The Vanguard Academy.
By no means is this academy perfect.
Yet this academy stands as the beacon of hope.
The hope for survival.
The hope for peace.
Here, the four races joined together—nurtured into becoming what we call "heroes."
The definition of "hero" is akin to someone with great power. A hero is someone who can inherit power from an Artifact. An Artifact is a powerful weapon made by the High Humans.
To this day, there has only ever been one hero.
He is a hero originating from humanity.
His name is Raymed.
He was chosen by the Artifact named "Blastur."
Some say Raymed was chosen due to the sheer power he wields.
This is proven by his previous title, Chronic Eater—an ability that devours mana residues automatically, regenerating his mana reserve while fighting. An ability no one else possesses.
But some would argue:
Perhaps his being chosen isn't because he is the strongest of the generation.
It is because of his nature.
It is because he always tries to pursue greatness in every endeavor.
At least that's how I see him.
The Sword of Light, Blastur, chose him because of how great a person Raymed is.
Today, he will be graduating from this academy and embarking on his new journey as a Hero.
But, of course, today isn't only the day for the Hero.
Today, he will be accompanied by his friend, who is also graduating.
The Saint's Disciple, Carmilla, will also be graduating from Vanguard Academy and taking on a job at the United Front Headquarters.
The New Saint, Carmilla, has given great service to the world—rescuing both Raymed and the Kaiser in the battle against Focalors and Vepar. Though still shrouded in mystery, Carmilla has always been the greatest support to the Hero's growth.
Her emergence, no doubt, influences the United Front's success rate in holding the line against the Demon King's army.
She was present in the battles against Paimon, Baal, Vepar, Focalors, and Eligos. Without a doubt, she has become a full-fledged Saint in terms of power and battle prowess. But her wisdom to prioritize saving civilians first isn't to be overlooked, as that is her proof of being a Saint.
Being a Saint is to value that all life is equal.
But that doesn't mean a Saint can't harbor negative emotions.
Being a Saint means fully understanding that everything in this world is striving for itself. Therefore, if anyone needs protection, one must strive to defend it—even if the request is from a Demon King.
A Saint fights—not because of emotions.
A Saint's only reason to fight is to protect something.
This is the knowledge I have learned these past five years.
"Princess Derashina, it's time," my butler called as he opened my room.
At present, I was getting ready to attend the graduation ceremony at Vanguard Academy.
I hope everything goes well.
***
"Does it have to be this grand? Feels a bit excessive and a waste of budget," Thalamik spoke with little care.
"Heh. You're just jealous you won't be graduating with them," Trish sneered at him, poking his shoulder. "You can't accept the fact you're being held back!"
"AM NOT!" Thalamik raised his voice while poking back at Trish. "In any case, it's you who's held back. I got upgraded, while you didn't progress one bit."
"Hey, Special Auditor is top of the food chain. We're called 'Special' because we aren't part of the ranking equation. It's naturally harder for us to ascend if talented people like Raymed suddenly appear."
"Well, that's a fair point, I guess."
"Trish and Thalamik, you two came together?" Illias walked slowly into their conversation.
"Huh? Why would I be going together with the likes of her?" Thalamik said.
"Right, right. Why should an ELF be going together with a HUMAN?" Trish said.
"WHAT'S THAT, ELF?"
"YOU DIDN'T HEAR THAT, HUH, HUMAN?"
"Ara~ Ara~" Illias smiled before a hand swung at both of them.
"BE QUIET!" Killiar hit both Thalamik and Trish with her fists. "I would've let you be if this weren't a formal setting. But this is a formal setting. Behave yourselves! Or would you two like to repeat the 'Thalamik Incident' not long ago at the Lupache estate?"
Thalamik's eyes darkened. "No. I wouldn't want to make that kind of scene again."
"Hey, if he's up to the task, I will 100% go along with it!" Trish replied with a grin, showing her teeth.
"Trish…" Killiar sighed before someone jumped into the conversation.
"Vululu! How is everyone? I met Director on the way here!"
"Heyyo, what is up—" Diko paused. He saw Thalamik and Trish before saying, "DON'T TELL ME WE'RE ABOUT TO SEE THE 'Thalamik Incident' again!"
"Now that makes me wonder… What is the 'Thalamik Incident'? I feel left out," Illias asked.
"IT'S NOTHING, MS. ILLIAS!" Thalamik said.
