His cape flowing through the wind, he paces to the man he has come to see at his tent, blocked by two soldiers whose faces do not welcome him. But out comes the Commander, Vernon laughing as he commands them to step aside the old man patting the warrior's shoulder, many perplexed on what their relationship could be, many even arguing over the fact that they've never seen him in person, as if this man has walked right out of a fictional world.

"I guess I should believe that you being here is your answer," Vernon says, many around them hyped yet nervous as to what he means.

"Yes, sir...I'll be coming with you," The Jacqawin confirms, many of them surprised, some believing to be even ironic with Gunnar somewhat proud even though he has never met this man before, Vernon nodding as he then points to a tent.

"I've already set up a tent for you, so no need to set another. We'll be leaving tomorrow"

"Yes, sir," The Jacqawin answers, seeing as vice commander Gunnar reaches out his hand to him.

"Make yourself at home, lad, and get comfortable," Gunnar grins. "And say hi to your roommate, he'll be very happy to see you"

"Hmm..." Jacqawin only answers, then onto stepping to his tent, eyes still on him, the feeling of unfamiliarity in the air, yet passing two familiar faces on his way, first Ezek who tips his hat, and Nahshon who nods his head.

"How ironic," Eyvind chuckles as he watches the dark knight go by. "The monster who hunts other monsters. This war will be an interesting one"

Getting into his tent, flashing the curtains at the opening, the Jacqawin stopped in motion, looking down at the gathering of people he counts; Captain Victor, Captain Arnaldo, Nora, Captain Arwyn and the roommate Gunnar spoke of, the Jacqawin only sighing at his presence, Bjørn who gets up in excitement, a wide small across his face, running up to the warrior with a fake punch.

"Hell yeah! You made it! You came!" Bjørn laughs, the Jacqawin, even with his helm hiding it, not amused by the very bit, almost like he's disappointed.

"How did you get past the enlistment process?" The Jacqawin questions. "Did you lie about your age?"

"No, I didn't it. I have my ways, you know. I'm not a novice warrior, after all," the boy smirks, the look on his face smug. "oh look, your bed is right over here!"

"I see," The Jaqawin says, his tone cold and non-changing as ever, Bjørn shaking his head as the warrior drops his waist belts and pouch by his stay, then looking over to see the rest of the bunch staring at him.

"Ah...! Good day, Mr.Jacqawin," Nora gets up, bowing to the warrior, not being able to hide being a bit nervous in his presence, sensing the aura of the Goddess that dwells in his armour along with him.

"Oh, where are my manners," Victor also gets up, fixing his glasses, going up to him with his hand out. "A pleasure, Jacqawin. I was just so surprised. Never thought I would see a legend like yourself in my midst"

"...Likewise. I've heard about your achievements, Captain Evelyn," Jacqawin shakes his hand.

"Please, Victor, will do just fine," He smiles.

"Heh? Then what of me?? Did the boy mention me?" Arwyn asks, almost seeming too excited by Nora.

"Yes, a lot, Captain Pryce. And you too, Captain Rodríguez," The Jacqawin states.

"Oh! It is an honour to know that the great Jacqawin also knows of our names," Arnaldo plucks the strings of his guitar. "And it is an honour to have your aid in this battle, sire"

"Likewise...I appreciate it," The Jacqawin nods, Bjørn most pleased with how subtle and how much the man underneath the armour has improved with socializing, his heart warmed, smiling as he observes the captains and the dark knight commune, these men being some of the greatest prizes he has in his life.

And outside the tent, Nahshon still hanging around Eyvind and the others, another game of slapping one another's hand continues, the boy's fellow Zionian, the Jamaican of this world, easily dominates her opponent, but disrupted becomes the game as comes another who makes a dramatic entrance, running through the crowd, leaping into the air with landing with his fist to the ground, everybody around surprised as the young man gets up, face to face with Nahshon who's confused with this man's appearance, his face so close to his, never thinking he would see one of his kind all the way in the north of Auropia, the young man taking the boy's hand, his temperature warm like bread just out of the oven.

"I've found you!" The man says, firmly holding the boy's hand.

"Huh?" Nahshon sounds, as he looks at him, this man's characteristics being one of the most unique he's seen since being in this world, with his black, medium height hair covered by a headwear of wool, and dressed in armour of fur like Eyvind, and his skin like red sand, and rough, almost like a dragon's scales as Nahshon had researched about them. "Do I know you?"

"An Adramic foreigner, this is interesting," Eyvind says, Nahshon knowing of that country, Adram, to be one of the largest of the east, second to the empire of Qin, a land of diverse people, all connected with the characteristic of having very red, rough skin, and if it was in his world, would stretch from Turkey, Kazakhstan, Tibet and all the way to Mongolia.

"My name is Oktai, and that is my companion and best friend, Jargal," He states, Nahshon looking to see as another appears on his shoulder with brilliant wings as it touches down, a fascination glow around its body, a beautiful hawk of unusual colours and markings.

"Greetings, young man," The Hawk speaks, bowing its head.

