After Leaf ended, Sear came and gone. By the time they were finished with mourning, Autumn had arrived. Yet the pain was freshly burnt on their skin. Nearly a thousand people were killed in The Janus's attack. The lost of their classmates were but a small blip on the radar. Yet, despite the destruction, no one outside of their small circle knew how close they were to the end of the world. At the behest of the king, the encounter with Moira was a secret the survivors of Class C carried.

And it was at the same bidding that Lua pushed the wheelchair up the slopes towards the castle.

Enneya said from the seat, “Are you sure you're fine? I can push myself, you know?”

“Nonsense,” Lua replied with a grin, unconsciously looking down the blanket that covered Enneya's missing legs. “We're graduating. This might be the last time I get to wheel you around.”

Her friend laughed. “Alright. You're the boss.”

As they proceeded up the slight incline, Lua could not help but be in awe. While they had all lost friends – and herself, family – Enneya's injuries were so severe that to save her life, healers had to amputate everything from the knee down. Yet, the girl seemed unfazed by lost of her limps and lived on with a smile on her face.

They were allowed through the main gates by two burly looking guards who opened the way for them.

“Straight ahead,” the female guard said to them. “Your friends are awaiting your arrival.”

They nodded and walked on.

It was the first time either of them had step foot into the castle. Most of the structure was made of stone, and the floor from white and black streaked marble. The foyer was large, with high ceilings, oval walls, and balconies that protruded from the second floor. A trinity of chandeliers were held by ropes tied to pillars, bringing light into the room. While seemingly unfeasible as anything but a interior designer's dream build, Enneya explained as they crossed the room that the chandeliers were meant to be cut free in cast of a siege, and the balconies were archer nests. Lua nodded, noting how each balcony had a clear line of sight to the gate.

The size of her class had shrunk noticeably. In that time, she became closer to those who were left behind, something she did not do while her brother was alive. In a way, she hoped that those around her would fill the void left by her twin. While none had been able to stand in the empty space, they tried, and that was what mattered the most to her. She was sure her brother would not have wanted her to waste her time away mourning. And while the gap in her heart may never be filled, she was determined to live on.

On the far end of the foyer was another set of double doors. This time, smaller, yet more ornate, with linings of silver and door handles carved into the heads of bears. Just outside the doors stood familiar faces. Shichi and Shimona.

Shichi exclaimed, “Look who finally showed up!”

“I'm sorry,” Enneya answered smugly. “I would have ran here if I knew you were waiting.”

“Ouch,” Shimona grimaced, leaning against her crutches. “Burn.”

“I'm fine with that,” he replied nonchalantly.

Lua asked, “What are we doing here, exactly? The messenger was pretty vague with the details.”

Shimona answered, “I'm not sure about you guys, but the king gave me and Kingston apprenticeship with ambassadors.”

Enneya and Lua looked at their friends in stunned surprised. Shichi continued, “I know. I was shocked as well. But apparently, since our injuries were garnered in line of duty, and it prevented us from graduation, we're getting something out of it.”

Both Shichi and Shimona were injured, though not to the extend of their maimed friend. Shichi had burnt out a good portion of his nerves from overusing his magic, causing him to lose a great deal of physical strength in both his arms. As for Shimona, her legs were weakened under the rubble, and would likely require at least a cane for the rest of her life. But they were both happy to have made it out alive, having been sure they would die under the collapsed building. While they were no longer fit for combat and could not take the Spellblade qualification exams, they were still graduating with honours.

“And where exactly are you two going?” Lua asked.

Shimona gleefully clapped. “I'm going to Jarad! What a dream! Shichi though, is assigned to Nugohs.”

“Nugohs?” Lua reacted in surprise. “Are you sure that's a good idea? Don't they still hate you family for the war?”

He simply shrugged it off. “I decided if I want to clear my family's name, I should do it from where it began.”

Enneya asked, “What about me?”

“Well, Miss Zettai...” The four turned to the woman walking towards them. “You will be beginning your apprenticeship under me, starting next week.”

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“Lady Mary!” the teens bowed when they realised who had approached them.

“Please,” she waved away their formalities. “Be candid.”

The hume woman had showed up to their class alongside the king when they received their epitaphs. But it was not until much later after the incident with The Janus and Moira that they learned she was the secretive head tactician of their country. Lady Marriane La'Grey.

Enneya then asked, “I'll be... working under you?”

“That's right,” Mary answered. “Honestly, the position was meant to go to Shjacky. But your friend spoke highly of you. And I feel it is my duty to honour her best judgement, in light of recent events.”

Enneya's face glistened and the girl wiped away a bead of tear that formed at the corner of her eye. Their lost friend had saved her again. A short quiet fell on them. Kingston, who lead Pip to their rescue with a trail of his own blood. Shjacky, Quinton, and Ishumi, who sacrificed their lives for Jaochim to warn them. And Nos, who died to stop the invasion at the eleventh hour. A moment of mourning rested in the air.

Sensing the downed aura, Lua asked openly, trying to uplift the topic. “What about the rest of us? Speaking of which, where is everyone?”

Mary replied, “They're inside, waiting for you.”

