The Dinner

Stella and Elias were already at the dinner table.

Elias was trying his best to cheer her up, keeping the mood light."Ahh, why is everyone so late today? They should've been back by now," she said, glancing toward the door.

Stella, a bit hesitant, asked, "Do they always go out like that? Leaving you behind?"

"No, no. Most of the time we all go together. We usually make it back before dark," Elias replied, then added quietly, "I just hope everyone's safe."

"Sorry, Your wish is not fulfilled."Joseph's voice came from the doorway, faint but clear.

Elias shot up and ran to open the door. Von and Wandy were there, supporting Joseph between them. Ray trailed a few steps behind, looking worn.

"I think dinner can wait," Elias said quickly, rushing to help. He took Joseph's other side. "Stella, stay here for a bit, alright? Go ahead and eat."

"Okay," Stella nodded. She sat back down and quietly continued eating, a strange heaviness settling over the room.

Ray walked over and sat near her, his movements slow.

"How are you?" he asked gently.

"Ah… I'm fine." Stella gave him a quick glance, then looked again. "You don't look well."

Ray chuckled softly. "You're sharp. Yeah, I pushed past my limit today—to save Joseph."

He looked down at his chest, the afterglow of the blessing still faintly there. "It's alright. Not too bad."

Ray moved closer, peeking at her plate. "How's your dinner? Do you like Elias's cooking?"

"It's fine," Stella replied, her voice low but calm.

"Oh really?" Ray smiled. "Usually it's Von doing the cooking. Elias isn't even allowed near the kitchen. But today's a… special occasion."

"Ahaha, is it that bad?" Stella asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Wrong," Ray grinned. "It's not 'not that bad.' It's inedible."

He burst out laughing but immediately winced, holding his chest. "Oww—damn, my ribs…"

Despite everything, Stella laughed too. She was beginning to feel at ease around G.R.O.W., even though she'd only joined them that noon.

"Hey, what are you two laughing at?" Elias returned just then, with Von right behind him.

"Maybe at your cooking, Elias," Von teased with a smirk.

"U-Uncle Von!" Elias blushed and gave him a playful smack on the arm.

"Huu… Joseph's okay," Elias said, the relief evident in her tone and sat beside Stella. "He just needs a few good sleeps. He'll be up again."

"Good," Ray nodded. Then his expression turned a bit more serious. "We'll hold a meeting once he's recovered. But until then—Elias."

"Yeah?"

"Train Stella. Teach her some martial arts. And the history—the real history. The truth they buried. Not the lies wrapped in gold by the Seven."

---

The next morning, Stella was already in the yard when Elias came out, stretching and yawning.

"Whoa. You're up early," Elias said, rubbing his eyes.

"I couldn't sleep," Stella replied, hands behind her back, eyes on the rising sun. "Too much going on in my head."

"Perfect time to train then." Elias smiled and tossed her a wooden stick. "We'll start light."

Stella caught it clumsily. "What is this? A weapon?"

"It's a broom handle I found in the storage," Elias laughed. "But pretend it's a sword. Basics first."

They began with stances. Elias was surprisingly serious when it came to teaching. She adjusted her feet, corrected her grip, and explained how balance matters more than strength.

"Anyone can swing," she said, stepping back. "But not everyone knows when not to swing."

Stella tried to follow, but her body was stiff, movements awkward. Still, she kept trying.

"Relax your shoulders," Elias said, circling her like a coach. "And focus your center. Imagine the strike before you do it."

"I'm not used to this," Stella muttered.

"I know," Elias replied gently. "But I wasn't born knowing either. Von taught me. And now I'm teaching you."

They continued through the morning. Breaks were short, and Elias never let her sit too long.

After lunch, they moved under the big tree behind the house. The second half of training was different.

Elias laid out some scrolls and opened a thick book—old and worn, its pages yellowed.

"This… is the part you won't find in any temple," she said, voice quiet.

"What is it?" Stella asked, kneeling beside Elias.

"The world before "the Whitening""