The clear blue sky has let the sun blast its rays onto the earth, and the air feels hot and dry. Illumi woke up, at the side of a crater, as vast as the eyes could lay their eyes on. His first instinct is to conjure a ball of water, to clench his thirst, that had been torturing him.

He got up to take in the situation he’s in, trying to remember his last moments, leading up to the point he’s at. Somehow, he remembered everything, but felt as though for a bit of it, he had no control of his body. The creature’s words stuck with him, realizing that he had also been affected by the evil miasma.

Contemplating on those words, Illumi couldn’t help but feel hopeless, and confused. The only thing he could do, is to keep on going, and discover more of the world, so he could learn and know better, as to what he is, what is his purpose in the world.

Illumi walked on, trying to use the sun as a navigation point, walking around the crater, and it puzzles him, as though the crater was caused by a huge explosion, life seems to be already back on track. Vegetation had grown itself, back on the sandy craters, and a few herds of creatures had already claimed it as their space.

“The… city… I need to go back… go back… city…” Illumi mutters.

The journey seems to be far and excruciating for Illumi, so he didn’t bear any mind on the changes. With only one thing in his mind, to get back to the city, and have some rest.

As so, he kept on walking, slowly, until his body motor functions fully working, making his journey back a lot faster. Hours passed by, and it had started to get dark, with the sun sunk below the tree line.

Even though he had been walking for hours, he didn’t even feel tired, in fact, he felt really energized, as though he had stored days worth of stamina.

No quick stop to eat, though only once or twice to clench his thirst, and he’d march on eagerly. It made him feel unstoppable, with all the creatures moving away from Illumi, as soon as he was in their sight.

Illumi had marched for hours, and with the help of his unlimited stamina, making his journey to the city a quick one, as he arrived at the edge of the forest, facing the city. He was elated by the sight of the city, and almost skipped along the path to the city. But as he was about to take a step, he gloom, panic sets in, almost as if he was in a delusion.

“What-What am I doing!?” Illumi’s breath heightened. “I’m not… what am I doing… going back here… this is wrong… I was supposed to die back there… why am I back here!?”

Illumi falls on his knees, tears start to flow from his eyes, and falls on top of the earth. He weeps and wallows in agony, his soul had lost its will to continue onwards, but the body of the boy dragged him along to fulfill the request of the dead that was trapped in the kingdom.

“You have to… continue on your path… it is your fate… it is destiny… I wish you could understand… but for now… continue…” the voice of the little boy whispers, reverberating through the wind.

“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP!!” Illumi yelled, maniacally.

“Just… shut up… let me be… let me… be…” Illumi crumbled to the ground in despair.

The sounds of the dead and the little boy keep haunting him to continue, while Illumi gives his best to ignore the voices.

Rustled sounds of the bushes around him startled Illumi, and had him cowers behind the tree.

“Seems like we’ve arrived. The place looks like shit though.” a voice proclaiming its disappointment.

“It’s a city near the edge of the dome. It honestly looks a lot better than I expected.” another voice pops out from the same direction.

Multiple voices started to chatter amongst each other, arguing of their journey and their excruciating task.

Illumi couldn’t move an inch, feeling scared and shy of the strangers in front of him.

“There’s a kid hiding behind this tree.” said a young blonde male, wearing a robe, over a leather armor.

Noticing that someone had appeared behind him, Illumi panicked and started to run frantically towards the city, shaking vigorously, as if he had seen a ghost.

A man in a full suit of armor smacked the young man on the head, and said.

“Stop going around scaring people. This is why you can’t make any new friends.”

Another group of 3 adventurers came out of the forest, watching Illumi running towards the city, following suit after a few minutes of silently watching.

“Now I feel bad…” said the young man, as the group marched on to the city, and him slouching behind.

Inadvertently, Illumi had arrived at the front gate, where he was halted by a couple of watch guards.

One of the guards grabs hold of Illumi’s arm, crushing it with full force.

“Stop right there you little shit. Where do you think you’re going?” said the guard who grabbed Illumi’s arm.

While the other guard asked, “I’ve had enough of you kids, keep trying to run to the other side, thinking it would solve your problem. It doesn’t, and I’m too tired of repeating the same line over and over again. So I’ll give you this one chance. Get out, or we’ll make sure you couldn’t even crawl over here, forever.”

“I-I live here! I-I’m part of the hunters!” Illumi rebuts the guards.

