"Where's Rethrus?" the teacher asked, scanning the row of students.

 

Aethra, standing proudly at the front, turned to him. "He's still missing," he replied, concern evident in his tone.

 

"Where's Rethrus?" murmured some of the students as they searched for him in the bustling center of the hall. Despite the ongoing celebration, his absence left an air of curiosity and unease.

 

Tok, tok, tok. A rhythmic knock echoed through the corridor outside Rethrus's room.

 

"Rethrus, Rethrus, Sir, the recognition and graduation ceremony is about to start. Your presence is already needed," called out a fellow student. The door led to a dark room, spotless and eerily quiet, the stillness contrasting the lively festivities in the palace.

 

A young man draped in a black cloak sat at the edge of a cliff, gazing at the sun as it descended beyond the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and crimson. The air was still, heavy with the anticipation of what lay ahead.

 

"Rethrus," a green-haired figure called out to him from behind.

 

"Hmmmm," he responded without turning, his gaze still locked on the fading light.

 

"We're all ready," another voice chimed in—a blonde young man with a claymore strapped to his back, his tone steady and certain.

 

Rethrus lingered for a moment, watching the last rays of sunlight dip below the horizon. Rising slowly, he dusted himself off and turned to join the group. 

"So this is it," he thought, a mix of determination and acceptance weighing on him.

 

"Nice, we're really gonna go," a goblin exclaimed, excitement radiating from his small frame as he raised a gauntleted fist in the air.

 

"Blob blob blob," a slime bounced joyfully at their feet, its enthusiasm contagious.

 

"Haaaa," Rethrus exhaled deeply, letting the moment settle over him. A small, confident smile crossed his face.

 

"Let's go," he said, his voice resolute as he stepped forward, the group rallying behind him toward the journey ahead.