When Nathan set out, the sun was just rising. The golden lights appearing on the horizon shimmered over the forest; the dew wetting the leaves of the trees mingled gently with the coolness of the morning. Nature was only just awakening, and silence gave way to the cautious chirping of birds.
He took a deep breath. As the fresh air of the forest filled his lungs, his mind cleared a little.
But his steps quickened. The mission would not wait.
The information in the box pointed to Velkros. It lay far north, well beyond Virelka. His journey would be long; traveling part of the way by cart could hasten it, but only if he found someone heading there.
Virelka was a protected region, surrounded by mountains and cloaked in shades of green. But Velkros… Velkros was another world.
Its structures, built of stone and iron, merged with the skyline washed in gray.
This city cared not for natural beauty, but for mining and survival.
It was cold—its air, its people.
There, he would meet with his fellow guardians from the guild.
Their task was to identify the area where the first transformed creatures and humans had been seen.
And if possible… to find the source of this corruption.
Because if they wished to fight them, they first had to understand them.
He wanted to fill his mind with nothing but duty.
To walk without thinking, to investigate, to fight… and to finish it all, then return.
But Maia had seeped into the quietest corners of his mind.
With every step, her voice echoed in his ears, and the warmth of her hands still lingered in his palms.
He was angry with himself.
"Why did I get so close?" "Why did I tell her so much?"
As he questioned himself, the words that had quietly echoed in his head made him flinch:
"I don't trust women."
The more he thought of that moment, the more ashamed he felt.
But above all, he was ashamed of how vulnerable he had become to her.
"If I see her again… what then?"
What would he say? How would he act?
In just three days, his whole mind had been turned upside down.
War, loneliness, the walls he had built for years… all had cracked with a few of Maia's words.
And he didn't want to accept it.
For a moment he wondered:
"Should I have rejected her outright that moment?"
But as soon as the thought entered his mind, a faint ache stirred in his heart. He realized he didn't truly want that.
"What have you done to me… Maia?"
He slowed his pace. Narrowing his eyes, he looked at the leaves glistening in the morning sun.
But even nature could not answer his questions.
Aryel had turned toward the sound of crying.
She quickened her steps at once, motioning with her hand for the others behind her to stay quiet.
As the chill of the forest echoed through them, the sobs from between the leaves drew them toward a single point.
Aryel was leading the way. She raised her hand, signaling: this way.
Silently, carefully… they moved toward the source of the sound.
And at last, they saw her—
Curled up beneath a tree.
A little girl.
Her dress was torn, her body covered in wounds from head to toe.
Her knees and arms were bruised—some fresh, others already fading to green.
Her hair was dirty and tangled, yet its pale green color still caught the eye.
She was so thin… almost like a bundle of bones.
With her knees pulled to her chest, she sobbed as if struggling for breath.
Aryel's heart clenched.
Without a thought, she knelt.
"Hello… I'm Aryel. I'm a guardian candidate."
Her voice was soft, but inside it trembled with worry.
"Those behind me are my teammates. We want to help you."
The little girl slowly lifted her head with trembling arms.
Her eyes were frightened; through her pale green hair she looked at Aryel.
And in that moment, her sobbing grew harsher. Her hiccupping cries tangled with words.
"P-please… d-don't take me b-back there…"
Aryel's heart nearly burst.
What kind of horror had such a tiny child endured?
A thousand questions rushed through her mind: Who was she? What had happened? Where was there?
She knelt closer, softening her voice even more:
"No one will take you anywhere you don't want to go, I promise.
We're not here to hurt you, but to help you. Please don't be afraid…"
The girl wiped her tears with the filthy, torn sleeve of her dress.
She couldn't decide whether to trust them. But she had no other choice.
She was alone. Exhausted. Hungry.
At that moment, Kael stepped forward.
His tone was calmer, but his eyes carried both anger and pain.
"Hello. I'm Kael."
He held out his water flask.
"You must be thirsty… would you like some water?"
The girl looked at him hesitantly. Then her eyes wandered over each of them.
A brief silence… then she slowly took the flask from Kael's hand.
She drank as if clinging to it. She was so parched that her throat burned.
When the gulps ceased, her stomach growled, and she flinched with shame.