Both of the guards had stopped their movement, and started to laugh out loud, barely able to stand up straight. Illumi cowers, as he tries his best to loosen the grip, and gets away.

“That was a good joke. I haven’t had a good laugh like that for almost a decade!” said one of the guards.

“You rarely hear that excuse! And the kid dared to say that with a straight face, even. That somehow pissed me off.” said the guard who had his grip on Illumi.

“I’ll let you go with this one warning. If you try anything funny, then we will use even more brute force.” the guard said, positioning himself, as he threw Illumi far away from the gate, as hard as he could.

Illumi flew for quite a bit, ragdolling through the sky, and crashed to the ground, landing on his back. Illumi started to scream out in pain, and crying.

“I think you threw him a bit too hard there.” said one of the guards.

“Who cares, they’re not gonna learn their lesson otherwise, and we have to do this shit every single time. I’d rather take a long nap instead.” said the other guards. Laughing away, as they both get back to their post.

Illumi couldn’t help but lie on the ground, feeling nothing but despair, holding in his pain, as he looked at the sky. The sky was cloudy, overshadowing the already grim and dark landscape.

“Fu-!” Illumi tried to scream out, but the pain drew his breath short, had him coughing out loud, cutting off what he’s about to say.

Illumi lied on his side, curling up, and continued his crying.

“I give up… I’ve had enough of this… I didn’t ask for any of this… I just… Mom… Dad…” Illumi whispers to himself silently.

The bright sun shone its light towards Illumi, the usual blazing hot sun felt warm, as his pain started to subside, putting him in a state of half asleep.

“I knew he looked familiar! It was the kid that ran away after he saw me!” a young man’s voice can be subtly heard.

“You mean the kid you scared away. Get rid of the robe, or stay at the back, you’re gonna scare the kid again.” a muffle voice, coming from a man wearing a full suit of armor.

“Says the guy wearing a clanky metal armor. You’re just as scary as Rey.” said in a female voice.

Illumi opened his eyes, standing in front of him, were a group of 5 people, the same people that he had hidden from back at the forest. But the pain overcomes his emotion, and he’s no longer scared, anxious, or shy. He gives his best to sit straight, though having a hard time, as his body still aches.

The man in full suits of armor, takes off his helmet, reaching his hand for help. But Illumi ignored it, and sat down on his own.

“Are you okay little boy. You were running away from us quite frantically. I’m sorry if one of my group members scared you like that." The man apologized, and took away his hand, as he saw his help was not needed.

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Illumi stayed silent, and slowly got up on his own, and started to walk away from the group and the gate, ignoring the group.

The group seems to be a bit bothered by Illumi’s selfish behavior, and was a bit annoyed.

“We’re about to go to grab something to eat. Why don’t you come with us?” said the man, lighting up the situation, by breaking the thick ice surrounding them.

Illumi’s stomach, who had no problem with not eating for a few days, started to produce a loud rumbling sound. His body started to get a lot weaker, making him lose his balance, and fall to his knees.

The man in full armor quickly rushes towards Illumi to help him, while the others watch from behind, and not saying a word.

“Seems like you have no choice but to get some grub with us.” says the man in full armor, smiling gently.

“Can someone help me put him on my back? I’ll carry him.” says the man in full armor to his group members.

No one seems to be willing to participate, but one of the members gave in, and went to help. A man seemed to be in his 40’s, his hair started to gray out from his black clean hair cut. Wearing a clothes armor, covered in pouches strapped to his waist and body.

“Your metal armor is too hard and slippery. Put him on my back, I’ll carry him.” said the middle aged man.

The fully armored man complied, and gently put Illumi on the other man’s back.

“Thank you, Vhors.” said the fully armored man.

“Let’s just get to the inn. I’m quite hungry myself.” said Vhors.

Illumi held on quietly, as he felt too weak to even move a finger. The group continued on talking with each other as they walked through the gate. One of the guards saw Illumi in the group, and tried to shout out in anger, but was stopped by the other guards.

“Don’t. It’s not worth it, if the adventurers are involved. The city has no control over them. Just sit this one out.” The other guards whispered.

Standing from a far, the guards kept watch in discontent, while the group walked nonchalantly through.

The group passed the gate, and went through the crowded city. Almost half an hour passed, and the group started to panically look around them, as if they were lost.

“I think we’re lost Seika…” said the young man in the oversize robe, looking at the man in full armor.

“No shit.” said Vhors.

