Last Heaven was named as such because it was quite likely humanity's last great city. After thousands of years of conflicts between the different races, humanity had declined with only remnants remaining scattered throughout the world.
After the last Great War, a certain kingdom's land was split between the elves and the demons leaving only a tiny patch within a mountain range for the humans. Here, a new settlement was born, and as time went on, its people feared there may not be another.
Despite all of this, after hundreds of years the old town grew into a giant city covering the land all the way to the base of the mountains. It was here that Ana lived in a tiny house along with her mother.
The girl was so pleased with her decision to help the starving boy that she forgot to even ask his name. Eventually, Ethan took it upon himself to correct her. Ana nodded and continued walking which only pissed him off.
"Hey, where are we going?"
"Home."
Ethan demanded to know why.
"There's food there."
That was all he needed to know. The rest of the journey was quiet. Eventually, they neared the edge of the city where Ana lived. It was a rural area, not exactly the slums, but not much better either.
Her home had 3 rooms and a small yard. Her parents had built it together. However, after her father's passing and her mother falling ill, the place now looked unkempt. Between caring for her mother and earning a living, Ana had little time for anything else.
She guided Ethan into one of the rooms and brought him some bread. Eons ago, he would have scoffed at the meal and the shabby conditions. But, this was a new day.
He grabbed the bread with a ferocious appetite and choked several times while shoving it down his throat. Then, he looked at the girl expectantly. She shrank back.
"Sorry, that's all we have. I'll give you more tomorrow."
"Seriously? You really are poor." Not seeing the irony of his words, Ethan stood up and examined the room. Besides a small bed and spider webs, there was nothing.
"Do you want a house? I can build you one. A barn would be better than this."
One of the girl's eyes twitched, but she kept her calm. After all these years, the walls were full of cracks and the ceiling was leaking. Even if she knew how to fix things, she didn't have the time to do it. At this thought, great sorrow filled her heart and her mood sank.
"You ok? Was that your bread? I'm so sorry. I will repay you in any way possible. Just name it and this old master will deliver."
The girl chuckled at the youth calling himself old, let alone a master. She had seen various masters within the city and none of them were as skinny as him.
"No need. Remember what I said? Just be my friend. Keep me company until you feel better, and stay in touch afterwards. I… I could use a friend."
A glint of sadness crossed Ana's face. She led a lonely life. Since her mother slept for most of the day, she couldn't even talk to her.
Ethan picked up on Ana's emotion and fell deep into thought. The girl's wish was sincere. Asking her to change it would be rude.
But, how could he be her friend? In his past life, he had killed most of his so called friends, either while competing over resources or due to meaningless squabbles.
'This is not the kind of friendship Ana wants.' As a 9th rank mage, his word was law. Going against it would even damage his soul. Therefore, there was no choice.
He ran into the other room, and in a booming voice, declared his decision.
"I have made up my mind. If you want friendship, then so be it! I will be your friend. The best damn friend there ever was! From this day forth, I Ethan Masalis will dedicate my mind, limbs, and soul towards this duty."
The girl, who had her back towards him, went stiff. A cough was heard in the room.
"How gallant. If this is your wish young man, then by all means. I leave my daughter in your capable hands."
Behind Ana, her mother slowly raised her upper body. She revealed an amused expression while her daughter turned red. Unperturbed by the situation, Ethan continued.
"Thank you Madam! I will not disappoint you."