The male student who had been sitting on the rooftop's bulkhead jumped off. He approached Kiyan with a curious expression.

"What are you doing here?" Kiyan asked

"Me? I'm just hanging out here, but today was a surprise."

"Am I bothering you?"

"Hmm? No, not really. May I ask why are you here? If you don't mind"

"I'm just looking for a quiet place to think about something plus I just miss hanging out on a school's rooftop; it's my favorite place on my old school"

"Mind if I sit beside you?"

"Sure, go ahead"

The male student sat down beside Kiyan and looked at Kiyan.

"What's your name?" Kiyan who asked

"Ohh, sorry for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Azriel Crowford"

"Nice to meet you, Azriel Crowford. Mine is Kiyan Feit"

"Likewise Kiyan, if I'm not intruding can you tell me what's on your mind? It's okay too, if you don't want to say it"

Kiyan hesitated for a moment, shortly after he's speaking his mind.

"Hey Azriel, If you're in a life and death situation are you willing to sacrifice yourself for someone?" Kiyan said with a troubled look on his face.

"I didn't expect you to think about that kind of stuff..." Azriel looked perplexed by what Kiyan had said to him.

"But if I were in that situation... yes, I’d be willing to sacrifice myself, especially for something or someone I hold so dear." Azriel replied genuinely.

"I see, thanks for listening to me" Kiyan smiled at Azriel

"I'm always up for someone's story" Azriel looked at Kiyan and he seems worried.

Azriel think for a moment and whispered something...

[ "Whatever is on your mind, I hope you find peace, even in darkness." ]

A calming wind blew across the school's rooftop, gently felt by the two.

"Did you say something Azriel?" Kiyan said

"I didn't say anything maybe it's just your imagination..."

"I see. Suddenly, I feel at ease—maybe talking to you about the things on my mind helps me calm down."

"Good for you, Kiyan"

The two spend some more time at the rooftop. Few minutes later the school bell is ringing. Kiyan stand up and finished drinking his coffee.

*RIIIIIINGGGGGG RINGGGGGGGGG*

" I need to go for now. It was nice talking to you, Azriel"

"Anytime, Kiyan. We can be friends if you'd like. If you ever want to meet, just come here—I'm always here during lunchtime."

" That's a good idea! See yah, Azriel."

"A'ight, See yah."

Kiyan rushed to the door and left the rooftop. As for Azriel, he looked up into the sky and closed his eyes.

Meanwhile at the second floor of the building. There is a girl shouting in the hallway.

"KIYAAAAANN!!! WHERE YOU'VE BEEN?!" said by someone with a girl's voice.

It turns out the girl is Rose and Shin is with her.

"Ohh Hi, Shin and Rose. Heading to the classroom too?"

"Yeah, why you look so down earlier and now– look at you, you're so lively"

"Let's save that for later we're late for our next period" Shin interupted

"You're right Shin, Don't worry Rose HAHA. I'll tell all the details after school "

"If you say so. Let's go~" Rose Clings to Shin's arms.

'Oh? What a sight to behold'

"Oi– what are you doing Rose?!" Shin becomes flustered and wiggled his arms to get rid of Rose.

"Hey! That's rude!" Rose pouts.

Shin walked ahead of the two, embarrassed by what Rose had done to him. Rose laugh on Shin's reaction and smiled.

"Let's go too Kiyan, HAHA"

"Yeah..."

Inside the classroom Ms. Herschel is doing some paperworks on the teacher's table. Kiyan sat on his seat preparing for the subject.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

After some time Ms. Herschel stands up and clapped her hands to gather the attention of the students.

"Alright students. Keep all your belongings under your table and get you history book. We'll start our lesson"

"I'm about to discuss the geographical area of our city. Does anyone know why they call Estelle City the city of dreams?"

No one wanted to answer Ms. Herschel's question and suddenly, Kiyan's eyes met Ms. Herschel's gaze.

"How about you Mr. Kiyan, do you know why it is called the city of dreams?"

Kiyan stands up and thought for his answer... He remmembered what Mr. Will said to him while they're at the train.

"I think it's because the Estelle City is striving whether day or night"

"You could say that, but the correct answer is that the Estelle City offers more opportunities for people who wants to grow. Plus, Estelle City is considered the capital of our neighboring towns and cities."

"Thank you Mr. Kiyan, you may be seated"

'Luckily I didn't embarass myself in front of the class'

" Let me give you an example of our neighboring towns. When you venture on the west of the Estelle City gates and travel a few miles you will arrive to the Nightingale Town. "

"The Nightingale Town are known for it's night market and street performers that perform at night, rumors says when you are feeling stressed out you can relieve that stress when you go to Nightingale Town."

