It was unknown how long Ray passed out.

When he wakes up, the bar was still empty like usual.

He opens the door, to be greeted with the sun hanging over top.

Suddenly, there's a group approaching the bar - "Hey what's this, someone is here?" - "Hey buddy, what are you doing in there?" - a bearded man in armor asks me.

"This is my bar."

"A bar? Inside an alleyway, wait are you serious?" - the bearded man looks suprised. Everyone would I guess.

"I'm serious."

"This is a poor place for business you know."

"I know. I can't handle more than 5 people at once, so this is fine for me."

"You're weird."

"I know."

"Heh, sorry, that was rude of me." - the bearded man laughs

"I get this a lot."

"I'm Hank, an adventurer, what's your name?"

"I'm Alteus. Welcome to my bar, Unlikely Haven."

"Oh, actually I'm busy right now, but I'll come back. Later."

"Bye." - and Hank turns around and leave.

************************************************************************************************

"So Captain, what's that guy doing there?" - a soldier walks up to Hank

"He's just a weird guy"

"So? Shouldn't he have at least heard or seen something about the man who rescued the princess?"

"I've ask around these parts, and all they've said is that they heard someone talking but couldn't make out the details, and frankly I'm tired, that guy can wait."

"Tch. What a lazy captain."

"Guilty. Though I did find us a new place to hangout though."

"Oh? Where? Does it have cute girls?"

"I don't know. We'll find out. And oh, no large groups." - Hank smirked.

"Why?"

"I don't know either."

************************************************************************************************

Inside the throne room of the Imperial Palace.

"Why would Extas send it's Chosen here?"

"Perhaps it's for political reasons"

"Or maybe they're looking for a reason to start a war"

The room was filled with discussions, none of them have a pleasant mood.

"Order in the court!"

Silence.

"Regardless of their intent, as of now, Extas have decided to send it's Chosen to us for "social training". So we should keep him happy for the duration of his staying. Any opinions?"

Silence again.

"Then we shall proceed. The next matter is about the Chosen of our own, Maria. Her location and current activities are being regarded as national security and there shall be no attempts, I repeat, no attempts made to uncover it. You understand me?"

"Yes, your Majesty!" - rang through the halls.

"Court dismissed."

After everyone left, the King remains on his throne, sinking in thoughts.

************************************************************************************************

Remnants of the Demon King Castle.

There was a white-haired girl carrying a staff, accompanied by a bald burly man with a shield and sword.

"Sorry for asking you to come here all the way from Bale, Wilhelm."

"No problem, it's been a while since you contact me Maria. And this is something I wanted to do too."

"Yeah..."

As the 2 Chosens walked through the now empty and creepy castle, anticipation and dread fills them.

"Just like 5 years ago...This place still carries this abysmal aura."

"The Demon King...really was something."

As they walk into the throne room, Maria suddenly sits down.

"What's wrong?" - asked Wilhelm

"I'm...afraid I guess. Walked all this way here and I'm still not prepared to see my friend's corpse again."

"Me too...but we're here."

"Right."

"On cue... 1...2...3"

It wasn't there.

"What... How."

"This is..."

The Demon King's corpse was still there, but the Hero's wasn't.

"Did someone move him?" - Wilhelm asked.

"Unlikely, I have to get through 7 different magic barrier just to get through the front door, they seal this place tight." - Maria, her brow tightly knitted.

"Then....is he alive?"

"..."

No answer came.

"No one can know this." - Maria.

"Agreed." - Wilhelm.

************************************************************************************************

Filled with doubt, the duo return to entry in silence.

"Again, thank you for accompanying me." - Maria

"Yeah...You gonna try and find him?"

"Of course."

"Will you contact the others?"

"..."

"Tell me if you make up your mind. I'll do this with you." - Wilhelm reassured her.

"As usual, you're most dependable."

"Heh, I'm the Shield after all."

"Yes you are."

"Do let me know if you found him still alive though, I'll beat to him to death for real for worrying us" - a genuine smile flashed across his scary face.

"...Yeah. I'll have quite a few questions for the King this time."

End of Chapter 6.