Finding out that Zayne was leaving for the Mage Academy with Solomon that evening, Alden decided to hold a farewell banquet. Only people close to Zayne were there, those he knew and those he had fought shoulder to shoulder with.
ραndαsΝοvεl ƈοm "I didn't expect you to decide to become a mage. That's interesting." Lucia smirked, looking slyly at Zayne, who was sitting across from her.
Zayne shook his head, "How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not going to become a mage, it's just that Mr. Solomon offered me something, let's just say I can't pass up this chance."
Lucia ran her finger across the table, "You know, if you want we can leave here to my manor. Even though we don't have much time, I'm sure we'll have time to enjoy each other."
Zayne flinched, for a young man like him it took a moment to realize what Lucia was talking about. Zayne blushed, he just didn't know what to say and Lucia was going to take advantage of that, slowly getting closer to him.
Tap.
Suddenly a tall silhouette appeared behind Zayne, who abruptly put his arm around him and bent over, holding a glass filled with wine.
"Hey! Zayne! Stop sitting away from everyone! Let's party!" Roland said cheerfully, already very drunk.
Zayne turned around as a smile of relief appeared on his face, and he eagerly joined him. Lucia frowned as she bit her lip, her plans were ruined so ridiculously, but there was nothing she could do about it.
After a while, getting out of Roland and the other's company, Zayne saw Elin, who was standing sadly at the window, looking out at the towering moon.
"Elin... You're especially quiet today. Is something wrong?" Zayne asked rubbing the back of her head.
Elin sighed, her eyes filled with sadness, and she looked at Zayne.
"I don't know... I don't like it myself." Elin shook her head as she sat down on the window, "I mean, lately I've achieved what I dreamed of. The Redfall Family hired me and I was in a battle against Apostle, that's a great accomplishment for anyone."
Zayne tilted his head, "In that case... What's bothering you? I didn't think it would come to this at all, but somehow we got through it."
Elin turned sharply toward Zayne with a piercing stare.
"You became the protagonist, the one on whom our fates depended in the flower caves and the orc dungeon." Elin's gaze grew colder, "But... Despite my best efforts, there was little I could do."
"You shouldn't say that." Zayne became more serious, "If it weren't for all of you, I wouldn't have had the strength to defeat Apostle. Thanks to our combined efforts we saved the residents, without us the whole city would have fallen into chaos!" Zayne waved his hand.
Elin turned away, moonlight falling on her face, emphasizing her blue eyes that were filled with dismay.
"Yeah... That's definitely good... However, what I really wanted was to be the hero that you became." Elin slid down as she approached Zayne, "Regardless of your motives, there's only one difference between us that makes me stay in the shadows and you become the hero."
Elin stared at Zayne, "That's power. Earlier you couldn't even keep up with me, but you quickly surpassed us all and even saved me..." Elin's gaze darkened, she put her palm to Zayne's cheek and whispered, "I don't like it, I wanted to be in your shoes, but at the same time... I'm just as happy for you..."
"Elin..." Zayne muttered, about to touch Elin's hand, but she quickly put it away, took a few steps to the side, and ran as far away as possible.
Though Elin had told him everything, it was hard for him to understand what she was thinking, much less where her current feelings might lead. They would grow inside her like demons devouring her from within until she reached her goal.
"She's a strange girl, isn't she?" A quiet voice came from behind Zayne. He turned around and saw Rea standing in the dark. Her face was hidden, as always, by a massive hat, and only her amber eyes were visible.
"I don't even know what to say. It's all kind of weird." Zayne took a deep breath.
Rea shook her head, "I'm sorry, I accidentally overheard your conversation, I just couldn't get away anymore. You know, I think I understand how you feel, my dad told me something like this happened to him once."
Zayne gave her a questioning look.
"Even if your motives were pure and your actions saved people, even then you could hurt someone." Rea said calmly, as her words ran through Zayne's mind.
"I'll see you tomorrow. I hope you enjoy Mage Academy." Rea muttered, heading toward the general table.
Zayne's eyes went wide, "What...? Are you coming with us? Haven't you already graduated from Mage Academy?"
Rea glanced at him, "Not really. I left it because of my father, but as you can see our relationship got a little better. Anyway, I'm going there for a different purpose, and so are you." Rea fixed her hat before she left.
Zayne was silent while his gaze grew deeper, he turned and stared at the moon, pondering Rea's words that in no way wanted to leave his head.
'If it's possible to hurt someone with good intentions, doesn't that mean that even the greatest villains save someone with their actions? But... Why does it work that way?' Zayne inwardly muttered as a red spark flashed deep in his eyes.
For a moment, in Zayne's gaze, the blue moon, emitting peace and calm, turned red, embraced by crimson flame, then everything returned to normal.
'Agh...? Was I imagining it?' Zayne was puzzled. He rubbed his eyes, but nothing changed.
Tap.
Someone stood next to Zayne, leaning against the wall and holding a wine glass. His golden hair shone in the light of the moon.
"Looks like our farewell party is coming to an end, doesn't it?" Alden muttered, looking at his reflection in the wine.
Zayne nodded silently.
"I heard that your sword was broken, so I prepared a small gift for you. I hope it will help you on your journey, and you won't forget how important this place has become to you." Alden said quietly before disappearing without a trace.
Zayne stared at the starry sky for a while, then a bitter smile appeared on his face.
"Well... Even though we're about the same age, you taught me a lot of things and supported me all the time... Now I finally understand why I seem like a child to you." Zayne shook his head.
...
The moon had gone below the horizon, and it was time for the sun to become the source of light that illuminated the world.
Three men walked out of Redfall Family Manor, heading for the carriage that was already waiting for them in front of the main gate. Two of them wore long mantles, the third had a dark blue coat over his body.
Solomon and Red got into the carriage as the coachman waited for Zayne to approach.
"Mr. Zayne, I have a message for you." The man said respectfully, handing him a sword wrapped in bandages and covered with seals.
"Thank you." Zayne accepted the gift from the Redfall Family and turned back as if he knew where to look.
Alden, standing at the window, watched Zayne, when their gazes met, he smiled and left his field of vision.
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