I found myself wandering along the outskirts of the village. I didn't know why—only that I had already taken too long to return. They would be angry with me, so I decided to delay it a little longer.
My aimless steps eventually led me back to the lookout. Because of how close it was to the village, I always ended up here whenever I drifted without purpose.
Pathetic. Yes. That's what I was.
How many times have I told you not to be such a weakling?I tried. I truly did. I pushed myself harder than anyone.
Leave. Don't waste my time.
It was my fault. I had never been good enough. That was all there was to it. But if there was one thing I wanted to say, then maybe it was—
Shut up.
The word felt refreshing as it left my lips.
I was sorry, Father. It wasn't personal. I just needed silence.
Even after clearing my head, my chest wouldn't settle. Why did losing to Rivingar affect me so deeply? It had only happened once. I still held the advantage.
My face tightened. No. I couldn't cry.
You don't have time to waste. Stop crying.
I had always lived like that.
"Smile. You're still too young to wear an expression like that."
A voice I didn't recognize spoke from behind me.
I turned to see a woman standing there, her smile wide and unwavering.
"Well, I didn't expect to find anyone here," I said awkwardly. "Are you new to the area, miss?"
I scratched the back of my head, suddenly aware of my nerves.
She stared at me—slowly, thoroughly—as if dissecting me piece by piece. Then she raised both hands to her face and, with the tips of her fingers, gently pulled her lips outward.
"Like this," she said softly. "Smile. I'd like you to help me with a small problem… and it worries me to see you like that."
I mirrored her expression. A fake smile.
"Perfect."
"So… what do you need?"
"This village is called Torune, isn't it?"
"Yes. That's right."
"Then perhaps you're a descendant of Gale Luminaris?"
Gale Luminaris.
The surname was mine, yet the name meant nothing to me.
"I'm sorry. You must be mistaken."
"Fujuju…" She giggled lightly. "Perhaps I used a name that's too old. What about Almadir Luminaris? Or Abalon Luminaris?"
"I still don't understand what you're getting at."
"I thought one of those names might prompt a reaction. But it's simple enough to tell from your white hair—a trait of your lineage."
"…Is that so?"
"Yes. Then I suppose it's time I introduce myself." She placed a hand over her chest. "I am Medianne of Joy. I came to this village out of curiosity, accompanied by a friend."
"I'm Abel Luminaris. Nice to meet you."
Her gaze drifted past me, scanning the darkness beyond the lookout. Her smile never faltered.
Then something emerged.
"Did you find something?" she asked.
"No," came a calm reply. "This is… troublesome."
A tall man stepped forward. He had black hair—just like Rivingar's.
That alone felt strange. Almost everyone in the village was blond. Rivingar and I were exceptions… just like our parents.
Perhaps that was the peculiarity she meant.
The man exhaled deeply and approached me.
"What's wrong?" he asked. "You haven't stopped staring at us with that face."
That face? Had I stopped smiling again?
"It's nothing. I apologize if I've made you uncomfortable."
"Don't lie," he said evenly. "I can sense your unrest."
His hand rested on my shoulder—firm, grounding.
"It's just something small," I muttered. "Something pathetic."
"I don't know if it will help," he said, "but I am Niro of Tranquility. I will listen."
For reasons I couldn't explain, his words eased the tension in my chest.
"I have a friend," I said quietly. "We spar all the time with practice weapons. I've always beaten him. But today… he defeated me."
I clenched my fists.
"When he pushed back, I felt happy. But when he won… I couldn't stop feeling frustrated."
I looked down at the ground.
"I'm pathetic, aren't I?"
Ever since that loss, my father's voice hadn't left my head. Even when Rivingar worried about me… it never stopped.
"So," Niro said, "you're afraid of becoming weak."
"…I think so."
"That's simple," he replied. "I'll give you the power you need so you'll never feel weak again."
Power?
That was impossible. And yet his voice was calm—steady—comforting.
"Thank you," I said, "but I'm not naïve enough to believe words alone can make me strong."
Niro sighed and glanced at Medianne.
"What he means," she said sweetly, "is that you'll form a pact with him. That way, weakness will no longer trouble you."
"A pact…? Is that really possible?"
"Of course," she said. "After all, we are angels."
A gentle breeze swept through the lookout.
Moonlight poured down, and wings revealed themselves behind them—brilliant, otherworldly.
"Just remember how you felt earlier," Medianne continued. "When you said that word. Shut up."
The memory brought warmth to my chest. Calm. Relief.
If I accepted this power… maybe my father's voice would finally disappear.
"I'll do it."
"A wise choice," Medianne said. "Niro, proceed."
"Yes."
Niro extended his hand. Golden circles of light formed in his palm.
I placed my hand over his.
The light twisted, spreading across my body.
Pain surged—every nerve screamed—but when I met his gaze, I understood.
It wasn't pain.
It was my mind resisting.
The light soothed me, peeling away my fear, my doubts, and my burdens.
Then, suddenly, it faded.
"That's enough for now," Niro said. "If we push further, your body won't endure it."
"…Am I stronger?"
"Fujuju… There's no need to doubt it," Medianne replied. "Why not confirm it tomorrow? All your worries will vanish."
"I understand. Thank you… for listening."
"It's time we part ways," Niro said. "Tomorrow, we'll finalize the pact."
"Alright. See you tomorrow."
Niro raised a hand in farewell.
Medianne stepped beside him and waved gently, smiling all the while.
As they vanished into the night, only one thought remained in my mind.
Tomorrow, I will defeat Rivingar.