A few days after the commotion, the two of them arrived back to Lavis, and much to everyone's surprise, they were the bearers of grave news. The two of them returned home without the accompaniment of the great army that Sir Hark brought with him to Caspia.

He did not make a reason like saying the battle was hard-fought and perilous, nor did he say that he himself was on the brink of dying in the same town as the rest. Instead, he told the families of the deceased that they fought bravely, and that without them, he and I would have returned. He was sincere in comforting the families, but looked as if it pained him more than the actual families themselves, ironically.

I, after returning, fell to my bed without much delay, dozing off an entire day due to the immense exhaustion. Only after waking up the following day did I feel refreshed enough to walk about, yet still a bit dizzy.

I still had countless of wounds on my body that needed treatment, something that slipped my mind. Louise volunteered to help me recover, which is what I am currently doing, sitting on my bed, topless with rolls of bandages around my body, and other parts.

"Please don't move, you're making this very difficult for me. But if you don't mind the more harsher and faster way of patching you up, then I can oblige to that as well. What say you, Sir Zachary?" she said in her monotone voice, looking at me, not that expectantly, but waiting for my answer as her hands stopped moving.

"Alright, I won't move as much. But it stings a great deal. And like I said already, you can drop the sir. It feels a bit uncomfortable," I stiffened my body as she continued.

"Tell me, after all this so far, what do you think of the 'path' you've chosen? Is it as you expected, or are you terrified?"

"Honestly, I know, but I don't have just one answer for it. Everything's a mess in my head, and I can't even think straight. But I'm convinced that what I'm doing is right, and I'll keep at it. There's no way I can back down t any circumstance. A lot of things made me realize the gravity of just what I'm embroiled in," the memories of those that passed flashed in my head once more, haunting and reminding me.

"I won't ask for the reason, but you don't look convinced to me. It's as if you're just fulfilling something half-heartedly, like something that you want to do and get over with quickly. But that's just me. You should know yourself better than anyone since in the end, only you can help yourself in times of need," she stood, curtly bowing, having finished my treatment, leaving for the door.

"Wait!" she stopped at my sudden outburst. "Do, I really look like that?"

"Yes. I might not be the only one who can tell. If you go around town, then someone might notice. But try to do something to keep your mind out of it for a while. I can understand why you're so shaken up. Father told me. Try going around town around noon or dusk if you can."

"What about Sir Hark. Is he doing alright?"

"For now, he is resting," she said, avoiding my gaze. "But soon enough he will wake up. Then you can ask him yourself about the more detailed things. I have taken care of him to the best of my abilities, and I assure you that he will be fine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to manage some things for a while," she finally left, leaving me to myself.

Maybe I should get a bit of fresh air outside. It isn't that late anyway. If anything, I'll be doing myself a favor.

Nothing was that different from when I first took a stroll outside. This time, the streets were a more silent, and the people had gloomy expressions on their faces.

If I'll take a guess, then it must be because of the news Sir Hark told them about. There should be nothing else other than that.

I turn the street that surprisingly led me to the same street where I met the odd old lady that told my fortune. Though something in me says that I should go back and avoid this place, there's another that's full of curiosity. The latter takes over and I stroll through the quiet street, business no that bustling.

To my astonishment, no one was there. Though it was vivid, I could remember that this was the same spot and the same place where I saw that old lady. I can't be mistaken, can't I? Her velvet tent, her table with the crystal ball, it's not here, and it's as if there was no trace of it ever being here in the first place.

I went up and asked a merchant whose stall I recognize passing on my way through here. He was an adult in his mid-thirties, sporting a black mustache fit for a chevalier. He wore expensive looking garments and an expensive looking scarlet hat adorned with colorful feathers.

"Excuse me, sir, but I wanted to ask about an old lady that ran a... ah, yes, a fortune telling stall, if I'm correct. She was over there if I remember correctly," I pointed at the empty space by a wall.

"Oh, I thought you were going to buy my wares. Hmm, an old lady? what old lady? I've been doing business here for five years straight I have never in my life seen an old lady take that spot. It's as if it's cursed or something, but I don't believe in superstitions."

