What a long night it had been for the people of Aurora City. Going about their normal, everyday lives, they had never wished for more than that. Though, among them, like everyone else, there were a few who sought riches and wanted to rise from their position in life, but the overall population was content.

The attack on the academy shook that peace they once had.

At first, what seemed, or could be mistaken as, an accident, instead turned out to be a large assault by an unnamed group. For the people who lived within the city, the attack on the academy was still something to be worried about but they were able to care to a certain extent.

No, what the true problem was, were the number of dead guards found under the barracks. The deaths numbered at over one hundred. Out of the five barracks within the city, the two largest were taken out, no survivors were found. Over one hundred full time guards were killed, with more and more bodies being taken out, the count came ever closer to two hundred.

The losses suffered by the academy was only one person, the young teacher who was stabbed by the controlled sword instructor. Upon the release of the dagger's effects, thanks to the efforts of the headmaster, the sword instructor immediately attempted to resign.

The headmaster stepped in to stop him, telling him that it wasn't his fault. "As the headmaster I will take responsibility for his death. It was due to my negligence that he fell into the trap. If anything, I'd like you to continue teaching the students. Losing another teacher at times like this, it would be hard to find a replacement."

The two members of Krestfall, taken down by the Thirteenth and Francis, were arrested and being held until forces from the capital came to lead them over. Two bodies, out of the five that assaulted the academy, were found and also taken. The city was still in search for the two members, one of which, had taken away the headmaster's magical capabilities for sometime.

The day was still young, in fact, the sun had only started to peak over the mountains.

The people rose out of their beds tired. Especially one young boy who held the power of two affinities. Upon making it back into his room by way of the window, Rainen laid down on his bed and stared at the ceiling.

At night, he heard his door open. Quickly, he closed his eyes and pretended to sleep, hoping that under the cover of darkness, his clothing would not be seen.

"Is he in there?" someone asked.

"Yes. He seems to have gotten back." the other man answered.

"Do we question him?"

"No. Let him sleep for now, we can do it later."

They quietly closed the door and Rainen awoke from his fake slumber.

"What did they want?" he asked himself. He returned to staring at the dark, plain, ceiling. What kind of emotions ran through him? What was he thinking? How did he feel?

Eventually, he closed his eyes. The visions of events not so long past, flashed through his mind. Soon enough, a memory from long ago also started to appear. So many of the circumstances were the same, but one rung louder than the others, the feeling of blood on his hands and the two short words, "I'm sorry."

Along the way, while dealing with such nightmares which followed him out of his dreams and haunted his awoken state, he fell asleep.

In the morning, like everyone else, his eyes opened. He started to look around but immediately saw his black clothing. With downcast eyes, Rainen got up and closed the window which had let much of the cold air outside in. Rainen gazed at the rising sun with indifference, but through that, something seemed to shine. He found himself being mesmerized by the sight of the tall white pillar which stood by itself, outside of the city and away from everything else.

His attention returned when the sound of rumbling footsteps permeated throughout the dorms. Rainen threw back his hood, and started to undress. He slipped into a warm bathtub, for him, it provided a strange sense of warmth that he did not wish to leave the company of.

Yet, he forced himself to let go of it so that he could return to the cold bite of winter. Sliding his hands through the sleeves of his uniform, Rainen prepared to leave when he noticed, out of the corner of his eye, the glow of the scrolls on his nightstand.

Like a day not so long ago, Rainen made his way towards the scroll and started reading the message within.

I just read it! Near says that she wants to meet me again.

Rainen sat down on his bed and took his pen out.

That's great! I hope that you guys can reconnect. Rainen wrote while feeling a little jealous.

Yeah, I hope so too. Uuuuu. I'm scared what she might think of me now since I've changed so much.

Hey Aisha. Could I ask you a question?

What is it?

Do you, by any chance....

Rainen waited patiently with baited breath for her response. Would he be rejected?

After what felt like forever, but was really a minute, Aisha responded.

I'd love to.

END

------------

Thanks for all who have read this far. Honestly, I never thought that I'd ever be able to write so much about this little story that I had in my head. This started as a something I did because I just wanted someplace where I could record my thoughts, who knew that some people would've actually read this.

This story only started because, over the summer, I read a story called Tensei Shitara Slime datta ken. Well, that story led me to search Reddit where I found Mushoku Tensei.

I really ate that whole thing up, finishing it in only a week. I liked the story and concept so much that I returned to Reddit for more stories like it. Forgotten Conqueror was a suggestion that I was given and it led me to this site.

Anyways, you can kinda guess where it went from there.

For those who have read this far, once again, thanks. I know that there were a lot of bumpy parts (especially at the beginning) but I'm glad that you've chosen to read 70 or so chapters without so much as an actual overarching plot or goal.

As you can see, this is the end... of book 1. Book 2 will be coming out sometime later and be a lot more focused. I'd expect a wait time of a week or two before book 2 comes out. I know it's not a long wait but still. In that time, some of the earlier chapters may be revised, and I'll be planning out the events of the second book.

Hopefully I'll continue to grow, and provide you guys, and myself, with a satisfactory story. If there's anything you wish to ask or suggest, put it in the comments below.

By the way, even though my vocabulary isn't the biggest, I do choose what words I say and what order they are in purposely. Of course, if you think it's a mistake, please don't hesitate to say so.

There's also a manga that I follow almost religiously. If you've read its manga, then you might understand what I was trying to do with the scene I described in the Promise chapter with the flowers.

Okay, last time. Thanks for reading!