"Basically—" Trish started to speak before…
"PLEASE REFRAIN FROM FURTHER ACTIONS!" A voice called out.
"GREET THE FOUR LEADERS OF THE WORLD!!!"
"So they're finally here. The four leaders of the world." Thalamik's eyes suddenly focused.
"Yeah. I can't believe they actually showed up here. But considering it's the coronation of the Hero title, they were willing to do it. Even if…" Trish said.
"Even if said Hero isn't from their own races," Diko said.
"Representing the Demi-Humans, by decree of King Borreas: the princess of the mermaids!"
"Wait? Why is she…" Thalamik said.
"Princess Derashina Fluoverlet!" A woman with hair like water appeared. She was wearing a modest gown. Her face was undoubtedly beautiful to those who saw her.
"I can't believe she really showed up here!" Thalamik said.
"Is that the person you told us about? The one who helped you willingly to promote the film you made?" Diko asked.
At the end of that sentence, Thalamik could feel three sharp gazes directed at him.
"Ugh…" Thalamik's eyes wandered, refusing eye contact.
ZWOSHH!!
.
.
.
Then something entered.
.
The aura shifted.
.
"I can feel this mana anywhere. It has to be her," Thalamik whispered as his eyes went fiery.
"Thalamik, calm down. Even if she is coming, you can't charge her at an event like this." Diko put a hand on his shoulder.
"Do you think I would care, Diko?" His eyes turned toward Diko with sinister intent.
The door opened as the announcer began to speak.
"Representing the Fey, by decree of King Oberon! From the Elven tribe—"
Thalamik gnashed his teeth.
"Thalamik, calm down," Diko held his shoulder. But his mana ramped up.
"From the Elven tribe, we have…"
Killiar, Illias, Lulu, and Trish instinctively gulped.
They all knew what would happen if "that" person suddenly showed up here.
Then, a pointy-eared elf appeared from the door, her smile full of confidence.
Thalamik's eyes widened. "That's…"
The announcer spoke, "Please welcome, from the Elven tribe: Lizwell Von Wistik of the Dark Elves."
"Don't forget me, Mr. Announcer!" Suddenly, a figure appeared beside the announcer. The announcer was initially startled as he asked, "Uhm! Who are you?"
"Heyyooo!!!" the figure said. "My name is Puck! I am Lord Oberon's faithful jester, here to accompany Miss Lizwell!! MOM!!! I AM ON THE STAGEEE!!!" Puck said.
Thalamik and the others stared at the scene, filled with a sense of strangeness, unable to comprehend clearly what had happened.
"What a weird jester, am I right? That Puck person looks like a total airhead," Lulu said with judgment. "Glad I'm not one of those airhead jester archetypes!" she continued, smiling.
Killiar, Trish, and Thalamik turned their eyes toward her.
They simultaneously thought, "That's rich, coming from you, Lulu."
Diko sighed. "I'm so glad it wasn't her."
Thalamik, seeing his expression, somehow agreed. Indeed, if the person who happened to come was Zuatha, all hell would've broken loose.
Then the announcer welcomed two more people:
"Representing Alayars, leader of Spirits: Pishcka!"
"Representing Humanity: Grand Saint Veuz!"
Diko caressed his chin but stayed silent, watching.
"So we've got a Mermaid Princess, a Dark Elf, a Spirit, and a Grand Saint?" Thalamik asked.
"WHY ARE THEY ALL WOMEN!" Killiar asked.
"You know, because it's Raymed, I think he does have the charm," Illias said.
"That's true. He is quite the womanizer—well, if we exclude his 'innocent' attitude. Well, that's also if we compare it to our little demon Fiend Kaiser over here, anyway," Trish poked Thalamik's shoulder.
"Get your hands off me, Elf. You want to be turned into an undead?" Thalamik bared his teeth.
The two of them looked at each other before cracking. Then both laughed.
"And now we will welcome the honored graduates!" the announcer said.
"Please welcome… previously known as the Chronic Eater! The Hero who has fought against five Demon Lord Envoys. The Hero chosen by the Artifact 'Blastur,' the Sword of Light. The Hero from humanity. The first-ever Hero of the World. Please welcome—RAYMED!!!"
The crowd at the ceremony clapped their hands. Raymed entered the ballroom wearing a rather extravagant outfit that did not fit his usual clothes. His long, unkempt hair was no more. Wearing a black hair tie, he had a small ponytail, while his overall hair length had changed to medium. His eyes didn't look nervous. Instead, he looked confident.
