Welcome to Alborea

The road to Alborea stretched out before them, a dusty ribbon through emerald green. A line of chariots, Starglade and Avalorian soldiers alike, rattled along in silence.

In the lead chariot, Takashi, impassive, surveyed the scene. Taiju, masked, his katana resting against his shoulder, stood guard. Rethrus, with Aiko beside him, sat silently, his gaze fixed on the road. The weight of their mission pressed down.

From a chariot behind, Starglade students, in their academy robes, watched.

"So, the King really gonna put us into action huh?"

"Relax, it's just a simple retrieval," another student reassured him, voice tinged with unease. "Nothing to worry about."

"Relax? Don't you know how are people hate these people? And we gonna protect them?"

"Yeah so? Besides The strongest is here with us," one of them said, trying to sound confident.

"You know we're his senior, right?" Another student teased.

"So you're the strongest Student of all time in your country huh?" Takashi asked.

"Ah yes sir, I guess," Rethrus replied, eyes betraying a flicker of unease.

"Well looking at your mana news doesn't exaggerate," Takashi said, gaze steady.

"Thank you Sir!!"

"We'll be relying on you to keep us safe, Rethrus. This is a delicate mission. A conflict could set off a chain reaction that neither Avaloria nor Starglade can afford."

"I understand, Sir."

Takashi's gaze flickered to Aiko, who stood awkwardly by Rethrus' side.

She was surrounded by her own people, the warriors of her homeland, yet she felt like an outsider looking in.

Someone's coming, Taiju sensed it.

"Oh, it must be them," Takashi said as he asked to stop the chariot.

A group of horsemen came into view.

"Good day sir, I am Sir Leo, Knight Commander," said the lead rider, his voice a deep baritone.

"We're here on behalf of Lord Garnt Roose. For a smooth transaction, and to ensure no commotion happens."

"Yeah, I was told of your arrival and I'm thankful with your lords," replied Takashi.

"I'm Takashi."

"Ah yes, I've heard about you, Sir. I once saw you on the battlefield. I was hoping you wouldn't notice me at that time," said Sir Leo, a hint of nervous humor in his tone.

As the two chatted, Rethrus watched from the chariot, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Huh, why's there no hatred between them?' he thought.

Leo's eyes, glinting with amusement, met Rethrus's. "You must be the famous Chosen One."

"Ah eh, good day to you, Lord Commander," Rethrus bowed, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Leo chuckled, his voice a rumbling baritone. "Don't be too formal. You're a star yourself, boy."

The city's inhabitants, their faces hardened by years of discontent, watched them pass with a mixture of fear and resentment. Whispers followed them like shadows, fueled by the city's animosity towards the Avalorian delegation.

Leo, anticipating a potential flare-up, commanded, "Put a barrier on us."

A young mage, his dark hair pulled back in a tight braid, swiftly raised his hand. A shimmering shield of protective energy manifested around the delegation. The air around them felt thicker, the tension in the crowd seeming to press against the barrier.

"Wow, people are not really happy with the King's decision." Rethrus murmured.

"Yeah, we understand," the mage replied, his eyes glinting with awareness.

"That's why our King really chooses those people who are not hotheaded." A mage from Avaloria replied.

"And eh, kindly, who are you?" Rethrus asked.

"Wha- you don't know me? Ahem, I'm Nakamura Kaide!"

"Eh, your name's Nakamura?"

"Ah, no, my name's Kaide!"

"Are you really okay talking with me?" Rethrus asked.

"I mean, with everything going on. You've heard the whispers."

"Of course," Kaide replied. "What would be the problem?"

Ah nothing, nothing. Rethrus replied.

A barrage of rotten fruit and vegetables came flying through the air, bouncing harmlessly off the barrier. The crowd erupted in anger.

"Seize those people!" Leo roared.

"I'm sorry sir, Takashi."

"Don't worry, we've expected this." Takashi responded calmly.

As they reached Lord Garnt's palace, they were met with a grand welcome.

A feast had been prepared in the grand hall, and Lord Garnt, his face bearing a genuine smile, greeted them with respect.

"Sir Takashi," Lord Garnt said, bowing slightly, "I apologize for not meeting you with my soldiers. I was busy preparing for your arrival."

"It's fine, Lord Garnt," Takashi replied, returning the bow.

'What's with these people? I thought they'd be mad at each other, but no, they're not.' Rethrus thought.

As other nobles began to gather, drawn by the arrival of the Avalorian delegation, Rethrus became the center of attention. They were eager to see the famed Chosen One, curious about his appearance and demeanor.