This time Kael reached into his bag.
Without a word, he handed her a small piece of crumbled bread.
It was a wordless offer—the quiet form of compassion.
The girl took the bread. Her hands trembled.
As she slowly ate, Vega approached quietly.
He removed his cloak and, without hesitation, draped it over the little girl's shoulders.
The cold air seemed to retreat in an instant.
The girl lifted her head.
Her eyes widened in surprise. This was… a warmth she had not expected.
Once again, tears streamed down her cheeks.
Aryel couldn't bear it.
Without hesitation, she leaned down and wrapped her arms around that frail body.
"It's over… it's all over. You're safe now…" she whispered into her ear.
The girl clung tightly to Aryel.
She didn't want to let go.
It was as if the fears inside her melted away in Aryel's embrace.
Time slowed. Even the birds in the forest seemed to sing more softly.
After a while, when Aryel gently pulled the girl back, she looked into her eyes…
But those eyes had closed.
The little girl had quietly fallen asleep.
Maia crouched beside them.
"She must be terribly exhausted," she said softly. "What could a girl so young have gone through?"
Vega lowered his eyes to the ground. His fists were clenched.
"She looks like she's been abused… but who… why?
What could drive someone to do this to someone so small and defenseless?"
Kael carefully lifted the girl into his arms.
He stood without disturbing her.
His voice was icy with anger:
"If I find whoever did this to her… don't expect mercy from me."
Aryel silently nodded.
"I don't think I'll be merciful either."
And with that, the team set off again.
Their steps were soft, avoiding any jolt…
Kael moved like a shadow, careful not to disturb the girl's sleep.
As they searched for a new campsite, they were no longer alone.
Now they had a small heart to protect.
The morning sun slowly filtered through the forest leaves.
The camp was quiet; only faint bird songs and the rustle of leaves could be heard.
The girl was sleeping on a blanket Kael had spread over his cloak.
When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the small campfire burning beside Aryel.
When Aryel noticed, she immediately moved closer.
"Good morning," she said with a smile. "Are you feeling a little better?"
The girl was silent. Her face carried a hesitant expression.
She looked around—Kael and Vega were speaking a little distance away, while Maia was watching them.
She still wasn't sure if she was truly safe, but… the warmth felt real.
Aryel knelt beside her. "Do you remember my name? I'm Aryel. The red-haired one is Kael, and the other is Vega."
Maia jumped in cheerfully, flashing a wide smile: "And I'm Maia!"
Aryel's eyes softened as she looked at the girl.
"Would you like to tell us your name?"
Her voice was gentle and patient.
The girl slowly lowered her head.
Then, after a deep breath, a whisper escaped her lips:
"I… I don't have a name…" She swallowed. "They always called me worthless."
Everyone glanced at one another at once.
They wanted to say something, but no words felt right.
Aryel leaned closer with tenderness.
"Then… would you like us to give you a name?"
The girl's eyes lit up for a moment.
Those big, sky-blue eyes…
Framed by dark circles, yet still carrying a spark that hadn't gone out.
"R-really? I'll… I'll have a name of my own?" she asked timidly.
Just then, Kael suddenly turned away.
Vega stared at him in surprise. Kael had covered his face with his hands, wiping his eyes.
Is Kael… crying? Vega wondered.
He reached out, trying to touch his shoulder, but being too short, his hand landed on Kael's back instead.
"Don't worry," he whispered. "We'll take good care of her now."
Kael only bowed his head in silent agreement.
Aryel leaned toward the girl with gentle warmth. "If you'd like, we can choose together."
The girl nodded eagerly but then swallowed and whispered:
"No… please, you choose."
Her pale green hair fell messily over her face.
Her thin arms and bruised knees showed beneath her torn dress.
She was so small… it seemed as though a breeze might topple her.
The team gathered together, whispering among themselves.
The girl shyly stared down at her toes.
At last, Kael knelt beside her.
"Would you like your name to be Sera?"
The girl's breath caught. Her eyes welled with tears, then she quickly nodded. And in an instant, her cheeks were streaked with tears again.
Kael gently took her hand.
"If it eases your heart… you can cry as much as you need, Sera."
Vega came closer too, enclosing her small hands with his own.
