On the night of the Tetrasan Tournament, Arlan tried talking to Iris but Hector stopped him before he could. Hector handed Arlan a letter written by Iris and said, “Iris understands why you had to do what you did. But she doesn’t wish to see you anymore. Everything is in the letter.”

Arlan nodded and accepted the letter. After Arlan returned to his room that night after celebrating with his family, he opened Iris’ letter. Inside the letter, Iris wrote, “Dear Arlan, I knew one day this would come. We both enjoyed the moments that we spent together though. It was magical and I fell in love with you. But our duties beckon that we go our separate ways. We weren’t meant to be and as much as I wish I could just run away with you, there are too many that depend on both me and you. I hope you understand that after tonight, I cannot see you anymore. My heart just wouldn’t survive looking at you. I’ll always love you despite which direction our paths may take. I pray to Numen for your happiness. Always yours, Iris Hawkwell.”

We both knew, Iris. I never thought I could feel this way for someone. But nonetheless, this hurts. It hurts even knowing it was coming.

A single tear fell on the letter signifying Arlan was losing to his emotions. He had felt the pain of losing soldiers before but this was another type of pain. There were no inhibitors to stop his emotions, no regulators to help him deal with his own emotions. There was nothing but frustration and sadness.

Arlan steeled his resolve and wiped his tears away.

I have to keep moving forward. The lives of many depend on my well being. My own personal desires have no place in my life right now.

Four months had passed since the Tetrasan Tournament and it was the final ceremony for all the students to graduate or advance to the next year. Ever since Arlan won the Tetrasan Tournament, everyone in Midland knew his name. Even notable figures in other nearby countries knew of Arlan. He was potentially the next King of Midland afterall.

Ever since the Tetrasan Tournament, the young lion hadn’t said a word to Iris, the two treat each other as strangers without ever saying a word. They were never paired up again as sparring partners and Iris even broke off ties with Katalina and Marie.

Arlan spent his last four months finishing his lessons with the Headmistress and passing his final tests for his classes. He’d also spend a few weekends as an adventurer taking up difficult monster bounties with JD. The two would spend countless time together as JD was now Arlan’s most trusted.

The entire academy knew of Iris and Arlan’s separation. This meant that many girls attempted to approach Arlan. While the young lion was now officially betrothed, many tried to approach him to become his mistress. But with so much on his mind, he turned them all down. Arlan wasn’t really fond of having a mistress either.

It was the morning of the graduation ceremony for first-years. Arlan was reading reports and letters sent to him from the Eastvale Trade Company, Count Emile, and Ser Jocko. Arlan used this information system to govern his territory remotely, direct the Eastvale Trade Company, and assist Count Emile with policies and other matters.

The Eastvale Trade Company provided intelligence reports from many different aspects regarding Arlan’s operations. The Umbras were spies and agents trained by a Master Assassin that Count Emile had sent over. They served one purpose, for Arlan’s needs of subterfuge and reconnaissance. They were adept at non-combat related matters but were trained to assist the Banner of the Claw in battles as a special operations unit. There were currently sixteen Umbras working for Arlan. All of whom have gone through an intense selection process.

The Umbras were handpicked by Arlan based on their backgrounds, lack of families, talents, fighting abilities and loyalty to Midland. The shadowy agents either reported directly to Arlan via encrypted letters or passed on their reports in person to Jovann who compiled a weekly report to Arlan.

The Eastvale Trade Company also expanded its markets and operations greatly in the recent four months. It was now responsible for half of the ore trade in Midland’s North. This was due to the monopoly control over Galmora’s ore exports. The Galmora Mine provided an abundance of iron, silver, and abasite ore.

Abasite ore is used to create blacksteel ingots by heating it with iron and coal. Abasite was quite uncommon throughout Midland but nowhere near as rare or expensive as mithril. The only issue was that blacksteel armor and weapons were too heavy to be wielded efficiently by most.

Count Emile sent Arlan reports of military expansions of all houses, the economic status in the Northeastern Region, political shifts in Midland and nearby Kingdoms, any secrets or intelligence gathered from Count Emile’s spies, and more. The reports were detailed and were only given to Arlan from a trusted party of Heracul Knights, sometimes Count Emile would visit Katalina and hand the reports personally to Arlan.

Ser Jocko sent Arlan mostly updates regarding the expansion of his domain. Aside from the increased prosperity, the town was now growing at an abnormal rate. It now housed two-thousand residents. Up from the nine-hundred when Arlan left for Lancel High Academy.

