Unexpectedly Sudden

Suiko guided the trio through the bustling evening streets of city until they reached the familiar hidden entrance of the Psytelier boutique. Soft chimes echoed as the door swung open, revealing Recca awaiting them behind the counter, her eyes immediately filling with relief upon seeing Suiko and Kourin return safely.

"Welcome back," Recca greeted warmly, gently embracing Kourin. "I trust things have been sorted?"

"For the moment," Suiko responded smoothly, smiling reassuringly. "We have some important matters to discuss. Would you kindly prepare some tea and snacks?"

Recca nodded, quickly disappearing behind the curtain. Moments later, the guests were comfortably seated in a cozy, elegantly furnished room tucked away in the back of the boutique.

Raymed, still visibly tense, reached cautiously for a pastry, biting into it hesitantly before his eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "This is delicious," he admitted, momentarily distracted from earlier events.

"Glad you like it," Recca said cheerfully, placing a teapot down gracefully before retreating to sit beside her sisters.

After a few moments of peaceful silence, filled only with the gentle sipping of tea, Suiko leaned forward, her expression growing more serious. "Have any of you three ever heard of the High Humans?"

Raymed and Carmilla instinctively turned to Thalamik, clearly signaling for him to speak on their behalf.

Thalamik sighed lightly, setting his teacup down. "Indeed, I've encountered the term before," he began carefully, his eyes focused thoughtfully. "According to what I know, High Humans are beings possessing extraordinary power comparable to Demonfolk, yet they retain ordinary humans' intelligence, appearance, and characteristics. They're described as the arch-nemesis of Demonfolk in various books, but…"

His voice trailed off momentarily, "I've never encountered credible evidence proving their existence. It's always been a matter of speculation and myth."

Suiko's eyes sparkled with intrigue as she regarded Thalamik thoughtfully. "Would you believe me if I told you they aren't just myths? Psytelier is currently in contact with a few High Humans who are actively roaming our world."

The sudden revelation stunned the trio. Carmilla's eyes widened, and Raymed almost choked on his tea, coughing slightly as he cleared his throat. Thalamik, maintaining his composure, leaned forward slightly, clearly intrigued.

"Then I presume," Thalamik continued slowly, "your techniques back there, particularly Alterity, must be of High Human origin."

"That's exactly right," Suiko confirmed with a slight smile, appreciating his quick understanding. "Alterity is indeed a technique originally developed by the High Humans."

"Then you must be—"

Suiko raised her hand gently, interrupting him with polite firmness. "Unfortunately, none of us here are High Humans. We merely act under their guidance. We work for them, fulfilling specific duties rather than belonging to their race directly."

Thalamik's gaze narrowed skeptically. "If none of you are High Humans, how do you explain your ability to use their advanced techniques? Surely such powerful techniques aren't easily replicated."

Suiko smiled knowingly, exchanging glances briefly with Kourin and Recca. "You are familiar with Enhancement Magic, yes? The High Humans developed a revolutionary concept called 'Hicells'—artificially created cells imbued with properties equivalent to those of artifacts. These cells, when injected, replicate within the body, significantly enhancing one's mana capacity and potential. This is precisely how we've acquired such skills."

Thalamik stared at her, a mixture of disbelief and awe washing over his face. "The gap between our knowledge and theirs is staggering. It's hard to comprehend fully."

"Exactly," Suiko nodded gently, sipping her tea calmly. "Their advancements are beyond even our complete understanding. Nonetheless, we honor our contract with them diligently."

Thalamik raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly is your contract?"

"To find, protect, and rescue any remaining High Humans scattered across the globe," Suiko explained solemnly.

Thalamik's expression grew contemplative, turning slowly toward Raymed. "Then, I assume your suspicions about Raymed arose from his abnormal mana reserves, composition, and his unique ability to consume mana residues."

Suiko nodded in confirmation. "Precisely. That is why Kourin has monitored Raymed closely over the past four weeks. It didn't help that he never returned after his first visit, causing us to worry."

Raymed nearly dropped his pastry in shock. "Wait, you were waiting for me to visit again?"

