The sun is already setting when the group finally emerges from the ruins. The taste of blood is strong in Amanda's mouth, and her whole body aches. The girl is still on her knees, staring into nothing, crying in silence. As tears stream down her face, she remains unable to speak or move. Gabriel finally approaches and places a hand on her shoulder.
"Amanda, we survived. You did the best you could. Raise your head."
"That's the problem. I know I did my best, but it wasn't enough. Mara, Regina, and Wagner are dead because my best wasn't good enough!" the girl says, without looking up.
"Hey, this was our first mission. You still need to gain experience. Even Captain Viktor, with all his knowledge and experience, couldn't have done more."
"How many more have to die until I'm ready? How many more will we lose until I can be a good leader?" Amanda asks, shouting now, looking up at Gabriel.
Her shout hangs in the air, and the ensuing silence is somehow worse. Every gaze turns to her. Shame, hot and prickly, washes over Amanda. Her eyes dart away, looking for any escape, and land on the horrific proof of her failure in the grass nearby. Wagner's head. The image sears into her mind, and a wave of nausea and guilt so powerful it almost knocks her down again.
But then her gaze finds Sarah, standing a little way off, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. In that moment, nothing else matters. Pushing herself to her feet on trembling legs, Amanda stumbles over to her friend. She doesn't speak at first; she just collapses to her knees beside her.
She wraps Sarah in a desperate hug, clinging to her as if she were a lifeline. "I'm so sorry, Sarah," Amanda chokes out, the words broken by her own grief. "I couldn't... I failed them. I'm so sorry." The two of them just hold each other then, their shared sorrow the only solid thing in a world that has fallen apart.
The journey back to camp is a blur of silent misery. When they are finally greeted by the others who stayed behind, the questions hang unanswered in the heavy air.
As they stumbled into the firelight, one of the knights rushed to meet them, his face a mask of alarm and confusion. "Captain! By the Goddess, what happened? One moment you were there, the next... a flash of light, and you were all just gone. The portal vanished."
"Wait," Myriam says, her eyes wide as she does a quick, panicked headcount. "Where is Regina? Where are the others?"
A heavy silence is her only answer. The returning group doesn't meet her gaze; they just lower their heads as one.
It's Gabriel who finally breaks the silence, his voice hollow and flat. "We lost them. Mara, Regina... and Wagner."
Without meeting Myriam's questioning gaze, Viktor moves past her, taking the lead of the returning group. His eyes are downcast, not out of shame, but lost in grim, practical thought.
"We debrief later," Viktor cuts in, his voice like flint. "For now, they need food. And rest."
The news seems to strike Myriam physically. She flinches, but her maternal instincts immediately take over, desperate for a task.
"Yes. Food. Of course," she says, her own voice trembling slightly as she bustles towards the fire. "I've already got the stew on. It just needs a few more minutes. Go on, all of you, get yourselves cleaned up first."
A heavy silence blankets the camp, a stark contrast to the group's usual lively chatter. The survivors move like ghosts, tending to their wounds and changing their clothes wordlessly. Amanda notices that even Aldo, for once, has no joke to offer. He just stares into the dancing flames of the campfire, his primary shield against fear—his humor—lowered in the face of a grief too large for jokes.
Myriam's quiet call to eat is a welcome distraction. The warm stew she serves seems to work a small magic of its own, easing the knot of grief in their stomachs and chasing away some of the deep-seated chill. The mood improves just enough that when Viktor finally speaks, they are ready to listen.
"We need a debrief," he says, his captain's voice pulling them back to reality. Not everyone is ready. A few of the younger students shake their heads, their faces pale, and quietly excuse themselves. The core of what remains—Gabriel, Myriam, and the handful of students strong enough to face the conversation—gathers closer around the fire.
Viktor recounts the ordeal in the ruins, his voice a flat, emotionless military report. He describes the puzzles, the guardian, and the brutal final moments. But as he speaks, he carefully and deliberately navigates around any mention of the divine being they met partway through the ruins. The truth about Arthur is a burden for the heroes alone to carry, a secret to be kept from the others, like Myriam and Lidia, for their own protection.
