Goodbyes in All Forms (Part 3)

Chapter 28

Goodbyes in All Forms (Part 2)

Dynil squinted against the morning sun as he approached the docks. 

The salty air carried the faint creaks of the massive blue ship, [Titana], its hull so enormous it looked like it was swallowing the sea itself. Yet his attention wasn't on the ship—it was on the figure waiting near its gangplank. 

Yena Laoischt. 

The leader of the new escort group stood out like a shadow on a snowy field. Half-lycanthrope, her dominant aura radiated through her battle-worn frame.

Despite being only twenty-three, ten years as Dynil's junior, her presence was suffocating, a byproduct of her battles across Penon, the continent where demon raids were fiercest. 

Dynil hesitated as he approached. Why is someone like her here? he thought. 

Yena's reputation preceded her, and it was rare for the leader of [Watchdog] to separate from their pack. 

"Ma'am," Dynil saluted, his voice crisp as he reported, "fifty-seven children are ready to board." 

Yena didn't reply immediately. She flipped her mane-like black hair back, her sharp orange eyes glinting as she scanned him. 

Dynil tensed under her piercing gaze, but it wasn't her stare that unsettled him—it was her murmuring. 

A prayer? 

He could barely make it out, but her words were odd, almost pleading. Did she just ask for calm?

Yena abruptly straightened, sniffing the air. Her expression sharpened, her voice a low growl. "Huh? I smell a demon." 

Dynil froze, his stomach dropping. Nameless…? His mind raced. But another thought struck him. What if it's not her? What if there are other demons among us?

He glanced toward the distant group of children approaching the docks. His fists clenched as Yena suddenly moved. 

In a blur, she leapt into the air, vaulting over the sentry guards with ease. She landed among the children with a resounding crack, the wooden dock splintering beneath her feet. 

Dynil didn't follow. Nameless didn't give me orders to protect anyone, he reminded himself, his jaw tight. 

Whatever happened now was out of his hands. 

The children stumbled back in surprise, but there was no fear in their wide eyes. Instead, four figures stepped forward: Ynez, Keith, Loyd, and Royce. Their instincts kicked in as they blocked the younger children from Yena's imposing figure. 

Eliron was already standing at the forefront. Calm and collected, the small dragon didn't flinch under Yena's intense scrutiny. 

"Huh?" Yena sniffed again, her brow furrowing. "The smell faded…" Her gaze locked onto Eliron, and a sharp grin spread across her face. "Ah, could it be? You must've killed plenty of demons, little drago—" 

She froze mid-sentence, her grin vanishing as her nose twitched again. This time, her eyes shifted past Eliron and landed squarely on Royce. 

Her expression changed. "It's not mana… It's blood," she muttered. Yena's voice lowered. "You're not a demon, but you reek of their blood. Seems you've killed plenty of them." 

Royce's innocent facade cracked, his cold amber eyes glaring back at her without flinching. 

Yena smirked. "Good. I like your eyes." 

The other children shrank back slightly, cautious but unafraid. Royce, however, didn't back down. His voice was steady but cold as he said, "We're survivors. I thought you were here to help us. What is this?" 

Yena exhaled and withdrew her oppressive aura. She shrugged, a sly grin tugging at her lips. "Relax. I was just conducting my own investigation." 

Her words had barely settled when another ripple of unease swept through the group. 

A cloaked figure descended from a nearby rooftop, landing smoothly among them. The black cloak swirled like liquid shadow around his tall frame. 

"Ayu!" 

Royce's roar broke through the tension as the cloaked figure pointed directly at her. But the red-haired was stopped by the watchdog. 

The children parted instinctively as the figure tilted his head, his face partially obscured beneath messy hair. Cool blue eyes stared straight at Ayu. 

"She has pure gold mana. A priestess," the man murmured, his voice calm but carrying a weight that made everyone go rigid. His lips curved into a small, almost amused smile. "Or a saintess?" 

Ayu stumbled back, clutching the twins' hands tightly, making sure that their their cover wouldn't be blown away. Her breath hitched, face pale as the weight of the revelation bore down on the group. 

Even Yena Laoischt faltered, her sharp orange eyes narrowing as she assessed the brunette girl.

The air was heavy, charged with tension. No one moved. No one spoke. 

Creaaak-!

An old door echoed in the quiet air as Nameless stepped out of the inn. 

The morning light touched her face, but her golden eyes remained distant. She pulled her cloak tighter, shielding herself from the biting cold that swept through Efascht. 

Behind her, Lucas, the innkeeper, leaned against the doorframe, watching her with a fond smile. "You know, you're always welcome here. No one's been coming to Efascht lately, not with the seas acting up and the Winter Whale sightings." 

Nameless turned slightly, offering a playful smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'll keep that in mind, Mister Lucas." 

She waved lazily and set off down the quiet streets. Efascht Central was unusually calm, the usual bustling trade and chatter replaced by an eerie stillness. 

In the heart of the square stood the Felic Tree, its ancient branches stretching toward the heavens. 

Its bark gleamed faintly, exuding waves of holy mana that pulsed through the area like a heartbeat. The golden energy blanketed the surroundings, a quiet reminder of the goddess's blessing. 

Nameless stopped. 

Its gentle light brushed against her, and she flinched, her body stiffening. She felt it immediately—the Felic Tree's mana probing her, sensing the incongruity within her golden aura. The holy energy recoiled slightly as if it recognized the unnatural cover she wore. 

