On the tenth anniversary of JATA’s opening, the coliseum of a few hundred thousand erupted into cheers, claps, and roaring praise as Jack walked across the arena and toward the center stage where Dr. Johansson welcomed Jack. Emotions were running wild and the world watched with anticipation as cameras flashed and focused, zooming in on the face of the world’s hero, the guardian, the angel of life, earth’s living deity, the wise old man, the wizard of the west, the wandering one, the ancient one, the champion of all, and the rescuer of the lost. They were all names he had accumulated over the years. Regardless of what he did, people and sentient beings alike found reasons to sing songs of praise.

Jack walked slowly but with vibrant steps. He had long thought about this day, worried about images and perception. His name, his visage, and his word held power over Earth. He could stir the hearts of the millions who gathered in massive crowds in their cities to watch his announcement, and the billions more who watched in packed bars, restaurants, and from the comfort of their homes. Jack wore a plain outfit, a black tunic, black pants, and a cloak that shrouded him in a guise of mystery and depth. Still, Jack appeared more regal than the kings of old. Had he placed a crown on his head and declared himself the Tyrant of Earth, few would’ve stood in his way. The people instead would’ve bowed down to him and hailed him as their ruler, their god. Jack had no such intentions.

Robin followed Jack just a step behind. She waltzed with power in each of her steps, wearing the celestial-armor now dyed with a mixture of dark browns and blacks. The armor shielded nearly all of her skin but still somehow emphasized her angelic beauty, wrapping her body in an intricate etched bark. She had allowed her hair to return to its natural glory, and, beneath the sun, it now shimmered with a violet that matched her elegance. Unlike Jack, Robin walked with unease. She had fretted tirelessly over this day. No matter how much Jack had assured her, she still doubted that he would have regrets. That they should postpone just a little longer. There was no need to rush.

Behind Robin, Thea followed, wearing an eye-catching sheer blue dress that hugged her as one would expect of the princess of a powerful world. Her dress’ train flapped just above the ground behind her, wafting through the air on a gentle stream of her mana, dancing with each of the sways of her hips. She walked with her wings fully extended as Jack often requested, ensuring that the world always perceived his unity with the other sapients, the non-humans who had come to share Earth as their home.

Storm followed, flapping her wings and touting her head toward the crowd. She had become a world favorite. Jack freely and regularly lent her abilities to cities, countries, and academies across the world. She supported new players who ventured into portals. Supported humanity through countless Universal Games, and always rushed to protect those in need. She had become an icon. Her image could be found in toy stores all across the globe, and she even had an animated TV show created about her which skyrocketed in the charts.

Jack climbed up the stairs to the stage and glanced over the faces that rose and clapped as he approached, the faces that made up JATA’s current council of elders.

“Leo,” Jack smiled and shook the berserker’s sturdy hand. “Watch over them,” Jack said. “Watch over them all. There is still so much for humanity to do, so much for them to become.”

“We’re going to miss you,” Leonidas nodded. “Thank you for propping us up for so long and giving us the time and guidance we needed to find our legs.”

“Nicholas,” Jack nodded next to the man who had become his closest friend and right-hand man. He had continued to personally train Nicholas over the years, not for any particular reason besides the fact that he enjoyed it. He saw something of himself inside Nicholas and wanted to give the man a chance to enjoy life, and his family to the fullest.

“Selfishly, I don’t want you to go.” Nicholas paused, his smile flickering to a frown.

Next, there was Chief.

“Jack,” Chief said, calling Jack by his name for the first time.

Jack paused, smiled, and then hugged the giant tree.

“The Ancient One’s memory will eternally be carved into our souls. And I will carve the name Jack into mine. One day, when I meet Willow once more. I will tell her of all you have done.”

“Thank you, Chief,” Jack said.

Jack greeted Sleedar next. She rattled her tail and whipped her tongue as the Sylth, a snake-like people, did to show their deepest respect. Jack had rescued the people from being slaughtered by the fearful humans. And with this act, he taught man, woman, child, and everyone in between a valuable lesson. One cannot lead with fear. The Sylth were only one of many such peoples that Jack had saved, vouched for, and integrated into human society. Amazingly, there was no pushback. Jack’s word was trusted.

Jack continued down the line until he’d greeted all twelve of the council members and then he approached the podium where Dr. Johansson stood. She looked at Jack with saddened eyes but nodded and pushed forward a smile as she shook Jack’s hand and then stepped aside.

“Thank you Headmaster Johansson,” Jack spoke into the microphone and motioned to acknowledge her. And then, after a few moments, Jack raised his arm and the entire crowd went silent. “Honesty,” Jack began, throwing away any words he had prepared and speaking from his heart. Before he could say anymore, a fire tore through his body that radiated with the pain of a thousand suns. Jack turned and winced, eyes meeting with both Thea and Robin who had stepped up to support him from either side. Jack gritted his teeth. His eyes fell onto the front row of special guests where he glanced over his family’s sniffing faces. His small family had grown so much in ten years. Three siblings turned into six. Greg had married Michelle and were expecting their third child. Tim and Marissa had just had their second. And to Jack, it felt like yesterday when he walked Ella down the aisle and beamed with pride as she married the woman of her dreams.

“I cannot remain on Earth any longer,” Jack said, ripping off the bandaid that the world did not want to hear. The crowd remained silent. Nobody knew how to react. “I followed my own advice, a bit too well,” Jack joked and grinned, clutching onto the podium to endure the waves that shredded him from the inside. “There is a power inside of me that I can no longer contain. It has grown too powerful. This body, this shell, this world. I fear that I am a danger to it all. One slip,” Jack allowed his defenses to fall even the slightest bit and his skin instantly melted as a rush of overwhelming energy surged through the stadium like a tornado. “One slip,” Jack repeated, calling back his power. “One slip and I might destroy everything I have fought so hard to protect.” Jack inhaled, reining in the torrent inside him. He traced his eyes over his family who looked back with tearful acceptance and love. He had already said his goodbyes. He had made his peace with each of them. They all understood. Everyone had been thankful for the time that they had been given. Thankful that this time, as Jack left, at least there would be some closure.

Jack then lifted his head and smiled at the cameras, at the crowd, at his family, and the world. “Be good to each other,” Jack said. “And, if the fates will it so, then maybe, we shall meet again.” With that, Jack unsummoned his companions and beckoned to his mana which surged with a force he struggled to control. With a thought, he pulled out a device from his inventory and then clapped his hands over his hand.

Jack’s body exploded in light.