"...A single construct that wields the powers of six different heroes?" one of the knights says, shaking his head in disbelief. "That's not a guardian; it's a one-man army."
More questions and shocked theories began to bubble up from the other knights, but Viktor raised a hand, cutting them off. "It is hard to believe, I know. But speculation here is useless," he says, his voice tired but firm. "We will reassess our strategy once we are back at the capital." The rest of the night passed in a somber haze of hushed, tense conversations as the group debated their next steps, the weight of their losses hanging over every word.
At sunrise, they set off towards the Royal Capital. The journey is shrouded in a heavy silence, broken only by the rumble of the carriage wheels and the clip-clop of hooves. No one has the heart or the will to speak. The weight of their losses is an almost physical presence among them.
It's into this thick silence that Renata's voice cuts.
Renata's declaration begins as a whisper, almost inaudible, as if she's testing the weight of the words for herself.
"I'm not going back."
A few of those sitting closest turn towards her, frowning in confusion. Then, Renata takes a deep breath, lifts her chin, and says it again, her voice now ringing out clear and defiant in the carriage's heavy silence for all to hear.
"I'm not going back to the castle!"
"Renata, what are you talking about?" Aldo asks, his voice filled with confusion.
"I can't," she says, shaking her head, her gaze fixed on her own tightly clenched hands. "I can't stay in the place where they... where this all started. I'm sorry. I was barely handling the whole 'teenage-saviors-fighting-demons' thing. But this..." Her voice finally breaks, trailing off into a choked whisper. "This is too much. I'm done."
"I understand," Amanda says, her voice cracking, "and I am so sorry, Renata. If I had been a real leader..."
"Don't. Don't you dare say that," Renata cuts her off, her own voice thick with unshed tears. "This isn't on you. You did everything you could. We're the ones who put this all on your shoulders—this whole 'hero' burden from some stupid prophecy. It's not your fault that I... that I lost my mom. It's not your fault that the rest of us are broken."
"Alright, since we're all being honest," Regis starts, taking a deep breath. He had been uncharacteristically quiet since the ruins, but now his usual energy returns, albeit with a serious edge. "When we get back to the capital, I'm out. I'm going to be an adventurer. I didn't get isekai'd into a real-life RPG just to sit around and train for some war that might never happen. If I'm going to die in this world, it's going to be on my own terms, on my own adventure."
"I'm with you on that," Dandara says immediately, surprising him.
Regis's eyes widen. "Wait, *you* are? Seriously?"
"Yes," she says, her expression firm. "What's the problem? I'm not going to blindly follow orders that could get me killed, especially from some king or noble who isn't on the battlefield with us."
"That makes sense. You're not soldiers," Viktor says with a tired, understanding nod. "But at least wait until we reach the capital. I can set you up with proper gear and some coin. Give you a real chance out there."
"Agreed," Regis replies instantly, ever the pragmatist.
"Not happening," Renata says, shaking her head. "I'm leaving before we even see the city walls."
"I'm with you, Renata," Alice says quietly.
"Count me in," Kali adds.
"Me too," Sarah says, her voice barely a whisper, her eyes fixed on the floor.
"Sarah?" Amanda asks, and her voice cracks on the single word, a sound of pure disbelief and hurt.
"I'm sorry, everyone," Sarah says, finally looking up, her eyes red-rimmed but resolute. "I just... I need some time away from all this. To figure things out. Dandara's right, just blindly following orders doesn't feel right anymore. But going off to be adventurers... that's not me either. I'm going to go with Renata and the others, at least for a while. Until I know what to do."
"I understand," Amanda whispers, looking heartbroken. "I'm just... sorry it came to this."
"Hey. This isn't on you," Sarah says, her voice softening. "This is my own stuff I need to deal with. Viktor was right; you did everything you could. You led us through a nightmare and most of us are still here because of it. We don't blame you for what happened. We all failed. Together."
