Next to leave were Taka and Grant, who had been approved by Zin and Monica to travel to the main headquarters of the Aegis Guild.

The two had been working on a special investigation, one that involved a shadowy group with potential ties to the mages. Their departure was no less bittersweet than Aran and Venom’s. Taka, always the jokester, tried to lighten the mood, but even he couldn’t completely hide the sadness in his eyes.

“So, Katsuo,” Taka began, a playful grin on his face. “Looks like I won’t be around to save your sorry ass anymore. But don’t worry, I’ve got full confidence in Serena here. She’ll whip you into shape in no time. Maybe she’ll even teach you some new tricks.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively, making Serena groan and punch him lightly on the shoulder.

“Get out of here before I put you in the ground, Taka,” she said, her tone playful but firm. Katsuo couldn’t help but smile, though his heart felt heavy knowing that Taka’s teasing would be absent from their future journeys.

Taka rubbed his shoulder dramatically, feigning injury. “Ah, see what I have to deal with? This is why I’m heading to the main branch in Galvoria. I need a break from all these violent people.” Monica, standing nearby, rolled her eyes and swatted Taka on the back of the head.

“Stop goofing around and go already. You’ve got a mission to complete,” she scolded, though there was warmth in her voice. Despite all his antics, Taka was a valued member of the guild, and everyone knew it.

Grant, ever the stoic warrior, approached Katsuo with his usual calm demeanor. He extended his hand, and Katsuo took it, the handshake firm and respectful.

“The road ahead of you is a tough one,” Grant said, his voice low but filled with purpose.

“But a warrior never surrenders. You’ve proven yourself, Katsuo. Now it’s time to keep moving forward.” Katsuo nodded, feeling a sense of pride swell in his chest. Grant had been both a rival and a mentor of sorts, and receiving his approval meant more than words could express.

As Taka and Grant walked away, heading toward their next adventure, Katsuo felt a strange mix of emotions. He had grown close to these people, fought alongside them, and now they were leaving to face their own challenges.

It was the way of life for adventurers, but that didn’t make it any easier. Still, there was a sense of hope in the air. They would meet again, of which Katsuo was certain.

Zin, who had been watching the farewells silently, turned to Katsuo with a serious expression. “I’m staying behind to help out around Rokatheryl,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “The country’s been through a lot, and someone needs to restore the balance after the mage attacks. Besides, someone’s gotta keep Monica in check.” He smirked, his usual cocky attitude shining through, but there was a seriousness behind his words.

Zin was a leader in his own right, and his decision to stay showed just how much he cared for the people of Rokatheryl.

Katsuo nodded, understanding the weight of Zin’s choice. There was still so much to be done in the aftermath of the mage attacks, and Zin’s strength would be invaluable in stabilizing the region.

“You’ll do a good job here, Zin,” Katsuo said sincerely.

“The country’s lucky to have you.” Zin gave a short nod, a rare moment of humility crossing his face before he quickly masked it with his usual confidence.

“Yeah, well, try not to miss me too much,” he replied with a grin.

As the farewells came to a close, Monica approached Katsuo with a new mission. Her expression was serious, but there was a hint of excitement in her eyes.

“There’s something I need you to handle,” she said, handing him a sealed scroll.

“Magistia. I need you to investigate what happened there. The mages didn’t attack Milix without reason, and I need you to find out why.” Katsuo took the scroll, feeling the familiar weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. A new adventure was calling.

Before Katsuo could respond, Serena stepped forward, her arms crossed and a determined look on her face.

“If Katsuo’s going to Magistia, then I’m coming too,” she said, her voice leaving no room for argument.

“I need to get stronger, and there’s no way I’m letting him go off on his own.” Katsuo blinked in surprise but quickly smiled. Serena had always been headstrong, and her determination was something he had come to admire.

“Looks like I don’t have a choice, then,” Katsuo replied with a chuckle.

“We’re in this together.”

Monica raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Serena’s insistence.

“You two make a good team,” she said with a smirk.

“Just don’t get yourselves killed out there.” With that, Monica turned to walk away, leaving Katsuo and Serena to prepare for their journey. But before they could take another step, a problem had to be resolved.

A day before Serena and Katsuo leave for Magistia

The warm light of the setting sun filtered through the tall windows of the Aegis Guild's hall, casting long shadows on the stone floor. The hall was quiet now, most of the guild members either celebrating in the common room or resting after the intense battles at Milix.

