As the moon filled the night sky, Gottfried lay in bed, staring at the flickering candle beside him. The soft glow danced across the walls, yet all he could see were memories.
"I really do miss my old life... and I keep wondering..." His voice cracked as he stared at the flame. "Fuyuko... did you survive? Or did you die too... and get sent to this world...?"
His eyes shimmered with emotion.
"Renjiro, Hikaru, Riko... Fuyuko... If you're here, then where? And if you're not... did you live? Are you still laughing somewhere on Earth? I don't know what scares me more..."
A long breath escaped him. He leaned in and blew out the candle. Darkness swallowed the room.
The next morning, warm sunlight spilled through the windows as Gottfried sat at the table with his mother and Almira, savoring a slice of fresh bread. The morning was calm, the kind of peace that made the world feel safe.
Gottfried chewed thoughtfully before glancing at his mother.
"Mom... is Dad still asleep?"
Marie smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Oh, he's already awake. Actually, we talked last night about a little plan for you."
She reached out and poked his nose.
Gottfried shook his head back. "H-Hey! What was that for?!"
Marie laughed. "Don't yell at your mother. That's rude!"
He sighed dramatically. "Then at least tell me what you're planning."
Almira looked up, curious. "Yeah, Mom, what's going on?"
Marie smiled at her daughter. "Nothing to worry about, sweetheart. Your brother just has a mission."
"A mission?" Gottfried repeated.
Marie clasped her hands together. "You're going on a long adventure with your father. And... he's meeting an old friend. Quite far from here."
Gottfried gasped—an expression sparkling with childhood wonder. He remembered the stories she told him.
"The Kingdom of FOL? Is it that place? The one I've always wanted to see? Is it really happening?! Today?!"
Marie nodded proudly. "Yes. Your time has finally come."
Gottfried muttered under his breath, piecing together memories.
"FOL... Father of Light... the kingdom founded by the hero of the First War. Humans who betrayed humanity were cast out and became demons... their identities stripped away... I read that in the old books..."
Marie chuckled softly. "Your father and I went there long ago. The royal district is stunning—deep blue banners, gold architecture, everything gleaming. Truly regal."
Almira puffed her cheeks, jealousy creeping into her expression.
"Why am I not going...?"
Marie stroked her daughter's head. "One day, you will. But this trip is long and dangerous. Gottfried's had more training, and there may be beasts along the way."
Almira crossed her arms but eventually nodded. "Fine! But promise is promise. I'll go someday!"
"Of course," Marie said warmly.
A loud clatter echoed upstairs—armor and metal shifting. Then a familiar voice rang out:
"Gottfried! Are you ready?"
Elias stepped into the room with a confident grin. "Did you tell him?"
Marie approached him, taking his hand gently. Her expression softened with worry.
"Take care of our son, alright?"
Elias tilted her chin, kissing her with quiet reassurance. "I promise."
She flushed with a mix of embarrassment and affection. "You two should go. Gottfried already ate. Now go pack, both of you."
Elias swung the door open. "Let's go, Gottfried Searstone! I'll be waiting outside!"
"I'll be quick!" Gottfried dashed upstairs, gathered his belongings, and hurried back down.
Marie pulled him into a tight hug. "Take care. This is part of your growth. You'll learn so much out there. The journey would take two weeks by foot."
Gottfried smiled nervously. "Alright, Mom. I'll be back soon."
Sixteen years... and finally my first real trip. A new world, new culture... it feels like going abroad on Earth...
Almira walked up to him with a smirk. "Don't you dare come home empty-handed. Bring something for me!"
Gottfried laughed. "I will, I will, older sis!"
After an hour of walking, the village disappeared behind them. The dark forest loomed ahead dense, quiet, and filled with shadows that whispered between the trees.
Gottfried instinctively moved closer to his father.
Elias raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong? Scared?"
Inside, Kaito's voice screamed in embarrassment:
No-no-no! This is instinct! This body is a teenager! Why am I still scared of dark forests?! Seriously?!
Gottfried quickly stepped away.
"Look, son," Elias said, stopping in the middle of the path. "I want to show you something... something only our family can see."
He closed his eyes.
At first, nothing happened. Then the air shimmered—like the fabric of reality was folding. Between the trees, a shape took form: a small stone temple emerging from thin air, as if waking from a long slumber.
Gottfried's jaw dropped.
"W-What is that?!"
"A shortcut," Elias said proudly. "I'm not walking two weeks. With this summon portal, it's one day instead."
They descended the steps into the hidden structure, reaching a circle inscribed with glowing runes.
"As you know," Elias continued, "only your grandfather and I can use this. A family secret."
He placed his hand on the sigil, blue light blooming beneath his palm.
"One day, when you've studied enough, you might inherit it too."
He inhaled deeply and began to chant:
"Aperiatur via arcana, per ignem et lumen,
Transcende spatium, transcende tempus—
Ad locum destinatum, porta, surge."
Let the secret path be opened, through fire and light,Transcend space, transcend timeTo the destined place, take the door, arise.
The runes flared. The world dissolved into blue sparks and reshaped itself.
They stood in a vast meadow, flowers spreading in waves of brilliant color. A breeze danced through the petals, carrying the scent of spring.
Gottfried's breath caught. "This... this is beautiful..."
But suddenly, a memory stabbed into him—Hitachi Seaside Park, Earth. Hikaru's voice echoing:
"WOOOO! Next year is our last year of school!"
Kaito had laughed.
"You're making everyone look at us, idiot!"
"So what?! Freedom awaits!"
Fuyuko's soft laughter.
Riko's teasing voice.
Renjiro's grin.
Their joy.
Their bond.
Gottfried clenched his fists.
"Hikaru... Fuyuko...you guys, I know you're out there somewhere..."
Elias called to him gently. "Come on, Gottfried."
They continued walking through the meadow until Gottfried glanced at the sky. The clouds had thickened.
"Dad, looks like it's going to rain."
Elias sighed. "Great... I thought I picked the right month..."
He dropped his backpack and pulled out a folded tent.