— How are the kids doing? — Samael nervously asked an elderly woman who was calmly and gently leaving the barracks where the three adventurers were staying.

— How are they doing?! They’re lucky to even be sane, instructor! Luckily, they never looked at the nameless god; had they, they wouldn't be here. I must insist on your utter lack of judgment in this situation! Samael, Theosis Tharmullis are events that only the most experienced in the academy should handle. The scrolls of Massacrax recommend at least a group of 20, and even then there's no guarantee that even half will survive. These kids will carry a burden in their minds their whole lives; we might have three ticking time bombs! — The instructor told Samael in a reproachful tone, like a mother scolding her child for a major disobedience.

— I hope I don't have to attend to these kids for an issue of this gravity again! I know you have many qualities as a master instructor, Samael — with a sigh, the elderly woman lowered her voice to a more maternal tone as she addressed Samael.

— You are very wise and I respect you greatly, remember that, and stick to your responsibility as a tutor. Samael, you were not to blame for the Klein twins…! It was an accident; we, adventurers, live this life by our decisions, it was their choice, not yours —.

— Thanks, Emilia, I know, but it’s hard to get past those things, thanks… — Samael said as he clenched his fist around the three medallions recovered from the depths of the mine.

With lazy warmth, the morning sun began to push back the cold night. Efforts to bring peace after the situation the adventurers went through continued at a slightly less intense pace, but the struggle still went on. Samael, for his part, was fighting a totally different front.

— Three more platters! — said Jacob with his face buried in a meat roll.

— Make it seven! — Mina retorted, taking what was left on the table.

— I only want one, but make it expensive — Íthil took a plate of what looked like fine food.

— Companions, I must remind you that I’m just an instructor, I don’t get paid… that well — Samael told them sadly as the three kids stuffed their mouths like greedy field mice.

— Well… I guess they deserve it — Samael thought, and they continued like this for three more hours, until Samael lost his entire month’s pay.

— OK, it’s review time, kids, let’s start! Jacob, we’re starting with you — Samael said abruptly in an attempt to salvage his retirement funds.

— Yes!, on the mission I performed well, but upon initiating the encounter with the enemy, I lost my sight when trying to create a containment path with the seals. My evoker training proved to be insufficient, and I underestimated the enemy! From that moment on, I couldn’t be of help, and for this, I apologize — Jacob said as he made a deep bow to Mina and Íthil.

Samael turned to look at the other two.

— Well, you weren't a burden or an obstacle, you helped to the maximum and beyond your possibilities given the moment and situation. I couldn't react, lead them in a situation I’m supposed to be trained to handle, I apologize, dwarf — Íthil said without looking away as he placed his hand on Jacob’s shoulder. Samael then turned his gaze to Mina.

— My reaction was very strong, I let my feelings carry away my logic and the mission. My mind clouded and I failed as a warrior and as an adventurer; I also apologize — Mina confessed, placing her hand on Jacob’s other shoulder.

The memories and the moment took them back for a brief instant to that mine; they remembered the feelings of helplessness and fury they experienced. Some tears slowly turned into sobs, and without realizing it, the floor beneath their feet was stained with the sadness, frustrations, and fear of that day. Everything flowed incessantly, continuously moistening with a resonant drumming sound while Samael looked away, giving them space.

— You must look within yourselves; everything you need is there, you just haven't utilized it yet. Many adventurers give up at the first contact with something beyond their control, and they don't consider the possibility that the slightest setback has the power to turn into an uncontrollable catastrophe — Samael warned them sternly and continued.

— It’s not about power or skill; anticipate things that haven't happened yet, even if they seem absurd. Not fear, but caution. For now, I think you need more tricks up your sleeve. Jacob, Íthil, and Mina, for the next few days, will act individually, carrying out tasks assigned by the guild —.

— Yes! — they nodded as various feelings swirled within them.

For some time longer, the three kids stayed in Thar-Abbys, attending Emilia's help and recovery sessions.

— Calm down, Jacob, let the fear out of you, don’t repress it! No! You’re letting it run inside again, EXPEL IT! GET IT OUT! — Emilia told Jacob as he rested on a cot.

— AHH! — With a gasp, Jacob clenched both hands on the armchair, almost perforating it with his thumbs before falling suddenly exhausted.

— All right, that’s all for today, you three can rest, you are truly strong, what you found in the mine was no ordinary enemy, you are fortunate. However, fortune rarely smiles twice; you can go rest for today — Emilia told the three kids with a smile as they gathered their belongings.

Tring! Tring! — a little bell rang as the three kids left Instructor Emilia’s clinic.

— Wow!, I didn’t think that encounter would hurt us so much — grumbled Mina as they walked through the shopping district of Thar Abbys.

— Well, yesterday I was able to turn off the night light!, but I still didn’t sleep — chuckled Íthil, who wore his military jacket draped over his shoulders.

— Good, at least we can sleep now — Jacob and the others seemed to leave behind what they had experienced in that dark corner of the world, even though they themselves felt they carried a bit of that darkness within each of them.

— So, what will you do? — Íthil asked empathetically to his companions who only looked at him slightly strangely.

— Well, I’m going on a mission assigned by Samael; apparently, a ship sank in Evookia, and they want me to verify the reason for the sinking — Jacob commented with a smile.

— I want to go to Vael-Dragon; there’s an exam I want to take, it involves at least a month of training — Mina flexed her right arm with a smile.

— Well, you already have well-chosen plans. Hahahaha! Well, I don’t know, I think I’ll go to Dremoria, maybe I’ll try some things, if I succeed it will be fun and useful — Íthil also chuckled.

And in that plaza in Thar-Abbys, in front of a fountain, the three kids who descended into the darkness together and returned together, said goodbye, not forever, but to see each other again sometime, of course.