Angus surveyed the aftermath, a grim satisfaction settling in his chest. "Good work, team."

The High Priestess, with a hint of sarcasm, arched an eyebrow. "And what exactly did you do to help?"

Angus smirked, sheathing his dagger. "Moral support," he replied, giving her a playful wink.

Yuta, still catching his breath, glanced between Angus and the High Priestess, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Aria, are you alright?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

Aria nodded, though she looked exhausted. "Yes, I think so," she replied,

The High Priestess stepped forward, her expression softening as she regarded Aria. "You did well, child. Your bravery and strength are a testament to the power of Soter's light."

Mother Superior approached as well, her serene demeanor unwavering. "This was a glorious victory, but the darkness will not give up so easily."

Angus nodded in agreement. "Indeed. The man we faced tonight was just a pawn. But your missionary is safe for now.”

Angus turned, his eyes scanning the clearing one last time. "It's time for me to go," he said.

Before anyone could protest, he pulled Yuta to the side. "Listen, kid," Angus said in a low voice, "there are a few things that are puzzling me."

Yuta looked up at him, confusion and curiosity mixing on his face. "What is it, Angus?"

“Why would these forces wait to seize your sister here?” Angus asked. “It would have been far easier to capture her in your village than in the temple of Soter.”

“I don’t know,” answered Yuta.

"And they used the travelers to lure her away the first time," Angus continued.

“Are you saying there is something special about the village?” Yuta asked, his eyes widening with realization.

“I’m saying, there is a reason the hermit chooses that cave,” Angus said, his tone cryptic.

Yuta opened his mouth to ask more, but Angus held up a hand to stop him. “Goodbye, Yuta. Stay vigilant.”

With that, Angus gave Yuta a firm pat on the shoulder, a gesture both reassuring and final. He stepped back, his eyes flicking to the High Priestess and Mother Superior, offering them a respectful nod. Then, without another word, he melted into the shadows, his presence lingering like a ghost in the moonlit clearing.

The High Priestess watched him go, then turned to Yuta and Aria. "It's time to go," she said softly.

Aria turned to Yuta, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She hugged him tightly, holding on as if drawing strength from her brother. "I love you, Yuta," she whispered.

"I love you too," Yuta replied, his voice choked with emotion. He watched as Aria left with the High Priestess, their figures blending into the night.

Mother Superior placed a gentle hand on Yuta's shoulder, guiding him. "Come, Yuta. I'll take you to the inn."

As he and Mother Superior walked to the inn, Yuta began to worry. He knew that whatever story Angus gave to the innkeeper to tell his parents, would not cover for him being gone this long. He imagined their worry transforming into anger, and their anger into punishment. His steps grew heavier with each passing moment, his heart pounding louder in his chest.

When they arrived at the inn, to Yuta's surprise, his mother hugged him tightly and said, "Oh, Yuta! I'm so proud of you." Her eyes glistened with pride.

Yuta blinked, taken aback by her reaction. "You... you are?"

His father stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Yuta's shoulder. "The innkeeper told us you went with Mother Superior to help at the orphanage. Such a noble thing to do, son."

Mother Superior smiled gently. "Yuta was a great help, indeed," she said, her eyes twinkling with a secret understanding.

Yuta's heart swelled with emotions—relief, pride, and a lingering unease about the secrets he kept.

Mother Superior said goodbye and left, her serene presence lingering in the room even after she had gone.

His mother hugged him again, a reassuring smile on her face. "Come, Yuta. It's been a long day. Let's get some rest."

The next morning, Yuta woke up feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside him. Despite the events of the previous night, a sense of unease still lingered in his heart. He dressed quickly, his mind filled with questions about Angus, Aria, and the mysteries surrounding his village.

After breakfast, they made their way to the temple for Aria and the other missionaries' farewell ceremony. The temple loomed ahead, its grandeur a stark contrast to the turmoil within Yuta's mind.

Inside, the temple was abuzz with activity. families gathered to bid farewell to their loved ones embarking on a sacred journey. Yuta scanned the crowd, searching for Aria among the missionaries.

As the ceremony began, Yuta's attention was drawn to the commanding figure of the high priestess presiding over the proceedings. Memories of her visit to their village with Angus flooded back, and Yuta couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their encounter than met the eye.

Throughout the ceremony, Yuta's mind raced with questions. Why had Angus chosen him to be a part of his plan? What was the true nature of the darkness that threatened Aria? And most importantly, what role did their village and the hermit's cave play in all of this?

The ceremony concluded, and Yuta, along with his mother and father, waited in the main hall of the temple to bid farewell to Aria and the other missionaries. Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the hall buzzed with a sense of anticipation and emotion as families gathered to say their goodbyes.

As his parents stood among the crowd, Yuta wandered over to the statue of Soter at the front of the hall. The serene expression on the deity's face offered a sense of comfort amidst the uncertainty that weighed heavily on Yuta's mind.

"Yuta," came a gentle voice from behind him.

Yuta looked up, startled to see the High Priestess. He had expected the High Priestess to be occupied with the farewell proceedings, not to single him out in the crowd.

"High Priestess," Yuta stammered, unsure of how to respond.

The High Priestess studied him for a moment, her wise eyes seeming to see straight through him. "Come walk with me," she said, her tone empathetic.

