The blood moon had awakened. A red crescent moon. It used to be seen as a bad omen but time has changed. Now, peoples hold festivals during this night.

Prior my initiation of the Nines, before that monster rampage incident ever took place, I never once miss the annual Red Crescent Festival.

After years of abstaining myself from this festival, this year, I allowed myself to relive the experience of my childhood days, well in this case, nights.

It was agreed that the three of us were to meet up at the festival but out of the three, including me, only two showed up. The third person was absent. It was unlike him to break a promise but it was also just like him to be fickle.

If he wasn't feeling well, he would told us but he didn't. Which leaves to only one plausible reason as of why he didn't show up.

I knew of the friendly feud going on between Luna and Hyx. Almost everyone does. I think.

Luna had the notion that Hyx truly despise her and therefore, his reason for being absent.

How rude of him. I'm sure it wasn't his intention to cause such misunderstanding but it didn't change the fact that he did.

Instead of him, Luna kept apologizing. By some miracles, I wagered, I managed to comfort and calm the near-hysteric Luna. I convinced that we could still join the festival with just the two of us. She beamed.

It was awkward. Our skin touched a lot.

I didn't want to ruin the mood, so I ended up enjoying the festival with Luna, just the two of us. We had fun but Luna was over the moon with it, surprisingly. Just moments ago, she was face full of tears and snots and belittling herself.

Most important of all, I had never saw her this happy before. When the liveliness of this particular night came to end, we part ways but not before Luna surprised me with unexpected words.

Simply put, I was confessed to by a person of the same gender and age. No, not exactly my same age. Since she's an Elf, we just look like we're on the same years.

Unlike other faith, Faith of the Nines doesn't shun such practices. And I wasn't oppose to it. In truth, I'm not even sure of my own inclination. Still, I asked her for some time. She consented to my selfish request and we parted ways then.

We live in the same place, the temple of the Nines but we weren't going back together as I still have some unfinished business.

There's only so much places that boy would go to in the dead of the night. He wasn't someone bold enough to brave the unknowns of in the dark.

He would be at someplace bright but isolated from people.

Following my instincts, I found him.

Right under the Sakura Tree with the pink petals reflecting the red brilliance of the blood moon, immersed in his reading. He could be boorish and annoying at times but this was one of his traits that I'm quite fond of. Everyday, I would see him devouring pages of a different book.

Nevertheless, it didn't change what he had done.

That infuriating idiot. He actually lied to me and Iluna. He dares to break a promise and made her cry.

"Hyx."

He stiffened when he heard his name being called. Slowly, he peeked up from the book he's reading. When our eyes met, I smiled. He returned a nervous laugh.

"A book means much more to you than friends and festivals?"

"No. Not really." After he closed his book, he got up, steadily without breaking eye contact. I'm not a tiger. Just because you're looking at me doesn't mean I won't attack you.

"May I know why then?"

"Um.... I can't tell y-you." It wasn't said like a noble gentleman but pale shadow of one.

"Why?"

"Secret?"

I sighed. Breaking a promise with two of his friends and now he's refusing to give me the reason. Either he's really an idiot or he's too bold for his own good. The former triumphs all other possibility most likely. I say he isn't satisfied with where his head is.

"Er.... Vira, w-what are you doing?" He didn't bother to hide the tremble in his voice. Subtle will never be a word to describe him. Nothing about him can be said to be subtle.

I offered no response as I silently drew out a gleaming white sword from my [Arms Inventory].

"Is that Sh-Shadow's B-Bane?"

"For most of the time, yes. But now, it's your bane."

"Ehehe?" A troubled and difficult face he had. "Nice joke?"

"Thank you but I wasn't joking."

"Ah.... Are you going to use that on me?"

"You think I'm brandishing this sword out just for laughs?" I asked him without neglecting my grin.

"Hey, c'mon. It's just a festival."

"It's just a festival?"

"You weren't very aboard with it in the first place."

"You condescending Modred's Hound. It's the Red Crescent Festival. You know how much she longs to go to the festival, with the two of us, mind you. You have no idea how dispirited Luna was."

"Eh?" He was looking at me in disbelief. Does he truly think his presence won't matter? "She's dispirited? I.... But I...."

"Don't worry, she's fine now. No thanks to you. We enjoyed ourselves, just so you know."

"Well, that's good."

"It is but you're still not forgiven. And rest assured, I won't use the edge."

"Um.... Milady, that's Moonstone, a high-tier steel. Even the flat surface can cause internal bleeding, you know?"

