There once was a fledgling group that sought freedom and adventure, traveling the land and meeting many people along the way.

They were all rather unique, each one having their own quirks and abilities separating them from each other, yet they were close-knit, like a family even.

As the passage of time developed, they too grew exponentially, becoming strong and unmatched, earning them fame of which they never thought possible in the first place, yet their abilities said otherwise.

Each one of them became strong enough to be called heroes, having powers that matched or at least came close to making them potential ones.

Their greatest feat; however, was a quest that was sung through many tragedies, a story that gripped the attentions of many, inciting anxiety and the emergence of strong faith.

To defeat the Demon King themselves, they said. Doing the task given and reserved only to the Hero, for the task itself brings fear upon all, even the Heroes in the past.

Many thought it possible when the legendary group decided to do the quest, drawing critics, both good and bad, some saying that arrogance brought them to this point, while some say that they were just to bring the problem into their own hands.

Then it happened, they were felled utterly, reduced to nothing, unable to defeat the greatest threat in the continent, even having each other during that time.

The once legendary group fell to its knees, losing their leader, then each other, going their separate ways and never heard from again.

"That's how the story went usually. I don't how what to say about the accuracy, but it sums up what happened vaguely. I thought at that time that we would never meet each other again, but here we are, with a giant stroke of luck."

"I've never heard about it from someone else before. Laruse never told me anything other than when he lost his mentor and foster parent, and then what came after that. I don't know anything else but that," said Cecil, intrigued as she listened to Charles' story.

"I understand as to how it was such a heavy blow to Laruse. If that were to happen to me, I would have not found the strength to move on. Yet he persevered, getting through such a tough hurdle. He has always been able to do the impossible, often exceeding us and giving surprises."

"Don't make me remember. I've already done my fair share of lamenting, so there's no use bringing that back now," he responded.

"You also seem to have grown more mature, even if only a bit. How have you been all these years?"

"I guess it's had its ups and downs. With Cecil, it's been a pretty ridiculous ride. Who knew angels and Gods were so much trouble. I almost had to bail out seeing as my mission was long over, only dragging me into something that dealt with this and that."

"Ahaha, I can imagine you still doing things such as that. You truly are amazing. Your strength never wanes, only getting stronger and stronger. No normal human would have ever been able to accomplish the things that you could at the time. Just this afternoon you gave me quite the show, defeating Disciples by yourself."

"If you were watching the whole time then you could have at least helped out, right?"

"What's the amusement in that? I wanted to see if you still had your strength from back then, but it seems that you're on track."

"Yeah, I've gotten pretty rusty after that. The only reason I picked up a sword was because it was the only thing I was good at. Well, it got me something to eat, so why not keep at it, right? But enough about me. What've you been up to?"

"I've continued what we all sought to do. Not to defeat the Demon King, but to travel the continent. I must admit that it was hard, trying to avoid the strife while trying to enjoy the remainder of my life."

"Uhm, so if you're Laruse's friend, that means your strong, right?" Cecil asked, looking nervous as she looked back and forth, seeing polar opposites of Laruse, one that looks carefree and aloof, and one that seems attentive and interested.

"Compared to him? Oh, I don't think I would have what it takes. I can sense that even in his recurring state, he is already even, or maybe even stronger than me. Like him, my skills are not as they were, so I pale in comparison."

"Modest and humble as always. He's more than strong enough to try and beat anyone in the continent, Cecil. I can't say I'd like fighting him if he still has his strength from back then."

As they were conversing, the two carriage drivers walked in, seeing Laruse and approaching him.

"We're all set to go back, Laruse. Just be sure to keep a good eye out. I don't like the feeling of traveling at night. It never goes well for anyone."

"That so? Alright, Cecil. Let's go. We have to go back now," he stood up, stretching his body.

"Going somewhere?" Charles asked, looking a bit intrigued and curious.

"Yeah. I'm in the middle of those usual things we always get in. I'm working for an organization, and they're pretty low on people. I'm just filling in for now."

"Hmm, let me guess. There's a woman involved in all this, right?"

"Yeah, she's the leader of the organization," Laruse said nonchalantly, drawing the attention of the two drivers.

"Laruse! You can't disclose information like that! What will happen if we get found out?!" they acted erratically, shouting at him.

"We'll get found out even more with the way you guys are yelling. Don't worry about it. If something happens, I'll handle it."

"Interesting. Laruse, do you mind if I travel alongside you for a while? Things might get interesting once more, plus I'd like to be use to my old comrades again. Being alone truly deprives one of his social abilities."

"Sure, let's go."

"Laruse! Don't invite people without the leader's consent! Who knows if he's in with the revolution!" the drivers yelled out, expressing their concerns quite dramatically.

"Don't worry about a thing. He's worth the effort, and more. I'll ask Ophelia about it myself, so there's no need to sweat the small stuff," he said as he exited the tavern, leaving the two drivers dejected and cautious.

"Hey, Ophelia. Anything happen around here? Sorry I'm late. Got a bit sidetracked."

"Oh, Laruse. You've come back safely I see. What a relief," she placed her hands on her chest, near her heart, smiling gently.

"Please tell me all about what happened in Harrick. I'm very curious to know all about your journey."

"Sure. But how about we take it outside. The sky looks beautiful and fitting," he opened the door, holding it open for her.

She stepped outside, beholding a magnificent sight of the bright moon unimpeded by clouds, guided only by the tranquil silence around them.

They started talking with each other, drawing interests from both as they laughed away at the things they said to each other, smiling and drowning in enjoyment of their company.

"How interesting. I hope you'll introduce me to him. I would like to meet your closest friends to know you better. But to think that you've nearly traveled the continent. How I envy that. You truly are amazing. You've been through so much, and at a young age."