Galmora’s expansion was only possible because of the enlarged quarry and improved lumber mill. Not needing to import construction materials was a massive bonus. Most of Galmora’s construction projects had enough manpower but lacked the materials. And now Galmora didn’t need to wait on the imports to arrive. Instead, they were able to supply their own construction projects completely. From the required manpower, gold, and materials.

The Banner of the Claw was now a battalion with two companies of three platoons each. Trent, Erin, Dimitri, and Lem were all promoted to lieutenants, the lowest officer rank in the Midland Army. Trent led A Company which consisted of the original first three platoons. Erin was his second-in-command. Dimitri led B Company which consisted of the fourth platoon and two newly trained platoons, fifth and sixth. Lem assisted Dimitri as his second-in-command. New platoon leaders and squad leaders were chosen throughout the banner.

The young lion finished writing his final letter and handed it off to a kneeling woman elf before him. The elf donned a black hood and cloak that hid most of her features. The elf was an Umbra.

“Give this to Jovann,” ordered Arlan.

“By your command,” answered the Umbra who quickly disappeared into the hall. After the elf disappeared, Helga and Lynn entered the room with his school uniform. It was time for the graduation ceremony.

During this month, all four prestigious academies across Midland would graduate their third-years and advance their underclassmen. This was the graduation ceremony. Arlan was used to these ceremonies when he would receive promotions and medals back on Terra.

After changing into his school uniform, the young lion left for the carriage outside. JD was already outside organizing four other Heracul Knights to accompany them as an escort. Katalina and Marie were waiting inside the carriage. Arlan knew a scolding was coming since he kept them a five minutes late.

Here it comes.

Once Arlan entered the carriage, Marie’s voice piped up, “You’re usually punctual but… The one time you choose to be late is during our graduation ceremony!”

“I’m sorry,” apologized Arlan, “I had a report come in at the last minute that needed my attention.”

Katalina smiled and added, “It’s okay Arlan, we both know you’ve got a lot on your plate. Marie is just being her usual self.”

Marie giggled and poked at Arlan again, “The future King of Midland here everybody, watch out!”

Arlan barely mustered a smile back. Marie noticed and dropped her humor. She wore a serious face and asked, “Arlan, it’s been a few months. You still haven’t talked to Iris, right?”

“Not since the tournament,” answered Arlan.

“I’m sorry to hear,” acknowledged Marie, “Do you still miss her?”

Yes, of course I do.

Arlan lied, “No, I don’t. I’m alright, Marie. Thanks for asking though.”

Both Marie and Katalina were worried for Arlan. They figured he would’ve said yes. But they both chose not to pursue the matter anymore. The carriage left the manor shortly after and drove through the streets of Auron.

They reached the same gate they stepped through on their first day as first years. This would be the last time they’d enter as first-years. Many other students and their families filed through into the training field that was converted into a seating area. Count Emile and Duke Louis were already in the stands. Many different figures and houses were here as well. The Headmistress was on stage with the many different instructors. There were three ceremonies throughout that week and this was the last one. Each year had their own ceremony. The third-years had a special one.

By their class rank, the students filled the white chairs that lined the field while the families took their seats to the stands on each side. The young lion took the rightmost seat at the front row as he was still the rank-one student. The chair next to him was empty for the time being. Katalina and Marie took their seats left of the empty chair as they were ranked third and fourth in their class.

The empty chair between Arlan and Katalina was meant for the rank-two student. That student was Iris Hawkwell. This would be the first time Arlan and Katalina would be so close to Iris since the Tetrasan Tournament.

Arlan’s mind was filled with different scenarios of what Iris would do. Whether or not she would acknowledge him or even say anything to him. The young lion was a bit nervous. A faint and familiar rose-like smell took over.

The young lion’s heart raced. Arlan could not forget the snow-white hair and red eyes. The beautiful lips that he tasted before. She was now before him, taking her rightful seat as the rank-two first-year. After she sat down, Arlan could tell she was wearing a fake smile and her eyes held bags under them.

Arlan couldn’t help but blurt out, “Hey.”

Iris barely muttered back, “Hello.”

She must be going through a lot.

The two former lovers greeted each other but said no more. The ceremony was now starting with Iris in her seat. The crowd silenced themselves as Lady Dafni took to the front of the makeshift stage.

The Headmistress announced with wind magic loudly, “We shall now commence the graduation ceremony!”

Applause erupted throughout the field as the Headmistress raised her hand to regain silence.