"Oh, I'm counting on it." I said and I attacked in flashes. Before two seconds were up, I have hit him on his right shoulder, his left hand, his right leg, and I was now pinning him on the trunk of the Sakura Tree. If I applied only a little bit more force, the point would made its way into his flesh.

"Ow ow ow ow. That hurts." He said, wincing at the places I hit him with the flat surface of Shadow's Bane. He had dropped the book when I hit his left hand. I could tell he wanted to pick the book up as his eyes were at the book on the grass. Did he not realize that he has more pressing matters to worry about at the moment?

Since he wasn't taking his eyes off the book he dropped, I followed his gaze. "Ugly Duckling" that's the word written in gold color on the hardcover of the book. I know this story. A children's bedtime story but I don't remember it having this much pages. This one must have been rewritten to appeal to the older ages. Still, it is a story about finding a place one belongs to and seeking acceptance.

"Yeah, I know. It's pathetic, right?" said Hyx. "I broke our promise just to come here and read some children's story."

"I couldn't care less about what you're reading. It beats the other weird and nameless books you have always been reading. Nevertheless, tell me. Why didn't you come?"

"I...."

Before he could fib, I apply more force into the tip. "Don't lie to me, okay?" I warned him. His shirt was dyed a little in red.

"I.... I didn't want to get in the way."

"Get in the way? Why would you be getting in the...." I stopped when I realized what he meant. "I see. Did you two planned this?"

"Ah? No. No, we didn't. It was just me."

"Hmm?"

"I know of her feelings for you, okay? I knew if I followed, she wouldn't have.... but I'm guessing she already did, didn't she?"

So that's why. You sly imp. "She did. She did."

"Congratulations?" He said, forcing a smile.

"But I didn't give her an answer yet."

"Heh? Why not?"

Stowing away Shadow's Bane, I looked him in the eyes. "What about you then?"

"What? W-What about me?"

"I thought you two were competing?"

"Huh? Competing...? What are you talking about?"

I feel like I would loose if I sigh here, so I withheld it. "Do you really think I wouldn't know? In fact, everyone knew. Not just me. You're an idiot. You're terrible at lying and you're terrible at concealing."

He froze on the spot and started stuttering like the idiot he is. Combining with his reddening face, it became one of the rare moments that he truly acts his age. How cute. "Everyone k-knew? Y-You knew?"

"You weren't very subtle with your advances. So yes, I knew." You might to want to work on your methods.

"Ah.... Shit...." He gave a dry smile. "How embarrassing." Despite what he said, he didn't sound embarrassed. He instead sounded like someone who has given up.

"Why did you let her?"

I can see his lips trembling and his eyebrows twitching. A tear form in the corner of his eye but he wiped it before it even drip out. He lifted his head so our eyes could meet. "She's an Elf."

He said as if that one word could explain all his actions. In a way, it could.

"I know how the world treated Elves just because they are so much more beautiful than every other Sagax race. Despite knowing this, she went against her clan's teaching and advises for the sake of helping people. People like me. You have always been the pillar of her strength. And.... I consider her a friend despite constantly being at each other's throat. I can't do that to her. I can't take away the pillar that have always supported her at her worst."

"Hyx.... you...."

He scoffed, it derailed my train of thought. "Well, not that I can take away the pillar in the first place, even if I tried my hardest."

"Really? Is that how you think?" I asked.

He didn't answer me. He just hung his head low, looking at his boots scrapping the grass. His right hand is fumbling inside his vest's pocket.

"Do you really think that you don't stand a chance?" I asked again.

"Huh?" He looked up. He stared blankly at my way but he begun walking backwards when he caught my meaning but his back is already at the tree. "Ah....." He was gagging at that one word.

I stood into his personal space, our face is only less than a dozen centimeters apart. It was kinda difficult though since I was at least half a head taller than him. Basically, instead of face to face, I'm pretty much towering over him.

I don't doubt that I looked like a bully at the moment.

"You're kinda close.... V-Vira."

"Yet, I don't feel close. Never did. You're always keeping us at a distance. Why?"

Without any answer, he just keeps fumbling in his pocket.

Having enough of his indecisiveness, I forcefully dragged his hand out of his pocket and a silver ring fell out. It couldn't be said to be a work of art but the silver ring does have some interesting pattern engraved on it.

It was a flower. A flower that symbolizes strength and courage. A flower of warriors. A flower for heroes. The flower is called Xatara.

