The days feel long and slow at the same time. It's only when Silverain is with me that forego the concept of time and enjoy the moment with her.

Every so often, she returns, showing me something new from the outside world. She taught me how to use a sword, read me books about the most random things, and brought me food and water. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen as often as I would like it to.

Like every other time, she has to go, leaving me alone in the cave. It's not that bad. After a while, my eyes began to adjust, and the darkness that once surrounded me faded away. The walls became visible. I could see the way out, but never have I treaded long enough to see the light at the other end of the tunnel.

Sometimes, I do wonder what it was like outside. From what Silverain describes, there are plains filled with green grass, seas of crashing blue tides, and forests of the most magical colors.

As much as I wanted to see them for myself, I wanted to see Silverain more. So, I stayed, rolled up in my little corner until she returned.

"Hey, Silverain?" I called out while lying on her lap.

"What is it, Darling?" she answered.

"Will there... Will there ever come a day when I won't see you anymore?"

"Hm? Of course there will. One day, I will reach the end of the Path of Tenebris. There, the nothingness that awaits me will take me in, and I will become one with the void."

"But... I don't want you to go."

For a moment, there was silence. I know it's selfish of me to say this, but I have to say it, regardless if 'they' are listening. Silverain cares about me. Is it wrong for me to say that I care about her as well?

"To be honest, this... 'path.' I don't really care for it," I said. "I will follow it only because you told me to, but... One thing's for sure, it won't end in the way that 'they' want it to. I'm not even sure what that path is."

"You'll know, Darling," she smiled. "The Paths of the Logos are only as clear as the minds of the person who walks upon its hollowed trails. Even our path, which is supposed to lead to nothingness, can be the most beautiful thing you could ever witness, but how are we supposed to know if we do not follow it?"

"I don't know... But still, I don't think this will play out like you imagined. Because for me, there is something beyond the so-called nothingness."

"And what might that be?"

"...Y-you..."

Silverain let out a soft chuckle. She then dropped her hand on my head and gently brushed her fingers through my hair.

"You misunderstand, Darling," she said. "The Path of Tenebris is not a curse, but it isn't a blessing either. The same could be said about the other paths as well. While it is true that we never chose to walk such a path, it is still a path that we must follow. Neither good nor bad, righteous nor evil, we will continue until the very end. The conclusion of our story may not be ideal, but that's okay. We won't cower away. We won't turn back. We will face the nihility at the world's end, and with open arms, we will welcome it. That's all we can do, but at the very least, we'll do it together. How does that sound?"

Those words echoed in my head, as if my mind was subconsciously safeguarding them. I don't like it. I don't think I ever will. However, if Silverain wants me to... then I will follow it to whatever end awaits me.

"If you so..." I mumbled.

"Don't be too sad, Darling," she smiled. "It won't happen any time soon. I've been given... a certain responsibility, you see."

"A responsibility? What is it?"

"Hehe. That certainly flew over your head, didn't it? I'm a busy woman, you see, but I would be remiss to forget an extremely important task. My little darling is stuck in a cave all by himself. It wouldn't be appropriate of me to abandon him, now would it?"

That alone was enough to ease my mind. I'm glad she's staying with me, but I still worry about her resolve to leisurely face her end. It's not right at all.

Before I knew it, three years had passed. I don't actually know if it has been exactly three years, but that's what Silverain told me. It's not like I have any other choice but to believe it.

Over that long period of time, Silverain continued to take care of me. Through her guidance, I honed my swordsman, but no matter how hard I tried, I could never beat her in a duel. It never discouraged me, though. I've long since accepted the fact that I will never surpass Silverain.

Sometimes, she brought something other than bread, like sandwiches, meat, and something called... mushroom stew. Some of them were good while others were less-than-stellar, to say the least. I didn't mind at all, because no matter what she brought, I enjoyed it as long as I ate it with her.

Time passed by quickly, not that I could tell either way. I shouldn't waste another second thinking about the past. Silverain will be here soon. If she sees me slacking off, I'm gonna get another earful.

From the ground, I picked up the sword that I had been using for the past three years. At this point, it's almost fully covered in rust. The blade can barely handle another hit from Silverain. I'd imagine it would simply shatter if we clashed again.

Nonetheless, I swung it around and practiced my footwork, always mindful of everything that Silverain taught me. Before long, sweat began to drip from my head, then my body.

I pulled up my shirt and wiped my face. The airflow here is getting warmer and warmer by the day. Summer must be approaching. I learned that there are seasons that dictate the weather in the outside world. Silverain would mention them whenever it changed, and I would learn by how hot or cold it felt.

"Oh, my," an alluring voice echoed from the other end of the cave. "Showing off your body, are you? You're not even an adult yet, and you're already trying to seduce a woman. Quite scandalous, don't you think, Darling?"

"Quit making jokes like that, Silverain," I sighed. "Like you said, I'm not an adult yet. It's weird."

"Hehe, oops. I can't help it."

I dropped my shirt and glanced over, surprised to see that Silverain was carrying several bags in her hands.

"Ah, let me help," I said as I rushed over.

"Oh. Thank you, Darling," she smiled as I took them. "My hands were getting a bit numb from the long journey up here."

"What even is all of this?"

"Curious, aren't you? Today's meal will be extra special. Light a fire, and let me get started."

I rested the bags on the ground. One of the bags had a bunch of small sticks, so I used them to start the fire while Silverain set up some kind of contraction. It was a stand with a flat surface hanging directly above the flames.

"What's this supposed to be?" I asked.

"Trust me, Darling," she winked. "You're gonna love this."

From another bag, she took out a pot and rested it on the surface. She then poured water into the pot until it was filled to the brim.

"Are you... cooking?" I scoffed.

"Why did you say it like that...?" she muttered.

"I-I didn't mean it like that! I was just—

"Hah! I'm kidding, Darling. Quite the surprise, hm? But yes, I am cooking. One could say that I am somewhat of a master in the arts of culinary. Watch carefully. You might learn a thing or two."

I watched meticulously as Silverain began adding a bunch of ingredients to the water, changing its color along the way. From a large assortment of vegetables to random spices, she kept them coming while I stirred the pot.

"Alright, done," she sighed with contentment. "Have a taste."

With the ladle, I scooped up a small spoonful and sipped the broth.

"W-whoa..." I gasped. "It's delicious."

"Right?" she smiled. "Go on. Have as much as you want."

We enjoyed the meal together while Silverain told me how her day went. It was my first time eating something besides bread, but I genuinely liked it.

"By the way, why the special occasion?" I asked. "I remember you once told me that your wallet wasn't in the best condition. Did that change?"

"Hm... Not really," she said. "I just thought I'd do something nice for you since... this will be your last day here."

My hands froze as soon as I was ready to take another bite.

"...What...?" I mumbled.

Silverain rested her bowl on the ground and looked at me with sincerity.

"That's right, Darling," she said. "First thing tomorrow morning, I will be taking you outside of this cave."