"Don’t tell me you can see now!?" Kai’s face lit up with genuine excitement.

Kaiser was really happy for her. Of course, Cia being born without vision can't magically recover her sight, but the fact that they're Players with unique abilities hidden within could potentially give her vision. If somehow Cia had gained sight as her Player ability, it would be nothing short of miraculous.

Cia chuckled, putting an end to his brief excitement. "No, silly. For your information, people tend to improve what they frequently use the most. I can't say exactly how, but I could just tell you were troubled by the change in your voice, and there’s something off in the way you’re holding yourself right now." Cia explained as she touched the bench before sitting down beside him, on his other side sat Ariella, rather, she lay beside him using his lap as a pillow without permission, and taking his hands to cover her face... She seemed satisfied with what she was doing, which put a smile on his face as he messed up Ariella's silky, silver hair in return.

But back to the problem. Cia hasn't discovered her ability yet, which is both disappointing and expected.

Kai sighed, leaning back a little, feeling a bit lighter and frustrated all at once. "Not today, I guess… Do I really sound that strange?"

Cia nodded calmly. "Not to most people. But for me? Yes."

Her voice had grown more distant, the lightness from a moment ago fading, as if she’d drawn inward once again. Kai felt a familiar helplessness. It had been hard to spend as much time with them recently, partly because each of them had their own unique ways and the surrounding tasks that only he could deal with. Ariella was a cheerful presence, yet her silence sometimes made it hard to connect fully. Cia was much the opposite, quiet by nature, keeping her words brief and weighted, maybe due to the internal struggles she shouldered in a world that felt too vast and hostile for someone without sight. It hadn’t gotten easier for her, that much he knew. Being blind isn't easy. The sad thing, is that, her silent depression wasn't improving, more like it's worsening by the day the more she learns about the world they're thrown into.

Kaiser wished to help her, but his not the best man for the job because his more suitable at cursing others than comforting. He had never been great at words, especially the kind that softened pain. If only there's a Psychiatrist in the village to aid Cia's mental health, but even then, her recovery is uncertain. After all, it won't change the fact that her future is bleak. Fortunately, Ariella can be by her side all the time to keep dark thoughts at bay.

Being the core member of their group, Kaiser had to work around for their livelihood and safety. So he can't be around them too much, making moments like this relatively rare, Kai was grateful for them. A warm, clear sky hung above them, the soft rustling of trees framing the peaceful garden. The sun filtered down, illuminating the space around them with a gentle glow as they shared a bench under the shade of a tree.

Kaiser thought for a moment before finally coming up with a question before it gets too awkward.

"Hmm, Okay. So.. um, how have you two been lately." He asked with a smile.

Cia paused, and her brows furrowed a bit, as if deciding how to respond. "Kai… maybe we should work a little on your choice of words." She gave him a small smile, softening the scolding. "You’re doing fine, but try to adapt to who you’re talking to. For someone who can’t see, ‘lovely garden’ and ‘beautiful weather’ don’t mean a lot."

Did he really expect someone who couldn't see, describe her day with anything but sounds and blackness?

Kai coughed, realizing his misstep. "Sorry about that."

She shook her head gently. "It’s okay. I know you’re just trying to keep the conversation going." Her lips curved slightly. "Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask… I don’t remember any other student named Ariella at the university, so I assume she’s from Greenland. If you don’t mind my asking... What’s your relationship with her?"

Kai blinked, slightly taken aback by the question. He looked down at Ariella, sleeping peacefully on his lap.

"Oh Yeah, I haven't told you yet... Well, It’s… a bit complicated," he answered, pinching the goddess cheek as he continued nonchalantly. "We're not friends. I just found her on my first day here and because of some circumstances I can't explain, I'm obligated to raise this uselessly beautiful goddess that got kinda scammed out of her powers so she wouldn't destroy the world. Thanks to that, I had to take care of her even after my death. In some sense, I guess I'm her step dad." He laughed at himself.

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Cia seemed to have lost her words for a moment, then nodded slowly, as though processing what he just said. Her expression was unreadable. "I, I see... That is indeed complicated."

She's not buying it at all.

After an awkward silence, Kaiser asked, looking up with a distant gaze.

"Hey Cia, you probably heard that there's only a few days to go before we left the village. We'll be moving into a city soon... Honestly, I don't feel too well about that. You know how complex society can be, which only becomes more confusing the bigger it is."

Government administrations, organizations, living space, foods and jobs to kept their livelihood afloat and everything concerning the inner workings of society brought struggle and bliss to its citizens. Luckily, as a Player, Kai wouldn't have to worry about finding food so much. However, that glorious title also screamed for both attention and potential trouble. The simple village had already dragged him in threatening issues despite having merely one powerhouse, let alone a large settlement where several parties played to achieve their own varying goals, influencing others in the process.

Other Players were undoubtedly there, like Gabriel. Either adjusting to the new world, developing or making a name for themselves. That's not counting the organizations with intentions to make use of their abilities for their own gains, added the established authorities built to maintain orders and many more. All of which force capable of potentially affecting his life whether good or bad. There's no certainty except that fact that might makes right everywhere, crashing the weak for the ambition of the strong.