"It's not that amazing, but I feel really relieved that you believe me. No one does even if I tell them sincerely. But how about you? Tell me about yourself. No fair that you only know about me, even if it's only a bit. I want to know more about you."

"Me? I don't think there's anything about me that could be considered interesting. Your life seems more thrilling and fun to listen to, while mine is just filled with bad memories and sadness," she responded, laughing timidly, averting her eyes and combing back the side of her hair to the back of her ear.

"Then I won't force you. But, I know I'm being demanding by asking this, if you ever want to talk about it, then I'll be there to listen to you."

"I will keep that in mind. I trust you, Laruse. I still haven't forgotten about that day when you saved us. Though it might mean insignificant to you, I am grateful. I hope that we can become better friends moving forward."

"The same goes for me. But for now, I guess it's time for me to head back and rest. See you," he walked off, leaving the front porch and into the farther streets where houses were lined up.

"Always popular with the women. You have a way with words that seems to lull your audience. Cecil, your companion, isn't what she looks like, isn't she? It was intriguing when I found out myself. I've never figured out how you could do such things, and it frankly makes me quite envious," Charles spoke while sitting on the front porch of their lodging as Laruse came into view.

"You, jealous? I doubt it. And I don't think I'm doing anything special here. It's just that, her face, I've seen her keep up a strong front, but I think it's plain obvious that she's keeping something to herself."

"And what kind of benefit do you get from trying to help someone? It's not that I oppose the decision, but from what I've heard from Cecil, you seem to have changed into something else, then back into who you were, or at least a fragment of who you were. Is this the old you acting, or the new you?"

"Who knows. I'm just doing what I like. If I don't do this for her, it feels like she'll be strangled by it in the future. Sure it's not that bad, but it'll become something worse. She needs to overcome whatever it is."

"Trying to be a hero, are you?"

"I don't think I ever liked being called a hero. I don't want to remember why. So enough of this. I'm too tired to keep going," Laruse left Charles, entering the lodge.

"Always something interesting happening around you, Laruse. Each step you make shapes the world. I wonder what you will do to this continent," Charles smiled, speaking to himself, then following Laruse into the lodge to rest as well.

The next morning, many of the unit leaders were called to the headquarters after the organization had acquired vital information regarding an army being sent to Kausten in an attempt to subjugate the city.

"As many of you can tell, Kausten has aided us a lot in our effort to repel the revolution and their aggressive ways. They were one of the major cities to have provided us with the means to live in secret. Thus it is just that we help them as well. I have decided to use every unit in our disposal to defeat the threat," she said sternly causing a murmurs and opinions to float about the room.

"I understand your worries. We have lost many and are few in numbers. But what we are all capable of is much greater than what each one of you thinks. We can succeed if we trust in each other and combine our efforts."

"Miss Ophelia. Tell us, how many of them are there exactly?" one of the leaders present stated his question, looking anxious.

"From what the report says, there are at least several thousands of them currently marching to Kausten."

The crowd started murmuring once again, losing hope despite the inspiring speech that their leader had given them.

"How are we supposed to stand a chance? I don't think there's barely enough people here to compensate for a fraction of that. Many of our comrades have already fallen."

"We will be supporting the defending army, not fighting the battle directly. I have already planned out how the units should move. If all goes well, then we may well succeed tremendously, giving us a chance to seize the capital and finally put an end to this."

"How can you say for sure, Miss Ophelia. There are only so much words can accomplish. I've given the organization my all, and I will continue to do so. However, everyone else differs. I believe that we can succeed if you say so, but how do you prove it to the others?"

"It is because I will be joining you as well. It might not seem like it, but I too can be of use on the battlefield."

Because of her announcement, the room became filled with discussion, many seeing this as the single greatest way that they could bolster their morale and become victorious.

"The leader will be joining us, will she? If so, then I must give my best not to fail her."

"I shall entrust my life to you, Miss Ophelia. If your skills are to be present on the battlefield, then there is nothing for us to fear."

"With our leader there's nothing that can stand in our way. Her voice and leadership will greatly aid us in this dire time."

They were all suddenly filled with vigor upon speaking with each other, looking livelier than before.

Moments after the conference, Ophelia had the leaders clear out, leaving Charles, Laruse, and Cecil in the room with her.

"Laruse, forgive me, but I will have to depend on you for this mission," she looked downcast, lamenting on something that bothered her greatly.

"Don't worry. I'll keep you safe no matter what. We'll get through this," he placed his hand on her shoulder, reassuring her.

"I will also give my all, so the worry that is needed will be less. I may not look like it, but I am rather skilled in combat," Charles interrupted, drawing her attention towards him.

"You must be Laruse's friend, aren't you not?"

"Yes. I am Charles. Pleased to meet you. I will be aiding you as well in this endeavor," he bowed curtly.

The door opened abruptly, revealing a well armored Cedric, looking stern and prepared for what is to come.

"I heard that you're joining the joint operation, Ophelia. I'll go with you and keep you safe. This time I won't fail," he announced adamantly, looking straight at her.

"There's no need for you to protect her. I will be more than enough. So you head to the front and do what you can there," he looked at Laruse upon turning around, giving him a stare that displayed a different character in him which Laruse became amazed at.

"That so? Alright. I hope you don't get bored though. I don't think there'll be enough of them to come by when it's your turn," he responded a bit arrogantly, yet glad to see that he has changed the way he was from their last encounters with each other.

Laruse gestured for Charles and Cecil to follow, not arguing further about such things.

"I want you to have faith in me, Ophelia. I can be just as good enough to protect you. I'll show you what I'm truly capable of," he told her.

"Thank you Cedric. Very well, let us depart then."

Thus they began their preparations, the entire area of where the secretive organization stood was in a frantic rush to arrange themselves, mobilizing every single person in their disposal.