Suiko chuckled softly, nodding affirmatively. "Indeed. We did mention you were welcome here anytime. When you didn't return, Kourin grew particularly anxious."

Kourin turned her face away quickly, cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "I was only concerned you might have encountered trouble," she murmured defensively.

Thalamik narrowed his eyes, amused yet skeptical. "But watching him so closely for an entire month seems excessive, doesn't it?"

Kourin shot him an irritated glance, clearly annoyed by his remark. "Given his mana potential and abilities, I needed to ensure his safety and assess his lineage thoroughly," she retorted sharply.

Suiko intervened smoothly, diffusing the tension. "Indeed, Kourin is responsible for creating and maintaining the protective barrier around our boutique. Raymed's casual ability to penetrate her shield deeply intrigued her. She suspected Raymed might unknowingly possess High Human lineage, which is another reason she paid close attention."

Raymed glanced uncertainly at Thalamik and Carmilla, who simply shrugged simultaneously, signaling their lack of insight on the matter. The awkward yet amusing moment softened the atmosphere once again.

Thalamik leaned back in his chair thoughtfully. "So, your suspicion lies in the possibility that Raymed might be connected to the High Humans without realizing it?"

"Exactly," Suiko confirmed calmly. "The mana patterns Raymed have displayed are atypical. His mana patterns are reminiscent of High Human lineage."

Carmilla finally spoke, her voice gentle yet firm. "Then what is it you wish from us specifically?"

Suiko exchanged another knowing glance with her sisters before responding clearly. "We wish to collaborate. To keep Raymed safe from potential threats and uncover the truth about his heritage. Since it's part of our job. We didn't ask the first time since we didn't want to scare him."

Raymed let out a quiet breath, absorbing everything he'd just heard. He glanced at his friends, silently questioning their thoughts.

Thalamik sighed deeply, clearly intrigued yet cautious. "It seems we've stumbled into something much larger than we anticipated."

Carmilla smiled reassuringly, placing her hand gently on Raymed's shoulder. "Whatever comes next, we'll face it together, just like always."

Raymed felt warmth spread through his chest at her words, giving a determined nod. "Then let's find out the truth."

"Excellent," Suiko said with evident satisfaction, her smile broadening. "Then shall we proceed with scanning Raymed's body?"

***

Raymed stood awkwardly within a strange glass chamber inside Psytelier, the delicate machinery humming softly around him. Intricate runes illuminated the glass surfaces, projecting soft beams of mana-infused light that gently danced across his form.

Watching curiously, Thalamik and Carmilla stood nearby, their expressions a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Suiko, Recca, and Kourin attentively monitored the control panel, their gazes fixated on the glowing runes displaying complex data.

"Relax, Ray," Carmilla encouraged gently, sensing his nervousness.

"Easy for you to say, you aren't exactly in here." Raymed muttered lightly, shifting uncomfortably under the probing lights. He breathed deeply, steadying himself as the examination continued.

"Calm down, Raymed, you are fluctuating your mana a bit too much..." Kourin said.

"Is something gonna explode again?" Thalamik asked Carmilla. "Oh no that's right! Every time Raymed try something new related to mana-"

"SHUT UP GUYS! I'M NOT EXPLODING ANYTHING. I have been training anyway, so it should be fine."

Recca adjusted a few settings on the console, her brows knitted together with concentration. After a few tense minutes, the machine finally emitted a gentle chime, signaling the end of the procedure.

"Results are ready," Recca announced, eyes scanning the data rapidly. Her expression quickly shifted from interest to confusion.

"What's wrong?" Suiko immediately asked, noticing her sister's puzzled expression.

"It's… unusual," Recca admitted hesitantly, pressing a few additional buttons as if to confirm the data. "The initial test indicates Raymed is completely human. No trace of High Human lineage detected."

"What?" Kourin interjected sharply, stepping closer, clearly surprised.

"Are you sure?" Suiko asked calmly, though her tone betrayed subtle disbelief.

"Entirely certain," Recca affirmed. "The results don't lie."