"Hm??? A talking bird??" Nahshon pulls his head back, his chin sinking, everybody as surprised as him as they surround the bird, dazzled by its glowing markings.

"No, I'm a dog," The hawk sighs. "In a world filled with talking lizards, dogs in clothes, and dragons that breath fire from the sky, it even surprises me that you're shocked that I can speak"

"You're a spirit" Abayomi figures, the hawk nodding as he chuckles.

"Bingo!"

"Tell me, what is your name?" Oktai asks the boy.

"Nahshon?" The boy answers, feeling a bit hesitant towards this stranger.

"Are you sure? You don't sound too confident," Jargal challenges.

"Yeah, it is," Nahshon awkwardly smiles. "You said you something about finding me, what did you mean by that?"

"Ah...I've seen you, Nahshon...I've seen you in my dreams many times," Oktai states, Nahshon surprised to hear this, but comes to an end their meeting as once again, the camp begins focusing their attention to another like they had to the Jacqawin, as Nahshon sees who it is, Ezek guiding her to him, her hair of silver already iconic, Isabella who has made her way to the camp, a mask on her face as usual.

"Hey, Nash, guess who's joining us on our trip," Ezek smirks, winking repeatedly in teasing his friend who shakes his head, the elf seeing an Adramic foreigner in his midst. "New friend?"

"Uh...yeah," Nahshon nods, Oktai bowing his head as a sign of respect.

"Get up! Hurry and get this beautiful lady a chair!" Eyvind orders, the soldiers to give her the best chair around them.

"Why thank you!" Isabella sits as everybody takes their seat on logs, the game continues as they leave the kids to talk.

"So, you're joining after all. I thought you said it didn't have anything to do with you," Nahshon states.

"Well, I've changed my mind. This country has done so much for me, it's only fair I make it a responsibility to do the best I can. I'm sure you feel the same way," Isabella tells him, understanding her take, looking over to yet another surprise visit, seeing as Arwyn and the old man, Garkari, make their way over.

"Nahshon! It is a pleasure to see you again!" Garkari laughs.

"Mr.Garkari!" The boy gets up, happy to see the old man again since so long. "It's good to see you again, sir. How have you been?"

"Ah, I've been fine. Still kicking around and all. But what about you? I am happy to have heard from Arwyn that he has another great ally to rely on"

"Y-Yeah, I guess," Nahshon scratches his head.

"Well, you children have fun. There will be many a great beasts and enemies in a land we're not too familiar with, so be sure to shield each other's back as best as you each can," Garkari tells them, Nahshon and the others accepting his word, all agreeing to his advice. "Well, I've only come to check on you all, so I'll be on my way now"

"Hey, wait...I thought you were joining in the war effort, you old geezer," Arwyn complains, shaking his head.

"Good gracious, no. An old man like me is best left, I wouldn't want to slow you young folks down. After all, in my many years of living, I've already gained enough of adventuring. I'm satisfied," Garkari chuckles. "And plus, even with all my fortune, I too just like you all, have a very important job being left here"

"...You know, as a dragon, you'd be more effective on the battlefield," Arwyn challenges, Oktai, Isabella and others not familiar with the old man, surprised that he is actually a dragon, not being able to sense that he's shapeshifting.

"Hm...oh, Arwyn, you and your silly hot topics," Garkari laughs. "Anywho! Children, going into this battle, be sure to understand that the gods are watching over you, and there is nothing to worry about. Have faith, Believe in your individual strengths and teamwork alike. And most importantly, return home. Nahshon?"

"Yes, sir?" Nahshon answers.

"When you've returned, be sure to stop by. We should catch up, and maybe me, you, and Arwyn here, could have our little get-together"

"Yeah, alright, get outta here," Arwyn tells him, Garkari waving to everybody as he walks off with the Knight, their argument continued until they fade into the crowd who's morale seems to have become boosted, as the boy and other see as trucks come into the camp, and out of it men who drop off crates of alcohol and food from many different establishments.

"Tonight, we feast!!!" A man declares, commanding a roar from the camp, bottles and boxes of food passed around, the party and fun of the camp just beginning.

And into the night, it is a festive and happy event, all drinking, singing and playing instruments that soothes the hearts and mind of many, with different games being played around the camp, every man to a group, even the Jacqawin, his helmet not even taken off for the night, looking over to see Isabella sitting across the visible camp, then to watching the light of the lantern before him, who sits with Bjørn and Nora who are stopped from drinking by Victor who is making sure to pay keen attention to them, while Arwyn and Arnaldo laugh loudly as they drunkenly sing and shuffle. And in the other group, sits Nahshon, Ezek, Isabella and the new acquaintance of Oktai and Jargal, the Adramic foreigner taking out of his bag, a bottle made of bamboo he hands to Nahshon, Jargal fast asleep from all the eating he has done.

"Here, it is my gift to you. I had it made a month ago. Ah, what a coincidence, huh? Who knew I'd have really met you here, huh? The gods are funny," Oktai grins.

"A month??" Nahshon questions, a bit disgusted by that fact, but good at hiding it.

