The sun had long disappeared beneath the horizon, and the moon now stood watch over the quiet village. So far, the night had passed without incident, but I wouldn't trust those bastards not to linger in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

That's why I've been pacing the village for hours, my eyes scanning every corner. Occasionally, I'd spot members of the World Expedition—those masked figures patrolling with a sense of purpose. Unlike the priests, their presence was almost reassuring, a rare comfort in a place that's been crawling with danger.

As the night deepened, everything fell into stillness. The streets emptied, and the village became a ghost town, filled only with the sound of the howling wind and the distant chirping of nocturnal critters. I found myself wondering why people sleep at night.

It seems odd to me. After all, I sleep whenever I feel the need. At least, I used to—before I left the cave. Now, I can’t afford that luxury. With Blanc awake during the day, I've had to stay alert, constantly watching over her to make sure nothing happens.

She's safe now. I keep telling myself that, trying to convince my mind of the fact. But it doesn't quiet the nagging thought that she didn't deserve any of what she's been through. Had I left the cave earlier, maybe I could've stopped it sooner—spared her from the worst of it.

But then again... if I had left days earlier, I would've missed crucial time in Silverain's training. And let’s not forget Elenwy's role. Without them, would I have even won? The more I think about it, the clearer it becomes. Regret is pointless. What's done is done, and I have to live with that truth. There's no changing it, no matter how much I dwell on it.

"Ugh! W-wait! I—" the frantic voice came to a sudden halt at the sound of a slash.

I ran over to a nearby alleyway and froze as soon as I saw who was there. It was Elenwyr, and he was holding a bloodstained sword at his waist. In front of him was the lifeless body of a priest leaning against the wall with blood oozing into a puddle beneath.

He turned his head to look at me, and that cold, dead stare made me flinch. His blue eyes were radiating brightly. An inexplicable gust of cold wind rushed past me. It was a sharp contrast to the kindness he showed to me and Blanc back at the tavern.

"Oh, dear," he said. "I'm sorry that you had to see this."

Elwnwyr hands sprung aglow with a cloud of frost. When he waved it, a layer of ice covered the body. It was so thick that the body was no longer visible. He then snapped his fingers, and immediately after, the ice block shattered into a million shards. The body... was gone.

"I caught onto a straggling priest muttering to himself," Elenwyr said. "Seems he had a bit more in his mind than just hiding, so I decided to confront him. Of course, our exchange wasn't pleasant, to say the least. And the result, well... You just saw it for yourself. Now, enlighten me, Noir. What brings you to lurk around beneath the moon's grace?"

"Same as you, though..." I looked back at the frozen dirt where the body used to be. "I'm not sure if I would've used the same method."

"Is that so? I try to keep my hands clean as much as possible, but sometimes... my emotions get the better of me. Do you pity him?"

"Not at all. What they did here was unforgivable. Still, should there not be a valid reason to take someone's life?"

Elenwyr let out a soft chuckle as he sheathed his blade. "Of course there should. No life is worth taking without probable cause. In that case, I would like to hear your opinion, Noir."

"...Mine?"

"That's right. You've been in this village for a short while, haven't you? For you to get involved with Bishop Kain, you must've heard a thing or two. Are you familiar with Clarisse Lugrant?"

"Madam Claire?"

"Indeed, that is what the villagers call her. She was also a very good friend of mine. We attended a Wayfarer's academy together. Apparently, she had been dead for three years, and I had not known until recently. The Crimsheart Church must've done their due diligence to hide her tragic death. Tell me, Noir. My reaction... My desire to kill every single one of these 'priests...' Do you think it is justified?"

Although he had already sheathed his sword, his hand was still firmly gripped upon the handle. I know that feeling. After all, I experienced it many times over the course of just this week. I can only imagine the way I felt when I saw Blanc being mistreated is the same for Elenwyr in regards to Madam Claire.

"I can't say for sure since I don't know much about what can or can't be justified," I said. "But I will say... If it had happened to Blanc, I would've had the same reaction."

"Hah. Is that so?"

His eyes trailed downwards as if to study me.

"Allow me to ask you another question, Noir," he said. "How did a young traveler like you end up in this village, fighting an uphill battle against someone as dangerous as Sanctus? You didn't even know that he was a Thrall, and I find that hard to believe. The Aetolian Thralls are known throughout Altera as one of the most dangerous terrorisist organizations. It's nothing short of a miracle that someone like you wouldn't have known."

"Well, I quite literally woke up in a cave without my memories, so there's that," I replied.

"Hm... In a cave, you say? For how long?"

"Three or so years. Why do you ask?"

He reached his hand up to pinch his chin as a smile formed. "Three years... You know, I was quite curious about you, but I didn't think it was necessary to bring it up in front of the others. Your hair tie and your sword... A butterfly gilded with silver. By chance, are you familiar with a certain woman named Silverain?"

Immediately, I jumped back out into the empty street with my hand tightly wrapping around the handle of my sheathed sword.

"And here I was wondering what she had been doing for the past three years," Elenwyr stepped out and said. "I don't blame you for being so cautious. It is a fair reaction. As it should be for anyone who is associated with that criminal."

"What do you want...?" I muttered cautiously.

"Nothing at all. Just one more question, if you will. Silverain... How is she?"

For a moment, my guard dropped, but I immediately stiffened my stance once more.

"Why do you need to know?" I asked.

"Haha. I see you are ready to risk your life for her," Elenwyr laughed. "That's good."

He reached into the collar of his shirt and pulled out a necklace. My eyes widened at the sight of a butterfly... gilded with silver. It was the same exact design as the hilt of my sword and the hair tie that Silverain gave me.

"You see, Noir... Despite our differences in ideologies, she and I are quite good friends," he said. "Well... I'm not sure if she considers me as a friend. Hard to tell with her. That stance you're holding... Silverain taught it to you, didn't she?"

Elenwyr moved his feet and grabbed his sword, showing the exact same stance that I was holding. So I wasn't imagining it before. I noticed it when he was facing Kain, but I didn't think much of it at the time.

"Relax, my friend," he chuckled as he sheathed his sword. "The gap between our swordsmanship is extremely wide. Trust me. If I was really that bothered about your association with Silverain, you wouldn't be standing so confidently right now."

"Is that a good enough reason for me to lower my guard?" I asked.

"Not at all, and I commend you for asking. I know you are capable. Despite the glaring difference between you and Sanctus, you still chose to challenge him. After all, the Ignis represents undying passion and determination. It makes sense why you follow that path. Ah, but I digress. I fear I may have caused you enough trouble for one night."

He began walking towards me, and even though I was ready to draw my blade, I kept perfectly still as he passed me by.

Incredible. I could swing my sword at any given moment, yet he's treading so close to me without a care. Is he really that confident? Or does he believe that I am so weak?

Weak... That's what I am. Had it not been for Elenwyr, I may have died.

"Wait," I said.

Elenwyr's footsteps ceased. "Haha. I was wondering why I ran into you at this hour. Were you seeking me out all along?"

I let go of my sword and turned to meet his eyes. Suddenly, all the tension I felt just then had washed away. That look in his eyes... reminded me of Silverain.

"Walk with me," he said.