Then, it moved. 

Holy mana began to pull away, trying to strip the transformation magic that shielded her true nature. 

Nameless's fingers twitched. 

Before the Felic Tree could unweave her disguise, she reached inward, tugging her magic tightly back into place. The holy energy faltered, hesitating as if confused. Then, unexpectedly, it shifted. 

The tree's mana poured into her, strengthening her illusion instead. 

Nameless chuckled softly, her lips curving into a faint smile. What a gullible thing. 

Though she wasn't the true saintess, the pact she had made with Ayu allowed her to borrow holy power from relics like this. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough to keep the facade intact as if Ayu was keeping it. 

Her gaze lingered on the Felic Tree. 

Now that Ayu's safe, this should hold. Just as the saintess foresaw, they'll leave the children alone once they realize her identity. Distraction is a powerful thing.

Acting as the saintess had always been her plan since Ayu remained by her side, but now that there's a separation, it couldn't be helped to be discovered.

But it wasn't for naught.

Nameless displayed precise control and use of holy power in the land of Gashu, if they investigate at least the demons will be confused between Ayu and I...

She sighed, the weight of her thoughts heavy despite the strengthening light around her. The holy power solidified, hardening the cover that made her look like what she wasn't. 

"You're not going to see them off?" 

The voice came from behind her, low and steady. 

Nameless didn't need to turn to recognize him. "I already did." 

Thermes stepped into her peripheral view, his armor gleaming faintly under the holy light. He crossed his arms, his gaze steady on her. "Doesn't seem like it." 

Nameless tilted her head, her expression playful but unreadable. "What do you want, Old Mister Thermes?" 

He didn't respond immediately, his sharp eyes scanning her. "Just wondering why someone so insistent on staying looks like she's the one being left behind." 

Nameless laughed softly, turning away. "You think too much." 

Her footsteps carried her further down the path, leaving Thermes watching her retreating figure in silence. The holy light of the Felic Tree flickered, its ancient energy wrapping the area in warmth. 

But the warmth didn't reach either of them. 

However...

"Come on," he said, his voice steady but unusually gentle as he followed her.

Nameless tilted her head, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. "Come on what?"

Before she could take a step back, the old warrior moved. With surprising speed, Thermes swept her off her feet, his strong arms lifting her effortlessly.

"Wha—hey!" Nameless protested, squirming. "Put me down, Old Mister!"

Ignoring her protests, he leaped into the air, his powerful legs propelling them onto a nearby rooftop. The wind rushed past, and Nameless's cloak fluttered as they landed smoothly.

From their elevated perch, the docks came into view. The massive blue ship, Titana, floated like a leviathan on the water, its hull gleaming under the morning sun. The scene below was a flurry of movement as sentry guards, escorts, and children scrambled about, finalizing preparations for departure.

Nameless stilled, her protests dying in her throat.

Her sharp eyes immediately spotted Ayu amidst the crowd, the little girl being fussed over by a cluster of people. A fine, heavy cloak was draped over Ayu's small shoulders, its rich fabric contrasting against her delicate frame.

Dynil stood nearby, his expression a mix of surprise and exasperation at everyone who passed him by and entertained Ayu.

Nameless's lips twitched. Dynil always did hate being caught off guard, seeing his surprised face she almost laughed.

The girl turned away, ready to leave the bittersweet sight behind, when Thermes raised a hand.

"Look," he said simply, his tone firm but not unkind.

The air around them shifted, a ripple of power flowing outward as his magic activated. A faint golden glow enveloped his hand, illuminating their perch with a soft, otherworldly light.

The display of light magic resonated across the distance, catching the attention of those at the docks. 

Nameless's breath hitched, her gaze trailing down. 

"Huh..."

Her disguise faltered.

Orange eyes, the crafted color of her holy facade, flickered. For the briefest moment, her real eyes—brilliant pink like cherry blossoms under moonlight—pierced through her cover.

Her heart clenched at the sight that met her.

Down by the docks, the children had formed a line. Together, they bowed their heads toward Efascht, the weight of their collective gratitude heavy in the air. It was no mere gesture; it was a symbol of their thanks, their respect, and their quiet farewell to the place and being that had sheltered them, however briefly.

Nameless froze. The image burned itself into her mind.

They knew.

Even without words, even if they had never said it aloud, they understood. The lives they now carried— the freedom they would embrace beyond the sea —were because of her.

Her hands curled into fists at her sides, hidden beneath her cloak.

She could feel the Felic Tree's holy mana weaving tighter around her disguise, as though to protect her from breaking further. Yet, the raw emotion swelling in her chest threatened to unravel her composure.

Thermes, standing beside her, remained silent. He didn't need to say anything.

Nameless finally exhaled, a soft sound that carried no weight but marked the release of a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

She stepped back, the flicker of pink fading as her magic reasserted itself.

"They'll be fine," she said, her voice steadier than she felt.

Thermes glanced at her, his eyes narrowing slightly, but he didn't press further. Instead, he simply nodded, his presence as steady as ever.

Nameless turned away from the docks, her pace unhurried as she descended from the rooftop with his help. Her steps were light, as if the moment had both burdened and unburdened her in equal measure.

Behind her, the Titana began to move, its massive sails unfurling as the ship began its journey. The children's figures grew smaller and smaller as the distance between them widened.

Nameless didn't look back again. She didn't need to.