Chapter 82: Inheriting Will and the Light Left Behind
Unsteady Resolve After the Battle with NEURON
After the intense battle with NEURON, the colony once again returned to its peaceful silence. The fight left no trace of damage, thanks to ADAM’s protective measures, and people continued their daily routines, unaware of what had transpired. However, for Loki and his comrades, Noah’s sacrifice was deeply imprinted in their hearts. Gripping Excalibur tightly, Loki remembered the image of his former ally, Noah.
“Noah, we’ll protect the future you left behind,” Loki said, his words heavy with determination. The light body hovered gently nearby, radiating a soft glow, as if Noah’s warmth remained with them.
Reunion with ADAM
Loki and his friends walked along the quiet paths of the colony, heading once more toward ADAM’s location. The battle with NEURON was over, and they had decided to seek guidance from ADAM again. ADAM’s familiar gaze met them calmly.
“That was an incredible achievement. You have honored Noah’s will beautifully,” ADAM said in a composed, yet appreciative tone. While ADAM began to speak about the power of Excalibur and the significance of Noah’s sacrifice, it was clear that the deeper discussion would be saved for another time.
Noah’s Death in the Real World and the Light Body’s Resolve
In that moment, the light body sensed a shift in the real world. It floated upwards, feeling the sudden chill in the air. It was as if Noah’s body, which had been afflicted with a mysterious sleeping sickness, had reached its final moment.
As Noah’s frail body lay in the quiet hospital room, the sound of the life-support machine ceased, and his presence faded away. The light body absorbed this change entirely, feeling the profound sadness as if witnessing Noah’s final moments.
“Noah… we will carry on your will,” the light body whispered softly, intensifying its glow just a bit. Standing alongside his companions in front of ADAM, it made a solemn vow to inherit Noah’s legacy.
Eve’s Song: What Was Lost and the Hope That Remained
Meanwhile, Eve’s voice resonated throughout the city. Her image appeared on large screens across commercial buildings, her song merging gently with the city’s everyday noise. On TV programs and outdoor displays, her melody echoed, seemingly conveying the sorrow of Noah’s death and the hope he had left behind.
“We will never forget Noah’s sacrifice…” Her song played during quiet moments in people’s lives, sparking a subtle, poignant emotion. For Loki and his companions, Eve’s voice became a source of encouragement and a call to the next adventure.
The Light Body’s Memories: Days with Noah and Peeko
After the conversation with ADAM, the light body found itself flooded with memories of Noah. Calm days spent in the garden and playful moments with Peeko warmed its core.
Study Sessions and Noah’s Teachings
In the wide garden, Noah would teach both the light body and Peeko. Hovering gently, the light body absorbed every lesson, while Peeko, eager to learn, would respond in broken phrases, “Understand! More!” Noah patiently answered each question, nurturing the light body’s thirst for knowledge.
“Knowledge is the key to shaping the future.” Those words from Noah remained etched in the light body’s essence, a lesson never to be forgotten. Peeko, too, nodded with innocent enthusiasm, seemingly grasping the significance.
Artifact Exploration and Nighttime Research
The “Mysterious Ancient Artifact” Peeko acquired at the auction had ignited their curiosity. Noah carefully examined its inscriptions, tracing them repeatedly as he attempted to decipher its secrets. The light body and Peeko hovered around him, watching intently.
“This artifact might hold the power to shape our future.” Noah’s words filled them with hope and courage. They continued their investigation until dawn, surrounded by scattered notes and hand-drawn diagrams—evidence of their discoveries.
Moments of Play and Friendship
In the twilight garden, the light body, Peeko, and Noah would chase each other, floating freely as they played. The light body took the lead while Peeko, laughing, called out, “Wait, wait!” in his broken speech. Noah followed with a smile, the sound of their laughter echoing in the golden light of sunset.
As night fell, the three of them hovered together, gazing up at the stars. Noah spoke of future possibilities, saying softly, “Our lives are fleeting, but the light we leave will remain in someone’s heart forever.” Those words resonated deeply within the light body, while Peeko echoed gently, “Always… together.”
As the light body’s recollection ended, a new determination sparked within its glow. Every lesson and memory from Noah became a source of strength, fueling the hope for the future.
“Noah… we won’t let your teachings go to waste. We will carve out the future.” The light body, alongside Loki and the others, faced forward with renewed resolve, ready for the challenges ahead.