Suiko's calm facade faltered momentarily as she turned toward Raymed and his companions, looking genuinely apologetic. "I must sincerely apologize. It seems I was mistaken about your lineage, Raymed."

Raymed chuckled nervously, stepping out of the testing chamber and rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah, don't worry. Honestly, I'm relieved. Being a normal human suits me just fine."

"This doesn't add up," Kourin mumbled, folding her arms skeptically. "I've never seen anything like this."

"Let me rerun the diagnostics," Recca suggested, her fingers flying across the panel. The group waited, tension rising once more as the machine returned to life.

After another brief interval, the machine emitted another gentle chime. Recca leaned closer, eyes narrowing as she read the updated results. Her confusion deepened. "This… this second analysis says something different."

"Explain," Suiko requested firmly.

"It shows Raymed has a very faint High Human lineage—about 1/100," Recca clarified slowly, clearly baffled by the shifting data.

Thalamik's curiosity finally overcame his reserve. "Wait. What exactly defines someone as a High Human, then?"

Suiko turned thoughtfully toward Thalamik. "It primarily revolves around mana reserve and quality. High Humans were once ordinary humans whose bodies evolved significantly through prolonged interactions with mana-rich environments and conflicts against demonfolk before their world merged with ours."

This was when things became a fugazi for people besides these two smartassess.

Thalamik's curiosity finally overcame his reserve. "Hold on, let's clarify something—what exactly constitutes someone being classified as a High Human?"

Suiko's eyes briefly glowed, revealing an intricate holographic projection from a delicate wrist device as she considered the question. "Well, the core classification primarily revolves around mana resonance frequency, quantum mana coherence, and bio-mana saturation levels. Essentially, High Humans emerged from ordinary humans whose genetic and mana cellular structures underwent profound quantum evolutionary adaptations due to sustained exposure to hyper-mana-rich zones and prolonged conflict against demonfolk since high humans and demonfolk existed in the same world, all before the Great Convergence Event of 2020."

Raymed blinked rapidly, whispering to Carmilla, "Did you catch any of that?"

Carmilla leaned closer, whispering back, "Only the words 'mana' and 'humans.' The rest might as well be alien."

Thalamik nodded, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "In that case, isn't it theoretically plausible that Raymed might undergo a rapid quantum evolutionary event toward High Human status?"

Suiko tilted her head, contemplating his theory deeply. "Rapid quantum evolutionary event? Interesting. Typically, quantum evolutionary adaptations in mana-sensitive species require multiple generational cycles—potentially hundreds or even thousands of quantum-state iterations—to manifest stable biological changes. Given that the Convergence Event only occurred seven chronological cycles ago, your suggestion appears improbable based purely on classical evolutionary quantum mechanics."

Thalamik raised a finger triumphantly, a confident glint in his eye. "Precisely, but you might be neglecting a critical anomaly: Raymed's intrinsic quantum-mana absorption anomaly—his 'Chronic Eater' or 'Mana Battery' trait that perpetually absorbs ambient quantum-mana, thereby accelerating his bio-mana saturation exponentially."

Suiko's holographic projection pulsed erratically as her eyes widened, clearly processing this new perspective. "Incredible. You're suggesting his 'Chronic Eater' anomaly has effectively compressed an evolutionary trajectory that would ordinarily span numerous quantum-mana exposure cycles into a hyper-accelerated bio-evolutionary process of merely seven chronological cycles. Given a sufficiently strong quantum-mana field, that's unprecedented but certainly within theoretical possibility."

"Okay, hold up," Raymed interrupted, visibly baffled, "Did you two just call me a quantum anomaly?"

Thalamik glanced back, nodding solemnly. "Not just any quantum anomaly—a hyper-accelerated quantum-mana evolutionary anomaly."

Carmilla raised an eyebrow, struggling to maintain her composure. "And...is that a good thing?"

Suiko smiled serenely. "Only if your quantum-mana coherence levels remain stable. Otherwise, your quantum structure could theoretically collapse into a mana-induced existential singularity."

Raymed paled slightly. "Uh? Singularity? Collapse? That...doesn't sound good."

