Set to depart

Samuel, witnessing the child making such a bold statement, decides that fighting over a matter already out of his hands is a waste of time. He stretches his hand and concedes.

"Alright, go on ahead. Make sure you do everything you're told, and watch out for a woman named Diana. We used to serve together with her and your brother back in our day as captains. She was the one assigning us to missions and the one responsible for training recruits."

Nodding resolutely with a gaze fixed on Samuel's eyes, Cedric takes the outstretched hand presumed to be a handshake, not able to predict the pull. This hulking beast of an uncle wraps him for the last time in a crushing bear hug.

Separating from his uncle, struggling to breathe properly, Cedric turns to see his father, shaking hands with his brother, giving a salute to the escort squad, and the secretary assigned to his uncle. They proceed onwards to platform number 13 where a small vessel is parked, with a giant hammer striking an anvil depicted on its side. On the welcoming banner draped above the entrance to boarding the vessel is the same image.

As they arrive at their destination, Cedric turns to his father. This time, the man does not pull him into a hug but instead offers him a firm handshake. Meeting his father's unwavering gaze with one of his own, Cedric can't help but crack a smile.

"Now you won't have a victim to torture every time you lose Sunday night bingo with your buddies."

Rodrick, appreciating the quip, proceeds to do as he believes any father in his position would.

After a quick lesson about the Bladehart family's secret techniques, which lasted a minute but felt like an hour to Cedric, the duo separates. Each turning towards their destined path. Cedric proceeds to show the guard, dressed in red and black void-knight armor, his I.D card granted to him by his father before leaving.

Cedric takes a moment to appreciate the fine craftsmanship covering the knight. The man's armor is covered with a glowing hexagonal pattern flowing in a seamless transition over the soldier's entire body.

As Cedric passes through the entrance of the vessel, he is greeted by a peculiar sight. Couches placed all around the ship, with a mini-bar filled with snacks nestled beside the couch attached right below the window. The interior of this ship seems to have been adapted for comfort, rather than the military transport ship he initially expected. Cedric, dropping his backpack, sits himself right beside the oval-shaped window, spanning the entire side of the vessel.

Staring out over at the station proper, he notices his goofball father, arm stretched over his uncle's shoulder, waving over at the vessel he now sat in. Smiling, Cedric takes a moment to reflect upon his decision. After affirming his conviction, Cedric's face now serious. He proclaims:

"I will not let you down, father. I will come back stronger to protect you. You're all I have left."