“This place sure is cramped. Would have helped if they at least sent a representative waiting for us at the front gate.” said one of the women in the group, with 4 short blades on her waist.

“Let’s just keep it for now. We’ll find our way to the guild eventually. I mean, how big can this city be?” Seika said, full of positivity and optimism.

Seika went ahead and chose a direction, and started to walk towards it, as the others followed.

A soft subtle muffle comes from Illumi, halting Vhors’s movement.

“Wait, guys. I think the little one is trying to say something.” said Vhors.

The group stopped, and facing towards Illumi, trying to make up what he’s trying to say.

“Turn… left, at the first opening you see. Went straight ahead… and turned right after a few openings. And you’ll see the guild’s building out in the open…” said Illumi, mastering all the strength he has.

Illumi’s confident guide had left the group stunned.

“How are you so sure of the way around here?” asked a girl in mage robe, with a long staff strapped to her back.

“I took this path a lot… during my short time as a hunter…” Illumi replied, hesitantly.

“You were a hunter!? Bullshit!” Rey exclaimed.

“Reynald! Language!” the woman with the 4 blades scolded Rey.

Rey hides behind Seika, as Seika’s laughing out loud.

“I think we’ll be great friends, little one. I’m glad I didn’t hesitate to confront you.” Seika said.

Using Illumi’s guide, the group head off, arriving at the front of the guild’s building in less than 10 minutes.

Entering the building, Illumi was shocked at how full the guild building was, with no familiar faces in sight, which made him feel a slight loneliness.

“Looks like we’re pretty late to the party guys. I guess that can’t be helped. We’re here at least.” said Seika, looking at the crowded building.

Vhors put down Illumi down, in an empty seat, besides the front door.

“We’re gonna go and meet with the clerk for a bit. You take a quick rest.” said Vhors, as the others already went to the front desk.

“Oh, another thing. Do you want me to check you in with the guild? You said you were a hunter. Maybe they could give you a quick checkup, just in case.” Vhors tracked back, and asked Illumi.

Panicked, Illumi almost screamed out. “No! I mean… you don’t have to. I’m fine. I’ll be fine. Thank you for your consideration.”

A little bit worried, but Vhors tried to pay no mind, as he thought Illumi was just nervous, and went back to his group.

People rushing around in the building, from the people arguing with each other, to materials, and paperworks thrown around like garbage, had Illumi feeling anxious.

His calm self had subsided, with the pain already gone, his head filled with anxiety. He was afraid of having to face the people he left behind, so he could go and had himself killed in a quest.

Illumi mustered his strength, and slowly tried to sneak out of the building. But he accidentally stumbles on a person, and falls, his eyesight was slightly blinded by light outside.

“My. Fucking god. Is that really you!? Illumi!?” the person shouted.

The voice sounded familiar to Illumi, which had him even more worried, hastened his run away plan, trying to avoid any more contact than necessary. But his arm was grabbed, and pulled into a warm embrace.

“Stop! Illumi! Stop trying to run away! We’re not angry at you! We’re just worried! Stop!” the person keeps shouting at Illumi, causing a scene.

Although quite weak, Illumi put up quite a fight.

“You got the wrong person! P-Please let go of me! I have somewhere to be!” Illumi shouted.

Seika’s group noticed what’s happening, and quickly rushed towards them. Trying to lose the person’s grip on Illumi.

“Sir, please stop hurting this little one. I’m sure you could talk properly, if you’re not forcefully holding him, and hurting him.” Seika said, calmly, trying to ease the situation, without trying to be biased.

The person lost his grip on Illumi and said, “I-I’m sorry. I was afraid that he would run off again… without saying a word…”

Illumi curled up on the floor, covering his ears and eyes, trying to ignore everything he could.

The person stood up, introduced himself, and explained the situation to Seika’s group.

“My name is Estel… We’ve only met for not more than a day, but my leader had given me the responsibilities of taking care of him. After a few days of him not showing up to the hunters assembly, the leader was worried, and had me go to search for him. But our hunter expedition leader told us… that he went to a suicidal mission, to hunt a very dangerous beast. That was 5 months ago…” Estel explained everything he knows.

Everyone around that had heard it, was shocked. But not as shocked as Illumi himself. He didn’t even know how long he had been asleep in the crater. Illumi got up, and started limping away from everyone. Estel tried to stop him, but Seika stopped him.

“He’s in shock. I will try and talk to him later. For now, let him cool his head for a bit.” Seika told Estel.

“Thank you…” said Estel.

