"But don't use it indiscriminately."

"I can't guarantee that I'll be there for you right after you've used them."

Upon hearing this, Lia's eyes, which had just shown a glimmer of hope, suddenly froze.

She looked down at the new magic flowing through each gem on the glove, then looked up at Victor.

A cold wind blew up again, the light yet icy air ruffling Lia's hair and obscuring her fixed, unfocused eyes.

Victor's black trench coat also fluttered in the air, brushing past Lia.

"elder brother……"

Lia could no longer hold back. She clenched her hands tightly in front of her chest, and the tears that had been brewing for so long finally overflowed from her eyes.

As the cold wind swept across her cheeks, glistening tears, like pearls from a broken string, echoed softly in the air, reflecting endless sorrow.

Victor put his hands in his pockets and glanced down at the remaining time.

[Countdown - 00:00:59]

He raised his head again, gazing into Lia's tear-blurred eyes, and calmly said:

"I have one minute left."

"If you have anything to say to me, or any other requests, please say them within this minute."

These words reached Liya's ears, and even the cold wind seemed to grow even more bleak.

Lia pursed her lips and lowered her head, unwilling to let Viktor see her vulnerable state.

A chilling sensation rushed into her nostrils, down her throat, and straight to her heart.

It was as if they knew this was their final farewell.

Leah slowly opened her trembling lips and uttered that slightly trembling request:

"Can you... hug me?"

Lia lowered her head and moved forward little by little.

Finally, she rushed into Victor's strong and warm embrace.

She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and buried her head deep in his chest.

This minute.

For the first time, Lia felt embraced by her brother.

For the first time, she felt how warm Victor's embrace was.

She had clearly given up hope long ago.

She had clearly been disheartened for a long time.

But at this moment, there is only one minute.

She was unwilling to let go, unwilling to leave.

Lia, however, wished that time could stand still here forever.

However, time always flows mercilessly, and it will always take away all the warmth and nostalgia.

It was like a sharp knife, slowly slicing through her broken heart, letting her taste the deep sorrow.

Lia could only wait for time in her heart to beat, little by little.

Like the ticking of a clock, it's ticking away.

bite--

[Countdown - 00:00:00]

Time has finally come to an end.

Viktor's departure was not particularly spectacular or grand.

Suddenly, a strong gust of cold wind swept across the high platform and through the air.

The broad figure draped in a black trench coat transformed into countless stars, merging with the swirling winds into the supreme heavenly gate ablaze with flames.

Countless chaotic crimson souls surged madly toward that pale figure.

Leah, standing before the highest heavenly gate, remained in that embracing posture, as if she were completely unaware of Victor's departure.

As the hazy whiteness gradually subsided, a pale and desolate snowflake drifted down from the sky.

Snowflakes danced in the cold wind, falling rapidly.

Before long, the ground was covered with a thick layer of snow.

Without the support of others, Lia collapsed to her knees, powerless.

Her legs were buried in the cold snow, and the cold wind whipped at her coat.

Why is it only now that she realizes how cold this wind is?

Lia wasn't quite sure.

But when a warm coat was gently placed over her, she trembled slightly.

Lia slowly raised her head and looked up.

Kokot sat atop a cloud, looking at Leah, who was covered in a layer of pure white snow, his face filled with deep worry.

She gently placed her hand on Lia's shoulder and whispered words of comfort:

"Lia, are you alright...?"

“Victor said he will definitely come back.”

Upon hearing this, Lia's body trembled violently, as if she was suppressing a strong emotion.

She gripped the sides of her coat tightly with both hands, pulling it close to her body.

Finally, Lia could no longer hold back.

The tide of tears broke through the floodgates of sorrow, pouring down her face.

A strong and clear sense of helplessness enveloped Lia, and she no longer wanted to maintain her strength, so she burst into tears.

The crying was loud, coming in waves.

The heart-wrenching cries seemed to drown out the entire snowfall, casting a deep sorrow over the silent night.

Amidst the snow-covered landscape, pain completely enveloped Lia.

The cold wind was still biting, and the howling continued.

But this clear grief alone obscured Lia's narrow world.

She has no family left.