Serena stood in front of the large fireplace, her arms wrapped around herself as she stared into the crackling flames. Her mind was racing, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake the worry that gnawed at her.

Lilith.

“What’s eating you?” Zin’s voice broke through her thoughts. He leaned against the wall nearby, his arms crossed and his ever-present smirk softening as he noticed Serena’s troubled expression.

Serena glanced at him, letting out a sigh. “It’s Lilith. I’m worried about leaving her behind. She finally has a more normal life, and she’s still so fragile since she is still so young. What if something happens while we’re gone?”

Zin pushed himself off the wall and walked over to her, his smirk fading into something more sincere. “You’re not abandoning her, Serena. The guild’s going to take care of her. Besides, she’s tougher than she looks. She’ll be fine.”

Serena shook her head, her voice tinged with worry. “But she’s still young. She’s been through so much, and now we’re leaving her in a place that’s still dealing with the aftermath of a war. I can’t help but feel like I’m failing her.”

Before Zin could respond, Monica approached, her commanding presence instantly drawing attention. She must have overheard their conversation, and her sharp eyes softened as they settled on Serena.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"Serena," Monica began, her tone calm but firm, "you’re not failing her. You’re doing exactly what you need to do—protecting her in the best way you can.”

Serena frowned, her hands clenched into fists. “How can I protect her if I’m not here? I don’t want her to think I’ve abandoned her.”

Monica’s expression remained steady as she stepped closer, her voice gentle yet authoritative.

"You’re not abandoning her. You’re giving her a chance to live a normal life, free from the danger that’s chasing you. And you’re leaving her in the best hands possible—mine.”

Serena looked up, her eyes searching Monica’s for reassurance. “Are you sure? I mean, with everything else going on, do you really have time to take care of her?”

Monica smiled faintly, a rare expression for her.

“I’ve already made arrangements. Lilith will be staying at the guild. I’ll keep a close eye on her, and Sora will help as well. He’s already offered to play with her right now.”

As if on cue, Sora ran into the hall, his face flushed with excitement as he overheard his name. “I’ll keep her safe! You can count on me, Serena!” He puffed out his chest proudly, though his youthful enthusiasm was clear in the way his eyes sparkled.

Serena smiled softly at Sora’s confidence, her heart warming at the boy’s eagerness. "I know you will, Sora. But it's not just about fighting. She’ll need a friend too—someone to be there for her.”

Sora nodded vigorously. “I’ll be her best friend! We can play games and train together! And I’ll teach her everything I know about the guild!”

Monica placed a hand on Sora’s shoulder, gently guiding him to calm down.

“Sora will be a good companion for Lilith. And besides,” Monica continued,

“she won’t be alone. Elara will be with her as well.”

Serena raised an eyebrow. “Elara?”

Monica nodded, and from the shadows of the hallway, a figure stepped forward—Elara, the girl they had rescued from Izana’s lab.

She had been quiet since they brought her to the guild, spending most of her time studying and recovering in isolation. Her dark brown hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her wide, amber eyes seemed to take in every detail of her surroundings.

She wore a simple cloak, though it was clear that she was more comfortable in the lab than out in the field.

“Hi… Everyone…” Elara said softly, her voice gentle. “I’ll do my… best..”

Serena’s eyes softened as she looked at Elara, grateful for her quiet resilience. “Thank you, Elara.”

Elara offered a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Monica stepped in once more, her voice firm as she addressed Serena. “Lilith will be well cared for. Between Sora, Elara, and myself, she’s in good hands. We’ll make sure she’s safe, and we’ll help her grow stronger.”

Serena hesitated for a moment longer, her gaze flickering toward the door of the guild.

Then, as if sensing her thoughts, Lilith appeared at the door. The girl, her pale hair still wild and her eyes full of innocence, smiled softly as she approached Serena.

“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” Lilith asked quietly, her voice barely a whisper.

Serena knelt down so she was eye-level with Lilith, her heart aching.

“I have to, Lilith. There’s something important I need to do with Katsuo. But I’ll come back. I promise.”

Lilith’s gaze was calm, almost knowing. Despite her young age, there was a wisdom in her eyes that belied her appearance.

“It’s okay,” she said softly. “I know you’ll come back. And I’ll be here, waiting.”

Serena reached out, gently placing a hand on Lilith’s cheek.

“Stay strong, alright? You have Sora, Elara, and Monica. They’ll look out for you. And when I come back, we’ll spend all the time in the world together.”

