The gaze and facial features of the two were remarkably similar, as if they were biological siblings. But the even more astonishing truth was that they were not blood relatives, but members of the "Kamerian Race." This tribe once spread across the world hundreds of years ago, but only a few remain today. The land called "Regtes" is the only place where they can still be found in greater numbers. These Kamerian people are scattered throughout various cities, with each individual having their own family, like fragments of an ancient legend that still linger.
Shenya is a young girl from an old family that settled in the city of Ishiwar. Her life grew up in a huge, splendid mansion, but behind the secure status, this bloodline was instilled with a completely different philosophy.
They believe in "absolute freedom" and choose to let everyone be whatever they desire. The family rule passed down through generations is: For the world, at the age of 15, everyone is free to leave home to live their own life. They can work, study in general institutions, or even attend university. However, the final iron rule of this world still stands: people can only marry once they reach the age of 20 as mandated by the law of this land, which is a balance between personal liberty and societal rules.
When he was 15, Konji became a member of Shenya's family as an "outsider," having been entrusted to stay temporarily by Professor Klars for reasons that seemed to be hidden.
He lived there as an ordinary person in the grand mansion. Although the family members treated him with sincerity and respect, deep down, Konji did not expect anything. He still viewed himself as merely an outsider waiting for the time he would have to leave.
Shenya did not see Konji as just an older brother... The feelings she had for him were much deeper and more complex than that. She might see him as a true brother, but not exactly... Perhaps she viewed him as a Master or a Guide who stood above everyone else in her life, because this man possessed something that she constantly felt and pondered... Something that made her respect and value him more than anyone else in the family.
For them, words were unnecessary; a mere gaze could convey a profound message. The eyes staring at each other were just a silent language full of understanding. All feelings, thoughts, and intentions completely pierced through one another.
[The Outgoing Group]
The Outgoing Group are not treasure-hunting adventurers or special power guardians as commonly understood. Instead, they are a highly experienced group, including skilled students from various universities, who are sent to distant lands as "economic saviors" to bring back prosperity.
The outside world is filled with human genocide and the pursuit of power by emperors. Any city that surrenders to fate may face complete starvation and lack of freedom. But on the other hand, if they are liberated, a new life awaits them full of hardship. This is why Regtes must have these groups, and it is not just Ishiwar University, but many other educational institutions that serve as training bases for this grand and daunting mission.
The office door banged loudly... but the sound couldn't drown out the thunderous, oblivious snoring of Asman. He was fast asleep on the office chair with an unseemly string of drool hanging out. Even with the door slamming, he remained submerged in deep slumber with no sign of waking up.
The three students—Pin, the composed girl, Henley, the cheerful girl (based on context later), and Lood, the unusually cheerful young man—slowly crept closer to Asman with the utmost caution, careful not to let their footsteps disturb his roaring sleep. Their determined eyes completely changed when they saw the sight of Asman sitting asleep at his desk with drool hanging... The reality before them was far too amusing for them to have anticipated, and it forced them to try hard to stifle the laughter that was about to erupt.
Lood slowly crept closer to confirm the identity of the sleeping man. Although he was quite sure it was Asman from the back, he still wasn't certain, and curiosity overcame caution. The two girls stood further away. They secretly watched the entire event from the corner of the door, their eyes full of curiosity and a subtle, cute worry, leaving Lood to face the danger alone.
Lood silently crept behind Asman, then slowly leaned down to confirm the identity of the sleeping man. But right at that moment... Asman suddenly opened his eyes. In a fraction of a second, he turned and swiftly and fiercely elbowed Lood. However, Lood quickly gathered his strength with both hands to absorb the impact just in time... Asman briefly glanced at Lood with a smirk.
"...Impressive...!!"
"...That was harsh... Coach..."
Lood said in an acknowledging tone, before gazing at Asman with eyes full of utter confidence. He was ready to fully embrace the roles of teacher and student. The smile that appeared on his face was the same kind of smile Asman gave him.