I thanked the man and left, wondering to myself just what I had gone through and seen during that time. I can't possibly believe that I did not see an old lady there. She was real, I could feel it when she forcibly drew my arm.

"I must be tired still," I said to myself, deciding to go back.

But on the way through a familiar street leading me to the mansion, I encountered a familiar face. A woman with a faint gold hair and a gentle expression was walking hand in hand with her daughter while carrying a heavy bag full of food.

She noticed me before I could realize it. Her face was a bit different. Though I could never dare forget that face she made when I told her of her husband's passing, she had a small smile on her face, one tending and caring towards her daughter.

"Zach? Is that really you?" she asked, walking up slowly towards me, her daughter stared at my face in wonder, a thumb still in her mouth.

"It's nice to see you here again, Fiona. How have you been?" I asked, not knowing what else I should say.

Her face became a bit gloomy at my question, but she recovered. "Not the same, but managing. Times have been hard, but it's all because of many things happening around us. It's not just us, but everyone else. Erica was brave, but the child can't control her emotions that well. And I understood that well enough. She was far stronger than I was."

"Oh! it's you," the little girl came forward and took my hand, tugging on it and forcing me on one knee.

"Carry me!" she said happily, jumping up and down.

I took her by her sides and placed her on my shoulders, making sure to take her hands so that she would have no chance of falling over.

"Yay! You're tall! Mama, Mama, I can see the park! Let's go! Let's go!" she said, kicking her legs like a rider on a horse.

"Sorry about this. I don't have the strength to carry her, so only her friends could actively play with her from time to time."

"Don't worry about it. She's growing on me. And... she was the first kid I met, oddly enough. There are no kids nor any other people besides us in the woods where I lived until now."

"That's very surprising. I never would have guessed. But you don't look bothered at all by your surroundings."

"I'm trying to wrap my head as to why I never felt estranged from every new thing that I saw. But maybe I could adjust quickly to some things. Or maybe I just had to move on no matter what, otherwise I'll be stuck and left behind. I didn't want that."

"Would you like to come with us to the park? There's one close by, and it should be fairly quiet," she asked me with eyes that looked like they saw through me and what I've been through.

"Sure, I guess as long as it gets my mind off things for a while, then I could settle for about anything."

Then we set off, reaching a small park that I didn't know existed in the town. There were trees growing splendidly, bushes and flowers lay on beds solely for them.

There were people walking and mingling with each other. Though there weren't as many, it was peaceful and tranquil. I was slowly being mended on the inside.

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Sitting on a park bench overseeing the other kid playing with one another, Fiona and I sat next to each other, staying silent until she broke it.

"How are you doing? I mean, about what happened in Caspia. I don't know whether it's right to ask this, but there is something bothering you. When I saw you and Sir Hark returning as the only ones from the expedition, I saw that your face was different. A bit more composed, but more of perturbed than anything else."

"Truth be told, I'm not doing as fine as you think. It's all so overwhelming, but I have to go through it. There's no other choice for me. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would go through something like this. Even me being ..."

"Being what?" she asked, curious.

"Someone whose many lives would depend on someday."

"I see. I know the responsibility, the worry. It's the same when Henry was here. I had to worry about him every day that he was out working. But deep inside I knew that someday it would happen. And no matter what, my heart would be torn. But you have become a soldier that serves Sir Hark and the people. That means a lot to the them. If all of you had not been there, then the threat would have spread everywhere. The people may seem gloomy and depressed, but I'm sure that they are grateful for everyone's contributions, that includes Erica and I."

"Thank you, Fiona. Hearing that makes me feel a bit more at ease. But now that I've gotten some of my resolve back, I have to return to Sir Hark and see how he's doing."

"We should be heading back home as well. It's starting to get dark now," she gathered her things and called out to Erica.

"Why don't I escort you two back home? It's the least I can do for having helped me out."

"Are you sure? I don't think words are enough to help you with what happened. I think time is the best medicine."

"Believe me. It helped a lot."

"Then I think we'll appreciate the company."

With that, I went back with them to their place, saying goodbye to them.

"Play with us again, mister!" Erica said with a bright smile.

"You bet."