Kaide, observing the spectacle, chuckled. "You're kinda famous, you know?"

Rethrus, blushing slightly, mumbled, "He!"

"How about a duel?"

Rethrus shook his head. "No, besides you're older than me. Are you harassing a child?"

"Ah, eh, of course not!" Kaide replied. "And you're old enough to fight, you know."

"No, I don't like duels."

"Oh, okay."

As the group made their way to the feast table, a group of Avalorian soldiers grumbled amongst themselves, frustrated that they weren't immediately being taken to the slaves. Takashi noticed their discontent and quietly told them to behave themselves.

The feast was a lively affair. Takashi and Leo chatted about the strategic implications of the slave retrieval, while other nobles gathered around Rethrus, showering him with attention.

Girls handed him letters, nobles asked for pictures, and one particularly enthusiastic noble even asked, "Uhm, can you show some magic while we're taking a pic?"

'Why I'm feeling like a zoo animal right now? And I never thought magical cameras exist in this world. Maybe not like digital like ours, but still. Maybe it's expensive.' He thought as he posed with a flicker of dark magic swirling around his hand.

After Party

Lord Garnt, interrupting the revelry, announced, "Here they are. These are all Avalorians who were slaves. They lived and even made a life here." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the room. " He bowed his head slightly, then left the room.

He's so respectful for a lord, Rethrus Thought.

As Lord Garnt's words sunk in, a wave of emotion swept through the hall. Some Avalorian soldiers choked back sobs, tears welling in their eyes.

"Taiju!" Takashi called out.

"Yes, Master," Taiju responded, closing his eyes and focusing. A gust of wind swept through the room, checking every person for the curse mark that marked a slave.

"They're all clean," Taiju announced.

Takashi, his voice filled with both authority and empathy, stepped forward.

"I am Takashi. I'm here to take you home. Your homeland misses you. Come home, the King has already prepared your arrival. He wants to pay his debts to you."

A wave of joy and relief washed over the Avalorians. Tears streamed down their faces as they hugged their loved ones who had been slaves.

"Thank you!" they cried out, bowing low in gratitude to Takashi.

Rethrus watched the scene, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions.

'What have we done?" He thought.

'No, Avaloria does the same. I shouldn't feel any hate towards our kingdom.'

Aiko, unable to look at the scene unfolding before her.

Kaide started sobbing, unable to contain his emotions.

"You have relatives here too?" Rethrus asked, his voice soft.

Kaide shook his head. "No, but it's sad."

"Yes, it is."

Later that night, Rethrus, after a whirlwind of events, found himself tucked away in a comfortable guest room.

On the balcony, bathed in the soft glow of the moon, Aiko stood gazing at the night sky, her thoughts swirling.

"Care to join me, girl?" Takashi's voice startled her. He was already on the balcony, leaning against the railing, his gaze fixed on the moon.

Aiko nodded, her heart heavy with unspoken words. She joined him, the silence between them thick with unspoken emotions.

The moon cast an ethereal glow over the city, painting the scene in shades of silver and gray. They stood in silence for a long moment, the weight of the day's events hanging in the air.

Takashi broke the silence. "You know you can come with us, right?"

"I'm not from Avaloria."

"You are. Your mother is from Avaloria."

"Starglade took care of me."

"They're the reason your mother died."

Aiko's eyes widened in shock.

Takashi continued, his voice filled with an unfamiliar raw emotion. "Your mother was a great mage. She was very kind and strong. She joined a battle, and she lost. She was forced to be a slave... and raped by some Starglade citizen."

" I know all of this because we planned a rescue mission. Sadly, she died, and you were already in the orphanage."

Aiko felt a cold wave of confusion wash over her. The words hung in the air, a heavy weight that threatened to crush her. She felt her world begin to tilt, the ground beneath her shaky.

Takashi, realizing the impact of his words, reached out again, his voice filled with regret.

"No, I didn't mean it that way. What I want to say is, we want to pay our debt for your mother's sacrifice. That's all."

But Aiko was beyond listening. The truth, raw and unexpected, had ripped a hole in her carefully constructed reality. A new emotion, a cold, burning anger, began to stir within her.

She leaped over the balcony railing, her legs wrapping around her magical chain. With a powerful swing, she launched herself into the night, disappearing into the darkness.

"Rethrus! Rethrus, wake up!" Takashi yelled, his voice filled with urgency.

"Rethrus, get up! It's important!" Takashi said through the door.

