My anger dissipated once I saw them. As if the drain had been pulled.

They had nonchalant expressions as they glanced at me. My attention turned to Daphne whom wore a helmet,  and behind that very helmet was a cold, sharp glare that could almost kill.

"If you could stand down, then that would be great. I wouldn't want an 'accident' to happen here so suddenly."

"On whose authority do you dare order me to stand down?"

The man named Maximilian stood up firmly after having brushed the dust off his uniform. His distinguished self had reappeared, and his rage-filled character had disappeared. Seeing that, I thought to myself if there were two entities living in his body, one of composure, and one of anger. Yet, his haughty attitude remained the same.

"I hold no authority pertaining to rank. But, I do have my own authority, and this is a rather dangerous spell I barely have under control. And if I may admit, I am quite unskilled with the control of the magical arts. If I were to 'suddenly lose' control, then a great tragedy could occur. I will say that I am not in the least a weakling when it comes to damage."

The noble held his stare and stood quiet. His hands were behind his back and his chest was puffed out.

"I will have you understand this, mage. The soldiers I have here are of the highest breed. They are what the kingdom calls the elite. A head-on damage from a spell cast by an amateur that can't control his spells effectively are of no threat to us. And moreover, I know that they can withstand such blows and still rise to slit your throat and cut you down like a dog. Now, how will you convince me that your threat hold true?"

He grinned and called his men to attention, having some of them form a defensive line in front of him. Confidence clouded their face, most likely all from the speech their commander had said out loudly without a hint of doubt in his voice.

It became a tense battle of words, and that atmosphere was being battled with composed grins using the threat of spells against the threat of heavy armor wearing men wielding sharp swords and the unwavering discipline of a said 'elite' soldier.

"Very well. I shall show you a reason to heed my words, head of the noble house of Kaelus."

In that instant, Gino increased the size of the circle. His grin changed into a fierce glare as he tensed his body, exerting a terrifying amount of pressure that could be felt by those around us, including me.

He pointed it towards the sky and unleashed the pent-up power concealed within the circle. With a strong gale of wind, it shot up at a speed faster than an arrow, emitting a low whistling sound as it broke the barriers of the wind. Soon it was just a simple dot at the greatest height above us.

All eyes stared up at the projectile as it exploded into a gigantic ball of cataclysmic proportions. The sky became red as the explosion only continued to grow larger, dissipating and giving off the backlash of its power.

The booming sound that it created shook the hearts of those beneath it, and the clouds were cleared up in an instant, leaving a brief remnant of its presence in the sky. It was a magnificent but terrifying display of prowess that I have never seen from Gino, nor did I suspect that he was capable of such power.

The soldiers looked at him in awe, including the noble, whose conviction looked shook for a moment.

Without another word, he held his hand up once more, then spoke.

"Stand down and be ready to move out. Adjutant, have the men set up camp outside the town at once. Have sentries scour the area and divide the work as needed."

"Yes sir! Come, men, mount your horses and follow me."

With a quick pace, they evacuated the area and fled, leaving a trail of dust.

"I shall not forget this threat, mage. Remember this. If we are to ever meet once more, I would suggest that you ready another spectacle. That show of force will not be able to save you next time. I will show you the transgressions of threatening me. I will use all of the power in the disposal of house Kaelus to perform that act, I swear on the goddesses and on the name of this very house of which I am the head of!"

Maximillian stood for a while and looked at Gino for a bit more then mounted up himself and left.

At that moment, Gino's legs went limp. Before his body could fall to the ground, Daphne supported his shoulders. His face looked appallingly feverish, as if he was on death's door. His breathing was ragged and beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

"I was afraid he would catch on to my bluff. If he had waited a bit more, then this could have gone a lot worse."

Though he was tired, he managed to force a confident grin.

"Gino, Daphne! What on earth are you two doing here?!"

I asked, sheathing my sword. I got closer to them and saw how dirty their faces and garments were. How they got it was something I had yet to know, but was curious to figure out.

Suddenly, Gino's face became stern. He controlled his breathing and tried to stand on his own, but failed, relying on Daphne to support him instead.

"Zachary, I can't say that I'm not angry but... Why did you have to leave so abruptly? You could have told us the entire thing and we would have come with you anyway. So, why?"