"Never heard about a drink being better the older it is?" Isabella smiles, Nahshon cratching his head as he slowly shakes the bottle.

"So, Adriamic kid, you said something about seeing him in a dream, yeah? What exactly do you mean?" Ezek questions him.

"Yes! It was a vision from the gods, my friend," Oktai starts, excited, his palms lifted, Nahshon awed at his words. "I was walking in a field of many trees, and large mountains like Verencia's, and I witnessed as a tremendous owl was looking down into the earth at me, you could tell it was in space, and its eyes were filled with stars, it was impossible to count them"

"You saw...The All-Father?" Isabella asks him, intrigued by the dream he had.

"Yes, It probably was him. Yeah! No doubt about it! Then it said, 'You must journey the world to this boy's side, be his shield, be his iron'...And then the next thing I know, you were standing right in front of me, a-and there were a bunch of beautiful maidens around you too!! For years I had this dream over and over"

"Oh, really now, sounds like something interesting, doesn't it, Nahshon?" Ezek smirks, observing Oktai, wondering who he really is, Isabela just simply listening as it goes on.

"You said you've been having that dream for years, right? Since when?" Nahshon asks him.

"It's been...about two years now..." Oktai answers, Nahshon and Ezek shocked by his answer, subtly looking at each other, as they both know of what Nahshon have said about coming from another world, with Nahhson believing his words as confirmation, but Ezek suspicious he’s a fraud, with both knowing that he's only been in this world for a couple of months.

"As soon as I got it, I left my home a month after. Back in Adram, me and my Dad ran a business together, I'm an engineer. But it's a good thing I didn't find you in those years, though. Through my travels, it's how I first met Jargal, before I left the country, and then I went on to gain many experiences, new friends, refining my skillfulness, and more knowledge of the world. But it was strange though, with a dream as vivid as that, I sure that I'd find you here in the first year"

"So you came here before??" Ezek asks.

"Yeah, in the first year, I think. Then to Ziona and many other countries"

"Hmm, tough journey, huh?"

"Yes, it was. But it has taught me a lot. But I've found you now! Just as I was instructed to do. Nahshon!! You have my word! I'll be your armour, that's a promise! Now, drink!" Oktai gestures to the bottle, excited as a puppy, the smile on his face never seeming to rest even for a second. "It's a special alcohol recipe from my land. I give it to you as a greeting and a blessing before going into battle"

Nahshon opens the cap, and from the bottle, comes out a strong scent of the spirits rushing into his nose, the hair in his nostrils stung up, his eyes getting watery too, the smell alone enough for the feeling being under its trance already, reminding him of the scent of sweet fruits with a hit of ginger. Putting it at his lips, he takes one gulp first of only spit, then gulping a fair dose of the booze, making a funny face that they laugh at, his face screwed as he feels the burning sensation like fire running down into his body, its white and milky substance running down his lips as he shakes and clears his throat, Ezek grabbing the bottle, tasting it for himself, appreciative of the good taste of the bottle.

"Thank you for accepting my gift," Oktai bows to him, Nahshon returned the bottle he takes another sip from.

And so for the rest of the night, they chatter and laugh, no care for what is to happen tomorrow, their souls free of worry, Nahshon going to sleep this night, a boy who has grown confident, having faith in himself, now considering himself free from all his shackles of doubt, with especially remembering Oktai's offering and his words of the gods who seem to be watching over him, a complete stranger to their Universe. Hence the morning arises, the soldiers of war getting into their gear, those laughs now silent, their mind now focused. And as their tradition, lined up are their number by altars in the camp, priest and priestess before them, Nahshon watches as instead of doing the act of placing the blood of animal sacrifice onto the foreheads of the soldiers like back in his world of the old, it is olive oil that is rubbed onto them instead, the soldiers seeming pumped up even with all that drinking they did the night before, Nahshon now the one to go upfront, Bjørn and Arwyn patting his shoulder as he goes forward, nodded are the heads as many others as well as he passes them, kneeling in front of the priestess he meets, a smile on his face, as it is Nora who places the blessing of the oil on his head, her eyes closed with a prayer, and there Nahshon begins to understand why the soldiers before had gotten pumped, as around his body, he feels as a great force embraces his body, a warm hug from a force of light, he describes, instilled in him more confidence. And on a podium they turn to, Vernon and Gunnar on there, the commander's hand raised as he looks at all the soldiers.

"Mighty warriors! Fear not the beasts nor the enemies we shall face! They have no power over us! We are strong because we do not believe in hurting others! We are strong because we choose to protect! My soldiers, with our King gone to distant lands to fight an even greater force! We shall let him return to a shining victory, and with that, even though he did not speaketh the words, this is his message- 'Sail the Soldiers of tomorrow! And let that horizon before us be healed!!"

And by those words, comes a chant-like the roar of a great beast from the camp, as up goes the banner of Strongcastle, and higher the flag of the Nation, Verencia, its beauty flowed through the cold wind, dark skies above as set sail the soldiers on mighty ships and in aircrafts above them, sailing to the island of Blackshore.