-    Three weeks earlier    -

Unmapped location, to the East of the Central Continent

“Ililith, tell me… For how long have you been by my side?”

Oblivion’s voice is calm, as he gazes over the edge of the cliff, lost in thought.

“For nine years, Master,” the girl replies, sheathing her sword. Curious eyes meet his. “Why do you ask?”

Oblivion is a mercenary — the world’s strongest. Undefeated in combat, his name is known and feared throughout the whole world. He’s the sort of mercenary kings would hire to end a long-drawn war in the span of a single night.

Nobody knows his name, not even his closest companions. But Ililith doesn’t mind. “Master” did the job, said everything it needed to.

“I’ve been thinking,” he says. “I will be gone for a while…”

The girl’s eyes narrow. She doesn’t like the sound of that. Oblivion’s missions have started taking longer, his absence growing harder and harder to accept. Every time he left, she would remain at the Secluded Castle, a fortress at the edge of the continent. It wasn’t a bad place, in all honesty, but even with the hundreds of maids there, it started feeling empty. Three years ago, Rosa left. After she was gone, Oblivion remained her only family…

“For how long this time, Master?”

“For a very long time. Longer than ever before.”

“But why…?”

“There is something I must do.”

“Then take me with you, Master! Please! I promise I won’t be a hindrance, I—!”

“No. Not this time, Ili. This time I must go alone.”

“Then… What am I supposed to do?”

Tears start falling down the girl’s cheeks, as she holds onto her master’s hand, afraid to let go.

“You could remain at the Secluded Castle, as always…”

She remains silent, softly letting go of his hand.

“But, if you don’t want that,”

The words make her heart pause for a moment. ‘I shouldn’t get my hopes up, it’s probably nothing…’ But, deep in her heart, she knew otherwise.

“If I don’t want that, then what, Master?”

“Then, I’ll allow you to go and look for Rosa.”

Ili’s eyes widen and her breath catches in her throat. She remains speechless for a few moments.

“Rosa? I—... where? What should I—... How?”

“Last I heard of her, she was somewhere deep inside the Iron Gates Kingdom.”

“The Iron Gates…? B-But, why is she there? Why… Why did she leave? Why didn’t she say anything…! Not even a goodbye…”

“I’m afraid that isn’t something for me to answer.”

Ili looks at him, her mouth slightly agape. “I—...”

“Listen. I cannot promise you that finding her will bring you joy. Rosa… She might be far different from what you remember. But, if you truly wish to go, then I won’t hold you back.”

It’s getting harder to breathe. The previous calm just crashed down onto her soul, drowning Ili under its weight. She doesn’t know how to answer. She can’t answer…

It’s alright.

Warm arms wrap around her, pulling her into a hug. The noises stop, turning into a peaceful abyss.

No matter where you are, know that you’ll never be alone. I’ll always be by your side, protecting you. No matter what you choose, you’ll always be my prized apprentice… But, if you go after her, and you meet her… Tell her I say hello, alright?

This isn’t a goodbye. We’ll meet again, sooner than you think. But, until then, stay strong. And, always remember,

You’ll never be alone.

The warmth slowly leaves her body. It all feels as if it was just a dream. The physical contact from before is nowhere to be found. Opening her eyes, she finds herself alone, in the darkness of the night.

“Master..?” 

No response. 

In the grass in front of her, a sole rose stands, glowing faintly in the moonlight. Its thorns sting her hand as she picks it up. But, she doesn’t mind, even as blood trickles down her fingers.

She wipes her tears, placing the rose gently inside her pouch.

“Rosa…”