Aliyah's eyes filled with gratitude as she looked at the young boy's back, "Thank you, Rio. Thank you for showing mercy."
The onlookers, still in shock from the recent revelation, began to murmur among themselves. The atmosphere remained thick with tension, as the unexpected outcome left many questioning the future.
As Rio turned his back on the old man, he felt a mixture of emotions churning within him. The path he had chosen was not an easy one, but he knew it was the right decision. The blue-haired lady's intervention and Aliyah's plea for mercy had given him the strength to choose a path that transcended vengeance and hatred.
With the battle now over, Rio's thoughts turned to Layla, who remained trapped within the silver cage.
The boy approached the cage and his previously angry and icy eyes softened. The onlookers, who had witnessed the epic battle, now watched in awe as the young hero prepared to free the one he loved, for whom he had caused such destruction.
As Rio neared Layla, he reached out to the cage, which was formed from a rare beast soul that belonged to the old man. With a swift motion, he shattered the cage using his bare hand. The old man, caught off guard, could only stare in shock, unable to react.
The cage shattered like shimmering glass and dissolved, freeing Layla from her confinement. She rushed into Rio's arms, tears of relief and joy streaming down her face.
As they hugged each other with happy smiles on their faces, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, celebrating the victory of the young boy who had defied all odds. In that moment, Rio had not only defeated one of the strongest people in the human world but had also demonstrated the power of mercy and compassion.
"Did you see that? Lord Havenglow finally got what he deserved, but Young Master Rio didn't kill him. What a hero!"
"I'm telling you, we just witnessed the birth of a new legend right here!"
"I knew it! Young Master Rio is the true heir of the Havenglow family. The bloodline is strong with this one."
"Man, that was intense. But with Young Master Rio in charge, the Havenglow family will be unstoppable!"
"I have a feeling that the Havenglow family is gonna be stronger than ever under Young Master Rio's guidance."
"Today is the beginning of a new era for the Havenglow family, and I can't wait to see what Young Master Rio does next."
The Red-stage warriors excitedly discussed the true heir of the Havenglow family and the hero's child, as they watched the duo embrace each other with overwhelming joy. However, they were unaware that Rio did not prioritize the Havenglow family and would rather spend his time in the land of Asura, his true home.
As Rio and Layla stood there, wrapped in each other's love and surrounded by the admiration of the onlookers, they knew that they had triumphed over the darkness that had sought to tear them apart. They no longer had to fear anyone who might come between them, for the boy had already shattered the strongest obstacle in their path that day.
Layla couldn't help but think that she and Rio were destined to be together since their birth.
Their story had begun even before their first meeting. She was amazed to realize that the boy her biological mother had chosen for her was the same boy she had saved from bullying when they were just children.
Was it all her mother's plan from the heavens?
She felt immense gratitude towards her mother for bringing Rio into her life, even though when she was little, she didn't know what the future held for them.
Gently taking Layla's hand, Rio summoned his newly hatched beast soul from his mind sea. When Amirah had kissed his forehead earlier, not only had his Mana Heart awakened, but the mysterious egg had hatched as well, providing him with a mount.
In front of them materialized Cloudgrace, an ancient and rare griffin with a regal bearing.
Cloudgrace's majestic appearance was awe-inspiring, its feathers shimmering in a myriad of colors as it spread its enormous wings. Its body resembled a lion's, but its head was that of an eagle, with piercing eyes that conveyed wisdom and power.
This magnificent creature was once known as the Empress of all flying beasts and was revered for its grace, power, and unparalleled agility in the skies and on the land.
With Layla in his embrace, Rio climbed onto Cloudgrace's broad and sturdy back. The majestic creature responded to his touch, unfurling its wings with a loud flapping sound, and taking flight with a powerful thrust, accompanied by the echoing cry of a griffin.
Together, they soared away from Haven Island, leaving the chaos behind them. Neither Rio nor Layla spoke, still processing the recent revelations, but they found solace in each other's presence as they embarked on their journey to return home, carried by the legendary griffin whose wings flapped loudly as it ascended higher and higher into the sky.
As Rio and Layla soared into the sky, the old man, Ambrose Havenglow, gazed upon their retreating forms.
Overwhelmed by a torrent of regret and sorrow, he cried out in anguish, "Don't go! Kill me... Punish me for what I have done!" His anguished sobs wracked his injured frame, tears streaming down his face like a relentless river.
The pain of his actions weighed heavily upon him, a burden he couldn't bear to carry any longer.
Aliyah looked at her father with a mixture of pity and sadness, witnessing the aftermath of the chaos he had wrought.
Her hand began to glow with a soothing white light, and she gently placed it on her father's head. As the calming energy enveloped him, Ambrose Havenglow slowly drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.
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Edited By: TheWhiteSnow