Raymed smiled and lifted his right hand. "The Light will be the guide for all of our hopes. Please answer my call, Blastur!"
SHANG!!!
Light appeared at his right hand as the Sword of Light materialized from thin air—light particles gathering and forming a sword.
The scene shook the crowd as they began to clap and cheer.
As Raymed walked to the center of the ballroom, the representatives of the four leaders joined him in the center.
Raymed knelt as he presented his sword.
Then, one by one, the representatives took turns giving him their blessings.
The first was of the Spirit race, Pishcka. She walked slowly and put out her ethereal hands. "By the name of my lady Alayars, we bless that you will bring hope to our world against those who wish to destroy it." A light made of mana was expelled from her hand, slowly entering Blastur.
The next one was Lizwell from the Fey. The Dark Elf walked with confidence and placed her hands on the sword. "By the name of our King, Oberon—"
"OBE! OBERON!" A sound was heard from across the hall, originating from Puck the jester.
"Ehem…" Lizwell coughed. "By the name of our King, we bless you, Hero Raymed. May you be saved from any dangers that harbor to destroy this world." A mana sphere came out of her index finger into Blastur.
Next was Derashina. She walked slowly but seemed rather nervous. "B-by… Th-e N-na…"
The crowd began to murmur.
She took a deep breath and let it out. "By the name of our High King—High King Borreas—we bless that you will be the best and strongest Hero of all. Our hopes lie forever with you, and may you save our world from the Demon King." Derashina touched the Sword of Light as the sword glowed.
As her eyes met with Raymed's, he gave her a smile.
Seeing his expression, Derashina instinctively smiled back. Turning around from there, she began to walk.
Then she slipped.
"MS. DERASHINA!"
TAP!
Raymed was holding Derashina's shoulder. "I didn't think you would slip. Are you okay?" he asked. Derashina seemed flustered before saying, "I am okay. Thank you."
Unknowingly, the crowd suddenly cheered wildly.
***
CRACK!
"Darn it," Kourin said.
"Why did you break the metal spoon, Kourin?"
"I'm not sure. Hmm, I think something made me angry," Kourin said.
***
After what happened with Derashina, the last representative came to the center of the ballroom.
"How are you, Raymed?" Veuz whispered.
"I am doing great, Ms. Veuz," Raymed whispered back.
"By the name of Humanity, we bless that you will be just and fair. May your travels always be safe and full of luck. As you are the child of humanity, now you must take care of this world as a whole." Veuz moved closer and hugged Raymed. His head was now in Veuz's embrace.
"We of humanity may have no blessings in the form of mana. But know that you will always have a place to return to. You are a human first," Veuz whispered.
Raymed smiled. "Thank you."
As she let go of her embrace, Veuz walked away, and Raymed rose.
"My name is Raymed. I accept your hopes and will make them a reality."
As Raymed walked toward the gate, another figure entered—it was Carmilla, who was also graduating.
Her entrance made much of the crowd smile.
In the center of the ballroom, Veuz was waiting for her.
As both Carmilla and Veuz stood in the center of the ballroom, Carmilla kneeled and joined her hands.
"By my title as Grand Saint, Carmilla, I bestow upon you the title of Saint. May you become a Saint greater than any who have ever been. May you always look upon this world with eyes of wisdom and love. May your dreams of peace one day come true."
Carmilla's eyes widened for a second, and she closed them. As she began to rise, she said, "Thank you, Grand Saint. And everyone here. I will continue to do my best." Carmilla then bowed before turning toward the door of the ballroom.
"With that, our graduation ceremony for Carmilla and Raymed has concluded. Please join the party held at the Academy Garden!" the announcer said.
Raymed, Carmilla, and Thalamik were drinking apple juice in the garden.
Then, the Mermaid Princess Derashina walked up and greeted them. "It's good to see you all."
"Princess Derashina, how are you?" Raymed replied.
"Greetings, Princess Derashina," Carmilla replied.
"Wassup! Derashi—"
Thalamik's mouth was suddenly closed by Carmilla's hand. His neck was grabbed by Raymed's arm. "Please wait just a second, Princess." Raymed said.
Carmilla and Raymed walked a few steps away from her as she seemed confused.
