"What's wrong with you? It's not like you to be like this," Z asked, seeing me sitting on the wall of Elecya, which happened to be not far from White Leaf's hiding place.

I gazed at the blue sky above, adorned by shimmering beautiful stars that somehow made me feel empty.

I don't know why.

Maybe because I always watched the night sky with the princess or Celine. I truly wished they were here so that my mind could find solace in their laughter and smiles. However, at the same time, I felt grateful they weren't in Elecya. I didn't want them to experience what I was feeling right now.

Z sighed deeply. "You have to be strong, Zent. You will face something far worse than this. If you're not ready, what will you do? Surrender to the darkness?"

I know, Z, I know that.

But... It's hard.

I've never faced something this big before. What's the point of being the chosen one if I can't even save them?

Don't you see how many of them have died? How many are still suffering and begging for death?

I don't even have the power to save those who are imprisoned!

"Zent, even if you have power, it doesn't mean you can save them all. The attack happened when you disappeared for three days. Even with power, you can never defeat time.

There's no such thing as turning back time, Zent. All you can do is keep moving forward. The question now is, do you want to move forward with a fragile self or a strong self?"

You don't understand, Z. It's not as easy as you imagine.

"I know that. But isn't that the point? You simply have to choose whether you want to continue like this or learn to become a better person. Complaining won't do any good, Zent. It's okay to vent your feelings, but don't keep complaining about what has happened. Learn to accept the reality and keep moving forward for the future. I know this isn't something you want to hear, but it's something you need."

Suddenly, from behind, a sound of a kicked stone could be heard.

I quickly turned around with mana shield raised high, ready to strike, only to realize that the figure was just Ren.

He was holding a cylindrical object made of dark brown wood, resembling a piece of dark chocolate, while smiling nervously. "Sorry, I tried not to disturb your alone time but ended up messing it up," he whispered softly and hurriedly placed the object on the ledge of the stone fence, which had now become my support.

"I brought a hot herbal tea that my mother believes can bring peace to the mind. You seemed so shaken that I thought maybe you needed this. Again, I'm sorry if I disturbed you."

"Ren," I called out as he was about to leave.

"Yes?"

"Do you have a moment?" I asked the teenager who was now climbing the stairs again, with sparkling eyes.

Stolen novel; please report.

"O-of course! I mean, yes, I have a moment." He quickly approached, clasping his hands behind his back and desperately searching for something to focus on, avoiding looking directly at me for reasons I couldn't understand.

"Why did you join White Leaf and not stay in the hiding place like the other refugees?" I asked curiously.

Ren was surprised by my question. He seemed to struggle to form his words, unlike when we first met where he appeared so confident.

Have I triggered a trauma in him? I hope not.

"Because I don't want to just sit idly by while the pirates hurt us," he answered after successfully putting his words together. "I can't just stay silent while others are trying to improve the situation.

I know and understand that I am still naive, lacking experience, and don't have enough abilities to provide significant help. But that doesn't mean I'm useless, right? The small contributions I give eventually become a part of a bigger plan to restore Elecya to its former state.

Even though they may be small, I have a hand in it, and it makes me proud of myself. At least, I know that my existence has a meaning, and if Elecya rises again, everyone will be happy, won't they?" He turned to face the kingdom, which now appeared so chaotic.

But full of memories.

"Maybe this is just a trivial teenage thought, but... knowing that many people would be happy with the revival of Elecya gives me the motivation to keep trying my best. Especially if we can bring back smiles and happiness to faces that are now filled with tears and sadness."

I... I don't know what to say.

"Ah! I'm sorry, I talked for so long and unintentionally took up much of your rest time," he quickly said, then started walking towards the stairs. "I'll go back now, enjoy the tea, I'm sure it will help calm you."

"Hey, Ren."

"Yes?" he replied, with his body fully covered by the stairs, leaving only his head visible.

"Thank you, and I apologize for my previous behavior."

Those pair of eyes widened again, not expecting to hear those words. He nodded, continuing his steps. And I guess, he ran down the stairs while suppressing a scream that was almost out of control.

"It seems like you have a fan," Z said with a wide grin.

"I threatened to kill him, you know."

"Men are simple creatures. Once they see a much greater power, we become fascinated. Especially because he is still a teenager, it's only natural for him to be your fan."

You make me sound so old. I'm only twenty-two. Not much different from him.

"Twenty-two years that have just been rendered speechless by the thoughts of a teenage boy. You see? That's the type who chooses to accept reality and keep moving forward. He's younger than you, yet he understands. What about you?"

Z cleared his throat a few times. "Ah, Z, you don't understand. I-it's too hard! I can't handle it, ahh!" He then burst into uncontrollable laughter.

Well, as annoying as shit, Z is right.

I guess I'm too weak.

I was completely speechless hearing him speak, even though he's younger than me. However, thanks to Ren, I'm starting to accept the burden I must bear as someone destined to save this world.

Even if I'm not that person, I would strive to make this world a much better place to prevent the same events from recurring. Like Ren said, as long as I know they will be happy, I will make an effort, even if it means going through hardships.

"But Zent..."

"Hmm?"

"How long are we going to stay here? Your body has been shivering for a while now."

"Is that so?" Oh damn.

Suddenly, the piercing cold that was previously bearable struck me like an ice storm. I truly hadn't realized how cold it was sitting on this wall. No wonder Ren seemed slightly trembling; it felt like being inside a freezer.

And since when was he standing next to me?

"What did you expect? Warmth? We're sitting on a wall that's dozens of meters high, under the largest tree in this world, surrounded by countless trees beneath it. Did you think it wouldn't be cold? You should drink the tea that Ren gave you before we freeze to death."

Hastily, I opened the cylindrical object, which turned out to be a thermos. I took a sip of the warm yet refreshing tea, feeling my body gradually warming up and able to withstand the cold temperature up here.

"..just imagine a hero frozen to death. It would be truly embarrassing," Z complained, speaking to himself.

I genuinely questioned whether he was indeed the embodiment of a sealed memory or another persona. Because I felt that Z was significantly different from myself. He was more like an annoying sibling you would seek when separated. Honestly, without him, I might have started going insane by now.

So...thank you, Z.

"You do realize I can hear you right?"

.

.

Damn, I completely forgot.