“Today, we gather here to usher these young students forth,” stated Lady Dafni with presence, “They’ve completed their first year of higher education and intense training here at our institution. Many have grown into fine young adults. These students are your sons and daughters or your brothers and sisters, be proud of their accomplishments as they honor you with their dedication and hard work. Congratulations, As of today, you are all now second-years! I will see you in four months for the beginning of the fall semester.”

After the Headmistress finished her speech, all the students rose and bowed before their instructors who left the stage. The ceremony ended with a choir singing the Midland Anthem. Cheers and sighs of relief erupted all over the student area. Arlan was about to say something to Iris but she immediately left for her family without saying a word.

The two Reeves exchanged a glance. The young lion expected as much anyway. Arlan, Katalina, and Marie returned to the manor to see both the Balans and Reeves had gathered to celebrate their son and daughters’ achievements. It was a small gathering of only family and certain closer individuals.

A week after the graduation ceremony, Marie, Katalina, Arlan, and JD arrived back in Galdo City. They were escorted by their maids and Heracul Knights. Arlan even tasked two Umbras to follow behind a distance when leaving Auron City but dismissed them upon arriving at Galdo City.

The Reeves and JD returned to Highmane while Marie returned to the Balan’s Manor. It was the start of summer and the warm cloudless sky blessed their journey back. Galdo City had grown a bit as well since the first time Arlan had set foot in the majestic city for the first time.

Arlan was part of the reason Galdo City was prospering as well. The trade route between Galmora to Galdera and then to Galdo was generating massive revenue. It also fueled a massive boon in the local economy.

Arlan, Katalina, and JD arrived inside Highmane’s courtyard and were immediately greeted by Count Emile and Countess Vivia. Behind Count Emile was the Head Butler Norman.

Count Emile exclaimed, “Welcome home, Katalina. You as well, Arlan.”

“Daddy!” yelled Katalina as she embraced both her parents.

Countess Vivia warmly smiled and commented, “Oh my, Katalina, we just saw you a few days ago!”

“I know,” acknowledged Katalina, “But it's different when I’m home with you both.”

“Oh, Arlan,” said Count Emile, “Come with me.”

Arlan followed his uncle to the main hall. Behind Arlan was Katalina, JD, Countess Vivia and Katherine.

Something is off.

Norman opened the door to the main hall and inside laid a feast with Duke Louis, Lady Dafni, King Richard, Queen Margaret, Count Daxton, Duke Frank, and Instructor Dink. Everyone yelled, “Surprise!”

Arlan almost assumed a defensive stance but caught himself before he did. He was confused at what the surprise was. Everyone started to sing to Arlan. The young lion heard the singing and instantly knew what was going on.

Oh, it’s my fifteenth birthday. Well, they call it bornday here on Althea. The 12th Day, 5th Month of 1241 Mundeas marks one year since I’ve come to Galdo City.

After the singing, Duke Louis said, “My boy, you’re now fifteen. It’s been a year since you’ve arrived through these halls. I’m so proud to call you my son even if you don’t carry an ounce of my blood.”

“Thank you, father,” said Arlan as he bowed.

I’m surprised at who is here for my bornday and how they were able to keep this a secret from me. Even King Richard is here with Queen Margaret.

“Rise and thank your guest as well,” commanded Duke Louis.

“Everyone,” announced Arlan, “Thank you for coming to celebrate my bornday. I wish only that you all enjoy your day in my name.”

Applause and cheers rang throughout the hall. The same hall that Arlan was adopted as a Reeve one year ago. The young lion far surpassed expectations as a Reeve since then.

The festivities started and it was only noon. Throughout Highmane was full of celebrations and enjoyment. Arlan was eating silently at his table as he looked at the people in the hall. There were people in this room who truly loved him.

He felt fortunate to be surrounded by such circumstances but he couldn’t help but feel something that brought him down. Arlan excused himself to the balcony right above the main hall. It was only the young lion on the balcony, the same balcony where he shared a moment with Iris on.

I miss Iris. I miss my men back on Terra. I wonder if they’re even still alive.

Tears slid down from Arlan’s eyes. His heart longed to see the people that he could not reach. The young lion could hear incoming footsteps so he immediately wiped his tears away. A girl in a majestic golden dress with crimson hair approached the young lion and stood to his left while looking out from the balcony.

I know who you are.

“Princess Emmeline,” stated Arlan as he bowed, “Welcome to Highmane.”

“Thank you, for your hospitality,” replied Princess Emmeline, “And also, thank you for winning the Tetrasan Tournament in my honor, Baron Arlan Reeve.”