"THALAMIK, WHAT THE HELL? THAT'S THE PRINCESS, FOR GOD'S SAKE!" Raymed whispered in anger
"YEAH, WHAT RAYMED SAID! HAVE MORE RESPECT!" Carmilla added.
Thalamik sighed. "You guys forgot that I've met her before, right? We talked informally before and she gets it, so I won't treat her any different. Besides, it's just the four of us," Thalamik said.
"Fair enough." With a slight step, they went back to where Derashina was standing.
"What do you need, Princess?" Raymed asked. "Is there a particular question you want to ask?"
"Or maybe you've come to tell us how rude this 'Thalamik' person has been treating you?" Carmilla asked with a smile.
"Ouch, Carmilla. 'Thalamik person,'" Thalamik muttered, annoyed.
"No. Actually, he is a very commendable person," Derashina giggled.
Raymed and Carmilla turned to look at Thalamik. Then back at Derashina. Then back at Thalamik.
Finally back at Derashina.
"Commendable?"
"ASSH—!"
"He is very hardworking. And actually good with PR. Also, his movie has been booming all around the world as of now."
"Oh, that movie…" Raymed scratched his head.
"Well, if you put it that way!" Carmilla giggled.
"Actually, for tonight, Thalamik and I planned a little something to do again for PR. We hope we can get both of your participation."
Raymed and Carmilla both asked, "What kind of participation?"
"You will once again be actors. Be the Saint, be the Hero. Derashina will be the damsel, while I'll be the Demon King," Thalamik said.
"Are you suggesting—?"
"Yes. We will spar here and now and show every VIP here just how strong you are. Carmilla will use Round Astra to ensure the Academy is not damaged. Of course, Derashina will be the point of focus—to ensure every VIP looks our way during our performance."
"Is this really a good idea?" Raymed asked.
"IT WILL BE!" Derashina coughed. "It will be an excellent idea for PR," she said.
"I can probably make that happen quite easily," Carmilla said.
"Then is it settled?" Thalamik asked.
"All right," Raymed replied. Derashina's eyes suddenly turned sparkly.
***
"1-2, 1-2. Mic check. As the closing of tonight, we will see a performance by Princess Derashina from the—"
"HEELPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELPPP!!!!" Derashina was held by a creature up in the sky. The creature screeched.
"WHAT? THAT'S A BANSHEE!!!" The crowd said.
"THAT'S RIGHT!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!" A figure uncloaked themself above the banshee. "I am the Demon King! I am here to take away the princess! SEE YOU, PUNY CITIZENS!!!"
"I WON'T LET YOU!!!!"
A slash of light divided the night sky as Raymed flew and rent the banshee's wing.
He moved at inhuman speed and rescued Derashina, grabbing her in his arms. "Are you okay, Princess?" As he hovered down, he put her down and unleashed his sword, once again pointing it at the Demon King.
Raymed charged into the sky with a red tail light as the Demon King summoned his own sword.
"COME, HERO RAYMED!!!"
"HAAAAAA!!!"
Both Raymed and the Demon King clashed their blades, creating shockwaves and sparks of mana around the garden's sky.
As one of the shockwaves was about to hit—
BUUNG!!!
All of it was repelled.
Then a song played.
It originated from the band that was playing at the garden party.
The song was "Oddloop," originally by the band Frederic.
.
.
"Attention, everyone! This is all part of an act! Please enjoy our show titled: 'Demon King versus Hero!'" Princess Derashina proclaimed to the crowd. "The shockwaves will be nullified by Saint Carmilla's magic!" Derashina pointed at Carmilla, who was at ease maintaining her spell.
Seeing her claim, everyone began to cheer.
"LET'S GO, HERO RAYMED!!! WIN!" the crowd said.
Raymed was flying along with the Demon King as they clashed their blades over and over as if they both knew each other's skills.
"Demon King! Why haven't you summoned your fiends?" Raymed said.
"Hmph. If you can't even handle this, how will you hope to defeat my swarm!" the Demon King said.
"Split Flow: deactivate," Raymed said. He lifted his left hand. "Come, Avalon!"
Raymed was now holding both Avalon and Blastur together—a white sword and a black katana.
"Dual-wielding of that caliber won't get you anywhere, Hero Raymed," the Demon King said, flicking his fingers and summoning an army of banshees. "Impracticability will make you lose."
Raymed smiled confidently as he held Avalon tight.
CRACK.
"What? Why are you cracking that sword—"
CRACK.
CRUCKK!!!
