A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 1271  After So Many Years

Talilaʼs smile grew wider with happiness as she stared at the red gem that matched the color of her eyes. Emotion swelled within her, and without a momentʼs hesitation, she threw her arms around Archer, wrapping him in a tight, joy-filled embrace.

He suddenly lifted the beautiful elf effortlessly and moments later, she pressed her forehead against his while wrapping her legs around him, her voice soft yet brimming with happiness. ʼʼYes, Archer! Iʼd love that. Forever and always, my boy.ʼʼ

A playful glimmer danced in her eyes as she concluded, ʼʼWho would have thought that the crazy boy I met all those years ago would one day become my husband?ʼʼ

Hearing that, Archerʼs smile grew even brighter, radiating such warmth that it left Elara momentarily frozen. Her heart skipped a beat as she gazed at him, her mind racing to process the intensity of his happiness.

It was a joy so pure, so overwhelming, that it seemed to fill the entire space around them, leaving her utterly captivated. ʼHeʼs truly happy these days… especially about becoming a father thanks to Sia,ʼ she thought, her chest tightening with emotion.

Without warning, Talila quickly captured Archerʼs smile using a Mana Stone and sent it to the entire harem as they had set up a network between them, all thanks to Leira linking the tattoos with the stone.

Moments later, chaos erupted as a flurry of messages flooded the harem network, which almost overwhelmed it. Excited squeals, joyful exclamations, and playful teasing echoed through them.

Their collective happiness was almost overwhelming, their love for him shining through. To see him truly healed, smiling so freely, was a gift to them all. Seeing him so genuinely happy, especially after everything he had been through, warmed their hearts.

Archer sensed their overwhelming affection, and many women used magic to immortalize the image, crafting enchanted versions they proudly displayed in their rooms and offices. To them, it wasnʼt just a picture.

It was proof of how far he had come, a reminder of the love from all the women who had helped him heal. As Talila shared the moment, Archer immediately sensed what she was doing.

ʼSeems like itʼs made them all happy, so I wonʼt stop them,ʼ he pondered with a smile.

Instead of stopping her, he simply chuckled, letting it happen. With a knowing smile, he spoke, ʼʼEnjoy the pictures, my love. Iʼm going to see Leira and Nefi. Theyʼre still with the Moonriver Empire. Iʼm trying to get them to back out of the war by healing their land.ʼʼ

ʼʼThatʼs a good idea,ʼʼ Talila answered while nodding her head. ʼʼIt would be one less struggle in the conquest of Avidia.ʼʼ

After sharing one final, lingering kiss, Archer teleported to Leira, who sat outside with the other three women. They were all gazing into the distance, their attention fixed on a distant mountain range within the Moonriver Empire.

ʼʼWhatʼs going on?ʼʼ he asked, his voice steady as he stood behind them, curious about their concerned expressions.

Leiraʼs tail straightened, but the others jumped as Nefertiti spun around with wide pink eyes. He smiled as the succubus rushed toward him with a big smile. ʼʼHusband, Iʼm glad youʼre back.ʼʼ

Archer welcomed the succubus with a warm hug before turning to Leira and offering her the same. He greeted the water elves with a genuine smile, his voice filled with warmth. ʼʼHello, ladies. Sorry, I took so long. I went to check on Elara and Talila. Theyʼre securing the east for us.ʼʼ

Following that, he joined them as Leira commented, ʼʼCome sit down and have some tea. Colestah here asked what Draconia can trade with them.ʼʼ

ʼʼThereʼs not much we need if Iʼm honest, but Iʼll give you the lowest price possible on anything your realm requires?ʼʼ he replied. ʼʼFor example, I have a transport ship heading toward Emberport that has several years of food for your people.ʼʼ

Both elvesʼs eyes widened, but the empress spoke in complete shock, ʼʼWhy are you doing that? We cannot pay for that much.ʼʼ

Archer was about to respond when a sudden, frantic message from Hemera cut through his thoughts. ʼʼArch! Somethingʼs wrong with Hecate. Sheʼs not waking up!ʼʼ

Panic surged through him. Without a second thought, he created a bed beside them and summoned the moon elf through the tattoo. His heart sank as he saw her. The mana was in chaos, violently spiraling inward, tearing her body apart as it surged toward her core.