“It’s my pleasure,” commented Arlan with suave.

“I figured it was time we meet since my father has declared you as my fiance,” said Princess Emmeline.

“I’m truly sorry,” apologized Arlan, “But I have no desire to be King nor did I want to be declared your betrothed. I mean no insult to you.”

Princess Emmeline was not phased and responded, “I know and it’s alright. I have no romantic interest in you, Arlan Reeve but I desire the peaceful resolution of our marriage.”

She’s so straight and blunt. I didn’t expect that. She’s willing to look over her personal feelings for the sake of Midland. Interesting.

“That’s admirable,” stated Arlan, “But I doubt our marriage will be enough to stop the rebellion.”

“I know, which is why I requested to come here with my father.”

“You requested to come here?”

“Yes, I wanted to meet the revered Arlan Reeve who won the hearts of many, including the King.”

“I see well I hope I’ve been able to satisfy your curiosity.”

“You’re quite different than I thought. I figured you to be a bit more stuck up and arrogant. So yes, I think you pass the bare minimum of not being an obnoxious noble. Quite different from the usual rabble.”

Arlan let out a small laugh and noted, “Thanks… I guess?”

Princess Emmeline smiled but her smile was quickly replaced by the serious face she wore before. After a short pause, the princess inquired more into Arlan, “I know of your previous relationship with Iris. But I hope you understand that it's for the best that you don’t think of her anymore. Think of the people who rely on us to safeguard Midland.”

“I’m already willing to. I’ve spent the last four months disregarding my own personal desires for the sake of Midland’s stability.”

“I’m glad you see the importance of our predicament. So will you be willing to stay my betrothed?”

“Yes, for now. Until we can figure out another solution, this is the best course of action.”

“Thank you, Arlan. I’m starting to find you quite interesting.”

As the festivities started to die down, many of the guest left Arlan gifts. It was mostly gold or a few different ornaments here and there. The gold would be added as a surplus to Arlan’s treasury for Galmora. The young lion had a special arrangement today.

Aside from his bornday, today was suppose to be the day that the orphans would reunite in Galdo City and visit the orphanage to see Miss Petrah. Arlan and JD waited at the north gate for their friends. It was only an hour past noon.

Chrysta, Wren, and Noah arrived first. They had traveled straight from Galmora. Chrysta embraced Arlan first. “Arlan, I’m so sorry,” Chrysta said sympathetically, “I’m so sorry about what happened with Iris.”

“It’s alright. It’s no biggie,” stated Arlan. Noah and Wren both gave Arlan a pat on the shoulder, signifying their support. Sayla, and Layla appeared at the gate, almost unrecognizable but they heard of Arlan’s exploits and immediately addressed him as Baron Arlan.

The young lion reassured his old three friends to continue calling him Arlan. The sky was clear and they seven of them were the only ones who agreed to come. They left Galdo City north on foot.

Arlan felt a sense of nostalgia since the rest of them were reunited for the first time in two years. The roads were filled with travelers and after an hour, they arrived at the cobblestone bridge that Arlan was ambushed at a year ago. The area didn’t look too different.

As they traveled, they continued to enjoy each other’s company and to catch up with Sayla and Layla who had been working with the merchant union as apprentices. Their lives were uneventful but comfortable.

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Sayla or Layla. I remember playing many different games with them at the orphanage.

They continued on the path towards Tudora, the north most bordertown of Midland. But the path would split before reaching Tudora and direct them to the orphanage. They all talked about what gifts they brought with them for Miss Petrah and their reunion.

Arlan was beginning to feel a bit of excitement. He was going to show Miss Petrah all of his accomplishments.

All of this was possible because of Miss Petrah’s care and love over the two years I lived there.

Noah stated, “I cannot wait to tell Miss Petrah that I can speak just fine! What about you, Chrysta?”

Chrysta smiled, “I’m going to show her my magic I’ve learned.”

JD added, “I’ve become a Knight. I’m sure Miss Petrah will be proud.”

Sayla shared her thoughts as well, “I’ve been working hard at my apprenticeship. So Layla and I saved up some money and we bought her a wine bottle.”

Layla smiled and pointed to her bottle she held.

Lastly, Wren said, “I’m really glad most of us came back to see her. I think Doyle is in the south so he couldn’t come but this is most of us.”

“Agreed,” said Chrysta and JD.

The party arrived at the sign stating Tudora was north and Galdo City was south. The orphanage was a mere fifteen minute walk. They turned on the path towards the manor that they all once grew up in.