It was a general question that I could have given answer to, not just one, but a few more. Was it because of the lack of trust I had in them... the lack of faith in their abilities... the danger of being with me and constantly being in harm’s way... They could be all of them.

Had my emotions and concern brought me this low to doubt the people whom have called me their friend?

In trust I remember it. Once I had heard of the attack on Lavis, I knew that it would be excessively dangerous, enough that their lives could have been taken from them by hordes of demons. But that worry of mine was unfounded, in fact, there wasn't any danger at all.

I was the only danger to myself. And with that, I had cost myself the trust of those that cared about me.

"Well, go on, I know you have something to tell him. I can sit here instead."

Gino gently let himself down and sat on the ground, legs crossed. His exhausted state returned as he heaved a great sigh of relief.

Daphne removed her metal gloves revealing her smooth and delicate fingers, both fit for her beauteous and stoic personality. But unbeknownst to me that this signified something else, only, I understood that when it hit me, literally.

'Slap!'

I reeled back in pain and fell to the ground due to the immense strength behind the slap. A sound echoed through the air a few times before it faded away. I held Erica close to prevent her from getting any harm.

My cheek stung a great deal. I touched my cheek and looked at her. There was a part of me that knew what it was about, but it was vague. Another part of me was greatly confused. I could have drawn a conclusion to 'why' from the look on her face, but she still wore her helmet, concealing her face.

To my relief, she seemed undisturbed and kept on sleeping soundly.

"Hey, what is this all about?! I thought a knight'd be more chivalric. I don't know how strong you might be, but I think I can handle you. He's already been through enough."

Aster came between us and held out his arm, separating us. His voice was rather tense, but nothing out of the ordinary. It seems that he was unable to comprehend just what happened as well.

I quickly got up and hand Erica over to Aster.

"Don't worry, I'll handle this. I know them."

I looked straight at her, on her face where her eyes should be and stood there silent. The moment I uttered her name, a quick instinctive reaction came from her hand, another slap, but I was prepared for it this time. I caught her wrist barely before it could hit me, but from there I could feel her entire arm trembling.

"Daphne..."

I said it again, this time, I set her arm down gently and removed her helmet slowly, showing her unblemished face and her short hair which flowed as I took her helmet from her.

Her eyes had tears on them, but her eyes themselves avoided mine. Her lip quivered, and she stayed silent, until I said her name once more, causing a sudden reaction from her.

"Why? Why didn't you trust us enough to tell us? You idiot... don't you know how worried I was about you?"

Her words trailed off and her head inclined down.

Without thinking, I allowed my emotions to take control from here. Whatever I would have said, it needed to be what I really felt. It can't be anything one-sided. I owe them that much, and more. I don't think anything simple can make up for that now, but right now, there was only one thing that I could do.

I embraced her tightly and spoke as softly as I could into her ears. She smelled fragrant like a special flower, but that wasn't as important as what I needed to tell her. I've never done anything so straightforward like this, so whatever happens next, happens.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think about how you two would feel. I was too worried about what would happen if I brought you with me, but that simply showed how much trust I lacked in you when in return, you had so much more in me, enough to follow me here. I don't think I can do anything to make amends for this, but just know that I care enough for you to keep you from harm's way no matter what."

I heard a mutter from under her breath, one that reassured me even for a bit.

"Why do you have to be so unfair? What do you expect me to say after this? You care enough for us to keep us from harm's way?! You are a fool to have thought that!"

"... Ahh, youth can be so touching sometimes. It fills my heart with glee every time I see such a display. I could feel another type of emotion as well. Maybe... affection, is it?"

Instantly, she pushed me away from her. I fell to the ground abruptly, but couldn't realize why. Still, her strength was the same, if not stronger. I remembered her well because of that.

Her face was flushed as she turned away from me, arms crossed defiantly.

Gino laughed and raised himself up from the ground, approaching us.

"Let me tell you this, then. On our way here, we encountered a near massive horde of demons, and that explains the dirt and dried blood smeared upon our faces. However, it seems that you encountered no trouble on your way here. You say that we could be kept from harm's way, but I simply showed out mettle by coming here in pursuit of you. I think that's a good start, isn't it?"

I felt myself tense up instantly. Did that mean my decision caused them more trouble than when I should have told them everything? Damn. Why, just why?

