This world is strange. That's the impression I got from this first little... What do I even call it? An adventure? Definitely not. A 'mishap' is much more appropriate. Perhaps I'm the strange one for thinking it's strange when everyone else believes it's normal.

I wonder if the old me would've handled this situation better than me. Silverain mentioned that he was very skilled with a sword, so maybe. I also wonder if he knew everything that I'm only just now learning.

From what Elenwyr told me, everything revolves around the Logos. There are six of them. Six different paths, each representing their own ideologies and principles. As such, there are six elemental powers from which a Wayfarer can draw power from.

For myself, I am a Tenebris Wayfarer. Elenwyr said that I can wield dark magic, but for some reason, I haven't been able to. Still, he is adamant that the Path of Tenebris has shown itself to me. Something about a lurking darkness that follows my every step, whatever that means.

Although I can't use dark magic, My control over fire is another story. Ever since Ney'Anki, the Logos of Ignis, showed himself to me, I've been able to use fire magic at will.

At this point, I'm inclined to believe that Silverain lied about me being a Tenebris Wayfarer, but I won't. I trust her. No matter what, I will always trust her.

Eventually, I made it to the outskirts of the village, where Elenwyr and his squad were waiting for me. Just like before, they were shrouded with a mask and a black cloak.

"And here we are for the final time, though not for long, I'd imagine," Elenwyr cracked a smile and said. "Sure I can't convince you to join the World Expedition?"

"I'm sure," I scoffed. "This path of mine... I want to see where it leads me."

"Haha. Thought I'd at least try. Aluria."

One of the masked soldiers walked up and handed me a black pouch with golden plates near the edge.

"A hundred gold pieces," Elenwyr said. "Should last you about two months of food, beds, and even souvenirs. Maybe three or four if you ration it well enough."

"Ah... Is this not... too much?" I gulped.

"Too much? If anything, we should be giving you a hundred times that amount for what you've done for this village, but you'd have to travel with it. So, instead, I'll offer you a favor. If you ever need anything from me, don't hesitate to ask."

"How am I supposed to call you?"

"Give us a phone call."

"...A what call...?"

He let out a lighthearted laugh. "Don't worry. You'll learn all about this world and its quirks during your travels."

"I see. Thank you, Elenwyr."

"Of course. Then, Noir... It has been a pleasure to meet 'her' disciple. I look forward to seeing you again in the future."

With that, the members of the World Expedition set off. I wonder who exactly they are. With only a handful of them, they were powerful enough to push out an entire cult of Ignis Wayfarers.

Then there's Elenwyr himself... I wonder if he's stronger than Silverain. No, I don't think so. In my mind, Silverain is the strongest, but that's just my opinion.

I look upon the dirt road that goes through farmlands and over hills. If I follow this road, it should take me somewhere. The only way to find out is to start walking.

"Alright, then," I said after a breath of air. "Off I go."

The village was certainly interesting. Not ideal, to say the least. Just interesting. For once, I'd like to relax a little. Hopefully, the next stop will grant me that.

"Noir!" shouted a familiar voice, and I immediately froze.

That voice. No way...

I turned around and was tackled by a little girl with hair like the whitest snow.

"Blanc...?" I mumbled.

"How... How could you...?" she whimpered.

Her head shot up, my heart stopped for a second, and I was struck by immediate regret. Tears rolled down her face. Although it wasn't as bad as last time, she was still crying.

"How could you just leave and not say anything?!" she whined. "You... Did you not think about me at all?"

I looked up just slightly to see Lena and Lenny watching from afar. Looks like I know why she showed up now all of a sudden.

With a deep breath, I knelt to meet Blanc's eyes. Dammit... Those are real tears.

"Why are you crying, Blanc?" I asked.

"W-what do you mean...?" she mumbled while wiping her eyes.

"You see... I'm not very good at reading emotions, so I guess I'm just trying to understand. When you cry, you're sad. Isn't that right?"

"...Yeah."

"So why are you sad?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

She let go of her face, and although it was dry of any tears, her eyes were still watery, and her nose was visibly red.

"It's because... If I hadn't come just now... if I hadn't arrived when I did... I never would've seen you again," she said. "Just the thought of it... scared me. I don't want you to go, Noir. You're important to me."

"Blanc..." I whispered.

I pulled her into my arms and held her tight.

How could I forget? What she's feeling right now is exactly what I felt when Silverain left me. Someone important... someone you care about... there for one second and gone the next. Am I so cruel that I had completely disregarded Blanc's feelings to salvage my own?

