Sora (thinking): 'I wonder what to do next… Hmm, I guess I'll retrieve Gowther for now—but first...'
Summoning his trusted allies, Sora called out firmly:
Sora: "Jarvis, Subzero, Igris—come."
In unison, they appeared before him.
Jarvis & Subzero: "My Lord."
Sora: "Jarvis, we will be having guests by the end of the day. Prepare food and drinks for them. As for you, Subzero and Igris, take this gate to the Celestial Clan. There, you'll find six demons sealed away—the Six Knights of Black. Eliminate them, then bring me the leader of the Celestial Clan. Invite him peacefully at first; use force only if necessary. Send me a mental message when done, and I'll open a gate to teleport you back."
With that, Sora opened a portal leading directly to the Celestial Clan's domain.
Jarvis: "Right away, sir."
Igris: "As you wish, Your Majesty."
Once they crossed through the gate, Sora opened another portal—this one leading to where Gowther and Dale resided deep within a forest cave.
Stepping out of the gate, Sora stood at the entrance of the cavern. Calling toward the darkness inside, he announced calmly:
Sora: "Gowther, I am Sora—a friend of Meliodas and Diane. I've come to pick you up."
Moments later, a roar echoed from within the cave, followed by an unstable surge of demonic power—it had to be Dale. Seconds passed before Gowther emerged, leaving Dale behind in the shadows.
Gowther: "Who are you? I've never seen you with the Captain or Diane before. But your face… I recognize it from Diane's memories. In those memories, though, you were a giant."
Sora: "Well, let's just say I can change size."
Unsatisfied, Gowther attempted to probe Sora's mind using his magic. However, Sora allowed him access only to specific memories—their recent meeting with Meliodas and Diane in the forest—to earn his trust.
Gowther: "You're telling the truth… but why can't I access the rest of your memories?"
Sora: "Because I don't want you to. Now, take me to your giant friend inside—I need to heal and cleanse his body of demon blood."
Without emotion, Gowther replied:
Gowther: "Okay."
Leading Sora deeper into the cave, they soon encountered Dale, who roared furiously and lunged at Sora. Unwilling to waste time, Sora summoned Sera , his enchanted chains, which bound Dale instantly. The trapped giant screamed repeatedly:
Dale: "I'm afraid! I'm afraid!"
Wasting no further time, Sora removed Dale's armor and used holy magic to purge the corrupted demon blood coursing through his veins. As the demonic essence dissipated, Dale's monstrous form crumbled into dust, revealing a tall man with short, light hair and thick eyebrows. Much like his daughter Guila, his eyes remained naturally closed. Naked and unconscious on the ground, Sora conjured clothing to cover him.
Awakening moments later, Dale bolted upright, looking around in disbelief. Catching sight of Sora and Gowther, he examined his restored human body and began sobbing uncontrollably.
Dale: "I'm alive… I'm human again!" Turning to Sora, he dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "Thank you! I will forever be in your debt. Your kindness will be remembered through generations of my family!"
Sora: "It's fine, Dale. Rise—there's no need for thanks. You were a victim here, not at fault. This gate will take you to Liones. Things should be resolved there by now. Go home."
Opening a portal, Sora gestured for Dale to step through. Before departing, Dale approached Gowther, embracing him tightly.
Dale: "Gowther-san, I am truly grateful. If it weren't for you, I'd already be dead—or lost. You've been my friend for ten years, and I consider you family. If you ever return to Liones, please visit me. It's as much your home as it is mine."
Taken aback, Gowther hesitated but eventually responded:
Gowther: "Okay. Goodbye, Dale."
With a final wave, Dale stepped through the gate, disappearing from view.
Turning back to Gowther, Sora smirked slightly.
Sora: "Now it's your turn."
Before Gowther could react, Sera 's chains ensnared him, holding him firmly in place. He struggled futilely, demanding answers.
Gowther: "What are you doing? Release me!"
Sora: "I can't risk you running off while I restore your memories." Advancing toward him, Sora added, "Specifically—the memories of Nadja Liones, the woman you loved."
At the mention of her name, Gowther's expression shifted—a rare flicker of emotion crossing his face. His struggles intensified as he shouted:
Gowther: "She deserves to be remembered! Do you think she loved me so I could forget her? My memories of her aren't a curse!"
Placing his hand on Gowther's head, Sora released the suppressed memories. Gowther screamed several times, pleading for Sora to stop, before breaking down into sobs.
Gowther: "It hurts… Why did you have to do this? Why am I in so much pain?"
Seeing the raw anguish in Gowther's demeanor, Sora decided to explain his reasoning.
Sora: "Love brings happiness, sorrow, and pain. You loved Nadja, and she loved you. On her deathbed, you tried to save her by giving her the heart Gowther crafted for you—but instead, you were falsely accused of her murder. You suffered, but you also made her suffer by sealing away your memories of her."
Gowther: "I don't understand feelings. I'm not human. I'm not alive. I'm just a doll…"
Sora: "No, Gowther. You are more than a doll. Though your body may resemble one, you possess a soul. Your current form hinders your ability to feel emotions, and you lack the experiences needed to comprehend them. I intend to help you with that."
Placing his hand over Gowther's chest, Sora extracted his soul from the lifeless doll body, which shrank and became inert. Moments later, Sora created a new elf-like body—slim yet sturdy—and transferred Gowther's soul into it. Within seconds, Gowther's eyes fluttered open, wide with shock.
Gowther: "What is this feeling? I sense something unfamiliar… What are all these new sensations?"
Sora: "Your body is now that of an elf. This form will enhance your powers and allow you to experience emotions fully. You must breathe to live now, and this body grants you the potential to create a family should you choose to in the future."
Gowther: "What good is that? She isn't here anymore…"
Sora: "We don't love only once in our lifetimes, Gowther. However, I will give you a chance. If Nadja wishes to rejoin the realm of the living, I will permit her to do so."
Gowther's eyes widened in astonishment. Bowing deeply, he exclaimed:
Gowther: "I beg you! I will serve you for eternity—just let me meet her once!"
Spreading his senses across the realm of the dead, Sora located Nadja's soul within minutes. Speaking to her privately, he assured her of his intentions. Initially wary, Nadja's trust grew upon sensing Sora's holy aura. Eventually, she agreed to meet Gowther.
Transporting both Gowther and himself to a neutral plane between life and death, Sora summoned Nadja's spirit. When their eyes met, Gowther's voice trembled as he called her name. Tears streamed down Nadja's translucent cheeks as she whispered his. Granting them privacy, Sora instructed Gowther to call his name once they were ready—regardless of Nadja's decision. With that, he stepped aside, allowing them to reconnect.
Reflecting on His Plans:
Sora (thinking): 'With this, all the sins have been collected. Aside from those I've yet to meet, I've resolved their personal struggles and no longer bear guilt for their suffering. Now, let's review my plans: First, I've secured the future leaders for each race—Elizabeth for the Divine, Meliodas for the Demons, King and Diane for the Fairy-Giant Kingdom, Merlin for the Elves, and Gowther as her aide. Escanor, Gilthunder, and Arthur will represent their respective human kingdoms, united under one banner. Ban isn't suited to rule but can manage the trade union connecting all races. That leaves the Vampires and Celestial Clan, which will fall under Meliodas and Elizabeth's kingdoms. Additionally, I'll address the vampires' bloodlust by converting them into demons—I refuse to tolerate a race that preys on others.'
Sighing heavily, Sora reflected on the enormity of the task ahead.
Sora (thinking): 'This is a monumental undertaking. It may take years to build and even longer to ensure lasting peace among the races. But every journey begins somewhere…'