"Everyone had really let loose the night before. Shine had announced that we'd be leaving today, and sure enough — quite a few people came to see us off. King Luccos and Nain came too. There are no clocks here, so it's hard to say exactly what time it is. But the sun hasn't risen yet, so it's probably around four or five in the morning."
Half the city was still asleep. After last night's celebration, no one was in any hurry to wake up early.
Jhed was packing his clothes into a satchel. Shine was cleaning his sword and armor.
"Jhed, don't let anyone find out about your power. The Demon Lord's adventurers will do anything to get their hands on you," Linea told him.
"Don't worry — as long as I'm here, no one will lay a finger on him," Shine said. He fastened his armor and slid his sword into its sheath.
Nain had been lost in thought for a while, quietly absorbed in something only she could see.
They were almost ready to leave. Jhed swung his satchel onto his back.
Mendriya came in carrying Jhed's sword.
"Here, Jhed. Take this."
"Thank you," Jhed said, taking it from her.
Outside, Luccos, Nain, and Guildmaster Ro-Ro were waiting.
Emilie came out carrying a package of food for Jhed.
"Here — this is four days' worth," Emilie said. She'd packed it all neatly into a large wooden box.
"Thank you, Aunty," Jhed said, bowing his head.
"Listen, Jhed — don't pick fights with anyone. Even if they're weaker than you. There's something I haven't told you yet. People have the power to cast curses — all of us do. So you need to be careful and stay away from curses." Linea said this, worry visible on her face.
"That's right, Jhed. Stay away from curses," Emilie added.
This curse ability was something that only worked on humans.
"Yes, I will."
"I didn't even know about curses," Jhed thought to himself.
"Jhed, we've only been here a week and you're already leaving so soon. You haven't even seen this city properly. You haven't explored the forests or the dungeons. I wanted to introduce you to so many people." Mendriya's voice caught in her throat.
"He's exactly like his father. That man left to travel the world at fifteen too," Weel said.
Jhed just smiled. He said nothing.
Linea and Mendriya pulled him into an embrace.
"Take care of yourself," Linea said.
"And you too, Shine — take care of yourself," Linea said.
"Yeah..."
"Once more — thank you, Shine." Linea bowed her head in gratitude.
"There's really no need for that. None of this is worth anything to me anyway — honestly, it'll be of far more use to you than to me." Shine said with a smile.
Now they were ready to leave.
They stepped outside.
Luccos, Nain, and Ro-Ro were waiting for them.
"So you're really going," Luccos said.
"Yes..." both of them said together.
"Could you do one thing for me?"
"Say the word, Your Majesty," Shine said.
"Head south. There's a city called Pariharlas. The greatest mage who ever lived — Harles — is being held there. If you can free him, he'll be of enormous help to you both," Luccos said.
"Alright. South it is," Shine said.
"Here. This will serve you well." Ro-Ro handed them a card.
"This is a Teleportation Card. Anywhere you've already been — if you ever need to come back, this will take you straight there," Ro-Ro said.
"Something this rare — thank you so much for giving this to us," Shine said.
"Don't mention it. After everything you've done, this is the least I could give you," Ro-Ro said with full enthusiasm.
"Then we'll be off," Jhed said.
"Whenever you miss us, you can always teleport back," Luccos said.
"Thank you. We will," Jhed said.
They were just about to leave.
"Nain — aren't you going with them?" Luccos said, looking toward her.
"How did you know..."
"Go. This is your chance. To see the world. To write your own story. You've always dreamed of meeting Harles, haven't you."
"But I haven't prepared anything."
"You can figure it out as you go. Now leave, before you talk yourself out of it." Luccos laughed and gave Nain a gentle push forward.
Nain turned back to look at him.
Luccos was smiling, waving goodbye.
"Take care of yourself." Nain turned and ran after them.
"Wait — I'm coming too."
Behind her, everyone called out their farewells. Nain fell into step behind the other two.
All three of them said goodbye to Mariana and walked forward into whatever came next.