"I'm sorry," I said. "I... I wasn't thinking how it would make you feel. I just didn't want to say goodbye because I felt like it would hurt."

"You're right, though," she said. "It would hurt... just not as much as you disappearing without a word."

"I'm sorry..."

For a while, I held her in my arms. Even when I tried to let go, she clung to me, refusing to break free. I had once wondered if she would miss me when it came time for me to leave. Now, I think I know the answer.

"Noir..." she whispered.

"Yes? What is it?"

"I... want to come with you..."

"Huh? W-what?"

Suddenly, she pushed me away and took a few steps back, inhaling deeply. With a quick slap to both cheeks, she turned to face me, projecting confidence despite the tears brimming in her eyes.

"I want to come with you!" she declared. "Wherever you go, I want to follow!"

Part of me hoped I had misheard her, but now that her intentions were clear, I found myself at a loss for words.

"B-Blanc..." I stammered. "This isn't something you can decide on a whim."

"Am I not enough?" she whimpered. "I-I promise I won’t bother you! I’ll train hard to carry my own weight! O-or I can—"

"Blanc."

She flinched at the sound of her name. As she met my gaze, her head dropped in shame. Closing the distance between us, I whispered so no one else could hear.

"Truth be told, Blanc... I follow the Path of Tenebris."

Her eyes widened. "W-what...?"

"That's right. I'm sure you know what that means. I didn't choose this path, nor do I want to follow it, but it is the only path laid out in front of me. It will be dangerous, and I'm likely to encounter more people like Bishop Kain. I can't involve you in that. Please, understand."

I waited for her response, but she remained silent, her lips trembling as if there were words she wanted to say but couldn't voice. I held my ground, hoping she would grasp why I couldn't accept her sudden request.

"Even if I told you that I don't care?" she murmured.

"...What?"

Blanc took a deep breath, meeting my gaze with a resolve I never expected from her. But then again, she had endured too much to be called merely a child.

"For years, I felt lost. Even though I followed the Path of Lux, my journey was shrouded in darkness and uncertainty. It was miserable, painful, and terrifying. Countless times, I contemplated dying just to escape that torment. But then... I saw something shining brightly along that dark path... and that something... was you."

"Blanc..."

"I know it's a selfish request. But without you... I feel like I'd be lost again. Please... let me come with you."

Like Elenwyr said, the Path of Tenebris is perilous, even for someone like Silverain. There's no telling where it might lead me, and I'm not even sure I can handle it myself—let alone Blanc, who I would essentially be dragging along. I know I can't allow her to come with me... so why am I still considering it?

"Little Blanc's made her choice, kid."

I tilted my head up to see Heath and the twins standing there, watching us. But it wasn't just them—the entire village had gathered, smiling and showering me with heartfelt looks.

"Little Blanc's survived this long," Lina grinned. "You really think you'll change her mind just because you told her no?"

At that moment, I had hoped they would speak on my behalf, convincing Blanc to stay behind. Who would have guessed they would instead offer us their blessings?

I stood and met Blanc's anxious gaze, her eyes trembling with anticipation for my answer. Silverain hadn't allowed me to follow her, and I thought I could do the same for Blanc. Maybe she felt as I once did—biting back her desires to keep me safe. I never imagined it would be so difficult for me to do the same. I might come to regret this decision, but for now... I'll just be glad.

With a smile, I rested my hand on hers. "The road ahead is long. Let's go."

For a moment, Blanc stood in a daze. Then, her face transformed into the brightest smile I'd ever seen, filling my heart with warmth.

"Yeah!" she exclaimed.

She rushed over and grabbed onto the tail of my coat, using it to hide what uncontrollable smile was beneath. I couldn't help but chuckle at her excitement. As we left the village and entered the outskirts, the villagers cheered and shouted their farewells behind us.

"Safe travels, Noir!" Lenny called. "Keep Blanc safe, you hear me?!"

"Bye, Noir!" Lina added. "Don’t forget to visit!"

Eventually, the cheers faded into distant murmurs in the wind. All the while, Blanc clung to me, refusing to let go. Her eyes sparkled with color and excitement, eager to see what lies ahead. I can't say that I'm any different.

The Path of Tenebris is not a curse, but it isn't a blessing either. Neither good nor bad, righteous nor evil, I will continue until the very end. The conclusion of my story may not be ideal, but that's okay. I won't cower away. I won't turn back. I will face the nihility at the world's end, and with open arms, I will welcome it.

Onward down this aimless path, I walk... to whatever end awaits.