"So that's his name," Aeron said, pinching his chin thoughtfully.
"Who really is he?" Hector demanded.
"No! I... don't want to know now," Emrys interjected.
"You're afraid you won't be able to bring yourself to fight him, aren't you?" Sage observed.
Emrys looked down, silently acknowledging Sage's words.
"Ha! You're really a good guy," Sage laughed,, his full beard dark brown beard partially obscuring his mouth.
Emrys stared at his bloody hand, his mind filled with thoughts of Lysia and her situation.
"But do you really know who he is?" Aeron asked Sage.
"Yes. To some extent. I know he's a third year student and a Hestia's resident. He's also well-known as Sleavetry." Sage replied.
"Who really are you?" Emrys asked.
"Me? Like I said earlier, I'm just a staff member who couldn't run away with my colleagues." Sage said.
"Speaking of knowing someone, we don't really know much about each other besides being hostel mates and getting along well," Aeron said. "I'd start, my full name's Aeron Weyland. I'm from the western region of Etern, specifically Quay in Nebrum. I have siblings, a younger brother and sister. When the advertisement of this school reached my city, my parents saw the boarding system as an expense saver. 'Ensure you behave well, your siblings will be behind you soon,' they said.
"There's no way I'd let my siblings come to this damned place. That's why I'll fight alongside Emrys to take down Vion Klause."
"Hector Balemoore is my full name. I come from ApexAegis in the northern region of Etern. No siblings. I'm not sure why my parents brought me here, and honestly, I don't care much. I prefer to just live in the moment."
"My full name's Corsair Archslinger. I'm from HelixHarbor in the eastern part of Etern. I have a sibling, an elder sister who attended this school five years ago. She stayed in this boarding world when it was still safe and normal. Now it's my turn, but it seems it won't be as smooth."
"What about you, warrior?" Sage asked Emrys.
"I'm Emrys Arlorias.." He told them the same things he had told Luna at the shores of Eldathren as well as Luna.
What is she doing here? Does the shogun know this? Sounds like her parent's were forced into this and I doubt the shogun knows. Also these guys, they all come from reputable lineages. Their ancestors made a name for themselves on the battlefield during the last great war. Sage sipped from his cup as he thought.
After that, Emrys lay down to sleep, but Luna insisted on cleaning and bandaging his wounds. He agreed, and she took him to the bathroom.
Five minutes later, Luna returned to the living room.
"Where's Emrys?" Hector asked.
"He's asleep now," Luna replied.
"Alright, I'm falling asleep too. Not sure when I'll wake up," Corsair said, rolling to his side.
"Me too," Aeron said, lying on the sofa.
"Same," Hector followed.
The other girls, except Luna, also went to bed, leaving her alone with Sage.
"Aren't you going to sleep as well?" Sage asked, looking at Luna.
"There'd be no one to keep you company," she replied.
"Ah, don't worry, my thoughts never bore me." He insisted.
"Oh, okay then. I'll go to sleep as well." She bowed her head and walked toward the room where the kids were sleeping.
"I see the bond you share with young Arlorias. It's beautiful," Sage said, gulping down palm wine.
Hearing this, Luna stopped and blushed.
"I-I don't know what you mean," she replied.
"The way you support each other, it's not something one sees every day," he said, putting the cup down and pouring more wine.
"What's going to happen if the time comes when neither of you can support the other anymore?" he asked, looking at her.
She looked down, trying to imagine what he said.
"I-I can't imagine that," she stammered, placing her hand on her chest.
"I see…."
"You guys won't be able to stay here for long. The raids have yet to reach here. Seeing how near it is to the small woods, this hostel could be the next target," he said, covering the keg and drinking the palm wine in the cup.
"What about you? Where will you go?" Luna asked, curiosity and worry mixed in her voice.
"Me? I have my ways," Sage replied.
…
Back at Hall Olympus, those responsible for burning the small woods returned and found Klause at the table, his back to them. He turned slowly, partially sat on the table, folded his arms, and looked at them menacingly.