Episode : The Path of Life, the Wisdom of the Cycle
Serin carried the stench of blood and the echoes of screams on her back.After the day when death rained down, she was haunted by the powerlessness of being a healer who could not save everyone.
She had saved lives, yes—but the ones she couldn't save loomed far larger.
The Road Back
"…I have to see my mother."
Serin finally voiced her decision.Her voice trembled, but there was resolve beneath it.
Lian, Ivela, and Kairen exchanged glances.They all understood her choice.
Lian nodded."Go. If you're to find your peace again… you need to see her."
They ventured deep into the forest where Serin's people lived,an ancient tribe who lived in harmony with nature—reading the language of leaves, wind, and water.
The air changed as they entered the grove.The harsh stench of battle faded,replaced by the scent of earth, wood, and rain.The wind blew softly, leaves whispered.
"Welcome home, child."
It was as if the forest itself spoke.
Eldanir
At the village gates, a woman stood waiting.
Eldanir, Serin's mother.Draped in a green cloak, her eyes were younger than her years—deep and warm like an ancient forest.
"Serin," Eldanir said softly."You've come back.And your heart… it's so heavy."
Serin stopped in front of her and lowered her head.Tears welled in her eyes.
"Mother…So many died in the last battle.I couldn't protect them.And now… I'm terrified of death.
I need to understand it—what life and death truly mean."
Eldanir said nothing at first.She simply embraced her daughter.Her arms were warm, and they held Serin's trembling without judgment.
The Teaching of the Forest
After a time, Eldanir led Serin deeper into the woods.Ivela, Kairen, and Lian followed in silence.
They walked until they stopped before the small body of an animal.Insects were already gathering,and soon birds descended from the branches.
"This," Eldanir said,"is the cycle of life."
She pointed gently."This creature has died.But from its death, the insects live.And those insects will feed the birds.And the birds will carry on the life of the forest."
Serin watched, tears running down her cheeks—but this time they were lighter than the ones shed on the battlefield.
Eldanir's voice stayed calm."Death is not the end.As winter passes into spring,death becomes the beginning of life.
That is why we honor nature.Because we trust this cycle."
The Understanding
Serin looked up at the sky.The trees swayed in the wind,their branches holding the stories of the seasons.
"Mother… I think I understand now.Death is still part of life.And it isn't an end—it's another beginning."
Eldanir smiled."Yes, Serin.The burden in your heart will ease now.You are ready to become a true healer."
Words from Her Companions
Kairen spoke quietly."As a monk, I've meditated on life and death for years.The deaths we saw…will one day become someone else's beginning."
Ivela clasped Serin's hand."You've saved so many on the battlefield.Don't forget that.Now we all need to become guardians of that cycle."
Lian added, his voice steady."We didn't fight for destruction.Even in chaos…there was something worth protecting."
Serin nodded,and the crushing weight from the battlefield began to lift.
Serin's Vow
She turned to her mother."I understand now.Life doesn't end.And we're the ones who carry it forward."
Eldanir nodded."Don't forget what you've learned, Serin.Your magic isn't just for healing.
It's the power to link life and death."
Serin drew a deep breath—and smiled.
"It's time to go back."
Serin no longer feared the battlefield.She was no longer merely a healer.
She was a keeper of the cycle.
***
Episode : The Call of Elysium After the Battle
The harbor had regained a fragile calm,but the air still reeked of smoke, blood, and fear.
Adventurers unbuckled their armor, catching their breath.Citizens stared at the sky with anxious eyes—no one knew when the Oathbound would return.
Lian stood at the end of the pier,gazing down at the sword in his hands.
Blood had dried on its blade.He couldn't tell whose blood. Or how many lives it represented.
…My strength alone isn't enough.
The thought passed through him like a quiet confession.
Lian's Declaration
He stood before the adventurers and townsfolk.His voice was low, but heavy.
"Our chances are slim.The path ahead is dangerous.Anyone who wishes to leave… may leave now."
Silence.
Eyes wavered.Some clenched their fists.Others whispered to one another.
