At Training Ground:
Aurther trained tirelessly, his body drenched in sweat, his mind consumed by a single thought:
"Because of my weakness, Miko would have been killed by those gods… Why am I so powerless?" he muttered in frustration.
He paused, standing still as memories of the past weighed heavily on his heart.
"Brother, you once said I could protect others… but I almost failed your expectations," he whispered, his tone filled with sorrow.
The burden of almost losing his comrades pressed down on him. Then, in his mind, he remembered his brother's words—words spoken at the brink of death.
"Remember, Aurther. One day, when the time comes, and you must choose—either fight a losing battle on the battlefield or retreat and save as many comrades as possible… without hesitation, choose the second option. If you die in a battle you're certain to lose, you won't save anyone. But if you retreat, you can save many lives. Many children will see their mother or father again. Many will see their brothers and sisters, their sons and daughters, their husbands and wives, their friends… all because of you."
The memory was vivid. His brother's voice was weak, trembling with pain. His eyes bled, his arm torn, bones shattered, legs bent unnaturally.
Aurther, with tears streaming down his face, had replied in despair:
"Brother… I couldn't even save you. How can I save anyone else? I'm useless. I'm nothing—just a weak man who relies on you."
His brother had answered with care, each word strained through ragged breaths:
"Being weak doesn't mean you can't save anyone. You can become strong. You can grow. Brother… thank you for standing by my side. You gave me a happiness I never had… And I'm sorry for leaving so soon. But remember…"
His voice cracked, but he forced the final words out:
"You are a man made by God, cherished by Him. Your kind nature is so pure that people might even mistake you for one of His children."
Through blurred vision, Aurther cried, "And you, brother, are the greatest companion anyone could ever ask for."
With his last breath, his brother whispered:
*"Praise the Sun, brother… otherwise the darkness will make you go hollow…"
Then silence. His heart stopped. The world grew still. Even the birds ceased their song. A soul ascended to the heavens.
Aurther had clutched his chest and vowed through trembling lips:
"Brother… I promise. I will protect those I can."
Present Day
Lost in his thoughts, Aurther flinched when a firm hand rested on his shoulder. He turned and saw Shadow standing behind him.
Aurther's body trembled, his soul burdened by the past. Shadow noticed, and with a knowing look, placed his power gently over Aurther's heart, calming his spirit.
As his mind steadied, Aurther opened his mouth to speak—to ask Shadow to train him—but before he could, Shadow whisper said:
"Go and call Miko. Your training begins today."
Snapping to attention, Aurther straightened his posture and answered, "Got it."
For the first time, he realized Shadow was different—a god unlike the others. A god who treated them as comrades, not lowly beings. A god who didn't demand formal reverence but accepted their friendly tone.
Perhaps, Aurther thought, this was someone they could truly rely on.
With newfound hope, he turned to Shadow and declared:
"Shadow… let's fight together till the end, brother."
Shadow nodded. Their hands clasped firmly in a warrior's bond.
Then Aurther left to call Miko.
To be continue...