Sera's eyes widened—not with fear this time, but with something she had never felt before: kindness.
And so she cried. Until she calmed. Until she believed she was no longer alone.
At last, Aryel softly approached.
"Sera," she said tenderly, "we're returning to the academy.
If you'd like, we want to take you with us."
Sera hesitated for a moment. But then… through her pale green hair, she lifted her eyes to Aryel.
And gave a small nod.
By the time they reached the academy, noon had passed.
After the long journey, the team headed toward Headmaster Callahan's office, bringing Sera with them.
The academy corridors were bustling. Students of all ages, teachers, and guild members moved about, while in the garden magic lessons were underway.
At the sudden sight of so many people, Sera flinched.
Her tiny hands clutched the edge of Kael's cloak, hiding behind him.
She tried to conceal her small body in his shadow, avoiding every gaze.
Yet at the same time, she peeked curiously—the grand columns, the flying books, the doors that opened and closed with magic…
Her fear was joined by a budding sense of wonder.
The building that held Callahan's office stood apart from the others.
Its high ceilings and stone walls were plain, yet the door gleamed with golden engravings.
Sera stared at it for a long while. Perhaps it was the first time she had ever seen a place like this.
When they passed through the doorway, a wide and quiet hall awaited them.
Old war paintings adorned the walls, along with statues of great crowned figures and lamps casting a dim golden glow.
The door to Callahan's office was a deep brown.
The carvings upon it were fine and intricate; upon closer look, one could see star motifs and guardian runes etched into the wood.
When the door was knocked and they stepped inside, the room was, in contrast to all the grandeur, quite simple.
It was spacious; sunlight streamed through the tall windows, making the dust motes visible.
One wall was covered entirely with books.
On the desk were papers, old books, a few tiny statues, and pen holders.
The carpet on the floor was faded, but clean.
Headmaster Callahan was dressed in a white shirt and gray trousers.
His usual robe was not on him.
His gray hair was combed back, and his glasses rested on the bridge of his nose.
He looked serious but tired.
When Callahan let his gaze wander over the group, he first focused on Sera.
But noticing the little girl's shyness, he gently shifted his eyes elsewhere.
"Welcome," he said in a calm, deep voice.
"I hope your journey went well."
Aryel stepped forward.
"We have successfully completed the mission, sir," he said, and began to recount everything that had happened.
Callahan listened carefully. From time to time, he nodded, but never interrupted Aryel's words.
When the account ended, Aryel quietly stepped back to stand with his friends.
Callahan cleared his throat softly and began to speak.
"I am proud of you for completing the mission successfully.
And even though it was outside of your task, helping the villagers...
That shows you are on the right path as protectors."
While speaking, he opened the small cabinet beside his desk.
He took out a pouch of gold and a document.
"You may share this among yourselves as you see fit," he said, handing the pouch and the paper to Aryel.
Then he turned his attention to Sera.
By now, he had an idea about her and knew how he should approach.
He walked over to Sera, knelt down, and spoke with a smile:
"Hello, I am Callahan. I am a teacher here. Welcome to the Academy."
Sera hesitantly lowered her head.
"Hel… Hello… thank you."
Callahan patiently kept smiling.
"Won't you tell me your name?"
Sera didn't know what to say. Her eyes shifted toward Kael.
Kael leaned down slightly and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"You have a name now. You can say it," he said with a smile.
Sera lowered her eyes, laced her fingers together, and whispered:
"M… my name… is Sera."
Callahan's face softened.
"Nice to meet you, Sera.
I want you to feel comfortable here. The Academy will host you as a guest."
Then he stood up. Letting his eyes rest on each of them in turn, he silently made them feel his pride.
Then he turned to Aryel:
"The others may leave. Aryel, I'd like to speak with you for a while."
While the team quietly left the room and headed toward the cafeteria, Aryel stayed behind.
Callahan asked with a thoughtful expression:
"What do you intend to do with Sera?"
Aryel answered without hesitation:
"I plan to take her to my home, sir.
She is weak, abused… uncared for. I cannot leave her like this.
I am certain my mother and father will warmly accept her."
Callahan smiled faintly.
"I am sure they will. Such a decision makes me happy."
