Chapter 1644: Chapter 1644

Nia's hands trembled as she cried, gazing at her dear son.

"What do you mean he's not dead?" she asked.

"If he were, I would've told you," Maria replied. "I'm sorry for scaring you. I was so angry, I just went after them... I honestly would've torn them apart for you and the boy, Nia. I swear I would've... but..."

Nia sighed, a faint smile forming. "So he's not dead? Then what's going on?"

"I think I understand now," Oceanus said quietly.

"Naiad—no, Celes... the boy is like us. He is a Divine Spirit," Thalassa explained. "We come from another world, a distant realm now lost. Our true forms are shapeless, as you can see."

"The boy is unique. My daughter died and chose to reincarnate what remained of her soul," Oceanus added. "She could have returned to us, though weaker... but she chose to die as mortals do."

"When we truly die, our essence explodes into spirit energy and merges with the world," Thalassa said. "That didn't happen with her... and now I understand why."

"She died for her people. Her soul weakened to the brink of collapse, but to remain alive and protect them, she entered your world's cycle of reincarnation," Oceanus continued. "Perhaps through that, her soul was cleansed. She became your son, Celes."

Nia's eyes widened in shock. "The Oasis Spirit... so she had a whole family here... we all thought she just ran away."

"She did, she fled from the Kraken," Brontys muttered from afar. "Back then, she was the smallest and the weakest. She brought as many people as she could and escaped."

"For a long time, we believed she was wrong to do that," Coraleia admitted. "But we were mistaken."

"I cannot believe I did this... I truly am insane," Thalassa whispered, crying for Celes. "I'm sorry, Celes... You're such a sweet boy, just like her. You remind me of her so much."

"Let us help the boy return to his rightful body," Oceanus said, exhaling deeply. "He is no longer our daughter. He is your son."

The two gods extended their palms, divine power coiling around Celes's soul. It slowly turned to water and began to flow into the boy's mouth.

Like a vessel being filled, the more the soul entered his body, the more color and life returned to him.

This was why Maria couldn't revive him, this wasn't a typical death, but something else entirely.

Like a cup that ceases to live when emptied of water, so too does it revive when refilled.

And slowly, before everyone's eyes, as sunlight streamed through the gaping holes in the castle's ceiling...

The boy's beautiful blue eyes fluttered open.

Nia screamed, crying with joy as she hugged her son tightly.

Her tears fell onto his shoulders as Celes embraced her, gently patting her back and kissing her face.

"I missed you, Mom... It felt like I had a really long dream."

Thalassa and Oceanus watched the scene, overwhelmed by a strange mix of sorrow and joy.

They felt remorseful and full of guilt, unable to meet anyone's gaze.

Nyx rushed to hug the boy, sighing in relief.

"Nyx... I'm sorry. This was all my idea... I ruined everything."

"Maybe! A little bit, heheh."

Nyx giggled sweetly, hugging her friend and kissing his face.

"I'm so happy you're back! I was devastated when I thought you died!"

"I'm sorry for scaring you..."

Nyx hugged him tightly, kissing his face several times. Celes blushed and kissed her back.

"There's nothing to thank me for... Now, um..."

Nyx and Celes turned to face the divine beings. Everyone was glaring at them.

Despite everything, they had done something terrible.

"We don't expect you to forgive us," Thalassa said.

"We deserve your hatred. What we did was unforgivable," Oceanus added. "By my authority, you may proceed to the next floor without issue. You will also receive the best rewards available."

"Well, that's something," Partner said.

"Shut up, Partner," Lucifer snapped. She was ruining the moment.

Maria remained silent, watching the two children.

It was their choice now.

"Um... I know I'm not your daughter, but I know that... my soul was hers," Celes said with a gentle smile. "I-I don't hate you, despite everything."

"Eh?" Thalassa gasped. "But..."

"I know you went through a lot. It must have been so painful," Celes said softly. "You just wanted your daughter back. I can't hate you for that."

"You're too kind... just like her," Oceanus said, smiling faintly. "I'm sorry."

"You've already apologized, sir!" Celes replied warmly. "I know it'll be hard, but you have to accept her passing. I... once spoke with her."

"You did?!" Thalassa asked.

"She said she died happily protecting her people," Celes said. "And that I was free to live my own life, without worrying about what she once did."

"I see..." Oceanus nodded slowly.

"And she also said that if I ever found her parents..." Celes continued, making Thalassa and Oceanus's eyes widen. "That I should tell you she's sorry for leaving, and that she loved you both—and her big siblings—even after everything."

Thalassa and Oceanus couldn't hold back their tears. They embraced each other, sobbing.

Brontys and Coraleia were freed and slowly returned to their parents, who healed their wounds as they cried together.

"They sure are a bunch of crybabies for their size," Partner muttered.

"Well, think about it... they've been through a lot," Emeraldine said.

"I think Maria did the right thing. I'm glad she forgave them," Alma said. "People make mistakes—terrible ones, but sometimes they never meant to. Deep down, they're not bad people. I think those people deserve a second chance."

"You're very idealistic," Lucifer said grumpily, making Alma giggle.

"And there's nothing wrong with that," Jonathan said. "I believe the same, Alma."

"Me too..." Emeraldine nodded.

"Aw, come on. You guys are such softies," Partner rolled her eyes.

"My sister did the right thing," Arthur said. "I'm proud of her. She didn't give in to her monstrous instincts; she chose to be human. That's good."

As Celes hugged his mother and Nyx, Maria walked toward them, arms crossed.

"Alright, we started off on the wrong foot today, but we have a lot to talk about," Maria said. "I'm not going to say 'let bygones be bygones,' though. I'm still really pissed. But... let's have some tea and talk."

"Yes..." Oceanus nodded. "We have much to discuss."