"Pinky swear?" she extended her pinky finger, waiting for me to do the same.

"There. I'll be sure to come back when I can. So, wait for me, alright?"

And I went our separate ways, running back to the mansion.

He was still bedridden, reading papers full of reports and parchments relating to the governance of the town with one arm, the other in a cast. He had a solemn, focused look to his face, sifting through them, then setting down the ones he's finished with.

"Working hard I see. A giant not enough to stop you?" I said, leaning by the door, knocking a few times after.

"Better than letting it pile up until I'm scolded. It's gets my mind off things. How have you been doing?"

"Fine, I guess. I've been better. I actually came to see how you were fairing."

"Oh, don't fret. It's not time for you to worry about me yet. It'll take a lot more than that to break this grizzled old man's resolve. So, tell me. What do you think of everything? Enough to make you give in?" he grinned.

"No, not at all. Though I thought it was the case, but it seems that I was shown the brighter side of things. I'm still convinced that what I'm doing is the right thing. It'll take me a long time to prove and show that I'm worthy of the choice, but what does it matter? I think I'm still right," I said with confidence, having been strengthened after thinking it out.

"That's what I like to hear. Maybe I can continue to hope for just a bit more. Now leave me be for a while. I'm need to think about something," he turns his attention to another beige, weathered parchment.

"Mind if I ask what it's about?"

"Why not. Your so-called resolve might be able to resolve this. Or better yet, you can do this yourself in my stead."

"What did you have in mind?"

"The thing is, I'm needed in court. But as you can see, I'm in no state to be moving. And even more, with the things happening around the town and the places near it, the paperwork's just not letting up. Some important things need to be taken care of, so I've got Louise to help me. So, I want you to appear in court for me two weeks from now. Just give this to a man named Norman Neils, a friend of mine, and he will handle the rest. If they don't let you in, show the guards your father's necklace, and everything will be clear. Any questions?" 

"A lot. First, where am I supposed to go?"

"Exaltier, the kingdom of Ylithia's capital. You'll get there by a week if you take a horse, a week and a half if something happens to you. It's far since we're located at the far side of the southern border. So, if you choose to go, then you have to leave early tomorrow. What do you say?"

"I don't have much of a reason to object. How exactly do I get there anyway?"

"A map. You're expected to have one, not unless you know the way. And be careful. The reason I can't send any more of my men to hand over this letter is because more demons have been roaming the borders. God knows what the border patrol's up to, but they're doing a pretty sloppy job at it. I think you'd be more than enough to handle them. And if by any chance that fortune does not favor you, then I'll take full responsibility for the entire human race," he says, both teasingly and sternly, as if a massive amount of pressure and confidence has been entrusted upon me.

"Now, go get some sleep, or prepare your belongings. I'll ask Louise to prepare a map and some other necessities for you, so go find her in the morning. I'm sure that you'll do an outstanding job. Frederick didn't raise you to be so weak, I imagine," he said, waving me away, just like a goodbye as he plunges himself into the depths of his work.

I retired to my room, gathering my belonging and packing them in on a rucksack that Sir Hark gave to me.

It had enough room some change of clothes, medical supplies, and a small dagger that's been given to us for some reason.

I prepared a fresh, leather armor to layer my clothes, and some other equipment.

"I wonder what's waiting for me out there?" I asked myself as the possibilities popped up. Beyond these walls and those forests, I can only imagine what I'll see or encounter. Some things I've Read from books, but seeing and feeling them all are two very different things. It might even be that I feel restless, unable to close my eyes as I lay on my bed, feelings it's comfort and warmth.

The night is soothing, the moon is in full view up in the air, not a lot of clouds in sight. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of freezing over it, I fell asleep.

"Are you sure that you should let him go alone? It seems that you're very reckless with taking care of him," said Louise, appearing by Sir Hark's doorway, her arms folded.

"It's his decision. I gave him a choice if he wants to do it, but he reluctantly accepted. And, I can't dawn on him like a child anymore, not that I had an intention to do so," he replied, looking at her sternly, like a father, and not a knight. "If he wants to grow, then he needs to learn how things work in the world by himself, not that I can't help out, but he needs to do things by himself. I know the dangers out there. It's all unpredictable."

