Why did you do it, Ash? Grey stood before the lifeless body hanging in the room, emotions surging within him. Finally, he took a step inside and noticed a paper on the table. It was a note from Ash:

"I'm sorry, Grey. It's my fault that Baran and Levy died. If I hadn't dragged them to the village, they would still be alive. It should have been me. I could never forgive myself. I was a coward, too scared to die, but I can't live with this pain any longer. Grey, you were a good friend. We were happy to be friends, so don’t be sad. And one more thing… you will be a great hero who protects this world. We will be with you on your journey, even if you can't see us. Goodbye, Grey. I’m sorry. Forgive me."

Grey’s heart shattered. “Why... why... why? I don’t understand... Why did you all leave me behind?” He was devastated but couldn’t cry. He had made a promise as a child, after his family died in the car accident—he swore never to cry and to be strong. But that promise crumbled. Tears flowed uncontrollably, no matter how much he tried to hide them.

During the cremation, Grey stood far away, watching the bodies of his friends and the fallen burn. The sunset painted the sky as the flames consumed everything. His tears were spent, his eyes hollow with grief and regret. Amidst the smoke, he muttered, “I’ll get stronger. No one will be taken from me again. I’ll become a force that no one can ignore or leave behind.”

The sun sank below the horizon, leaving behind ashes and silence.

----------------------------------------

The next day, Grey trained non-stop, pushing himself relentlessly. Arthur approached, concern in his voice, “You should rest today, Grey.”

“I’m fine,” Grey replied, his tone distant, masking his pain.

Arthur sighed, “You want to get stronger, don’t you?”

Without hesitation, Grey answered, “Yes.”

Arthur looked him in the eyes, “Then listen. I can’t teach you anything more, but if you truly seek strength, I have a suggestion. Go to the North Dark Forest. There is someone who can help you. He’s an elf, once a commander of Guardia, and my master who taught me swordsmanship and aura. He was called Lancelot, the greatest aura swordsman. But... he was exiled from the kingdom. Rumors say he was involved in black magic, but I don’t believe it. He was a righteous man.”

Grey’s eyes burned with determination. “I don’t care how dangerous it is. I’ll go.”

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Arthur nodded. “Very well. I’ll write a letter to the king. Prepare to leave tomorrow.”

The following morning, Grey bid farewell to Arthur and headed to the castle. He delivered the letter to a knight, who took him to the king’s private chamber. The atmosphere was heavy, the king’s face weary with sorrow.

“Why do you wish to go to the North Forest?” the king asked. “What do you seek?”

“I want to get stronger,” Grey replied firmly.

The king’s gaze hardened. “Is that all? Do you realize how dangerous that place is? With your current skills, you might not survive. You’re being reckless and selfish.”

Grey’s voice wavered, pain evident, “I want to protect the people I care about... even if it destroys me.”

The king’s expression softened. “You’re only thinking about those you care for. What about the people of this country? Of this world? A hero cannot afford to be selfish.”

Grey was speechless, realizing he had lost sight of his purpose. He couldn’t respond.

The king sighed. “If you truly wish to go, I won’t stop you. But don’t forget the path you walk.”

“I understand,” Grey murmured.

“Think carefully,” the king said. “If you’re certain, give me your answer tomorrow.”

That night, Grey lay in his bed, questioning his resolve. Sleep claimed him, and when he woke, he still didn’t have an answer. Restless, he wandered the northern garden, lost in thought.

“Why do you look so sad, Grey? Did something happen?”

Startled, Grey turned to find Wistoria standing there, her presence calming. “Wistoria... How did I end up here?”

She smiled softly, “You seem lost in thought. You’ve changed so much since we first met. Did something happen?”

Grey’s voice broke, “I’m... I’m a failure. Useless. I don’t deserve to be a hero. Why was I summoned to this world? I’m just a selfish, lazy bastard.”

Wistoria’s eyes softened. “Don’t say that about yourself. You were chosen because you have the potential to be a hero. Stay strong and protect this country... and the people you love.”

Grey fell silent, listening to her words.

Wistoria continued, “Do you know the story of the star that shined brightly in the sky? People admired its brilliance, while others were jealous. One day, it stopped shining as brightly. People laughed, but the star didn’t mind. It was happy because it knew its purpose wasn’t to shine the brightest but to simply be a star. Grey, you were chosen for a reason. Don’t blame yourself.”

Grey was confused but felt a warmth in his heart. “Thank you, Wistoria.”

She smiled, “It’s time for me to go. Goodbye, Grey.”

“Wait... I might not see you for a long time...”

Wistoria’s voice was gentle, “I’ll always be here. You can find me whenever you need to.”

Before Grey could respond, she vanished.

The next morning, Grey met with the king once more. Determination filled his voice, “I know I’m being selfish, wanting to protect only those I care about. But... I won’t hold back when it comes to protecting this country and this world.”

The king studied him, then nodded. “Your words are imperfect, but I will allow you to go. Tomorrow, you will receive a pass to cross Plasis. From there, your journey to the North Forest begins."

Grey bowed, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

With renewed purpose, Grey prepared for the next step of his journey, ready to face whatever awaited him in the dark, uncharted lands ahead.