And there's only two choices in life, either to lead or follow.

He sighed, his voice low and troubled.

"Not gonna lie... I don't know what to do once we get there."

Needless to say, Kaiser was their group of three main decision makers. Therefore, carried responsibility akin to an entire family's foothold. If his alone, then he wouldn't be worried too much for the choices he makes are for him, solely. However, with Ariella and Cia as his responsibility, Kai couldn't afford to be careless. One mistake and they'll suffer the consequences of his decisions, too. If that put them in danger, Kai didn't anymore.

His only an eighteen year old fresh high school graduate. Bearing responsibility was beyond his league, it burdened him greatly.

Sensing his worries, Cia advised, her voice gentle and soothing.

"I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. Stop thinking too much, especially if you're only considering the bad stuff. I trust you'll know when we get there, believe me, it's not that difficult if you just do it. However, just make sure to choose wisely. Let me guess, you prefer living here, do you?"

Kaiser grinned bitterly.

"Am I that obvious?"

"No, it's just that, since the first time we met. You never strike me as someone who fits with the crowd. And your tone is livelier here in the tower despite the lack of company."

"Alright, you got me... If I'm being honest, I would rather choose to settle in this kind of home. It's more peaceful here, quiet and... Yeah, I just like it here."

"Then why not stay?"

"Huh?"

"Kai, it’s your life, and there are multiple options available.The village houses will be vacant soon—we could choose one to stay in. You could even apply as Mr. Garba’s inheritor, to take over his tower someday. I know he will be grateful for you to continue his legacy as its keeper." Cia advised gently, her voice thoughtful.

However, her listener was far from decent, at times. Registering something different in her concern words.

A mischievous grin crept onto Kai’s face,

"Well, I might as well replace Garba’s family by building one of my own, I wonder what our babies would look like."

Cia’s mouth dropped open, her usual composure shattered by his sudden bold remark. A deep blush bloomed across her cheeks, and her expression filled with an intense mix of embarrassment and disbelief.

"Th-that’s not what I meant!" she stammered, looking away quickly, instinctively avoiding him. "Besides, isn’t Ariella enough for you?!"

Kai’s grin only grew wider, surprised to see her flustered for once. He pressed on.

"You know what they say—the more, the merrier!"

Her face turned an even deeper shade of red as she covered her ears, her mind reeling from Kai’s teasing. Like a bunny who doesn't want to hear anything anymore.

How can he say those words so brazenly?!

She stayed silent, struggling to compose her disoriented emotions Kai played with.

'Did I overdo it?'

Kai was beginning to worry, when her fragile and low voice broke through the silence.

"F-fine… I… I wouldn’t mind if it were you."

Kai blinked, caught off guard, his heart skipped a beat. "Wait… You serious?"

"No, you dummy!" She burst out laughing, catching him by surprise again. "Of course not. What, did I get your hopes up?"

The sound of her laughter was warm, soft, and for a moment, Kai felt as though he was hearing Cia’s true self—free and light, charismatic and spirited. Just like the inspirational figure Kaiser looked up to back in the academy days.

It was the first time he had seen her laugh like this, the burdens on her shoulders seemed to have disappeared. It warms his heart, despite being dumped.

When her rare laughter died down, Cia asked in all seriousness.

"But seriously, Kai. Will we be staying here?"

Kai chuckled, scratching his head sheepishly. "Well, since you won’t have my babies, I guess there’s no point in staying here, huh?"

"Enough already!" she said, shyly clutching her chest, her head boiling, her chest raging. "It, it feels strange…"

'Oh really, do you think you can trick me and get away with it?' Of course, his not done.

Kai leaned in, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper that tingled the poor, blind girl's ear. "For your information, that’s called love."

Her face turned scarlet as she groaned, pulling back, clearly overwhelmed by his playful jabs to point tears was beginning to form on her eyes.

'Oi, oi! Don't tell me she's gonna cry?!'

But before they could continue, the lighthearted moment was interrupted by a loud metallic clang from the kitchen, followed by Garba’s unmistakable booming voice.

"Get in here, youngsters! Meal’s ready!"

Kai sighed, saved from becoming more of a bully. Getting up and gently lifting the peacefully sleeping Ariella into his arms, cradling her as he would a princess. Cia stood, too, reaching out to rest a hand on his shoulder, ready to follow.

As they began to walk inside, Kaiser strangely stopped. Then, his voice dropped to a quieter, more serious tone. Though, it's really hard to take him seriously "As much as I like to create babies with you…" He glanced down at her over his shoulder, there was a flicker of conviction in his eyes. "I’ve decided. We’ll be leaving with the villagers when they go. Like it or not, I'll fulfill my promise to you. And who knows? The city is big, advanced even—they might have a way to appraise a Player’s ability... Furthermore, I know you're an ambitious girl. I believe you'll be someone great someday." His gaze dimmed as he looked away.

"Besides... You deserve better than an as*hole like me."

Cia’s hand tightened slightly on his shoulder, the weight of the moment sinking in.