It shares its name with a legendary female warrior that lived a few thousands of years ago. A slayer of the foulest beast from the darkest and deepest depths. Her tale is not widely revered but it was very well-known among the children back at the orphanage. Our caretaker, Lily believes that Xatara has ascended from her mortal coil and is now living among the Gods.

Xatara, I looked up to her. I have even declare that I would be just like her when I grew up. However, reality isn't so kind. Too much have changed.

"What is that?" I asked, inclining my head at the fallen ring. "And don't lie. You're not very good at it."

He quickly picked it back up and pocketed it. "That's nothing. It was something but not anymore, not since I decided not to betray my friend."

"Why do you always do this? Haven't you lost enough? You have sacrificed so much. Do you seriously think that you don't deserve happiness?" How laughable. Under most circumstances, Hyx would be the one saying such things to me, not the other way around.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"At the cost of other's happiness? Not in a million years."

My hand reached out for him but it was refused. "I think she needs you more than I do."

"Hyx.... I...."

"Besides, it's too late for me."

"What do you mean it's too late for y...." My voice trailed off. My eyes widened. Stumbling at my words, I stepped back from Hyx who was shuddering violently but I wasn't allowed. He had his hands grasped tightly on shoulders.

Dark purplish veins surfaced on his body. His skin blackened. His eyes begun glowing purple. His figure distorting into that of a monster's. His head and face morphed into head of a beast that I'm all too familiar with.

It wasn't just the appearance that I'm familiar with but it's voice too, even its growling.

"It's a been awhile, my dear woman." It said and extended its tongue, slowly savoring every inch and corners of my face. My body is bound by fear. Fluids began to leak out from every orifices.

I can't help it. I was hardened by countless experience but none has prepared me for this.

I'm starting to remember. I can feel the pain between my legs resurfacing. I'm recollecting the humiliation and despair I was put through. It didn't relent at my desperate pleadings and cries.

It only serves to fuel its lust for me as I cried more and more.

Truly despicable.

This shall not stand.

The fear in me turned into anger. And the anger turned into wrath. The wrath became my strength. I screamed at it.

I screamed a chant.

I invoked [Durandal] and before the shining blade of light reach the monster's flesh --

-- I woke up.

With just two fingers, the radiance blade is caught during its travel. If the blade was steel, I would surely feel the rebound. Apparently, I have mimicked my dreams.

"Vira, are you alright?" Asked the person who stopped [Durandal], Runyx who is sitting on her knees by my side on the bed. Instead of me, she was the one who looks dreadfully surprised. I think catching an adept-level spell barehanded garners more disbelief.

I am breathing hard. The sound of my heart knocking at my ribs is plain to my eyes. I released [Durandal] from my hand and it fades away.

"Just some old nightmare." I lied. It's not old. It's quite recent, in fact. "Nothing to worry about." I assure her. Truth to be told, it is a lot to worry about.

"Really?" She asked, unconvinced. It was only natural. I'm not even sure how believable I sound since I was panting when I said those words.

"Nothing new." I said. My hands clutches on to the silver ring I wore around my neck for comfort. It became a habit ever since that expedition.

The ring wasn't an antique nor was it a work of a master craftsman. If asked what value it holds, I would say sentiment. A keepsake, so to say.

"Nothing new?" She parrots me. "Been hanging around ya for a month now. This is the first time I know of this." Unlike her usual frolic self, she's being very serious. I didn't know she has this side of her. I have seen monsters who have the appearance of the most unimaginable but with only her gaze, I felt intimidated. She's looking at me like a concerned older sister would to her younger sister.

"I have been having nightmares since the monster rampage incident. It's nothing special for what I do. It's just that this time it's a little bit more.... surreal."

She keeps her eyes on me. She doesn't look like she's buying anything I have said. Despite how she acts, she's a very cautious and observant person. Her merry is just a shade that hides her true nature. How shrewd.

Her keen look shifted. She spins her head to the door. "Someone's coming."

"Now? Who could it be?" Although I said that, I can roughly guess who. Taking into consideration of every clue present in my mind, there could be only one person.

"Should I...."

I nod and she reverted back to her lance form. She can't move by herself when she is in her original form. So she just fell onto the bed when she reverted.

When the knocks came, I wrapped my night robes over my bare naked body.

Yes, I sleep naked. It helps the body to breathe and it is quite relaxing. I had a hard time calming Nyx down when we spent our first night together. Of course I don't mean anything sexual about that. Since I'm her wielder and she's my weapon, it only make sense for her to be by my side the whole time.