Estel was distraught by his uselessness, said farewell to Seika and his dream, and went off to meet with his own team.

“You’re really doing this Seika? I don’t think we have that much time to spare. We’re already late as is.” said Rey, looking at Seika with a serious look.

“Sorry guys. But you could wait a few more hours. I will try to solve this as soon as possible. I guess if I fail, I’ll join back with the team, regardless of what will happen.” said Seika, to his team.

Seika went off to follow Illumi silently, but his clanky armor made him hard to move without making any sounds. But he didn’t let it stop his determination, and gave a full focus and attention on following Illumi.

He managed to follow Illumi all the way through, until Illumi made a stop in front of an inn, which seems to be abandoned, and filled with suspicious looking people, but Illumi soon disappeared from Seika’s sight, after he was distracted by a group of ruffian looking people walking in front of him, blocking his view.

Seika panicked, and started frantically looking for him, while being discreet. He started to ask the suspicious looking people if they had seen Illumi. But they refused to answer, and instead started to threaten him for his belongings. Which Seika soon resolved, with a good single punch to the face.

A familiar cough was heard from on the roof, and Seika was surprised, and glad to see Rey was following him. Rey pointed out to one of the paths that leads to a dark alleyway.

Seika followed the path shown to him, and saw from afar that a bunch of thugs had pinned Illumi by the wall, robbing him.

“Hey you! Don’t you touch that kid! Or I’ll kill you!” Seika screams as loud as he can. But they were very far, and the strong wind had muffled his screams.

Seika ran as hard as he could, worrying for Illumi’s safety. Suddenly, one of the thugs punched Illumi on the face as hard as he could. But Illumi showed no emotions, no pain or anger, or even sadness.

The behaviuor had stumped Seika, and halted his sprint. Getting no valuable, nor reaction from Illumi, the thugs gave up, and left Illumi alone, and Illumi fell on his bottom, with dark and lifeless eyes.

Emotions started to fill Seika’s head, holding his tears, he walked towards Illumi, and tried to be his usual cheerful self.

“Here you are Illumi, let's go get that grub. I’m kinda hungry at the moment. I’m sure the others are too, but they said they don’t mind waiting.” Seika said, with a forceful cheerful smile.

Illumi stayed quiet, not saying a word, nor showing any response.

“You’re pretty tough aren’t you Illumi? I would have cried my eyes out, if scary people started being rough with me. I don’t think I would have stayed calm, even when I’m an adult.” Seika continued to light up the situation.

“Leave me alone.” Illumi speaks clearly.

Seika was shocked, but continued to be cheerful. “Don’t be like that. Food is tasty when you’re surrounded by friends.”

Those words had sparked a memory of Illumi, and Kori’s group. His emotionless eyes started to tear up for a bit.

“For your own safety… Leave me alone…” although he was reminded by the sweet memory, his response was one made by the bitter memory.

“You don’t have to worry about my safety. Me and my party and gone through things that you couldn’t even begin to imagine. We’d be fine. Now, let's go and eat. I know you’re starving right now.” said Seika, keeping up his cheerful smile.

“Please… I don’t want to get anyone else involved in my situation… It will only make things worse…” Illumi exclaimed.

“Don’t worry. You can trust me. My group is strong. We’ve been through hell and back. We’ve felt what you’ve felt, we all understood what you feel. Though it is a bit sad, knowing that someone as young as you, would have to go through hell that most wouldn’t even want to imagine.” Seika reassures Illumi on his worries.

Being lost, and having no shoulder to cry to. Illumi couldn’t help but want to put his trust in Seika, but in his situation, it would have been the same as sentencing him to a death sentence.

“It’s all been too tiring. I just wanted this to stop. But I know it will never end. This hell… this nightmare… I just…” said Illumi, but his sentence was interrupted by a warm hug by Seika.

“Don’t worry. Things will get better. But for now, just let all the stress out, and the tears you’ve been holding flow through. I promise I will do my best to help. I’m not sure how I can help. But I’ll do my best regardless.” Seika proclaims to Illumi, embracing him tightly.

Having bottled up all of his emotions, Illumi started to bawl out. The warmth had reminded him of his father, a feeling he had not felt for ages. All of his worries and stress melts down and wears down his face. He knows the fate he’d put on the kind people around him, because he couldn’t help himself from reaching out to any hands that had reached towards him.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m sorry…” Illumi cries out.

Seika pats him on the head, calming Illumi. “Don’t worry…”