The four women leaped to their feet, shock and fear flooding their expressions. Nefertitiʼs voice cracked with panic. ʼʼArcher! Sheʼs dying—help her, now!ʼʼ

Without hesitation, he placed his hands on Hecate, channeling his mana into her body. As his energy flowed through her, the surrounding air seemed to come alive, crackling with raw power.

Archer could feel his mana working to heal her, but then, like a cruel twist, the pain of her suffering surged into his own body. It was excruciating, the intensity of it nearly consuming him.

 But thanks to his endless supply, he stayed conscious, even as his world began to blur and fade. Through the haze of agony, a soft giggle echoed in his mind, a voice he recognized, though it came from a time yet to pass. ʼʼThank you, Papa. We needed that to see you in a year!ʼʼ

Archerʼs entire world seemed to freeze in that moment, the pain vanishing into the background as the voice echoed in his mind. His heart pounded in his chest, and tears welled up in his eyes, overwhelmed by the unexpected message.

ʼʼSo silly, Papa,ʼʼ the voice continued, gentle and playful. ʼʼHere, look at what the gods showed us.ʼʼ

The scene shifted abruptly, and Archer found himself in a peaceful garden, holding a small, delicate bundle. His heart raced as he looked down, his hands trembling slightly as he uncovered it.

To his astonishment, nestled in his arms was a beautiful baby girl, her snow-white hair soft, her grey skin just like Hecateʼs, and her red eyes shining with an otherworldly depth. They locked onto him, full of knowing and wonder.

A wide smile spread across his face, brighter than heʼd ever smiled before. The girl before him was the spitting image of her mother but with traces of his features, her fatherʼs warmth reflected in her eyes.

Tears welled in his eyes as emotion overwhelmed him. Archer leaned in slightly, his voice trembling with love and awe. ʼʼHello, pretty girl. Itʼs so good to meet you,ʼʼ he whispered, his voice nearly cracking.

The babyʼs red eyes locked onto Archerʼs, brimming with such pure, unspoken love that it nearly brought him to his knees. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as he felt a warmth flood through him, something deeper than he could comprehend.

And then she smiled a small, innocent smile that reached into his soul. In that instant, something shifted within him, something profound and irreversible. His heart swelled with a new purpose, a promise he didnʼt need words to make.

He swore, in that quiet moment, that he would be better, for her, for the life that was coming, and for the children he hadnʼt yet met but already loved beyond measure. ʼIʼll never be like Larka and Leonard. I will always love you, no matter what.ʼ

While the two gazed at each a voice he recognized cut through the haze of emotions, soft and filled with warmth. ʼʼLooks like little Kela loves her Papa already. The way she stares at you is adorable and the amount of love radiating from you speaks volumes.ʼʼ

Archer turned, his heart skipping a beat, and found Hecate standing there. She was cradling another bundle, her expression glowing with a joy he had never seen before. She was happier than he could have ever imagined, radiating pure contentment.

His voice barely rose above a whisper, ʼʼTheyʼre here… after so many years.ʼʼ

Archerʼs heart nearly exploded as he turned back to the baby in his arms, Kela, who was beaming up at him with a look of pure love. It was too much to bear. Tears welled in his eyes, spilling down his cheeks as emotion flooded him.

 He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, his chest tight with overwhelming affection. His gaze shifted to Hecate, drawn to the other bundle she held. The second baby had her motherʼs soft grey hair, but his own deep violet eyes.

She was fast asleep, peaceful and serene in her motherʼs arms. Before he could say a word, Hecateʼs voice broke through, warm and full of love. ʼʼGo back and help me,ʼʼ she whispered, her words carrying a quiet strength. ʼʼThank Tiamat for this when you see her next.ʼʼ

Afterward, Archer was abruptly pulled back to reality before he could utter a word. When he regained consciousness, he was kneeling beside the unconscious Hecate. While the others remained rooted to the spot, he began pouring mana into her.