Lilith nodded, her small hand reaching up to grasp Serena’s.

“I’ll get stronger too. So when you come back, I’ll be ready to help.”

Serena smiled, her heart swelling with affection.

“I’m sure you will, Lilith. I’m sure you will.”

Katsuo, who had been standing nearby with Zin, watched the exchange with quiet respect.

He could see the conflict in Serena’s eyes, the love she had for Lilith, and the difficulty of leaving her behind. Katsuo stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Serena’s shoulder.

“You’re doing the right thing, Serena,” he said softly. “Lilith’s in good hands here. And we need you with us for what’s ahead.”

Serena glanced at Katsuo, her eyes filled with gratitude. She knew he was right, but it didn’t make leaving any easier.

Still, with Monica, Sora, and Elara by Lilith’s side, she felt a sense of relief knowing that the girl would be cared for.

Zin, chimed in with a teasing grin. “Besides, if anything goes wrong, Sora will just scream for help, and I’ll come in like the hero I am. No worries.”

Sora, not missing a beat, puffed up his chest again. “I won’t need to scream! I’ll take care of everything!”

The room filled with light laughter, the tension easing as everyone found solace in each other’s support.

Monica crossed her arms, giving Serena a final nod. “Trust me, Serena. You focus on your mission. Lilith will be waiting for you when you get back. I promise.”

Serena nodded, her heart lighter now. “Thank you, Monica. I’ll hold you to that promise.”

Monica smirked slightly. “And I’ll hold you to yours—come back in one piece.”

With that, Serena stood, exchanging one last look with Lilith before turning to Katsuo and Zin.

The journey ahead was uncertain, but Serena knew she could leave with a clearer conscience now.

As they prepared to leave the guild and step into the next chapter of their journey, Lilith, Sora, and Elara stood together, watching with quiet resolve.

They were all part of something bigger now, and though they were staying behind, their paths were forever intertwined with those who were leaving.

And with Monica’s promise echoing in her heart, Serena stepped through the doors, ready to face whatever came next.

Katsuo and Serena made their way toward the guild’s gate, ready to embark on their new mission to Magistia.

The weight of their new ranks felt both exhilarating and daunting, but they were determined to live up to the expectations placed on them.

Just as they reached the gate, a shadow emerged from the dim light, blocking their path.

Joel Ragnarok stood before them, his eyes blazing with barely concealed fury.

“You think you can just walk away after humiliating me?!” Joel spat, his voice low and dangerous.

“After everything you did, you think you can just run off on your little mission?”

Katsuo’s hand instinctively moved to his sword, his muscles tensing as Joel stepped forward.

“We’re not running, Joel,” Katsuo said calmly. “We did what we had to do.”

Joel’s eyes narrowed, his fists clenched tightly. “You’re not going anywhere until I’ve had my revenge.”

Before Katsuo could respond, Joel lunged at him, his fist swinging toward Katsuo’s face. But before the blow could land, a blur of motion appeared behind Joel, and there was a sharp crack as a figure struck him from behind.

Joel crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Katsuo blinked in surprise, looking up to see Xanus standing over Joel’s unconscious body, his expression calm and collected.

“I hope you weren’t planning on leaving without me,” Xanus said, his voice light but filled with purpose.

Katsuo and Serena stared at Xanus in shock, their mouths agape.

“You…” Serena began, still processing what had just happened.

Xanus gave a small, knowing smile. “You told me you’d help, remember? I’m just taking you up on your offer.”

Katsuo couldn’t help but grin. Despite everything, Xanus had chosen to stand by them. It was unexpected, but it felt right.

“Well, I guess that settles it,” Katsuo said with a laugh. “Let’s get out of here.”

The three of them—Katsuo, Serena, and Xanus—turned and ran toward the gates of Rokatheryl.

Behind them, Joel’s squad emerged, shouting angrily as they gave chase. But Katsuo didn’t care. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt free.

As they ran through the gates and into the open road, Katsuo, Serena, and Xanus shared a smile, the wind in their faces and the world ahead of them.

Together, they would face whatever challenges lay beyond, ready for the next chapter of their journey.

Their journey was just beginning, and together, they would forge a new path, one filled with danger, discovery, and the promise of new adventures.

Katsuo couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement as they walked forward, the wind at their backs and the future open before them. This was the next chapter of their story, and Katsuo was ready for whatever came next.