"Well, I am curious. You came here for something. Mind telling us what and what happened?"

I then remembered that dreadful sight beside us. The tragedy that befell Lavis and the man whom protected it with his dying breath. There were those that cared

It was difficult, to look at him once more even after accepting his absence. But right now, I have to be strong, for the both of us. That's the only thing I can do. It was clear as day to me.

My glance took their sights to the man gallantly lying down with his eyes closed near some rubble. There was no sign of life from him at all, yet the everlasting peace that I had seen from him remained immortalized in my mind. How I was going to carry on his will like I'm trying with my parents still confounded me till now.

The two of them became silent.

"I'm... terribly sorry, Zachary. This is Theodore Hark, is it?"

Gino asked. His face showed a genuine concern.

"I have but one favor to ask. And I understand what I had done to you both by leaving you. But could hear me out one last time?"

It was lonely. The wind brushed softly against our skins as we stood there in silence once more. It's like most of my time here has been in silence. Each second felt like a lifetime that was precious for every special reason I could make.

I stared down at it, but still I could swear I could hear his voice. Yet no matter how many times I look around me, there is no one else besides us. That's just another wishful thinking on my part.

Theodore Hark had finally been laid to rest on a familiar plot of land. His gave was close to a burnt house with the stench of burnt wood still wafting in the air.

It took a lot to decide going here when it shouldn't have. Was I terrified of seeing the truth once more? No. I can't say I've even overcome that.

Once we arrived at the final resting place, however, there was something that shook me, leaving me breathless.

There, a grave was made of two mounds sitting by each other. On top of that were makeshift wooden sticks bound together by a cloth, forming a cross. There were shovels on the side, discarded, but I had never seen it before. When I had left this place, there was nothing left besides the burnt house and the languid memory I had to leave behind.

There was something that immediately caught my sight once I focused on the mound. A letter that was discarded, meant to be hidden within the dirt mound as the soil was being placed on it.

The paper was dirty because of time, yet upon opening it, the writing could still be legible. I had a sinking feeling once I read the name, griping my attention.

I had not noticed that I had started reading it silently.

To my dearest friend, and a man whom treated me as his brother, both in blood and arms.

It has been a while since I've gone here, isn't it? It's a shame that the beautiful house you and your wife had given so much time to build had been destroyed. The painful thing is that the moment I decide to come is he moment I get to bury the person whom treated me as family when I needed it the most. It was similar to the feeling of having to bury your blood brother, it was heart wrenching. But in the end, even when you had retired, I knew you were still going to make me worry to no end. Now, it seems that your obligations in this world have ended.

How envious I am of you for having attained eternal peace. Your exploits when you were alive baffled me every single time, yet you left a longer lasting legacy stronger and louder than any person who might call themselves heroes. Your son is one of them, possibly the greatest even.

But, why am I exactly writing you this letter? I don't understand myself. It might be because of the looming danger on the horizon. There's a part of me that wanted to clear things up before the end. Now that you're not here to help me, this daunting task will most likely be my last. To join you... well, I wouldn't say that bad. It hasn't been that long since you've been gone anyway.

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

Frederick. Wait for me. I have a hunch that we will see each other soon. I've done my best to help your son grow, but, there is only so much I can teach him. Nothing can possibly prepare him for the inevitable. It's tragic, the way that he was raised only to have it be snuffed from him. I only wished that I were able to get through this. But, I am not as I used to be.

There is so much more that I could say, but any more would make it hard for me to part. The fear of dying is catching up to me at this point, so I can't have my resolve waver... what would you have done if you were in my place?

Yours, Theodore Hark.

The day passed briefly, and the moon illuminated the darkened skies from overhead. There was a soft humming noise that seemed to calm me down, and a gentle wafting wind that was colder than usual.

We had set up camp near the outskirts of the forest where my house once stood, near the gravesite of where Theodore Hark was buried along with the Erinn family, my parents.

I sat nearby the fire as well, carrying Erica who had woken up.

"So, do you mind introducing us to your friends, Zachary?"

Gino sat calmly, basking in the heat that the fire gave off. There were no blankets to help us stave off the night except for this one burning flare in the middle of nowhere.