"But I was the one in charge! The responsibility was mine!" Amanda retorts, her voice cracking.
"And that's enough," Gabriel interrupts, his tone gentle but firm, placing a hand on Amanda's shoulder. "Let them go. We'll be here if they need us."
Amanda seems to understand Gabriel's silent plea to end the painful conversation, and she falls quiet, turning her face away to hide fresh tears. When the convoy nears the city entrance, it stops. The goodbyes are brief, choked, and heavy with things left unsaid. Then, the group watches as Renata, Sarah, Kali, and Alice turn and walk east, taking the path by the forest, until they are finally swallowed by the dense, dark treeline. The others continue to the royal capital, the silence inside the carriage now heavier and more uncomfortable than ever.
The following morning, the group is summoned to a meeting with the Court Mage, Adria Frost.
"I have been briefed by Captain Viktor on the events that transpired," Adria begins, her voice calm and devoid of emotion as she addresses the room. "I am aware of your casualties, and of the intention of some among you to... depart from your sworn path."
"Yes!" Regis says, his excitement undiminished. "A few of us have decided to become adventurers. But we never said anything about abandoning the kingdom."
"Precisely," Dandara agrees, her arms crossed. "We merely wish to use the freedom of an adventurer to gain real-world experience."
"I see," Adria replies, her gaze analytical. "You do understand, however, that you will forfeit all access to royal resources, and your official status as Heroes of the Kingdom will be revoked?"
"Don't care about the status," Regis says with a wave of his hand. "We'll make a name for ourselves soon enough, and we'll be there to help when the time comes. We aren't abandoning anyone."
"Very well. If your minds are made up, I shall arrange for provisions to be made for you—basic equipment and a small stipend, as a farewell gift. But I do hope, for the kingdom's sake, that I can truly count on you when that time arrives," Adria says, her look sharp and inquisitive.
"Of course! We promise, we'll be way more useful in the fight against the demons after we get some real-world EXP," Regis says earnestly.
"We appreciate the gesture of trust," Dandara adds, her tone formal and serious.
Adria's gaze sweeps over the remaining students. "Does anyone else have grievances to air or declarations to make?"
Silence hangs in the room for a moment before Adria continues.
"Given the recent... events, and to prevent further such issues, we must implement revisions to your training regimen. Furthermore, in five days, a delegation from the Holy Church of Light will arrive. They have been made aware that a Saint has manifested in our kingdom, and they are coming to claim her."
"What do you mean, 'claim her'?" Aldo asks, his voice sharp with alarm.
"The Church of Light is this world's dominant religion," Viktor explains, his tone flat and factual. "As such, their political power rivals, and in some cases surpasses, that of many kingdoms. Ours included."
"They hold a claim to any individual who wields holy magic," Adria elaborates, picking up the thread. "They operate under the argument that such power is a direct blessing from the Goddess Lena, and therefore, it is the Church's divine right to 'guide' such individuals. A treaty exists, to which many kingdoms are signatory, that obligates us to uphold this claim."
"It'll be okay, guys," Helena says, trying to reassure herself as much as the others. "Being treated like a saint can't be that bad... right?" Her hopeful question is directed at Adria.
"Frankly, I am the wrong person to ask," Adria replies, her tone dry as dust. "I am as far from sainthood as one can get. In fact, I have more often been accused of making pacts with demons. A baseless accusation, of course, but one that my... particular pursuits have unfortunately invited."
"Before you get the wrong idea," Viktor cuts in quickly, "she's talking about her habit of pursuing knowledge at any cost."
"That, as well," Adria says, giving the captain a look that is less a smile and more a display of condescending pity.
A thick, curious silence fills the room, but no one dares to ask. Adria's aura, for all her composure, is intensely intimidating. She seems to notice their discomfort and, perhaps taking pity on them, elaborates:
"But you need not worry excessively, Helena. While the position has its... limitations, the Saint is always afforded a place at the top of the Church's hierarchy, beneath only the highest echelons of leadership. You will live a comfortable life in service, and you will be able to help a great many people in the process."