The excitement that they all wore nose dived out of them. Chrysta’s face lost it’s color. Sayla and Layla screamed. Arlan and JD couldn’t believe what they saw in the direction of the orphanage. There was nothing but black smoke rising in the distance.

What the fuck is going on? This area is suppose to have no monsters!

“What if- what if it’s just a fire that Miss Petrah put on?” asked Chrysta as she chopped up her words.

“We need to go, hurry!” ordered Arlan. The party sprinted forth toward the smoke.

As they got closer, the smell of fire and burnt flesh erupted into the air. As soon as Arlan noticed this, he ordered for Sayla and Layla to stay back while Arlan, JD, Noah, Wren, and Chrysta charged forth. They were best suited for combat.

JD said as they ran, “Arlan! That smell… Is it what I think it is?”

Arlan nodded yes.

I’ll never forget that stench.

Chrysta knew what JD meant. Her facial expression was steeled but her tears fell down from her eyes despite her attempts to hold back from crying. Finally, after two minutes of running, Sayla and Layla hid in the trees on the path while the rest of them arrived in front of the orphanage they all had grown up from.

The sight before them twisted their heart and gut. Chrysta couldn’t help but cry while Wren threw up. JD, Noah, and Arlan felt immense rage pile up. Before them was a huge ember engulfing the once beautiful manor.

In front of the manor were men in white and blue steel armor hauling mangled bodies of orphans into a pile. The party knew most of the orphans before leaving but with the way the bodies were, they were unrecognizable. That wasn’t all. Tied to a stake, was a mangled and beaten Miss Petrah. Her feet had been cut off at the ankles. Her naked and bruised body meant she had been raped.

Arlan’s heart no longer existed in that moment. “JD, Chrysta, Noah, Wren. I want you all to help Miss Petrah and look for any surviving orphans.”

“Arlan! What about those men?” asked JD.

“I’ll deal with it.” stated Arlan coldly.

The young lion had already counted ten men. They hadn’t noticed Arlan and his party yet. The young lion activated [Undying Zeal] and maxed his strength and speed. He drew his mithril longsword and dashed forth. The others knew were running up as well, they didn’t doubt Arlan.

Arlan’s heart was like the blazing manor, engulfed in flames of pure rage. The young lion reached the first two soldiers next to Miss Petrah who was still alive. They cut off her feet to prevent her from running to the orphans. The soldiers felt a cold sweat as they turned to see Arlan’s eyes and felt his killing intent.

The young lion’s hatred was the only thing in his heart at that moment. Revenge were his only thoughts in his mind. Hatred and revenge drove his longsword forth. Before the pair of soldiers could react, Arlan had swung at both their thighs with a horizontal swing.

The swing was so fast and clean that they fell to their backs while their legs from below their knees were still planted on the ground. As they hit the ground, they stared at half their legs before them and their feet. They didn’t even realize what had happened until it was too late. Arlan slashed his sword four times at the two legless soldiers and their arms were sliced from their shoulders.

They both screamed in pain and fear. This alerted the other eight soldiers nearby and prompting them to draw their swords and charge towards Arlan. Four were approaching him from his left while the other four were on his right. They were only twelve meters away.

The young lion reacted by sprinting to the right most soldier and activated [Titan Strike] horizontally from the right. The steel armor made no difference. The attack shotgunned into Arlan’s target on the right and turned the soldier into a mist of blood.

This blood sprayed forth into the remaining three on the right. The young lion spent no time waiting, he deflected the first swing at him with his mithril longsword and drew his steel dagger with his left hand while thrusting it into his opponent’s stomach. The steel dagger penetrated into the steel chainmail and disemboweled him.

The soldier was still alive but was reaching for his intestines in an attempt to put it back in. Arlan continued on to the next and the other two soldiers held fear in their eyes and couldn’t act at all. Arlan exuded the most fearful murderous aura he had ever let out.

Arlan capitalized on their fear and used his teal blade to decapitate both them with two quick swings. The rose red blood sprayed outward. The young lion continued onward with the remaining four.

JD and Chrysta arrived at Miss Petrah and Chrysta casted a few basic heal spells on her legs where the soldiers slashed her legs off. Wren and Noah took off their jackets and covered her body.

While the four of them continued to do so, screams could be heard. It was the soldiers being mutilated horribly by Arlan. The sheer anger drove his conviction to kill his opponents the way he did.

