Hearing the hoarse yet gentle voice of his father who was ready to leave, Arken could hold himself back no longer. He immediately loosened his embrace on Kazien's neck.
"Please let me go, Brother." Arken requested softly.
Kazien nodded in understanding. He released Arken.
Without wasting a single second, Arken ran and rushed toward Borris. He hugged his father's body, which was now an undead, very tightly. He buried his face in his father's cloak, trying to find the warmth he always used to feel, even though the body now felt cold and stiff.
"Father..." Arken sobbed. His crying broke out again, louder as he felt Borris's cold hand returning his hug and stroking his small back.
Even though he had become an undead, a creature that supposedly had no emotions, the remnants of Borris's human soul, strong due to his love for his son, made him shed tears. The clear liquid flowed down his pale cheeks.
"Arken, my dear son..." Borris whispered, his voice trembling to hold back the sorrow of parting. "Don't cry anymore. You must be strong. Continue your life with your head held high! I am sure, very sure, you can definitely become a great and tough person in the future."
In his father's embrace, Arken nodded haltingly while continuing to cry. "I-I... I will try..."
Borris released his hug slightly so he could look at his son's face for the last time. His cold hands cupped Arken's cheeks.
"I love you very much, Arken! More than my own life," Borris said earnestly. "Take good care of yourself. Be polite and kind to your new family. Don't cause trouble for Young Master Kazien, okay?"
Arken looked into his father's eyes, which were now shining dimly. There was one question stuck in his heart.
"Father... why can you feel so sure about him?" Arken asked while glancing briefly at Kazien. "He killed you... why can you trust me to him?"
Borris gave a faint smile, a calming smile.
"Since becoming an undead under the influence of his magic, I have been bound to his soul and feelings. I can feel Master Kazien's feelings, son." Borris explained gently. "He is not evil. His heart is full of burdens and responsibilities. I can sense that he is very sincere towards you. He also deeply, deeply regrets this incident. His regret is real, Arken. And his oath earlier... that was not empty talk."
Borris wiped the tears on Arken's cheek with his cold thumb.
"I am sure you will definitely be happy with them. The Altavis family will give you a future that I cannot provide. Love your new family sincerely, just as you love me. Do you understand?"
Arken looked deep into his father's eyes, then nodded firmly. "I understand, Father. I will obey your advice."
Feeling his duty as a father was complete, Borris straightened his body. He lowered his hands from his son's face, then looked straight at Kazien standing not far from them.
Kazien returned the gaze with a respectful nod. He understood the meaning of that look. Borris was ready. The time had come.
"Young Master..." said Borris in a formal yet respectful tone like a loyal subordinate. "There is one more thing I must convey. Tonight, Zeto will visit here to meet you."
Hearing that name, Kazien's expression changed slightly, but he immediately composed himself. "Yes, I understand. I will certainly welcome his arrival properly. Thank you for the information."
Kazien then stepped forward approaching Borris. "Are you ready, Borris?"
Borris took a deep breath, as if inhaling the air of life for the last time. "I am ready, Master! Please send me home."
Kazien raised his right hand. Pure white mana began to gather in his palm, different from the black necromancy mana. This was purification magic.
"Very well. Rest in peace, Borris."
Kazien began the ritual to cancel his necromancy contract. His lips chanted an ancient spell that sounded like a lullaby.
"Release. Return to dust, soul to the stars!"
Magic activated!
Wuuuung!
After the magic was active, a pillar of very bright and warm white light appeared enveloping Borris's body. The light was not painful; instead, it felt peaceful. Slowly, the dark aura of death faded, replaced by particles of light. The pale skin on Borris's body began to peel away, turning into stardust floating in the air.
"Arken..." Borris's voice echoed, as if coming from a place far away yet close to the heart. "I love you very much... Goodbye."
Arken could only watch his father's departure while crying. His tears continued to flow heavily wetting his cheeks, but he restrained himself from running to hug the light so as not to disturb the process.
Feeling that time was running out and not wanting to waste the remaining moments before his father's form truly vanished, Arken gathered all his strength and shouted loudly, delivering his final oath.
"Father!!!" Arken shouted, his voice breaking the silence of the ritual.
"I will live as you wished! I swear I will become a son you can be proud of! Watch me from there, Father! I will definitely become a great person! I will become strong, even stronger than you!"
Arken's breath hitched, but he wasn't finished.
"Father, thank you for taking care of me since I was little! Thank you for being the best father! I love you very much!"
Amidst the blinding pillar of light, Borris's face could faintly be seen smiling broadly. It was the happiest smile, full of pride and eternal peace. His burden had been lifted.
Thank you, Master Kazien. I entrust my son to you. whispered Borris's final inner voice.
And not long after, the pillar of light dimmed. The undead body that had stood gallantly collapsed, completely turning into a pile of glowing white ash on the floor.
Silence enveloped the room. Borris was gone.
"Father..."
Arken approached the pile of his father's ashes with unsteady steps. His small hand reached out, wanting to touch and pick up the remains of the person he loved most.
"Don't, Arken!"
Swiftly, Kazien held Arken's wrist before he touched the pile.
"Don't touch your father's ashes directly!" Kazien said firmly but with concern. "Your hand will get burned. That is not ordinary ash; it is the residue of pure mana combustion. The ash is still very hot! I don't want you to get hurt even a little!"
Arken jolted in surprise, then pulled his hand back. He stared at the ash with a sorrowful gaze. He didn't pick up the ash on the floor surface.
Kazien sighed in relief seeing Arken obey. He then took control of the situation.
"Arken, please step back a little." Kazien ordered gently.
Kazien pointed his finger. With very fine control, he used his wind magic. A gentle breeze swirled around the pile of ash, lifting it slowly without a single grain scattering.
At the same time, Kazien's left hand used his creation magic.
Clink!
A beautiful ceramic urn carved with the name 'Borris' appeared on the ceramic floor.
And then, Kazien directed the floating ash neatly into the urn, then sealed it tightly.
Not stopping there, Kazien also created an elegant jet-black wooden coffin with silver ornaments. He placed the urn full of ashes into the coffin with full respect.
Kazien turned to look at Arken, then patted the boy's shoulder.
"When we arrive at the Altavis territory later, I will bury your father's ashes properly in the family cemetery or the most beautiful place there. We will make a monument for him."
Arken wiped his remaining tears with the back of his hand. He looked at Kazien no longer as his father's killer, but as his brother.
"Yes... Brother!" Arken answered quietly but sincerely.
The call 'Brother' sounded so sweet in Kazien's ears, marking a new beginning for both of them.