You achieved a Happy Ending. The world will not be destroyed. Malphas will rule peacefully.]
"When do I leave?" Ren asked quietly.
[Usually, immediately after the ending is secured. But I can give you one hour to say goodbye.]
Ren looked at the sunset. One hour. It wasn't enough.
Malphas walked onto the balcony, carrying two glasses of wine. "Ren? You look sad. Did the wounds hurt?"
"No," Ren smiled. He took a glass. "Just thinking."
"About what?"
"About how you're actually a softie," Ren teased. "And that you snore."
Malphas blushed. "I do not snore!"
"You do. Like a tractor."
They sat in silence, watching the purple moon rise.
"Malphas," Ren started. "If... if one day I had to go somewhere far away... would you be okay?"
Malphas gripped his glass. "I would burn the world to find you."
"Don't," Ren turned and kissed him. It was a soft, lingering kiss. "Promise me you will live well. Rule this kingdom. Be a good King. Don't let the past haunt you."
Malphas looked into Ren's eyes. He sensed something was wrong. "Ren? What are you saying?"
"I'm saying," Ren stood up. His body was starting to glow with golden light. The extraction process had begun. "Thank you for the adventure."
"Ren!" Malphas stood up, panic in his voice. He reached out to grab Ren, but his hands passed through the light. "No! Don't leave me! I command you to stay!"
"Bye, Malphas," Ren whispered, his form fading. "Find someone who makes you smile. Maybe a cat. Get a cat."
"RENNNN!"
The light vanished.
Malphas was left alone on the balcony. The wine glass shattered on the floor.
He fell to his knees, screaming at the moon. He had lost his lover again.
But this time... he knew it wasn't a tragedy. It was a promise.
He wouldn't destroy the world. He would build a garden. A garden of white flowers, just for Ren.
[Mission 1 Complete. Points: 10,000. Returning to System Space.]
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Arc 2: The Enigma's Guide Setting: Interstellar Future / Guide Verse Villain: General Kael (S-Class Enigma, known as the 'Mad Dog'). Original Plot: The Guide (MC) fails to calm the Enigma, leading to a rampage that destroys the starship. Mission: Successfully guide the Enigma without dying. Dynamic: Enigma x Enigma (Hidden trait).