"Aster. I had just met him today. He's the one who helped me find Sir Hark."

He introduced himself to the two and shook their hands. He carried a more welcoming disposition once things seem to have calmed down.

"If I may be so blunt. I sense something within you, young Aster. I have this strange feeling that you are something else entirely," Gino grimaced. "Would you mind telling us?"

Aster became perplexed, eyes wandering where they could, as if he were thinking hard about what move he should make next.

"Don't worry, Aster. You can trust them," I said, reassuring him.

"Alright, fine. I don't know how you realized so quickly, but I am a Half-breed."

He spoke begrudgingly as if he regretted saying those words. His hands were clenched, it his worried almost instantly disappeared.

"Is that so? Interesting," said Gino, examining Aster with his calculating eyes. "That mark of yours tells me just that."

"'Is that so?' That all you want to say? Aren't you going to chase me away like all the others?"

"Whatever do you mean? I see no need for that. Of course, I know about your race. I'm quite educated with it. And that's the thing. Once you have learned, then your eyes would be clear of dust. As I am with you. But judging from your languid expression, it seems that you've gone through a lot. Rest assured that the two of us bear no ill will towards you, right Daphne?"

She nodded with a hint of discipline but kept quiet. She was more focused in keeping herself warm. She huddled closely with her legs, embracing them as she sat close to the crackling fire. Often, however, I would catch her glancing my way for no reason at all, then she would quickly avert her gaze and close her eyes.

Aster let out a sigh before speaking again.

"This is something else. Meeting people who don't want to kill you. I wonder if my fortune's finally turned around. Sis'll be really happy to know that there are some out here who we can speak with normally like human beings."

"Humanity has been on the edge for most of its life. The paranoia of demons has greatly swayed their opinion, so a simple demon or the lowest class would be a threat to be feared still. Why? For their reputation. Tell me, what were you doing in the town? I have yet to know."

"I'm from an organization called Yolim."

"Yolim... I have heard rumors and news about a name like that somewhere westwards."

"Really? What did they say about us?" his eyes gleamed in curiosity, but with uncertainty.

"The organization was called 'a self-righteous and a radical band of demons parading in the skins of humans whose sole purpose is to drive a stake into the hearts of people, slowly taking away their life until their demon overlords could take over'. Not that nice, isn't it?"

His shoulders drooped in disappointment. Glancing at the sky as he lay down upon the grass, he spoke.

"I knew it'd be like that. But I didn't realize it was that bad. It's pretty hard to stomach the fact that after these years of hard work, there aren't any fruits for our labor. It's sickening," he cursed under this breath.

"You spoke about a sister. Where exactly is she?"

I cut Gino off as he spoke, finding my chance after deciding by myself. All eyes were on me.

"There was something that I wanted to talk about concerning that. I've decided that I want to help Aster find his sister, and the demon that attacked Lavis. His sister had chased the demon off. They're still out there, so I want to find them. I know that it's a foolish thing to seek vengeance, but I can't let this go. This is something that I must do. I've already broken your trust in me, so to atone, I shall be leaving by myself."

Trust that was built through the uncertainty and chaos of life. It had become strong, yet because of me, the ties binding us would have been eventually severed. I will atone with this, and then after that, I will fulfill my task. It's the only thing left for me right now.

As the silence slowly crept in, a voice dissuaded me.

"And you think doing this alone will atone for your mistakes?"

"It's... the only way I can think of."

"Then your way is quite crooked. Listen, there is no need for you to be alone. We chased you here so that we could understand why you left in the first place. We didn't know your reasons, after all. But I see no need to cut our ties because of this tragedy. If we were in your place, our emotions would most likely take us down a familiar path."

"But aren't you angry? Would you still want to be with me after that? I left without saying anything since I didn't want you two to get harmed in any way. I didn't trust you at all."

"Angry? Not exactly. Simply a bit disappointed. understand this, there is no easy way to build trust. If you don't think we can handle ourselves out here in this world, then we shall prove it through our own efforts, and that means together."

He smiled brightly, including Daphne, whom nodded at his statement. What he said was unbelievable. This alone was a great show of trust in which they had in me, but not I in them.

That bitter feeling surrounding my soul was lifted with their words and presence, and it felt like I were forgiven when I was not.