I open the door when another round of knocks came.

"Can we talk?" was the first thing my night intruder asks.

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

A week has passed since I became the Vice-Commander of the Night Hunters. First thing I did was information gathering. Catching up to the latest news and information, most of them are regarding monsters and Magic Beasts; where to hunt them, how to hunt them, when to hunt them, and if there's any new breed that have emerged in my time of incarceration, I need to know, what are they and why did they emerge.

Know your enemies.

Respect your enemies.

Keep them close.

Ever since I set down on this path of vengeance, I learned a lot and I learned disrespecting and not acknowledging your enemies are the gravest mistake one could make. My blunder did not bring me my demise purely because I'm a True Dragon-kin. I wouldn't be still standing till this day if I was a being lesser than a True Dragon.

A little blunder could cost one's life. That is one of the major and unspoken rule of this world.

My childhood friend learned this the hard away as I had.

She made a blunder and it cost her her virtue. It was what she told me. It wasn't known by anyone other than a selected few. Oddly enough, she didn't ask me to keep a secret as if she knew I would even if she didn't ask. This just shows how much she trusts me.

I was greatly shaken at first. Angry would be an understatement but I regain my composure after a fleeting outburst. This was close kept secret but I was told by the victim herself. A sign of trust, she says. In return, I was to spill the truth of myself too.

The truth of my capture.

It's simple, actually. I made a blunder too. I was already a wanted man when I purge the town of Mimics but my face wasn't seen. No one was the wiser. Until I gave in to a temptress, a succubus. They only appear beautiful on the surface but their true appearance is as grotesque as a Goblin. Despite knowing these facts, I fell for such a simple trick.

In her form that was the sweetest to me, I confessed to her.

That led to my capture.

My punishment was either execution or eternal imprisonment. I didn't choose. I left it all up to the only juror and witness in the court, Roland Atlas.

My fate was sealed. My whole life in a pit.

If it wasn't for her, I would spent the rest of my live in the dark, unable to do anything while the monstrous beasts raze and ravage the world.

And as of late -- No -- Not as of late. My childhood friend had been making a mistake. She had gave her trust to someone unworthy.

It took me a couple of days to muster up my courage to relay the ugly truth to her. If she comes to hate me for this.... No, she won't. She's not that kind of person. At most, she would gave me some appropriate punishment and at the very least, told me off with passive-crude remarks.

Not that those things mattered in my decision.

I need to tell her.

In the dead of the night, I knocked on her door a few times. While waiting for answer, I ponder on my choice of time. Although not always the case, only during the night that she has time for leisure activities. In the day, she would never stop working. Her break was frequent but it didn't last for even half an hour.

I could have come earlier before the moon reached its peak but I only found myself walking when it was this late but nevertheless, I made my decision.

The door opens.

Disheveled hair, loose robes , dead eyes, she greeted me in such fashion. In all honesty, she looks tempting and vulnerable. You would think her solemn demeanor during the day was a lie.

I push such thoughts into the deep and ask "Can we talk?"

Her lips curled up.

If I didn't knew any better, I would say she's trying to entice me. It would be deprave of me to say this but the loose robes she wore really emphasize the valley of her humble breast. Does she not realize how appealing she appears?

For her who is usually stoic, I don't think she's doing this on purpose but I don't believe she's this clueless. Is it because she trusts me to such an extent?

And the scars on her face. She doesn't have a face that would attract all the eyes but it would turn a few heads. The scars just weren't helping. Magic can be used to rid scars. It's not cheap but a Knight Commander like her won't have any gold problems. So, why didn't she rid it?

"Come in." She said.

Blankly, I stared. Not of her figure but how easily she let a man into her room in the dead of the night. I'm well aware of her strength but even so, this is just too heedless. Is she perhaps half-asleep?

No. That's not it. She's fully awake. She maybe tired but her guard is firm, evident from the way she walks. Steadfastly, without any sway, she walks to a chair and sat down. Leaning back, she gestures me to close the door.

After I fasten the bolt and I took a sit by the bed.

"Ara~ Is you~?"

In a tone of affectionate whispers, I sprang up. Or at least that's what my immediate reaction is suppose to be but whoever whispered into my ear, the person has immense physical strength. She's preventing me from springing up from the bed.

"How bold for a man. To visit milady's room at night. Here to provide her some comfort? Mind if I join?" The person then hugs me like a toy and rubs her face on mine. Even as a True Dragon-kin, I wasn't able to pry myself free from her arms. Runyx, right? A Mondra is really something.