"Oh, you guys... You always do such scary things..." Pin, the cheerful-looking girl, interrupted them. Her eyes were full of confidence mixed with bright innocence. Her tone was not one of accusation but seemed to show endearment towards the adults' and her male friend's behavior.
Asman and Lood instantly turned back, caught off guard!Both their eyes widened in shock immediately upon seeing Pin standing in front of them. They stared at her with unprepared surprise... Asman's demeanor shifted from tension to endearment in a split second. He quickly walked towards Pin, before slightly kneeling down with humility.
"Please... Your Highness, forgive me..."
Suddenly, Lood's eyes widened in ultimate shock! His face was full of the question "What the hell!?" He stared at the scene between Asman and Pin in disbelief. Meanwhile, Henley, standing beside him, sighed softly, sporting a weary and wickedly humorous smile. "You two should apply for a job in a theater..."
Asman was truly the Light of Hope for these young people. He chose to accept everyone unconditionally and tried to be everything they needed, whether a strict coach, a kind advisor, or even someone who protected them from the shadows.
The faces of the three students were full of smiles and overflowing emotions in their eyes.
Lood's eyes were filled with the spark of determination. He intended to master the art of hand-to-hand combat, with Asman as the role model he aspired to emulate.
Pin, the girl who joined the group for no other reason than the desire to follow her friends, had a face full of sincerity and a bright smile.
And Henley, standing beside her, was the composed girl, but her eyes hid strength and perseverance.
They all sat together peacefully. No one spoke, letting the heavy silence, full of trust, communicate instead of words. Asman, who sat in front, slowly took that time to recount various important stories that needed to be told, before his tone changed to one of immense warmth and tenderness.
"...I'm very happy to spend time with you all..."
He stared at Lood with openly expressed pride. "...You're doing great, Lood, for trying to get this far. I'm very impressed with you..."
Asman's words, full of affection and pride, deeply struck the young man's heart. He stared back at his teacher with trembling, overwhelmed eyes... But Lood chose to just nod, without saying a word.
He turned to look at Henley. She smiled faintly, as was her habit... A stable and calm smile, befitting the oldest sister in the group. Asman smiled back faintly in a similar manner, as if the two were communicating in a language others couldn't understand, before he spoke with a voice full of conviction
"Well done... Take care of your juniors..."
A gentle breeze wafted in softly through the window. Amidst the bright and warm atmosphere, her hair fluttered like the wind bringing peace. She offered a warm smile... A rare smile, which was different from the calm composure she usually displayed.
"Understood..."
Silence enveloped the room, leaving only Pin, who sat looking down, not meeting anyone's eyes. Her body seemed calm, but the emotions hidden beneath her hair were too profound to describe. She chose silence... but her silence was louder than any words. In the meantime, Asman slowly turned back... His eyes fixed on her slowly.
"...Are you really going..."
Pin looked up with eyes full of tears that streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably. Her face was flushed with feelings she couldn't hide...
Asman slowly reached out his hand and gently wiped her tears... He used his fingertip to gently brush away the tears on her cheek. The smile on his face was one full of warmth and comfort...
"Did you forget the promise... that you would be strong..."
For the young girl, her happy moments were not just with her friends, but also the time spent with the person who was like a Coach or Master. Their relationship was unconventional, as the teacher cared for her more than necessary, until the feelings between them burst forth as a strong bond, truly like siblings.
"The legend says... a hero must fight the Demon King to save the world... but for me and everyone... our true mission is to restore the dignity of the people... and bring about equality."
"You... and all the Ishiwar students... you all have excellent, unmatched potential..."
Asman's voice was soft, but full of power and weight. "And... a little one like you... do you really want to help me?"
Pin looked up with eyes full of trembling tears. Her face was flushed with shame and panic, but her body nodded lightly yet firmly. She swallowed a sob, before speaking in a voice that was barely a whisper, yet full of determination:
"Yes..."
Asman stared intensely at her tearful eyes. His own eyes were full of so many emotions they almost spilled over... In that moment, he smiled faintly and most gently.
"...Just for you to keep standing and smiling..."
"...That is already helping me..."