Thalamik waved dismissively. "Relax, that's a worst-case scenario. Statistically unlikely—only a 0.0015% probability."

"Comforting," Carmilla replied drily.

Suiko nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. And besides, any imminent quantum instability would present preliminary symptoms—spontaneous spatial-temporal mana distortions or brief episodes of quantum phase-shifting."

Raymed threw his hands up in defeat. "Okay, are you all done yapping and making words up? Please speak in a language we can understand."

Thalamik shook his head thoughtfully. "No, you didn't get it. Quantum phase-shifting is very real. One minute you're here, the next you're partially existing somewhere else." He said as if ignoring the fact that Raymed can't follow what he is saying. But we can't blame him, he is in full theoretical research mode.

Carmilla eyed Raymed suspiciously. "Have you ever felt partially somewhere else?"

Raymed rubbed his temples. "After listening to this conversation, yes. Very much so."

Thalamik and Suiko exchanged knowing, satisfied glances, continuing their deeply technical discourse, blissfully oblivious to Raymed and Carmilla's profound confusion.

"And they're back at it again. Honestly, these two are speaking way too quickly!"

"Don't worry, Ray. I'm just as lost," Carmilla laughed softly, sympathetically patting his shoulder.

Unfazed, Thalamik and Suiko continued their rapid-fire exchange, each eagerly anticipating and countering the other's thoughts, their words tumbling out in a swift, playful battle of minds.

"This truly changes our understanding," Suiko mused aloud, eyes bright with interest. "The merging of worlds itself defied our highest expectations—perhaps this accelerated evolution is another anomaly we must accept."

"Then here's the real question," Thalamik interjected sharply, his voice serious now. "Will you report Raymed's existence to your employers? I assume they're influential figures because of this boutique's high-end technology and secrecy."

"Indeed," Suiko admitted. "We are obligated to report and assist any High Humans we encounter. But our role remains strictly supportive—we only extend invitations, never impose decisions."

"Then who exactly are your employers?" Thalamik pressed bluntly.

Suiko smiled coyly, her eyes sharp. "You're quite direct, Kaiser. Do you see our employers as potential threats?"

"Precautions are always necessary," Thalamik replied evenly, eyes narrowed. "We're fighting desperately against a demon invasion. Knowing your employer's stance—whether they intend to help or merely observe—matters greatly."

Suiko's smile deepened appreciatively. "Ah, so you propose a cooperation to fight against the demon king's army. Clever indeed, Fiend Kaiser. However, let's table this for now. You three have academy classes soon, correct?"

"Heh. You're unsure, huh? Uncertain of your leader's position, that's why you resort to deflecting my request?" Thalamik observed astutely. "Anyways, it'll be fine. I'll allow you time to consult them. Send Kourin when you have your answer."

Suiko laughed softly, genuinely impressed. "You're very understanding, Kaiser. Despite my eagerness to collaborate, our loyalty necessitates consulting our leader first."

"Fair enough," Thalamik said sincerely, offering his hand in a conciliatory gesture. "I'd also like to apologize for the earlier misunderstanding."

Surprised yet pleased, Suiko shook his hand firmly, eyes sparkling warmly. "And I must apologize as well. Perhaps if we'd begun like this, we might have avoided our fight."

Thalamik chuckled knowingly. "Please, you wanted to test my strength. Admit it."

Suiko laughed openly, nodding lightly. "You're far too perceptive, Kaiser."

"Did you find what you wanted to know?"

"I did. I know now, Raymed will be in safe hands."

Thalamik chuckled as he signalled Raymed and Kourin to leave. They talked with Recca and Kourin as if losing interest in following Suiko and Thalamik's talk.

***

As the trio left Psytelier, Kourin quietly insisted on guiding them safely back through the city streets. Raymed and Kourin walked side by side, the awkwardness palpable yet gentle.

"Again, I'm sorry," Kourin whispered softly, eyes averted in embarrassment.

"About earlier?" Raymed replied gently. "It's fine. Honestly, I lost control back there, too."