Yuta hesitated for a moment, taken aback by the unexpected attention from the High Priestess. Despite his uncertainty, he nodded and followed her as she gracefully made her way through the bustling hall.

As they walked, Yuta couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence in the High Priestess's presence. Her aura exuded wisdom and calmness, a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within him.

"Yuta, I know that you have many questions," the High Priestess began. "And I sense that you carry a heavy burden on your shoulders."

Yuta nodded, unable to deny the truth in her words. "Yes, High Priestess. There are so many things that trouble me, things I don't understand."

The High Priestess paused, placing a comforting hand on Yuta's shoulder. "It's natural to feel overwhelmed by the mysteries of life, especially when they involve those we love," she said, her voice filled with empathy.

Yuta looked at her, grateful for her understanding. "But what can I do? How can I find the answers I seek?" he asked.

The High Priestess smiled gently. "The journey to enlightenment is a path filled with challenges and revelations," she replied. "But remember, Yuta, you are not alone. Soter's light shines within you, guiding you through even the darkest of times."

Yuta listened intently to the High Priestess's words, her reassurance providing a glimmer of hope amidst his inner turmoil. However, as they continued their walk through the temple hall, a heavy silence settled between them, prompting Yuta to voice the doubts that had long plagued his mind.

"High Priestess," Yuta began, his voice hesitant, "I... I must admit something to you. I have struggled with my faith in Soter."

The High Priestess stopped walking, turning to face Yuta with a compassionate expression. "It is not uncommon to question one's faith, especially in times of hardship and uncertainty," she said, her tone gentle yet unwavering. "But know that doubt is a natural part of the journey towards enlightenment. "

Yuta nodded, grateful for the High Priestess's understanding. "But what if I cannot find the answers I seek? What if my doubts only grow stronger?" he asked.

The High Priestess placed a reassuring hand on Yuta's shoulder. "Trust in yourself, Yuta, and trust in the journey that lies ahead.”

"Thank you, High Priestess," Yuta said sincerely, his voice filled with gratitude.

The High Priestess smiled warmly, her wise eyes reflecting a profound sense of compassion.

"Yuta," she began, "despite your doubts, may I give you a blessing?"

"Okay," he replied. Yuta bowed his head as the High Priestess placed her hands upon his shoulders, channeling the divine energy of Soter's light.

"May the light of Soter illuminate your path, Yuta," the High Priestess intoned, her voice carrying a weight of ancient wisdom. "May it guide you through the shadows of doubt and uncertainty, and may it fill your heart with courage and clarity. May you find solace in the embrace of Soter's grace, knowing that you are never alone on your journey. May you walk with confidence, knowing that the divine light shines within you, guiding you always."

As the blessing concluded, the High Priestess withdrew her hands from Yuta's shoulders, her gaze still filled with warmth and understanding. "May Soter's light continue to guide you, Yuta," she said softly.

Yuta nodded, feeling a renewed sense of resolve stirring within him. "Thank you, High Priestess," he replied earnestly.

With a gentle smile, the High Priestess nodded in return. "Farewell for now, Yuta," she said.

As the High Priestess turned to leave, Yuta's curiosity bubbled up once more, compelling him to speak. "High Priestess," he began tentatively, "do you think Angus is more than he seems?"

The High Priestess paused, her gaze thoughtful as she regarded Yuta. "In this world, Yuta, we are all more than we seem," she replied cryptically.

Yuta pondered her words, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension swirling within him. Before he could voice any further questions, the High Priestess offered him a gentle smile. "Trust in the journey, Yuta," she said softly. "All will become clear in time."

With that, the High Priestess turned and gracefully departed, her presence lingering in the temple hall like a fleeting echo of wisdom and reassurance.

As Yuta approached his parents, he noticed a sense of solemnity in their expressions, a mixture of pride and sadness. Tears glistened in his mother's eyes as she hugged Aria tightly, while his father stood beside them, his hand resting gently on his wife's shoulder.

Yuta felt a surge of emotion welling up within him as he joined his family. He embraced Aria, his heart heavy with the realization of their impending separation. "Aria," he whispered, "take care of yourself out there."

Aria hugged him back, her arms holding him close as she whispered in return, "I will, Yuta. And you take care of yourself too."

Their embrace lingered for a moment longer, the weight of their unspoken emotions hanging in the air. Then, with a final squeeze, they parted, each stealing a glance filled with love and sorrow.

As the week passed, Yuta found himself unable to shake off the lingering questions and uncertainties that plagued his mind. Each passing day only deepened his sense of unease, driving him to seek solace and answers in the one place he never wanted to go back to—the hermit's cave.

Standing outside the cave's entrance, Yuta took a deep breath, steeling himself for the journey ahead. The air around him seemed charged with anticipation, as if the very walls of the cave held secrets waiting to be unveiled.

Clutching Angus's coin in his hand, Yuta stepped forward, his heart pounding with fear and determination. With each echoing footstep, he ventured deeper into the darkness, guided by an unspoken instinct that urged him onward.

And with that, Yuta disappeared into the depths of the hermit's cave, his fate intertwined with the secrets of his village and the enigmatic forces that had long been lurking in the shadows.