The reasons for their victory over the Goblyn army forever remained a mystery to those who were there. Rodrick believed full-heartedly that it was Silver’s doing, but whether or not Mr. Silver had obtained The Truth and used it to eradicate the Goblyns no longer mattered. The city was in ruins for a very long time. Those of the fallen Netherian ranks were gathered and put to rest, and their names were forever remembered for the sacrifice they had made. For a moment, as the wounded were gathered a treated, Rodrick slipped into the mysterious shadow of the next world, but after balancing between life and death for five days he awoke with surprising vigour. Fortunately, none of the Slayers were killed in the battle.
Astrid had survived also, however she was imprisoned for almost a year by the Netherians, and there she stayed willingly, as it was where she wanted to be. Victor and the others stayed too, to help the Netherian people rebuild their city. Another year was spent where Victor and Sam learned all the Alchemical secrets that The Nether had to offer. Meanwhile, Rodrick led the search for Mr. Silver, but in two years they found no trace of him or Elizabeth anywhere.
Rodrick sighed. “Not even a word of goodbye. Oh well, he was never good at farewells anyway.”
One fine afternoon Sam and Hansel and Victor were skipping stones in a lake on the outside of the forest, when they realised that their purpose there was almost complete.
Sam tossed a stone into the water. “I suppose we will be going home soon. We don’t belong here, after all, and the way home is clear to us.”
Rodrick appeared behind them, feeling as fit as ever. “Quite right, my dear Sam. There is little left for us here. Home is where we must go. If Old Silver was successful in his task, then we will be returning to a home without monsters. There will no longer be a need for an academy anymore.”
They had never considered that until now. Victor, for the first time in his life, suddenly found himself without purpose, and without meaning. ‘What do I do now?’ He wondered at length.
“Don’t fret,” said Rodrick. “Mr. Silver’s Academy for Monster Slayers meant more to all of you than merely destroying foul beasts. When we return, we may go our separate ways, but we are bound to each other by eternity. And you will be surprised; the universe indeed has a very funny sense of humour.”
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