The Squad Five barracks felt different today.
The air was heavier, as if the walls themselves understood what was happening. This wasn't just another mission. This was a departure.
A farewell that might last forever.
Modred. Fenrick. Xeraniel.
Their black Valkary cloaks made them look like shadows standing apart from their former squadmates. They were leaving not just Squad Five, but their old lives.
And before they left, they had to say goodbye.
---
The sun was setting over the training grounds.
Arden stood alone, watching the city below. The fading orange light reflected in her dark hair, giving her an almost ethereal glow.
Xeraniel approached with his usual cocky smirk.
"You're really gonna stand there looking all dramatic like some tragic heroine?"
Arden exhaled sharply, not turning around. "You're really leaving."
Xeraniel leaned against the railing beside her. "You say that like I'm dying."
She glanced at him. "You might as well be."
The smirk on Xeraniel's lips faltered—just slightly.
Arden sighed, crossing her arms. "You always annoyed me, but… it's going to be weird without you around."
Xeraniel raised an eyebrow. "So you are gonna miss me?"
Arden scoffed. "Not a chance."
A beat of silence.
Then, Xeraniel chuckled. "Tch. Try not to cry too much when I'm gone."
Arden rolled her eyes. "Just don't get yourself killed, idiot."
Xeraniel turned away, grinning. "You too, Princess."
And just like that, he was gone.
Arden exhaled, shaking her head. "Damn idiot."
---
The Fenris household stood near the outskirts of the city, quiet and sturdy, just like the man who ruled it.
Garron Fenris, Fenrick's father, waited outside. The mountain of a man stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
Fenrick stepped forward, his usual cold confidence flickering.
"You're leaving," Garron said.
Fenrick nodded. "Yeah."
His mother and younger sister, Emily, stood behind his father. Emily's eyes were already swollen from crying.
"You're such an idiot!" she shouted, rushing at him. "Why do you always have to throw yourself into danger?"
Fenrick chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Because I'm good at it."
Emily pouted through her tears. "You're the worst."
His mother stepped forward, placing a shaking hand on his arm.
"Do you really have to go?"
Fenrick's golden eyes softened, just for a moment.
"Yeah. I do."
Garron grunted, stepping forward.
"Then take this."
He unwrapped a bundle of leather gloves—thick, darkened by age, but still carried a powerful aura.
"These gloves have been in our family for generations," Garron said. "They will enhance your strength, but remember—power is nothing without control."
Fenrick slid the gloves on. They fit perfectly.
"...Thanks, old man."
His mother hugged him tightly. "Come back alive."
Emily clung to his side. "You better."
Fenrick smirked. "I will."
Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.
And he never looked back.
---
Aisha stood by the entrance of the barracks, her hands clenched into fists.
Her usual sharp wit was gone. Her eyes were red, her breathing uneven.
"So it's true," she murmured.
Modred remained silent.
Aisha let out a shaky laugh. "You weren't even going to tell me, were you?"
"...No."
Her voice broke. "Damn it, Modred."
Tears streamed down her face. But she smiled.
"I should've known," she whispered. "You always act like you don't care."
Modred's fingers twitched.
Then—he moved.
Before she could react, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
Aisha froze.
"...Modred?"
His voice was low.
"I'll return."
Aisha let out a quiet sob.
"You better."
---
Near the city gates, Ana, Jean, Luna, and Draven waited.
Jean sighed, arms crossed. "So this is it, huh?"
Ana smirked. "We'll probably see each other again. Unless you idiots die first."
Xeraniel grinned. "Please. I'm too good-looking to die."
Jean rolled his eyes. "You're actually the worst."
Then, Luna suddenly threw her arms around Modred.
"You idiot!" she sobbed. "You're always so reckless!"
Modred hesitated—then, gently patted her head.
His voice was cold. But his small smile was warm.
"The next time we meet… we'll all be stronger."
Luna wiped her eyes, sniffing. "Promise?"
A beat of silence.
Then, Xeraniel stepped forward. "Not just him. All of us."
Jean exhaled. "Yeah. We'll train. We'll be ready."
Ana smirked. "Next time, we'll be the ones catching up to you guys."
Luna nodded firmly. "We all promise."
The air between them shifted.
Something unspoken—something deeper than words—tied them together.
No matter how much time passed…
They would meet again.
Stronger than before.
---
Just as the moment turned serious, Draven suddenly stepped forward.
And then—he patted Modred on the head.
Modred froze.
Xeraniel choked on his own laughter. "Oh my god."
Jean covered his mouth, trying not to lose it.
Ana straight-up fell over laughing.
Draven grinned. "Take care of yourself, Captain."
Modred slowly turned to glare at him.
"...You have three seconds to move your hand."
Draven chuckled, stepping back. "Relax. It was a gesture of respect."
Xeraniel gasped for breath. "Respect my ass! That was hilarious!"
Luna wiped away tears—from laughter this time.
Even Fenrick smirked.
And for just a moment, the weight of the farewell lifted.
---
They turned toward the open road.
Dante was waiting. "You done with your sentimental crap?"
No one answered.
They simply walked past him, their black cloaks flowing behind them.
Dante sighed. "Tch. Let's go."
The Valkary had begun their march.
And Squad Five watched them disappear into the horizon.