After a short pause, he added:
"Still, if you need anything, please let me know. I will do whatever I can."
Aryel lowered his head slightly.
"Yes, sir," he said. Then with a smile, he slowly left the room.
Though Aryel glanced briefly at the paper in his hand, he wanted to read its contents together with his friends.
He headed toward the cafeteria to join them.
When they entered, the place was quite crowded.
Students, guild members who had completed their missions; everyone was focused on their plates, eating with appetite.
Sera, however, had stopped in her tracks.
It was the first time she had ever seen such a variety and abundance of food.
Her eyes had grown wide, filled with awe and amazement.
Aryel pulled out a chair and sat beside her.
"Won't you eat, Sera?" he asked in a gentle voice.
The little girl replied timidly:
"Am I… really allowed to eat all of this?"
Aryel smiled.
"Of course. You can eat as much as you want here.
But it would be better not to overdo it, so your stomach doesn't hurt."
While separating some of the meat from his own plate and putting it on Sera's, Vega said cheerfully:
"The more you eat, the stronger you'll get, Sera."
Sera looked at Vega with eyes full of gratitude, then slowly brought the meat to her mouth.
At her first bite, her eyes sparkled slightly.
Just then, Kael was about to place some of his own meat on her plate when Maia immediately intervened:
"Hey, that's enough! Don't pile more on her plate, she'll end up with a stomachache!"
But Maia, too, was quietly picking the fruits from her own plate and gently offering them to Sera.
Kael raised his brows:
"Then why are you giving her some?"
Aryel stepped in, turning to Sera:
"Don't try to eat everything at once, sweetheart. If you get hungry again, we'll come back. There's always food here."
Sera asked, almost in tears:
"Really? When I get hungry… I'll be able to eat?"
Kael paused. His eyes turned to the girl.
He couldn't help but ask:
"Sera… before this, when you were hungry, you couldn't eat?"
Sera lowered her head. Her face had suddenly gone pale.
"N… no," she said in a trembling voice.
"Sometimes once every two, sometimes three days… they gave me green bread.
Sometimes… I would drink the leftover soup from plates."
Vega's gaze softened, his voice almost a whisper:
"Sera… you no longer have to eat green bread or leftover soup.
Whenever you're hungry, just tell us. You're with us now. You'll never go back there again."
Kael's throat tightened.
He struggled to suppress the anger rising inside him. Moldy bread? Once every three days? How could anyone do this to a child?
At that moment, Vega's hand gently rested on Kael's. Kael flinched. He turned to Vega in surprise.
But Vega wasn't looking at him—he was still looking at Sera. Speaking softly and calmly.
Kael's face flushed slightly. He wanted to pull his hand away but stopped himself.
He realized his heartbeat was quickening. And for the first time… he didn't mind.
After leaving the cafeteria, everyone dispersed to their rooms to shake off the day's fatigue.
They would shower and rest a bit.
Aryel, however, made his friends wait for a moment.
He took out the pouch and carefully divided the gold inside into four.
After distributing it equally to everyone, he also held out one coin from his own share to Sera.
Sera stared at Aryel's face in surprise.
"W-what… is this?" she asked in a small voice.
Aryel smiled, his tone both patient and warm:
"This is gold. With it, we can buy things we need: clothes, books, food… even toys.
Whatever you like."
Sera's eyes widened and sparkled slightly.
"Really? I… I can have this?"
Kael immediately stepped forward, taking another coin from his own share and holding it out to her:
"You can have this one too. You're part of our team now.
That means you've earned it."
Sera gently took the coins.
Two tiny gleams in her palms…
For a while, she just stared at them, almost in disbelief.
Just then, Vega approached with a smile.
"Would you like to go shopping with me tomorrow?
We can get you new clothes. Maybe toys… or anything else you'd like.
And there's a really nice dessert shop. We'll go there too, alright?"
Sera nodded eagerly.
Her eyes reflected gratitude, hope, and the beginning of something new.
Aryel placed his hand on Sera's head, gently stroking her hair.
"I waited for you," he said, turning to his friends.
"If you're ready… shall we take a look at this paper now?"
They all nodded at the same time.
In their eyes shone both curiosity, and the light of a new moment to share.