Rethrus, his eyes heavy with sleep, opened the door, his face a mixture of confusion and drowsiness.

"What is it?" he mumbled.

"Find Aiko! Go! People might think she's one of us and attack her!"

As Aiko swung on the rooftops, tears streaming down her face, she made her way down into a dark alleyway. She spotted a group of men loitering in the shadows ahead, their faces hidden in the dim light. The memory of Takashi's words – the horrifying truth about her mother's fate – surged through her, igniting a burning rage within her.

She quickened her pace, her anger driving her forward. But as she drew closer, a wave of realization washed over her.

She let out a heavy sigh and turned to walk away.

"Where are you going, pretty girl?" A voice, laced with malice, stopped her in her tracks.

A man with a manic grin stepped into her path, blocking her escape.

He grabbed her by the arm, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

He quickly covered her mouth with his hand, pinning her against the wall.

She tried to resist, but they were able to use mana.

"Quick, let's put her in the dark. " Other companion says as he's grinning.

"A cutie like you shouldn't go at nigh-"

"Ackk!!"

A powerful kick, launched from above, sent the man sprawling across the alleyway, crashing into his companions.

"Rethrus!!!" Aiko cried out, her voice filled with relief.

The men, recognizing the name, turned and ran.

"Ahh, ahh," Rethrus roared, his dark magic crackling. Four dark shot from his hands, one for each man, knocking them unconscious.

Rethrus, his eyes flickering with worry, rushed to Aiko's side, his arms wrapping around her in a protective embrace.

He knelt down and tied their hands with a rope from his sling bag behind their back, making sure they wouldn't be able to harm anyone else.

"Are you oka-?" He started to ask, but Aiko suddenly flung herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Rethrus wrapped his arms around her, comforting her. He stroked her hair gently and held her head close to his chest.

"Now, now, I'm here," he said, his voice a soothing murmur.

"I was so scared," Aiko cried, her words muffled against his chest. "I thought they were going to rape me."

"I know," Rethrus said, his heart aching. "I'm so sorry I was late."

As they were leaving, Aiko asked, "Rethrus, what would you do if you were in my situation?"

Rethrus paused, his brow furrowed. "Hmmmm, oh. Do you want to fight in this war?" He asked, his voice hesitant.

"I don't know," Aiko replied, her voice wavering.

"It's just, I want to be with you guys, but I also want to live a peaceful life. And Avaloria promised that to all of us who lived here. But I'll miss…"

"Then go there," Rethrus said, his voice filled with understanding.

"Don't worry about us, we'll be fine. And we'll understand."

"But I'll be alone, though."

Rethrus hugged her again, his voice firm and reassuring.

"Don't worry, you'll find more friends there. I promise. And after this war, we'll visit you."

"Why do you want me to go there so quickly?" Aiko asked, her voice filled with confusion.

"Because, I know you'll be safer there than in the battlefield."

The following morning, the men were taken to the Guild, where they were discovered to be wanted criminals.

As Takashi filed a report about the incident, Rethrus was forced to pose for a picture for the local newspaper.

The headline read: "The Chosen One Makes His Debut."

"Your first city, and you're their hero," Kaide said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Nah, just a coincidence," Rethrus replied.

As they were walking, Rethrus saw a beautiful girl in a kimono walking toward them.

"So I guess this is it, huh," Rethrus said, his voice laced with a mixture of sadness and longing.

"Ohm, I hope you can come home quickly before I leave Starglade. " Aiko said.

"Ohm, I will," he replied.

"Thank you, Rethrus." She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

Kaide blushed as he saw the scene unfold in front of him.

And their she goes with other Avalorians.

"I'm glad you forced her to go home, Rethrus," Takashi appeared besides the two of them.

"Oh, hello sir," Rethrus replied, a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks. "I just want her to stay away from war and enjoy life, sir."

"Don't worry," Takashi said, his gaze meeting Rethrus's. "I promise you, she'll be safe in her homeland."

"By the way, who's going with them?" Kaide asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

"Lord Garnt himself!" Takashi answered.

"Ehh?" Rethrus and Kaide responded, their eyes widening in surprise.

"Yeah," Takashi said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

It turns out that Takashi and Lord Garnt's conversation last night was really profound and deep. Also Lord Garnt strongly supported the king and deeply opposed the war.

"Huh, some kind, powerful people do really exist," Rethrus said, his voice tinged with awe.

"Anyway, to the next city?" Takashi asked, breaking the silence.

Rethrus Smiled and says,

"Let's go!"