Avalon broke into a hundred pieces.
Quickly, Raymed conjured a mana sphere covering all the pieces of Avalon.
Each piece of Avalon began glowing and growing bigger.
"Don't tell me—"
"Split Flow: activate," Raymed said. Then he widened his left arm as the pieces of Avalon began spreading. Raymed charged his aura as the mana channels expanded from his body toward each piece of Avalon. Slowly, every piece began to regenerate into a whole new sword.
"'Unlimited Undeads,' right? Meet my 'Unlimited Swords!'" Raymed said, taunting the Demon King.
The crowd below stared at the scenery in awe.
Among the audience were Trish, Killiar, Lulu, Diko, Illias, and Besitulars.
"HOW FUN! BUT WHO WOULD WIN!!!" Lulu said, her eyes filled with stars.
"Thalamik will win this no diff," Trish said.
"I'm not sure about that. Raymed has been training hard with that new move right there," Killiar said.
"Ms. Killiar, are you just saying that because you're Raymed's teacher?" Illias asked.
"AM NOT!" Killiar said.
"ARE TOO!" Trish said.
"Now, now, now, we have to give both the same scoring. They both are BEASTS, after all. GO BIG BRO RAYMED! GO BIG BRO THALAMIK! AWOOOO!" Besitulars began to howl along with his gang.
Diko screamed, "THALAMIK, STOP THIS! WHAT IF YOU BREAK SOMETHING? MY DEBT WILL INCRE—!"
The chorus of the music began to interrupt all other sounds.
The hundred swords attacked the banshees while, along the way, Raymed clashed his sword Blastur with the Demon King's sword.
Blue and red taillights flew around the sky.
Purple shockwaves emitted from each clash.
"Somehow… they look beautiful, huh?" Derashina asked.
"Like fireworks, right?" Carmilla asked.
BANG!!!!
BANG!!!
BANG!!!
BANG!!!!!
Purple shockwaves exploded left and right.
It was like a firework display.
After a while, the banshees were all vanquished.
The Demon King also seemed out of energy.
"You have fought well, Hero Raymed…"
"Demon King! I have one proposition for you!" Raymed said. He extended his hand and said, "What if we start over? Let's have a proper peace."
The crowd suddenly went silent.
"How innocent, Hero Raymed. You know we are pure evil. In our hearts, there is no room for improvement!"
"I don't believe that. I believe you are just as capable of changing as anyone else."
"…" The Demon King stayed silent. "Insolent child." He turned away from Raymed as he disappeared into the darkness.
As he fled, the crowd cheered once again, celebrating Raymed's victory.
"RAY-MED!!! RAY-MED!!! RAY-MED!!! RAY-MED!!"
As Raymed floated downward, landing on the ground, he walked slowly to the princess and bowed. "The Demon King has been subjugated, dear Princess Derashina."
The crowd once again went wild.
"Thank you for your help, dear Hero!!" Derashina bowed as well.
That night, everyone there clapped like crazy at the performance. Later, Thalamik appeared with bruises from the sheer strength Raymed used against him.
***
Inside Thalamik's room, the air smelled of turmeric and coconut milk.
A quiet night after the fireworks of the garden party.
The cheering had faded.
The laughter from the guests had grown distant, replaced by the soft simmer of broth and the slow hum of the kitchen fan.
Raymed sat cross-legged on the floor, half-asleep against the wall. Carmilla was beside him, sleeves rolled, helping Thalamik stir the pot.
"Hard to believe it's been a year since you first cooked this," Raymed murmured. "Same smell. Same pan."
Thalamik smirked without looking up. "Yeah. I remember you both gave me puppy eyes. And you even almost ate everything of the Gule."
"I didn't!" Carmilla protested.
"Uh-huh, you did," Thalamik said, ladling soup into bowls.
Raymed grinned. "Still better than Thalamik's addiction on Chicken Cordon Bleu..."
"Shut up. THOSE ARE GODLY." He placed the bowls on the table. "Now, eat before it gets cold like last time, Raymed."
They ate in silence for a while. Just the clink of spoons. The sound of rain starts outside the window.
Carmilla watched the steam rise from her bowl, eyes unfocused.
"You know," she began softly, "Eating together at the table right now. Made me remember much about my family."
Thalamik froze mid-bite. Raymed glanced at her, expression curious but careful.
She set her spoon down. "I never told any of you about my family, yet right? I am ready to talk about myself."
