Chapter 12: The Gates of Eternity

In the thirty-fifth year of the New Era, Harrison, who had spent his life in war, closed his eyes once again in Capitol Hall.

The old hall was silent, the moon casting a pale glow on the marble floors. Harrison’s breathing slowed, his mind at peace, the weight of history finally lifting.

In the afterlife, he met President Foster.

The reunion was warm, the two men shaking hands, the past forgiven and understood.

"Thank you, Heavenly Chief of Chicago. I have awaited you here for a long time." President Foster greeted Harrison with a bow and sincere thanks.

Harrison was puzzled.

Quincy Foster smiled: "All my life, whether later generations call me a peerless president or a tyrant, I don’t care and have no regrets. Only Foster—I could never rest easy about him. He was lonely from childhood, too gentle by nature. I sent him to Maple Heights hoping Marcus Taylor could train and protect him."

At this, President Foster showed a bitter smile: "But I never expected that he would choose resignation because of a forged order—this pained me deeply."

"I followed Heaven’s mandate, as the first president of mankind, with fortune upon me. Thus, after entering the afterlife, I could communicate with the spirits. So... I gave up reincarnation and chose eternal damnation, so that you could become Foster. As for the original Foster, he has long since become a wealthy young man in a peaceful age."

"I came to see you just to say thank you. Take it as a father’s gratitude to the one who saved his son’s life."

After speaking, President Foster bowed again and left.

Harrison watched Foster’s departing figure, stood for a while, then sighed deeply.

He lingered at the gates of eternity, the lessons of life and leadership echoing in his heart. He felt both sorrow and pride, knowing he had done his best.

"Foster, how unfortunate yet how lucky you are in this life."

With that, Harrison strode boldly into the depths of the afterlife.

Whatever lay ahead, he feared nothing.