[Edanian Journey] Sylvia

Chapter 1: A Place to Return To

I had talked big in front of Aal and walked away, but I felt little sense of victory. Before I could dwell on what I had overcome, my thoughts turned to those who were gone.

I had witnessed countless deaths before, but this time I could not simply tell myself I was used to it and move on. What good was saving the world if everyone died and I was the only one left? Imagining a future where every place I returned to was marked by someone's absence made the power I held feel strangely heavy and unfamiliar.

Why had I wanted to save the world in the first place? The Black Spirit chided me, saying even a worm wriggles when stepped on. I had power now, and there were still people waiting for me. Its words were not wrong, but that alone could not fill the emptiness.

Eventually, we returned to the site of the trial of sharing. At least the companion who had taken my mark and been trapped there might still be alive. But no one was there. The thought that I had come too late tightened my throat, but I pushed it aside and searched the area again.

Only then did I notice signs that someone had passed through. Thankfully, there was no trace of a fight. Had someone taken my companion away, or had they left on their own? I had no answer, but an empty space was not proof of death. Holding on to that small distinction, I turned back toward Angavu.

A sentry at the Outpost recognized me and announced my return. Trumpets sounded, and the surviving Hashashin stood assembled to welcome me. At their head was the companion I had been looking for. Even as the others bowed before me, I could not take my eyes off that face.

Those who had come with the Secret Guards were there to greet me as well. Isobelle said she had always believed I would see this through, while Saya entrusted Valencia, Calpheon, and the world to me. Orwen and Mariam were safe too. Amid the cheers, I found myself looking over each familiar face one by one.

Eileen said that we had all come together as one. People who called different lands home now stood before the same gate, waiting for my return. It did not bring back those we had lost, nor did it erase my fear. Still, seeing my companions again was enough to help me take one more step.