To be blessed with such companions was asking for too much, but here they are.

"Wait, Zachary. What do you mean you're going to help me find my sister? Why? There's no reason for you to do so."

"You don't think I have, but I do. It doesn't matter what you are, or your lineage. You helped defend Sir Hark's pride when I didn't say a thing. You hadn't even known me for a day. But it is a selfish thing to decide upon as well. One reason is for vengeance. If the demon that attacked us is still alive, then I shall redeem Sir Hark."

He scratched his head and sighed.

"You're insane, do you know that? No one would ever help a Half-breed. Why would you want to help me in the first place? Just because of that? I don't have anything to give you."

"Aster. Your sister, you're worried about her safety, right?"

"Yeah. It's not that I don't believe she can accomplish it, but this one's awfully ominous, as if she were trying to draw her and the others away from here. her presence was one thing, and her strength another. It was unbelievable, the way I felt petrified. But because of that, I was worried of what might become of her... There's no way I can handle that thing myself. Not even a normal human can hope to handle that thing."

"Then that's where I step in. I've lost someone, but that doesn't mean I stop there. I'll do everything in my power to make sure you don't end up losing someone you care about."

"Fine, I won't argue with you. Thanks, Zach. This means a lot. I'll make sure to watch your back."

As I shook his hand, the back of my hand started emitting the strange light within the mark. It was a weak gleam, but that was enough for him to notice its presence.

With a peculiar stare, his face changed into one of surprise. His bewilderment started to question the things he didn't understand.

"That thing again. Just what is it? I saw it before, but it was stronger. Just what are you?"

"I see no reason to hide now that you've told me who you were. I am a Thalisean, or that last of them, if that makes any sense."

It took a bit of time for him to realize before he could react. the surprise on his face couldn't be concealed at all.

"... Thalisean?! You are? Then that means... you are the last bastion of hope for ever human on this plane! I-I can't believe it. The last of the light's chosen, the very embodiment of the creator's being, standing here in front of me. I just can't quite come to terms with it yet. I mean, you're a living legend, that means! The last hope of the humans, the beings bathed in light! I can't believe this!"

"So you know about them, or us, in my case."

"I don't think there's anyone in the entire continent who doesn't. If that noble from earlier knew just what you were, then he would've tried taking you for himself."

"Why is that?"

"Those power-hungry people like him, I've seen them before. If he knew the greatest power in this continent, standing in opposition of the greatest threat in the continent, stood before him, then he would've taken you and used you for his own good. Once he does, there is no one who can stop him."

"I'm not quite the great Thalisean you know. Right now, I'm still trying to live up to their name, and it's still a long way head. I'm barely able to use this power of mine. It's the biggest mystery to me right now."

"Still, that's something else. Know it or not, that light is the greatest fear of a demon. I've been told stories about them myself by my sister. She's always had a fascination with your kind, even until now. She hasn't told me why, but every time she tells me something about your race, there's a warm smile on her face."

"Where do you think we'll find her?"

"I remember her and the others going through that way, from where we are. There should be marks or trails that should say if they were here, but I can sense my sister, faintly. We are family, so I can feel her presence. It feels far away already, but not out of reach."

"Well, better to have a lead than going back to town and retracing our steps," said Gino. "We've made quite the enemy, that man of Kaelus. I've heard of that family. They are strong and affluential in Ylithia, not to mention their strong standing within the nobles themselves. They go back years, close to the founding of the kingdom. If he truly swore a vendetta against me, then it is best not taken lightly."

"I won't let it come to that. If it ever does, then I'll see that it's not a threat to us."

"Quite the promise. Then I shall hold you to that. It will be interesting seeing how you will try and back your words up. I know you can, somehow. Now, why don't we turn in? If you're planning to do just that, then we'll need to leave first thing tomorrow so that we don't lose them."

"I agree. Thank you, all of you. I know we hardly know each other, but helping me out is not something anyone would do. I don't know how I'm going to repay you."

"Hold it until we finish the job. For now, let's not worry about such things till the future."

And so they prepared to sleep. The night's curtain drew until the moon was high up above its precipice. it was something to be admired. How fond it is to stare at this very sight and feel your heart calm down. Inside me, a tumultuous storm rages, and my emotions can't help but feel restless. How am I supposed to handle all of this when I've even faked being alright?