"Pssst, guys wanna visit that town sometimes?" Rose said with a low tone of voice

" I don't mind a little excursion, but for now listen on Ms. Herschel first" Shin replied.

"How about you Kiyan?"

" Sure, I'll go. if you guys are going too"

" Yay let's set that trip if we got the chance!"

"Hey pink-haired girl quiet down, I'm talking here" Ms. Herschel pointed her finger at Rose.

"Sorryyyy ma'am "

"I told you earlier focus first" Shin whispered

"Anyways, where were we? Ohh the town in the south, The Sereneal City."

"The Sereneal City is where you can locate the beautiful Nirvana Beach. Also known as one of the best tourist attraction in that city."

"That's more like interesting than the Nightingale Town" Rose murmured

*Riiiiiiiiingggggg Riiinnnggggg*

"Ohh time already? Okay class, let's discuss more about Sereneal City on our next meeting. Class Dismiss."

Ms. Herschel leaves the classroom and the other classmates left too.

"Now spill the beans, Kiyan" Rose is excited and Shin is listening too

"It's not, a big deal but I met someone in the rooftop when I was idling there earlier."

"Is it a girl?!" Rose's eyes widened and full of excitement

"No, he's a guy. His name is Azriel Crowford"

Shin thinks for a moment if he heard someone named like that.

"I haven't heard someone name Azriel Crowford" Shin said

"Yeah, that's new to me too"

"Do you know what is his year level Kiyan?"

"I didn't ask him about his personal information, the only one he told me is his name."

"Well you got a valid reason. This is your first time meeting each other right? That's weird if you asked someone about all that on your first meeting"

"Ohh, yeah that's definitely weird" Rose follow up

" Anyways, What's your plan guys ?" Rose asked

"I probably going to rest on my room for the rest of the night. My body still aches from the last battle" Shin said to Rose

"Me? Hmm maybe I'll go to Claire's house to rest too"Kiyan replied to Rose

" You two are so boring... It feels like I'm talking to a old man who wants to spend his life recalling his youth days"

" You can say all that because you didn't participate on last battle"

" WHAT DO YOU MEAN I DIDN'T?! ME AND MARI ARE TRYING SO HARD TO FIND THAT PORTAL"

"Technically that's not the battle Rose"

"Uhhh... Yeah you're right... Fine! Go rest at your home. I guess I'll pay Mari a visit" Rose seemed embarrassed on what she said.

' Sometimes I can't get enough of this two haha' said by Kiyan on his thoughts and he laugh.

"What are you laughing at Kiyan?" Rose raised her eyebrow

"N-nothing"

" I'll be going first yo leave" Shin started walking towards the classroom door.

"Hey! Wait for me!!!"

Rose move quickly and followed Shin and she turned back her head for a moment on Kiyan.

"Bye for now Kiyan" Rose wave her hand and rushed to the door so she can catch up on Shin.

" The two of them is so cute, haha. I should prepare to leave too"

Kiyan stands up and left the classroom. While he's walking at the hallway he saw Azriel who's standing on the school locker area.

"Yo Azriel, going home?"

"It's you, not really I'm still waiting for someone"

" I see, your girlfriend?"

"Huh? I don't have time for that kind of stuff"

" Now that's cold. anyways, I'll be going now see yah around"

"See yah"

Kiyan left the building and started walking home.

' I'm craving for something savory tonight. I have some spare money... I should drop by at the convenience store to buy something ' He thought for a moment while walking

Kiyan went to the shopping district and entered the convenience store.

" Welcome to 7-evelyn Sir! " The lovely cashier said.

' hmm... If I wanted something savory what should I buy?'

After some time Kiyan come up with an idea, he headed to the vegetable section and looked for some cabbages.

'how about a Cabbage Pancake? That's a good idea also I can show off my cooking skills to Claire'

Kiyan bought the necessary ingredients for the cabbage pancake recipe and then headed straight to Claire's house.

When Kiyan arrived at the house it's still locked. He unlocked it and entered the house then he go straight to the kitchen.

"This is perfect— I have all the ingredients for cabbage pancakes. I should start cooking before Claire gets home."

Kiyan started chopping some ingredients and heated the pan.

Meanwhile, at the café, Mari and Claire are sitting on a couch. Claire have a troubled look on her face and Mari seems like she's deep on her thoughts.

" You say that Kiyan possesses a regalia but it's incomplete?"

"Yes, but that's not all, there's a white aura that covering his entire body while battling the giant bear, it almost looked like a veil"

"That's interesting, so he's welcome to the team?"

"Don't joke around, I already welcomed him as a member before we go to that dungeon last night"

" He piqued your interest?" *OwO*

" Somewhat, he's very interesting and quite capable"

*Gasps* "Is that a love confession just now?" Mari is blushing and feeling shocked

"Shut it, Mari! That's not what I meant!" Claire exclaimed, clearly embarrassed after realizing what she had just said to Mari.