Before I can refute, Amber already did so. "Nyx. Behave yourself."

The living-sentient weapon arched her lips. "Mwu~ But he's so warm to touch." Despite her objections, she complied.

True. As a Dragon-kin, I do have very warm body temperature.

Moreover, it's fall.

The night has been unbearably cold but not for me. I have been told that a Dragon-kin's body warmth provides more comfort than a blanket but I don't think she embraced me for such reasons.

Contrary to her appearance, she's not someone who does things without thinking.

In just one week, I have discerned what kind of character she possesses. She's buoyant and carefree but all to cover up her sagacious and shrewd character. That is her true nature.

"So, what is it you want to talk about, Victor?"

"Sorry for the sudden intrude, Commander." My apologies were late but better late than never

"Ara~? Not Amber? You know what, I think I might call her Amber too."

Like a mouse forced into a corner by a rat, Nyx yelped at the sharp eyes of the Night Hunter's Commander.

"Kidding?" Runyx apologized with a cramped smile.

After giving a stern warning without words, she turns to me. "You can call me Amber if it's just the two of us."

Runyx is making a face that says "me too~!" but she was splendidly ignored.

"What is it you want to talk about?"

"Roland Atlas." Yes. The one who ensured my sentence. The Duke of Atlas.

Amber sighs like she had expected this. "What about him?" Is what she said but her eyes says "Can't you just let it go?"

Unlike usual, she's very unreserved. Is it because we're alone?

"Hyx Atlas. An exiled from the Valerius household. From what I heard, he was adopted by Roland Atlas. From your reports, he's one of the victims of the recent expedition."

Amber made no remark. She's just patiently waiting for my point.

"You two are quite close."

"We were."

"How close?"

"Close enough to get on my nerves."

I see. "He died. Right?"

"Yes."

"And a Mimic-type monster took its form, which you highly suspect it to be a Skinwalker, which you failed to kill."

"Yes."

"And his adoptive father, Roland Atlas. He knows of this?"

"Of course. He might even be one of the first to know."

"Yet, he didn't look faze by it. I've seen and heard you two talk. The boy, Hyx, he didn't even came up in any subjects in the conversation of you and Roland."

She heaved through her nose and stood up. She walks to her bed and collapses into it. "Your point?" She asked while facing the ceiling.

"Neither of you two brought him up in your talks. I find it weird. I can understand why you didn't but I don't understand why he didn't. If anything, he didn't seem like it matter to him if Hyx Atlas existed or not."

"Victor." She said. There wasn't any sentiment in her voice. It is just plain hollow. "You and I, we're not the only ones that are acquainted with loss. There's more than a billion people in this world. Don't be naive and ignorant."

"But don't you think it's weird that he didn't at least --"

"No, I don't." She told me as she sprang up sitting. "He was an adventurer and a warrior long before he's a merchant. I don't know how much he has lost but I have no qualms that it wouldn't be some small numbers. He'a Duke and a successful merchant now. What were you expecting?"

I don't know how she perceived my silent. I don't want to know. The man, Roland Atlas, he has dug his claws deep into Amber. I can't convince her. No matter what she said about him, there is just something that rubs me the wrong way about him.

"Victor. Most of all, he's a man not a boy. I can't say I know him but I'm sure he has his own ways of mourning. What's more, I trust him more than a lot of people I know."

"Amber. How can you trust someone like him?"

"Let it go."

She said it. She finally said it. This is probably what she wanted to say ever since she figured what I came here for.

"I know he was there at your trial. He even testified against you but he's just doing his job as a law-abiding citizen. You did massacre an entire village without any proof of your defending claim. How could you blame him for that?"

"So he just happens to see me massacring an entire village and then later profited ridiculously from my articles?"

"He's a merchant. He travels. That village produces good silk and is one of the main market of wool in the continent. Your were incarcerated for life. It's only natural to think of selling your articles. What's odd about that?"

Curses. He's good. His reasons are just too good.

"This grudge of yours is just too inane. Do you think he's worth it over every other monsters out there in the world? I released you to hunt monsters, not to become a hero of justice. Leave that to the newly summoned heroes."

"Why? Why do you defend him? Does he have something over you?"

Amber scoffed. I wonder what the others would say if they saw her in this state. Probably nothing. What can they say about her anyways? She's a different person when she's around a person she's very close to? That's a very stupid reason to bash someone for. Conclusion? Nothing will change even they found out this side of her. After all, she's an S-rank who can walk the walk.