Kourin glanced shyly at him, voice softening. "I've monitored you closely. I never anticipated seeing you so angry. But I suppose I'd feel similarly if someone dear to me were harmed."

Raymed smiled warmly, nodding sincerely. "Thank you. Thalamik and I go way back—I can't imagine losing him."

Kourin hesitated briefly before murmuring quietly, "You're very gentle at heart. Perhaps that's why your anger surprised me."

Raymed chuckled softly, slightly embarrassed. "Maybe."

Their gentle laughter echoed softly as they continued through the quiet, lamp-lit streets, the comforting presence of newfound understanding guiding their steps forward.

***

The afternoon sun warmed the cobbled courtyards of Vanguard Academy, bathing the city-like sprawl of the school in soft gold. A breeze drifted lazily between the towering spires and bustling study halls, carrying with it the scent of fresh bread and sweet custard from the cafeteria.

Raymed and Carmilla strolled side by side, having just escaped their separate classes. Carmilla animatedly detailed her latest lesson on layered sealing formulas, hands moving expressively as she talked, while Raymed listened with half a grin.

"And if you layer the glyphs just right," she said, tracing invisible circles in the air, "you can reinforce a seal by forty percent! Illias was impressed."

Raymed laughed. "Of course she was. You're a natural. Bet she's secretly sweating, thinking you might outshine her someday."

Carmilla waved off the compliment, cheeks lightly flushed. "Hardly. I'm still nowhere near that level. But it's nice to see progress."

They rounded a corner into the Academy's main courtyard—and there Raymed abruptly slowed, causing Carmilla to stumble to a halt beside him.

"Hey, uh... tell me I'm seeing this right." Raymed jabbed his thumb ahead.

Near the central fountain—an elaborate stone sculpture of a knight raising a mana crystal high into the sky—sat Thalamik.

Thalamik.

And not just sitting alone, brooding into his tea like usual—no.There he was, leaning against the fountain with arms crossed, casually chatting with none other than Trish Il Lupache and Lulu Velulu.Even more shocking: he wasn't glaring. He wasn't growling. He wasn't threatening anyone.

He was—dare they say it—relaxed.

"I think I'm hallucinating," Raymed muttered.

"Nope, I see it too," Carmilla said, squinting. "And is that... a half-smile? Did Thalamik get possessed?"

They snuck closer, ears tuned in.

Lulu, practically bouncing on her feet, said, "I swear, you smashed that training dummy in one punch! It flew like ten meters!"

"Tch. It wasn't reinforced properly," Thalamik replied, tone gruff but clearly entertained.

"I think you're underselling your monstrous strength, Thalamik," Trish teased, flicking her silver hair over one shoulder with a laugh.

Raymed and Carmilla exchanged a glance.Monstrous strength?Laughing?

Who was this man?

Unable to resist, they closed in.

Thalamik noticed them first. His body stiffened, reflexively defensive. His eyes darted to them, then relaxed slightly when he realized who it was.

"Ray. Carmilla," he greeted, voice just a shade too casual to be normal. "What are you doing here?"

Raymed crossed his arms, grinning ear-to-ear. "We should be asking you the same thing. Hanging out by the fountain? Making new best friends?"

"Best friends?" Trish echoed in mock surprise, hiding her amusement behind a hand.

"We're just classmates," Thalamik grumbled, shooting Raymed a warning glare.

"Classmates who laugh together," Carmilla pointed out sweetly. "That's like... halfway to friendship."

Before Thalamik could retort, Lulu bounded forward, her fluffy ears perked high."Hi there! I'm Lulu Velulu! Enhancement magic user! And this is Trish Il Lupache—noble of the Lupache House! You're Thalamik's friends, right?"

Carmilla extended a hand warmly. "Nice to meet you, Lulu, Trish. I'm Carmilla, and this is Raymed."

Trish offered a small but polite nod. "A pleasure. Raymed, I've heard you're training under Kiliar. That's quite the reputation you're building."

Raymed rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Guilty as charged. Hope the rumors are mostly good."