"You make a convincing argument from time to time, but why would you let him do that and not me? I've wondered that since I've always left town with you."

"Because I have a good reason for it. It might sound harsh and selfish, but you're my daughter, though not legitimate, and I don't really act the part, you are my daughter now. And I ought to act like a father with you. But for Zachary, he has no family anymore. He has to learn how to walk on his two legs, and he chose that knowing how difficult it is out there."

She stared at him, listening, with a barefaced expression. "Why can't I argue with you when you become like this? You should be this responsible all the time."

"If I were, it'd be boring for you and me. Besides, it's a strain on me to do something like that. I act like that all the time around other lords, so might as well relax when they're not here."

"Is that so? Fine, then I won't press the matter further. But, I am happy that you care for me to an extent," she said, monotonously.

"Of course I'd care for you like that. I'm not that much of a deadbeat. And you don't look that happy anyway. I can't tell from your monotone and serious face. Why not try smiling, like this?" he made a bright smile appear on his face, making him seem like a different person entirely from the knight, 'Sir' Hark, and the man named, Theodore Hark.

"What do you mean? I am genuinely happy. And clearly I am smiling, see?" she said. But nothing about her face changed at all.

"Hmm, well we can't rush that. But you really need to work on it."

"I will keep that in mind. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must get back to work as well, and so should you," she turned around, walking as her curly hair bobbed.

Suddenly, she stopped walking, staying silent for a while as a small smile appeared on her face for a split second, but disappearing behind her unbeatable poker face as she walks away.

Finally, the day came where I was to leave for the kingdom's capital. My nerves rise as I think of the possible problems along the way, but another adventuristic sense in me feels that I will be fine.

My equipment consisted of a sturdy leather armor to cover my torso and layer my clothes of a white shirt and brown leggings. My father's sword lay sheathed by my waist, and his neklace on my neck.

"I wish you luck and safety on your travels," Louise said, greeting me as the sun rises from the horizon, indicating the coming of dawn.

"I'll need every bit of luck I can get. Thank you, Louise," I said warmly, feeling confident as to show off to her one last time before anything else. I might even get to see something from her, like a change in expression.

But, as expected, I was replied to with a curt bow. That seemed to be my queue to leave before it gets awkward between us, so I took the horse's reins and slowly galloped out of the town, following a paved path where a clear, and open plain lay for the admiration of many.

... Nonsense. They are gone forever. There is no possibility of one still being in existence.

A smooth, charismatic, and enchanting voice echoes in the dark chambers where light was little to none.

"But, my lord! That blinding light could have not been anything else! If one does exist or not, we must find out!" a figure quivered, standing alone in the middle of the darkness, speaking to no one.

... Then go. I don't need to order you around, not unless you think I'd kill you for it. If you're a demon, then prove it.

"Ah! Yes, my Lord! Your words are always so gracious and divine. I shall act to show the humans why they fear us once more! If you beg my leave," he says, fanatically, leaving with a boost of energy and morale.

... So, what are you here for?

"My lord, I-I have something terrible to report," a lowly figure shudders in fear, unable to hold in the terror of what might happen to him. No, he knows and realizes it. After being coaxed into being in front of the great king, he could may as well give his life up.

"It seems that we have lost a narrow battle against the humans at the western border," he says, holding his breath and waiting for an answer.

But suddenly, a cold breath of hair surrounds him, and it was as if the entire chamber was freezing from out of nowhere.

... Hmm, is that so? Thank you for your report, but your services are needed for something else. Yes, my frustrations.

The figure is then assaulted by countless of floating weapons that are made of pure darkness. Different designs of weapons plunge and riddle him, leaving the figure a mess as his blood spread everywhere in the room.

The blades disappear with the snap of a finger, and the figure falls to the ground, lifeless, and unable to realize what had just happened to him.

... I'm afraid I don't tolerate weakness. Servant. Come forward. I have a task for you. You shall accomplish this without fail whether you value your life or not.

And another figure comes forward, ignoring the mangled corpse as it begins to deteriorate into ashes, then to nothing.