"If you say so~" Mari whistles

"Shut up!!!!"

Shortly after– Rose entered the café and looked at the two.

" Hello Mari and Claire, what's going on? I heard Claire shouting" Rose is curious

" CLAIRE JUST CON—" Claire put his hand on Mari's mouth preventing her to speak.

" CONNECTING THINGS ON WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT. It's nothing Rose don't worry"

"If you say so..."

"Say more unnecessary words Mari you'll know what will happen to you" Claire whispered on Mari's ears and Mari nods.

" Where's Kiyan and Shin. Rose?" Claire who asked

"Those two bummers... They both headed home"

" I see, I lost track of time too. It's getting late I should head home too"

" You miss hi–" Claire glares at Mari before she even finished speaking that caused Mari to Shiver.

'That's scary...' Rose said on her mind

"I'll be leaving for now see you all tomorrow" Claire said

"Bye Claire, See you~" Rose replied, as for Mari... she froze in one place after Claire glares at her like that.

(Flauren Residence, 7:00pm)

Kiyan who's cooking at the kitchen just finished preparing cabbage pancakes. He look so proud on his own creation.

"I'm home" Claire said who's in the doorstep.

"Welcome home, Claire"

"What's that smell? It smells good and unique"

"Heh, behold Savory Cabbage Pancakes! I'm the one who made it" Kiyan is overflowing with confidence.

"I made one for you too Claire, Here"

Kiyan served two plates of the cabbage pancake that he made on the table. Claire sat on the chair at table to taste the pancakes.

'This is pretty good' Claire said on her mind.

" I didn't know you got some cooking skills with you, I must say I'm impressed"

'Claire is praising my cooking!! Such a good feeling'

" Don't underestimate me, as for someone who lives alone I need to learn how to cook for myself"

"Ohh yeah right, I wanted to asked you this before. Where are your parents Kiyan?“

"My parents huh... I can't remember their faces nor their voices, my grandmother told me that they died when I was little. That's all I know"

'I don't want to believe that story... It feels like there's more about that, I need to know what it is' Claire said on her thoughts

"Can you repeat that again Kiyan? I can't focus because of this delicious food on my plate" Claires eyes widen and glimmered.

"Eh? Okay I'll repeat it since you're enjoying my food. hehe~"

"I said earlier that I can't remember their faces nor their voices, my grandmother told me that they died when I was little. That's all I know"

'Huh? It didn’t change... Is that really true? But something feels off about that story. I even used my Truth-Revealing Magic, and it’s still the same... This is so frustrating!'

"Claire? What's with that look on your face?"

"Ohh... It's nothing. You don't have any memory of your parents am I correct?"

"Yeah, but why are you so curious about it?"

"I know it's none of my business but are you perhaps looking for them?"

"..."

"I'm sorry, I didn't meant to hurt your feelings"

"Don't worry, Claire. I'm not traveling to look for them. I travel because I follow where the wind blows."

"What age did you start travelling?"

"If I recall correctly I started travelling when I was 15years old"

" That's impressive that you manage to travel on your own despite of your young age"

"It's not that easy but I managed to pull it off"

"What about the money? Where do you get it to cover your expenses?"

" About that... I tried selling newspapers and doing some other part time jobs on different cities I've been before"

"..." Claire becomes silent for a moment.

'I want to give you a hug right now Kiyan... Only if you know...'

"I guess that's all I can say for now Claire"

" I see, I won't force you if you don't want to share it on me. But if you need someone to talk to just call me I'll listen to your stories "

"Thanks for the meal Kiyan" Claire stand up heading to the location of her room

"Thanks for listening and You're very welcome Claire"

Kiyan started cleaning the table and washing the dishes. Claire stopped walking and turned her head to Kiyan.

"Hey Kiyan, you said before that you follow where the wind blows right?"

"Yeah? What about it?"

" Soon you'll be leaving Estelle City too?" Claire said with a sad tone of voice

"... I don't think I'm going to leave Estelle City. This is the first time I’ve felt like I belong again." Kiyan smiled gently at Claire

"Is that so? Then stay here as long as you like. You're always welcome here." Claire smiled then she goes to her room.

Kiyan's eyes are teary after hearing what Claire said to him. He wipes his eyes off and continue washing the dishes.

' I'm so lucky that I chose to move here at Estelle City '

After washing the dishes, Kiyan sat on the couch and closed hi

s eyes. After a few moments, he fell asleep while sitting there.

After some time later Claire goes out on her room to grab a glass of water. She saw Kiyan sleeping on the couch.

" You're still a child but you already experienced the bitter side of life. Take a rest, Kiyan"

Claire covered Kiyan with a blanket and she grabbed a glass of water then she goes back to her room.