"They are," Trish said with a playful smile. "Mostly. I heard you were a big 'beast' "

"Whut?" Raymed raised an eyebrow.

Carmilla leaned close to Lulu and whispered (loud enough for everyone to hear), "Thalamik said you guys were 'tolerable,' but he meant it with love."

Thalamik pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing heavily. "I'm surrounded by idiots."

Carmilla clapped her hands together. "Sweet rolls. Lulu mentioned sweet rolls earlier. Should we?"

"YES!" Lulu cheered, pumping her fists. "Let's all go! My treat—well, partially!"

Raymed grinned. "You in, Thalamik? Group date to the cafeteria?"

Thalamik grimaced as if physically pained. But with all eyes on him—including Trish's smug little smile—he grunted, "...Fine."

The cafeteria was its usual lively chaos, students from all races mingling freely at long tables. Raymed led the way, securing a large enough spot for all of them while Lulu practically skipped to the counter to place orders.

Minutes later, trays loaded with steaming bowls, sandwiches, sweet rolls, and a certain particular dish arrived.

Lulu placed one extra-big chicken cordon bleu in front of Thalamik with a flourish. "For the big, scary guy who is secretly a chicken cordon bleu maniac!"

Thalamik looked like he was considering flipping the table—but then, slowly, he cuts and eat a piece of his favorite dish.

He chewed.

He nodded.Approval.

Raymed and Carmilla exchanged another secret look of amusement.

Conversation flowed surprisingly easily.

"So, how's destruction magic?" Trish asked Raymed, sipping from a cup of spiced tea.

Raymed shrugged. "Fun. Explosive. Sometimes terrifying. Kiliar's not the type to hold your hand."

"Illias isn't much different," Carmilla added. "She has me layering seals over unstable mana fields. It's...harrowing."

Lulu leaned forward eagerly. "I wish I could do cool stuff like that. My buffs are just little speed boosts and mana stabilizers."

"They're a lifesaver though," Trish assured her. "You saved my sorry butt more times than I can count during training matches."

Carmilla smiled gently. "Enhancement magic is crucial. I'd rather have someone fast and reliable than a reckless heavy hitter any day."

Lulu's ears drooped shyly, but she beamed at the praise.

Thalamik, mouth full, finishing his cordon blue now also eats a sweet roll as he waved vaguely. "She's annoying, but she's not useless."

"Thanks?" Lulu said, laughing.

Raymed leaned on the table, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, how often do you guys train together? Daily? Weekly? Bi-hourly synergy squad meetings?"

"Synergy squad!" Lulu cheered. "That's right!"

"We have Enhancement Practical classes together," Trish added coolly. "Naturally, we ended up pairing off during group exercises."

Carmilla nudged Thalamik with her elbow. "Look at you. Forming bonds with elves and demi-humans. A true hero's journey."

Thalamik deadpanned, "I'm being blackmailed and coerced."

Lulu gasped dramatically. "Lies! You love hanging out with us!"

"Lies," Thalamik repeated dryly.

Raymed grinned. "Denial's the first stage of acceptance, bro."

There was laughter—light, genuine laughter—from all sides.

For a moment, the noisy cafeteria faded into the background.They were just a ragtag team of misfits, finding unlikely common ground.

Trish raised her glass. "To the Synergy Squad."

Lulu raised hers enthusiastically. "To new friends!"

Carmilla smiled warmly, raising her cup. "To enduring allies."

Raymed lifted his own. "To let students survive in Enhancement Magic class."

All eyes turned to Thalamik.He stared at them for a long moment.

Finally, he clinked his cup against theirs with a heavy, exaggerated sigh."To not die before graduation."

Clink.

They drank together, the bonds between them growing just a little stronger.

Then....

A shrieking siren split the air, scattering the Academy's late afternoon calm into chaos.

Mana alarms flashed crimson across the rooftops. Students abandoned their meals, conversations, and laughter, rushing toward the command center at the Academy's heart.

Raymed, Thalamik, Carmilla, Trish, and Lulu ran together.

The command center was already buzzing when they arrived.An elf officer, clad in deep blue regalia, spoke over the frantic noise, projecting her voice with magic.