A genuine smile finally breaks through on Helena's face, and she looks at her friends, who offer her small, reassuring smiles in return.
Adria addresses the room, her voice leaving no room for debate. "For the time being, Captain Viktor will oversee the arrangements for those who have chosen the adventurer's path. The rest of you will remain. We must decide the future of the Hero's team."
Viktor gives Adria a curt nod of understanding and turns to the designated youths. "Those joining Regis's group, with me."
Regis walks to the door without hesitation. A tense silence fills the room as the others exchange uncertain glances. Then, one by one, Luca, Dandara, and Aldo square their shoulders and follow him out.
"Anyone else?" Viktor asks the remaining group. Hearing no response, he gives a final nod and exits, leaving them with the mage.
"Very well," Adria says, turning her sharp gaze to those who remained. "For those of us remaining, we may now focus on our true purpose: the protection of Avakar."
"And what, exactly, does that mean?" asks Gabriel.
"It means, Mr. Gabriel, that your previous training strategy is now inadequate. I shall be assigning each of you a role best suited to your abilities within our kingdom's structure. For instance," she says, her gaze falling on Amanda, Carlos, and Roger, "I believe you three, along with Mr. Gabriel, would be best integrated into the ranks of the Royal Knights."
"And what about the others?" asks Amanda.
"I have a specific path for each of you, which I will outline presently. But first," Adria says, her eyes piercing, "before we proceed, I must know: are you prepared to place your trust in my judgment?"
All eyes in the room instinctively turn to Amanda, placing the weight of another decision squarely on her shoulders. But before she can speak, Gabriel steps forward slightly, drawing Adria's attention.
"We are," he says, his voice clear and steady, answering for them all. "We trust you."
Meanwhile, outside the meeting room, Viktor leads the newly-formed group of adventurers to the royal armory.
"These are standard-issue weapons for the Royal Knights," Viktor explains, gesturing to the racks of steel lining the walls. "Their quality is guaranteed. Take your pick."
"Awesome! Thank you, Captain!" Regis says, his eyes already scanning the options like a kid in a candy store.
"Roger," the captain says, stopping by a rack of polearms. "Given your blessing, I believe one of these will suit you." He hands a finely balanced spear to the young man.
"And I'll take this one!" Regis declares, already hefting a longsword from its sheath, testing its weight.
Aldo, ever the strategist, selects a bandolier of throwing knives that would complement his illusion skills. Dandara, in turn, tests the balance of a pair of short, wicked-looking blades before giving a satisfied nod. With their new weapons in hand, the group heads for the Adventurers' Guild.
"Good morning, how can I... oh, Captain Viktor! A pleasure to see you, sir," a smiling receptionist says.
"And you, Miss Ariel," Viktor replies warmly. "I'm here to register these four. They come with a royal recommendation."
"A royal recommendation, sir?" she asks, her eyes widening slightly. "Then they must be quite promising."
"They are," Viktor confirms. "The kingdom wishes for them to gain experience with the Guild. I can personally vouch for their capabilities."
"Of course, Captain. In that case, we'll just need the basic registration and a mana reading. With your word, the practical exam is waived."
"I appreciate that," Viktor says to her, then turns to the young heroes. He presses a small, heavy pouch of coins into Regis's hand. "This should get you started for the first few days. And with that... I must take my leave."
"Thank you for everything, Captain," says Regis.
"Your guidance has been invaluable, sir," Dandara adds with a respectful bow.
Viktor allows himself a small, sad smile. "What's all this formality? My door will always be open to you. Just... don't forget what you're fighting for. Stay strong, and watch each other's backs. The kingdom will be counting on you when the time comes."
With that final word, the captain turns and walks out the door, leaving the newly-minted adventurers to forge their own path. They watch the imposing man go, his back straight and proud, knowing he had given his all and was now heading home to his well-deserved retirement, to the family that was his most important mission.