I have to find the answer to that, and soon. The longer things stay this way, the worse it'll be. I have to settle things before I lose even myself.

This was a brief conclusion that I had come to. All that's been happening has been a series of challenges unfolding at a rapid speed. There is no time to ponder and think of my next steps. The only way no to get left behind is to move forward. But I don't know if that's alright.

'What kind of man were you back then, father? You've been receiving praise even when you're gone. That long lasting legacy you left behind, just what are those?'

Everyone I've met so far has told me about your greatness, and how much of an effect it had made on this continent.

Will I be able to copy you? Or at least do better. Will I be even half the man you were?

... I'll try being you. That's the only answer I can come up with right now. It's just to satisfy that hole in my mind nagging me over and over. I have to have something that could put me at ease, not just a purpose, but a reason to follow that purpose.

One could only think how deep reasoning goes. But as you ponder more and more, worrying about every meticulous detail, you find out that the world is much larger than one could think.

The sheer magnitude and bewilderment of realizing this will test your worth and your identity. To realize that, I live a life not just for my own now, but for everyone else. It's overwhelming.

But, I'll take up that challenge, that trial. I will do my best in becoming what you were as best I could...

Is that the right answer anyway?

Since Erica didn't want to leave my side when I offered to leave her with Gino and the rest, I took a leisure stroll around the forest with her and the wolf cub that followed me around still, and I eventually arrived once more to where the grave of my family was. I took a long hard stare at the place, fondly relieving the memory etched within my mind. Those fond and happy memories that I can't help but reminisce about.

"Father, Mother, I've returned once more. How have you been both?"

The silence felt deafening. I asked not expecting any answer, but I felt the need to tell them everything that happened so far. So, I did the many things I never Imagined that I would do in my life. It was surprising even as I said it. Those events truly happened, and I was a part of it.

"Never knew that a world larger than what I knew existed outside this small world of ours. But even beyond those boundaries, you were known... listen, I still have a long way to go, but it seems that this quest of mine has an even more mysterious path that I've yet to tread. I've started to realize slowly that the uncertainty of not knowing what may come doesn't terrify me as much anymore. Do you think I've grown because of that? Or have I disappointed you still?"

"..."

The cub whimpered as my tone became languid. I was starting to get swept by the emotions of guilt and weakness, like I have been all my life beyond these boundaries.

It seemed to calm down, and I as well, when I patted its head.

"I'm sad to say that I've even disappointed the people that had called me a friend. I didn't get to save Sir Hark. I was failing everyone..."

"... I don't think you failed anyone."

A voice sounded from behind me. A calm tone that didn't surprise me in the least. But it was familiar. I saw no need to turn my head. It'd be hard to face stoically her after this. I didn't have the heart to do so.

"Why not? Have you not seen it? Have you not heard? I was supposed to be the one being everyone looked to for help, yet I could do nothing to save them. They would have been long massacred, and all that would be left was their souls. And it would haunt me. I would be reminded constantly of who I was, but, what does that even matter now?"

"But it does. You can't just save everyone. That's... impossible, even for you. There was nothing to fault you for. You couldn't have known of what was happening, so why punish yourself further?"

"Because I deserved it. How about you? Aren't you angry that I didn't trust you enough, and because of that, what I did not want to happen, happened anyway? I would understand if you were at least angered, but why? Why do you think otherwise? I see no merit in my actions for they have only brought misfortune on others. That's the worst reality that I could imagine. Ever since I left this place and knew who I was, I had always promised myself that I would save and protect those that I could... I think you know how that turned out."

There was a brief silence between us before I heard her speak again. In truth, I expected her to leave at that very moment. She did hit me when we saw each other back at Lavis. But there were tears in her eyes. Were they because of me or because of what I had done?

Nevertheless, she surprised me by still being here. A part hidden inside me was happy, but I just couldn't get up and say it for some profound reason.

"I know how that promise turned out for me, however. I know you tried your best. I've seen the anguish on your face. It made me feel the same pain I felt when I lost someone I dearly cared for. With your promise, I am still here, looking at you. That was the first one. The second was in Exaltier, when you saved me from those mercenaries. That goes to show that you could keep your promises. I am still here because of what you've done for me. Isn't that enough to convince you?"