"Confirmed breach at the western border! Enemy forces led by two Demon Lord Envoys—Vepar and Focalors! Location of emergence: Lupache family territories!"

Trish was gone when the words left the officer's mouth—dashing toward the mustering platforms without hesitation.

"Trish!" Lulu cried out—and without waiting for an answer, she sprinted after her.

Raymed instinctively moved to follow—

But Thalamik's hand shot out, grabbing his shoulder, forcing him to a halt.

"We can't," Thalamik said sharply. His voice was low, dangerous, trembling with restraint. "We can't possibly go. We need intel first. A plan. We're not ready to face Demon Lord Envoys head-on."

Raymed stared in the direction where Trish and Lulu had disappeared.

"They're going, Thal," Raymed said, voice rough. "Charging headfirst into death, maybe. But they're not hesitating."

"And that's exactly why it's reckless," Thalamik snapped. His grip tightened unconsciously.

"This isn't a game. This is real. Once you're caught in it, there's no coming back."

Raymed twisted out of Thalamik's grasp and stepped back.

"Maybe it is reckless," Raymed said quietly. "Maybe it's stupid. But are you really telling me you can live with just standing here while they die?"

Thalamik didn't answer.

But his hands trembled at his sides, clenching into fists so tightly that blood welled at his knuckles.

He looked away, his voice cracking the silence like brittle glass.

"As I am now… I can't even fight Suiko," he admitted. "Not with the kind of power Alterity gives her. And those two—Vepar, Focalors—are on a different plane. You think you're stronger now, Raymed? Maybe you are. But strength isn't enough anymore."

Raymed stepped closer, his heart pounding against his ribs.

"Thal," he said, his voice trembling but firm, "I know what we're facing. I know the odds.But I can't— I won't stand by and do nothing while people I can protect are being slaughtered."

He shoved Thalamik's hand away, fiercely.

"If I faced Baal at one percent before—then now, even if it's just ten percent—I'm ready to bet everything on that."

Thalamik's eyes were dark, shadowed.A storm brewed inside them.

"Then this is it?" Thalamik said, voice low and heavy. "The moment where our paths diverge."

Raymed didn't flinch."The real question," he said, "is whether you can live with letting me go?"

Thalamik's mouth twisted in a grimace, half anger, half something infinitely more painful.

"She's an elf you just met today," Thalamik said bitterly. "You barely know her. Yet you're willing to throw everything away for her?"

Raymed shook his head slowly.

"It's not about knowing her. It's about choosing to help. Choosing to be someone who doesn't turn his back."

Thalamik's fists shook harder now.

"You always do this," he hissed. "You charge straight ahead. You never think about what happens to the people left behind. When we fought Baal—it was a miracle we lived. Do you think miracles are infinite, Raymed?"

His voice broke—not from anger, but from something deeper. Something raw and frayed.

"Fine. Do what you want, Raymed the Chronic Eater. Charge ahead, like you always do—without thinking how others feel. I cared enough to knock you out back then when you tried to run to L'arc."

He turned, slowly, shoulders squared like a soldier marching into darkness.

"But if you still won't listen after all we have been through," Thalamik said, without looking back, "Then go. Knock yourself out."

He walked away.

No hesitation.No apology.

Only that heavy, gut-wrenching silence he left behind.

Raymed stood frozen for a long moment, feeling the weight of Thalamik's words bury themselves deep into his chest.

Carmilla stepped up beside him, quiet.

Raymed didn't turn.

"Will you stay here too?" he asked hoarsely.

Carmilla smiled sadly."I won't," she said. "I'll heal the injured nearby. I can't fight without Mana Trinity... not yet.But I can still help."

Raymed closed his eyes briefly.Exhaled.Nodded.

"Alright," he said, voice steady now."Let's go."

Together, he and Carmilla turned and ran—chasing after Trish and Lulu toward the western front.

Behind them, Thalamik stood alone, the setting sun casting long shadows across the courtyard.His fists were still trembling.

But he never moved.

Not once.