Neither spoke. They only listened.
Carmilla folded her hands on her lap, as if steadying herself. "My real name wasn't Carmilla. It was Mila. I was born in the same country as you both are, in a small fishing town by the sea."
Her voice trembled slightly, but she continued. She spoke of her white hair, the red eyes, the names people called her. The boy who said she was beautiful. The jealousy. The chalkboard. The blood. The silence that followed.
She spoke of her parents—the fisherman who greeted the dawn, the mother who cooked and sold food in the market. The night of fire when the world changed. The screams. The blood. The red gem ribbon that saved her life.
She spoke of the voice that gave her healing, of being praised as the Child of Miracles, of war councils and politicians who smiled only when she won battles. Of soldiers who slaughtered prisoners while she healed them. Of how each victory made her feel smaller inside.
Raymed's spoon rested still.
Thalamik said nothing. His hand gripped the table until his knuckles turned pale.
When she spoke of Adit—the kind officer who cried for her, who died the next day along with his family—her voice cracked.
"…After that, I wanted it all to end," she whispered. "And Grand Saint Veuz… she gave me that chance. She sealed away my power, changed my name, and let me live again as someone new. As Carmilla."
Rain pattered harder against the window.
For a moment, only the sound of the storm filled the room.
Then she looked up, eyes glistening. "That's who I really am. A weapon that caused more deaths than she ever saved. A killer who pretended to be an innocent Saint. I'm sorry."
She took a deep breath, forcing the words out. "Before all of this—before Carmilla—I was Mila. A killing machine who trampled armies in the name of humanity. I understand if this makes you see me differently. Because… It's true. My record alone proves I'm not innocent."
.
.
.
Everything suddenly became narrow.
Carmilla's thought went wild.
"Perhaps this is the end of our relationship. I never told anyone this, perhaps because of my sins that I haven't atoned. I will never be able to feel this kind of closeness again."
.
.
.
.
Raymed's eyes were covered by darkness as he turned to looked at Thalamik.Thalamik looked back.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Then both turned to Carmilla—then back to each other.
.
.
.
.
.
And they laughed.
Thalamik wiped his eye, half-grinning. "What the hell, Carmilla. You were manipulated into all that. Why would you even blame yourself? You're still the same innocent girl."
"I agree with Thalamik," Raymed added, leaning back in his chair. "You didn't do anything wrong."
.
Suddenly, Carmilla's weariness faded away like darkness fades as light appeared.
Carmilla blinked at them, half-smiling through a quiver. "You guys are the worst…"
Her voice cracked. "I open up my heart—and you laugh at me."
The laughter faded. Her shoulders shook.A tear fell, then another.
"But… I guess…" she managed between soft sobs, "I'm glad it's the both of you. I feel like I can tell my big brothers anything—and still be accepted for who I am."
She cried quietly, hands trembling over the half-finished gule bowl.
Thalamik and Raymed didn't speak. They just waited, the clatter of dishes replaced by the hum of the night outside the dorm window.
When she finally calmed down, Raymed slid a cup toward her—a cookie-and-cream smoothie—and Thalamik pushed over a piece of chocolate.
She drank the cookie and cream smoothie and took a bite of the chocolate.
"Feel better?" Raymed asked softly.
Carmilla nodded, eyes red but smiling.
"We've still got more chocolate," Thalamik said from the sink, washing plates with a faint grin.
She chuckled. "Thank you, Thalamik. And you too, Raymed."
"No need to thank us," Thalamik said, drying his hands. "You've always been there for us. So of course, your big brothers gotta return the favor."
Raymed smirked. "That's true—for once, Thal's right."
Thalamik turned, eyebrow twitching. "For once?"
"I said what I said."
They locked eyes, mock glares colliding, before both burst out laughing again.
Carmilla giggled too, shaking her head. "You two never change." Her voice softened. "But… I guess our distances will."
Raymed looked down. "Yeah. It'll be lonely without you guys."
"Indeed," she whispered. Then, smiling, she reached out and grabbed both their arms. "So let's promise—one day, we'll eat together like this again. And travel the world, side by side."
Raymed and Thalamik exchanged a look. Then they smiled back.
"Yeah," Thalamik said quietly."Definitely," Raymed added.
And for that moment, the world was peaceful again—just three friends, a warm bowl of gulai, and a bond that not even war could break. Pain and suffering that is shared made them stronger.