There were still two soldiers gargling on their own blood nearby who were missing their arms and bottom half of their legs. Arlan took away their limbs and left them on the ground to bleed out. JD wasn’t horrified but Chrysta was, she couldn’t stand the sight of it and turned away back to Miss Petrah.

Miss Petrah was unconscious and barely hanging on to her life. She had lost a lot of blood and her body had been cut, beatened, and abused. After ten seconds, it was quiet. Arlan had finished off the remaining soldiers. There were no screams in the direction that Arlan had fought but the sounds of the fire devouring the manor and gargling from the two limbless soldiers.

The young lion walked over and no one dared to say a word to Arlan as he dragged the two limbless soldiers towards the fire. The soldiers were protesting to spare them or kill them swiftly.

Arlan threw the two limbless soldiers near the fire and stated, “I’ll make it fast if you tell me who you are and why you attacked this orphanage.”

“The Swora! We’re with the Swora Let me go! Kill him if you have to! My family will pay you- please don’t kill me! Argh, my arms!” answered one of the limbless soldiers.

Arlan obliged the soldier who talked and threw the quiet limbless soldiers right at the edge of the fire, burning the soldier’s stubble legs first. After a few seconds, the soldier wasn’t quite anymore and tried to push himself away from the fire as it spread throughout his body. It was a slow and painful death.

“Why did you attack this orphanage?” asked Arlan.

The soldier saw what happened and immediately answered, “We were ordered to pose as mercenaries and attack! I swear it! I’m from the Swora Army! Please spare me!”

JD and Noah felt the same anger and hatred as they watched Arlan slowly penetrate his teal longsword into the limbless soldier’s forehead. At first, random gibberish was being thrown out as the longsword penetrated the brain at a slow speed but soldier’s eyes rolled back into his head and died.

No one felt remorse for the perpetrators. Arlan walked over to the mangled and dismembered bodies of the orphans. He fell to his knees and dropped his longsword. His head dove into his blood covered hands. Their painful deaths now engrained in his mind and heart.

Sayla and Layla caught up and immediately fell to their knees crying out loudly. They sobbed uncontrollably. No one said a word. Well, there wasn’t anything that any of them could say. No one could make any sense of the violence before them.

After a minute, Miss Petrah’s eyes finally opened. “Miss Petrah!” yelled Chrysta as she held her only mom. Everyone instantly bolted over to Chrysta and Wren. Miss Petrah smiled at seeing her children she had sent off to live their lives. “My… kids. You came back like you… like you said you would.”

Sorrow and pain streamed down everyone’s eyes.

“We came back to see you!” stated Chrysta as she managed a smile through her tears.

Miss Petrah looked around at the scene before her and understood the situation clearly, “Everyone, ple-please listen to me.”

“Of course,” said JD with a raspy voice.

Miss Petrah continued with a weak voice, “The man that was here was my husband, he died during the war with the orc tribes. He wanted a big family but I was never able to bear a child. So I hoped that if I ran this orphanage, I’d be able to fulfill his love for a big family. So every child who never leaves here motherless. I am forever your mother. Promise me that you will live great lives.”

“We will, mom. We promise.” stated Wren as he cried loudly right after.

“You’re a big boy now, Wren, don’t-don’t cry,” said Miss Petrah barely as she coughed up a little blood.

Arlan couldn’t help but remember the first time he saw Miss Petrah. Her touch, her love, her cooking, and her smile. They all flashed through his mind and heart, putting his fury to rest.

Noah cried out, “Miss Petrah! I’ll always remember you.”

Miss Petrah kept her smile up and continued, “Noah, you can speak without any issues now. And Chrysta, that was you healing me, wasn’t it? JD, I see you’re in armor, I bet you became a Knight.”

Miss Petrah finally caught eyes with Arlan who also had tears streaming down. Arlan loved Miss Petrah so much.

“Arlan, I’ve heard of your achievements… I-I know you’re trying to protect everyone… And I know you can do it,” proclaimed Miss Petrah.

“I can’t, mom. I failed to protect you! You and this orphanage were what I wanted to protect ever since I arrived here that day.” cried out Arlan who lost his composure. He dove his head down sobbing.

Miss Petrah raised her right hand and patted Arlan. She said, “It’s alright, Ar. You can do it. I always… knew… you cou…”

“MISS PETRAH!” cried Chrysta.

The hand that rested over Arlan’s head now dropped lifelessly to the ground. A blank stare now resided on Miss Petrah’s face with no smile. Not a single response to everyone crying out for her.

I failed. I failed to protect Miss Petrah. I failed to protect this orphanage. The only mom I ever knew… is now gone.