“What?” she turned to her friends accusingly. “Why didn't you say anything? You made the king wait?”

Shichi gave a playful shrug and Enneya chuckled quietly. With a sigh, Lua bid a hasty farewell to Lady Mary and approached the guard to be announced into the king's hall. The two guards took their steps forward and with single hands, pushed aside the double doors with mechanical parallelism.

“Presenting, Miss Lua Ornitter.”

It was a rush, stepping into the king's hall. The guard quickly gestured her in, almost pushing her, and she had not even a moment to catch her breath before stepping into the long chamber.

Pillars lined the aisle down, squeezed alongside a long green carpet trimmed with silver. At the end of the long hall, the rest of her classmates waited for her with backs turned in a line, facing the marble throne from which the king sat. The doors closed behind her and she began walking forward.

“Miss Ornitter,” King Adam greeted loudly. “Glad to have you with us.”

She walked up to the king, standing herself beside Pip. “I apologise for my tardiness, my king.” Lua saluted formally.

“Please, no formalities today. In fact, I wish we could do away with all that nonsense forever. Today, you six are my guests.”

Pempe piped in, “I'm sorry, sire. But may I ask what are we doing here?”

“Yes,” the king begun. “I suppose most of you have figured out by now that unlike Class A and B in the academy, Class C is not sorted by aptitude, but rather, by attitude. That's because the class is meant to sort out those who could qualify for Spellblade from those that have the potential to become Guardblades, the royal vanguards.”

While everyone else nodded, the news was new to Lua. She had always thought that the timing portion of their entrance exams had planted them in their classes. But upon thinking back, every single one of them had chosen to save every single dummy in the rescue test, amongst other specific circumstances.

From a table beside him, King Adam picked up a rectangular wooden box. “Normally, there would be additional tests before the Guardblade positions are given. However, given all your actions during the attack on Rubicum, and the sacrifice and courage you displayed...” With both hands, he opened the box, revealing the silver badges of the Guardblades. “You have all more than earn your place. Should you wish to, of course.”

Trini asked, “We have a choice?”

“Always, Miss Alquin,” the king replied. “Now, I do know this is rather sudden and lacking in fanfare, but it is how it is done. You may make a final decision at a later date, but for now, do choose wisely. And most importantly, quickly, because my arms are getting tired.” The king laughed.

The six of them exchanged glances and Pempe finally smiled with a sigh and a nod. After a quick salute, he stepped up to the king and reached into the box, taking out one of the badges.

“Pempe Byrnes, kneel,” Adam spoke regally, to which the teen did as he was told. “From this moment forth, you are sworn to the duty of Guardblade. To protect all in need. To hold the pain of death. To serve at the pleasure of life and all who reside in it. Rise anew.”

Slowly, Pempe got to his feet, eyes still on the sheen on his badge. “Thank you, my king.” With that, Pempe stepped back down and rejoined his friends.

Pip was the next to step up.

“Ah, Miss Chevlier. I hope reassigning your class have been beneficial to your familial relationships?”

“It has, my king,” Pip bowed and took a badge before kneeling.

“Pipquet Chevlier. From this moment forth, you are sworn to the duty of Guardblade. To protect all in need. To hold the pain of death. To serve at the pleasure of life and all who reside in it. Rise anew.”

As she got to her feet, Pip turned back to face her friends with a grin so light, Lua swore a physical weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

After she rejoined the line, the king turned to Seks. “While I would be delighted to have you as one of my vanguard, I assume you intend to return to Loch Tehir?”

He agreed. “Yes. My mantle to Loch Tehir comes first.”

King Adam nodded understandingly. “Do give your father my best. And know that this badge will always await you, should you want for it.” Turning to Trini, he asked, “And you, Miss Alquin?”

Trini smiled and gestured to her boyfriend. “I'll give an answer next time. I'll go with Seks to Drakspire and see the view. Who knows, maybe I'll become a Wingmaiden?”

“And a fine one you shall make, I assure you.” He looked to Four-Chan. “And you, Fornelia? I assume the life of travelling musician would suit you better than being stuck here?”

Without hesitation, she walked up the steps, announcing, “The name's Four, your highness. And I can travel anytime I want in the future. But protecting the world? That's not a chance I'll have again anytime soon.” She took a badge and knelt down.

“Well then, Four Chantervalica. From this moment forth, you are sworn to the duty of Guardblade. To protect all in need. To hold the pain of death. To serve at the pleasure of life and all who reside in it. Rise anew.”

Finally, the attention was directed to Lua. With a light smile, she stepped up to match her king. Standing before the box, she placed her hand on the lid and looked inside. There were four badges left. Two of them belonged to Trini and Seks. And the final two were her's and Joachim's. Wihtout a second though, her hand slowly lowered and closed the lid of the box.

“I figured you would do that. I assume The Watcher has told you of the situation?” King Adam looked up softly. “What you two are about to do will be dangerous. Our resources in this area are stretched thin. Help may not come quickly, if ever at all.”

She replied, “I know. But we owe it to those who are no longer with us to see this to the end.”

He agreed in gentle nods. “Very well then. My best wishes to you and Joachim for the journey ahead, and I hope for your safe returns. These badges will be here for you when you do.”