"Do we keep following him?""Fight the Oathbound? Are we mad?"
The Fracture Inside Alexis
One man stood still.
Alexis Lumire.Heir of the Lumire family, a noble-born adventurer.
He'd always put his own safety first.Always pulled back when things got too dangerous.
But now, he couldn't walk away.
The man before him—Lian—wasn't just strong.
He was someone who bore responsibility.
Why does he keep fighting?Why does he keep standing here?
Alexis thought of his family's banner.
It had always been a symbol of duty.
But he had never once lived up to it.
A Noble Kneels
Alexis stepped forward.Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
He knelt before Lian.
The sound of his knee striking the wood—tok—echoed across the pier.
"…Your Majesty."
Lian blinked, startled.
Alexis's voice was firm.
"The man I've been until now…wasn't worthy of the Lumire name.
I see that now.
From this day forward,I will fight at your side.
I stake my pride as a Lumire—and everything I am—on it."
The adventurers fell silent.
The same Alexis who'd once been full of bravadowas now bowing his head.
Lian looked down at him.
Once, he might have scoffed at such words.But Alexis's eyes were different.
He means it.
Lian reached out his hand.
"Alexis… I accept your pledge.The day has come for you—and for the Lumire name—to become what 'noble' truly means."
Alexis took his hand.
And in that moment, the other adventurers' eyes shifted.
"Alexis knelt…""Then we should too…"
A quiet wave of resolve spread across the pier.
A Call to Elysium
Lian tilted his head to the sky.
The horizon was gray,the sea a sheet of dull silver.
He drew out a small magic stone—a shard of sapphire light.
Holding it in his palm,he closed his eyes.
He thought of his sister, Lia.
The stone flared softly.
"Brother?"
Her voice echoed through the magic.
"Things sound bad… Are you alright?"
Lian took a breath.
"Lia… we can't do this alone.To stop the awakening of the Old God,we need Elysium's help."
Silence.
Then, a quiet, resolute inhale from the other side.
"Understood. I'll bring soldiers.
And one more thing—Teacher Lisa is coming too."
Lian exhaled, relieved.
"…Lisa too… good.
I've had to admit it—I can't finish this fight alone.
But with Elysium at our side…we have a chance."
Lia's voice softened.
"Brother… you're not alone.Elysium will stand with you."
In the Palace
At that same moment, in Elysium's palace,
Merslin and Elena listened to their son's voice through the stone.
Merslin set it down slowly.
"…Lian has finally asked for help.He would never have done that before."
Elena smiled."Yes.
He's finally learned to accept the strength of others—to lead, not just to fight."
Merslin stared out the window for a long moment,memories of old wars in his eyes.
"Our task now is to ensurehe becomes even stronger.
To stop the Old God's return,Lian, Lia, and Lisa will need our strength too."
Elena took his hand.
"Lian asking for our help meanshe's made a great decision.
He's not a boy to be protected anymore.He's a leader who carries responsibility."
Parents and Son
The stone glowed again.
Lian's face appeared—resolute, no longer the stubborn boy of before.
"Father, Mother…I've realized something.
I can't stop the resurrection of the Old God alone.
I need Elysium's army.And your wisdom."
Merslin's chest swelled.
"Lian…Hearing those words from you—it makes me proud."
Elena's eyes misted.
"You've truly grown.You're no longer the child we had to protect.You've become a leader."
Merslin nodded once.
"Lian, we'll help you.
But remember—your power is only wholewhen it's shared with your allies and your family."
Lian bowed his head.
"Yes, Father.
I'll no longer try to shoulder everything alone."
Elena smiled softly.
"Lian… you are not alone.
We are here.Elysium is here.And your companions stand by you."
Lian closed his eyes, then opened them again.The doubt was gone.
Lian's Resolve
He tucked the stone close to his heart.And breathed.
"This battle… isn't mine alone.
Together—with my friends and my family—we will win."
The sea breeze stirred.
A quiet wind of resolve.
And in that wind,Lian set aside the stubbornness of a princeand accepted the responsibility of a leader.