Chereads / Sentinels & Nightmares / Chapter 18 - Goodbyes

Chapter 18 - Goodbyes

'Such being the case, I'd be a fool to turn down such an offer. With my Teacher's reputation, there's also a smaller chance of shady dealings worming their way into my work.'

"Teacher, I agree! But I'd like to be informed of every detail regarding this matter. I don't know much about how the process will go down."

"Of course, as my Personal Disciple, I'll naturally take care of you. Do keep in mind that my philosophy goes a little like this; "Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you'll feed him for a lifetime."

"I understand!"

Once they reached an agreement, Enfred addressed the group of soldiers.

"You are all dismissed with a successful mission. I'll be letting your superiors know about your outstanding performance, expect remuneration."

Enfred smiled while a lot of the soldiers were very satisfied with the arrangements.

To have the Myriad Specter vouch for them? Although it isn't an evaluation token, it's still second to none!

"Adora, please come here," Enfred spoke up as the small group of soldiers left their vicinity.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Specter?" Adora stood at attention.

"You will be receiving an admittance Token for your excellent work. I've noticed far more beyond what you have shown today, and I believe this reward to be up to the standards you've set for yourself. We'll be departing tomorrow morning."

Adora wore a surprised expression! An Admittance Token was a grade higher than an Evaluation Token. The Usual procedure is to obtain an E.T. through merit. After the evaluation, if you passed, you'd receive the A.T.

"Thank you!" He bowed and quickly left, the excitement evident in his every step!

...

Enfred wiped out the beast horde, while setting down a Repelling Ward, all with a slight wave of his hand.

As Daniel and Enfred walked back to the center of the Village, the people around them celebrated their survival.

With these sorts of events, coming out of them with no casualties was a miracle!

Many factors were put in place in order for this to happen.

First, the training Adora put his group of soldiers through was extremely rigorous, to such a point that they could take on any challenge within their ranks.

Secondly, Enfred removed the big threats in battle, therefore all the opposition they faced was within their means.

The soldiers started packing up all of their equipment while the villagers rejoiced with their loved ones, with some even decorating the village with colorful flowers and roses.

"Daniel. Prepare yourself. I know deep down you are anxious, nervous, and fearful of the unknown." Enfred felt the fluctuations of emotions in Daniel. Though he wore a mask beautifully, it could not escape his discerning eyes.

Daniel looked at his teacher with a blank expression.

'But I'm in a world that is not my own. I am an outcast. I could really die here, without seeing my family or friends ever again.' Daniel's heart was heavy.

As they continued Daniel felt his inner emotions, his habit of introspection surfaced once more.

'If I want to survive. I'll have to push myself to start taking life seriously. I can't be lazy anymore, and even with my reluctance. I must push forward.'

His expressions morphed into determination.

'I will fight for my life. For the chance to see my family again. Who knows? Maybe I'll find a purpose here too.'

Enfred witnessed Daniel's moment of deep thought. 'This kid seriously has the workings of legends. I hope I'm able to see the day he steps onto the world stage.'

"Go spend your remaining time with your friends. We'll depart right after the twins rise."

Daniel nodded as he started walking towards the northern wall.

...

After arriving at the Northern wall, he quickly spotted Carl and Saya.

He jogged towards them.

"Hey, my evaluation is finished. I passed!" Daniel beamed a bright smile as he announced his results to the two of them.

Saya smiled back, a bright light in her eyes. "Good Job!" Her voice was sweet and a bit higher than usual.

"That's how we get things done! Looks like you've found a ticket to a great life! Seize every moment!" Carl had heartfelt admiration for Daniel. Although they weren't close acquaintances, he felt proud to know someone who would one day become famous!

"Don't forget us when you turn into a legend!" Rich was walking by when he heard Daniel speak. Thus, he decided to chime in as well.

Daniel spent the rest of the day chatting with them, letting time fly by as a result.

As the twin suns started their beautiful descent, the sky turned into a lavender purple. The clouds taking on a soft pink color as a result.

Daniel, Saya, and Carl were sitting around a little ground campfire, chatting away about random things. They had some snacks and drinks.

Eventually, the feeling of having to say goodbye gripped them.

"I have this little tradition that comes from accomplishing a difficult task, and having to say goodbye afterward." Daniel had to think carefully about how he said this since he technically had already feigned amnesia.

"I recalled this fragment of memory only because of what we are doing, and what will happen after tonight." Daniel stood and looked at his two friends, who he had grown close to over the course of the day.

Carl and Saya sensed something from Daniel. They promptly stood up as their hearts ached a bit.

Daniel looked them in the eyes and smiled.

Carl and Saya figured out what they were feeling from Daniel. Loneliness. Nostalgia.

"We'd say. "Let's grow fat with strength."" Daniel lifted his cup of Fruit Wine, as Carl and Saya did the same.

The smile on Daniel's face caused their hearts to ache gently.