"But that was a given. I would have saved you even if I hadn't made that promise. Why would I let that happen to you?"

I stood up and faced her, seeing her worn clothes out of her armor. She hugged her arms and bashfully looked away from me as I turned around. There was a hint of surprise as I said those words. I noticed them very clearly.

"I-Is that so?"

She murmured, barely making her voice audible.

She slowly walked up to me until we were merely inches away from each other. I was taller than her, so her eyes were hidden from view as her head was tilted forward. Her scent was pleasant as it wafted towards my nose.

"You've saved me twice, but I've only repaid the favor once."

She spoke without meeting my gaze.

"What do you mean by that?"

"If you would let me, then I shall get rid of that uncertainty in your heart. I... don't like seeing you pained so much. You may, use my body if you so desire. If it means that you will feel better, then there is no problem in that. I owe you my life, after all."

Her eyes gazed up at me as she spoke, finally allowing me to see her face, which was even more beautiful than I remember. It was as if this was another side to her, one that I had seen before. Her weakened state.

My heart started beating loudly that I could hear it, my throat felt dry, and my hands felt spasmic. I couldn't believe what she had said, but it made my face hot that I started slowly sweating.

Of course, I knew about what she spoke about. I recall having a talk with my mother. I remember her subtly trying to talk with me as she had an unwavering grin on her face. Never in my life did I know about what I was about to go into. Not to say that it was easier with my father. He would laugh about the topic but still give a solid piece of advice that I still have with me today, despite it being cliché and ridiculous.

"Wait!"

I said erratically. I was embarrassed. I couldn't simply do as she had said, that was a given.

"Don't give up yourself like that so easily! I won't just use your body like it's nothing. Hold some value for yourself!"

"Tell the same for yourself!"

She fumed. I found myself astonished, but listening intently.

"I don't think that you did anything wrong. Now chin up, that's no way for a proper Thalisean to be acting. You have to grow up. You have to realize that there will be losses, and sometimes you can't do anything about it as you are now. But it's much more of a reason to push yourself so that you don't have to feel this way every time you lose someone you care for."

I released a sigh and tried my best to smile. Her efforts, though needed work, were uplifting enough to lift my spirits. Though it was unexpected, the shock seemed to snap me from my senses.

"Alright. I'm convinced. Thank you, Daphne. I'm glad to know that you're there looking out for me. But try not to offer your body again next time. I don't think you'd be delighted to the idea."

"W-what?! I was simply trying to cheer you up, yes, that was it! Why? Did you think that I was truly going to offer you my chastity? I may be wearing the outfit of a knight, but inside I am still a maiden and a princess. Do remember that."

"Haha, I will. You're right, about everything. I know now what I have to do."

Right, I have to move forward regardless. The longer things stay the same, the greater the danger to the rest of the people living in this continent. If I don't want to feel such sorrow, then the only thing left is to better myself. I am, after all, a Thalisean.

"Before we leave, could you stay for a while. I'd like to head back together."

She turned around and spoke, arms crossed.

"Fine, do what you want. But hurry. The night is getting colder."

I knelt down in front of my three witnesses and bowed my head.

'This might be the last time I come here. This might be the last time I regret things and blame myself. I won't know what the future holds, but I will have to find out myself. This might mean goodbye, but know that I will do my best to make this all right. I will carry on your intentions.'

I stood and held my arm out to Daphne, whom smiled and took my arm. Together, the three of us, including my canine companion, returned, to prepare for a new start. A beginning whose purpose I've unraveled, and a reason that I have found. Where will this take me and how will this end, I do not know. But how would I learn if I do not treat those uncertain paths?

"You know? You're starting to look a bit different suddenly," she said, glancing up at me.

"Really? I mean, thanks, but I haven't done anything yet, so it's great to know that I begun to make a differ- "

"I jest. You still have a long way to go. What you've promised isn't as simple as realizing it. You have to walk and live with it until it becomes natural. You won't even know that you've changed, but others will."

"What a tease. But I guess you're right. Thanks, Daphne. I'll continue on depending on you till the time I fulfill those promises."

...You truly have changed suddenly, Zach. I can't hide the truth. But you've grown a bit more mature since we first met. Will you still be the same Zach that I know and admire?