Yes. She's an S-rank now. What they always said is true apparently. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Although, if the rumor weren't all lies like always, she lost something grave in return for her ascend in rank.

"And they say I was the one seeing enemies at every corners." She rolls her eyes. I will be honest, I'm a little put off by her current displays but the issue isn't this.

"Amber. I maybe your subordinate but I'm your friend first and foremost. Tell me, please."

I got close to Amber but she wasn't surprise that I did.

"Does he have something over you?"

She remains calm as always but I knew her better than a lot of people. She's scared. I have seen those eyes before. Just like that time back then when we're witnessing our home grounds being trampled by a monsters' rampage.

"Amber. Don't be afraid. I'm here now. Please talk to me. If you something on your mind, please just talk to me."

I can't help it. I know I'm overstepping but she's the only family I have left. Before my arms could find themselves wrap around Amber, she pushed me gently away with just a finger.

"I'm not afraid. It's an unfounded anxiety more than a rational fear. Does he have something over me? Yes, he does."

I knew it. That Modred's Hound.

"But make no mistake. It was given out of my good mind and consent."

"W-Why? Why would you gave him something over you?"

When I asked her that, she looks away and hovers her hand over her stomach.

No.... It can't be....

Could she be....

She clutches tightly on a silver ring she wore around her neck. The ring has a string of pattern of some flower. It's familiar. It felt like I knew the flower but I just can't remember it."That ring."

"This?" She held it up. "A keepsake."

She sighs.

She didn't said from whom but knowing her, there's only so many people that could be the former owner. Since she was really vague about it, I didn't press on it. Also, I can pretty much figure out who is the person.

"Amber. What are you hiding?"

I asked but she's not even looking at me. She's just looking away, at a wall? "Enough, Victor. I can't tell you anymore than this. Forgive me."

"Amber. Why won't you let me help?"

When she looked back at me, she has the face of the usual taciturn and stoic Commander Ae'myun. "Because it's too late and it's something that would only get worse if more and more people know of it. You will speak none of this any longer, understood?"

What kind of answer is that? I'm trying to help her.

I must have lost my patient. My blood boiled from her answering vaguely and abusing her position at such a moment. I was angry that a friend, a family refused to help. So I bluntly thrust at her with direct questions.

Maybe I shouldn't have. In fact, I couldn't even let the words escape from my lips. I felt a threatening intent. It came from a girl wearing a cheerful merry face beside me. Instead of feeling calm, I'm only feel pressure from it.

"It's kinda late now." With all smiles, Runyx told me. "We have an early rise tomorrow. Get some rest. You'll need it."

Speaking more than this wouldn't go well. I kept my mouth silent.

"Milady, you must be tired by now too. Get some sleep, I'll escort our guest out."

Indifferently, Amber nodded and fell back, onto her bed.

As I was escorted out, Amber told me "I know you're concern. You should be. I don't blame you but believe me, I'm fine. You're not the only one who is protecting me now."

I see. She's placed so much trust in this living-sentient weapon. I don't know about that but that is not something I would do.

It was less than an escort and more of being forced out of the room. Literally, I was being pushed out instead of letting me walk with my own two legs. Even as a True Dragon-kin, I can't win against her strength if I didn't use any magic reinforcements or enhancement.

"Thanks for worrying but --"

She pulls me close to her, her lips almost touching my ears.

"-- you may be her friend but not mine. Tread carefully, will you?" whispered Runyx.

Although she gently closed the door behind me, it didn't feel any different from having it slammed in my face.

I can't believe it. Amber trusted someone she barely knew for a month more than me, a friend who literally grew up with her. I just can't understand what goes through her mind anymore.

Whatever secrets she's keeping, she couldn't even tell it to me but confine it with a most-likely criminal noble and a living weapon.

I don't think she's doing it for my safety. She trusted me with the Vice-Commander position after all. You don't give people such position if you're worried about their safety to that extent.

Why can't she tell me?

Perhaps....

No.

I can't think that. That's.... low. It's just low.

I wanted to pursue it. A friend is in the clutches of a devil and entangled by her secrets but.... I just have to trust that she can made it out herself. She refuse my hand and I was prevented from prying any further.

I could pursue about this in another roundabout way but like she said, my focus should be on somewhere else. There's a huge world out there, more monsters than guardians. If I neglect even a single day of responsibility, who knows how many will fall prey to the darkness.

That night. I made a choice.

I choose the world over a family.