Time moved slowly as Nely faced Gilbert who was on the other side of the table. A good minute had passed without neither opening their mouth. Nely looked down, sipping the apple juice Annatashya had made for her, occasionally making effort to look into Gilbert.

She was strangely meek, thought Selv. Knowing Gilbert, he could not blame her.

Since childhood Gilbert was someone with a strict personality. He would make a clear line between that were acceptable and not. No matter the reason, he would punish those who violated it. Even if it was trivial things such as placing outerwear on the chair.

Now that he had become an adult, Selv hoped his personality did not change for the worse.

Nely was his child. So, generally, he would not but in with their business, though he held the policy of no violence in education.

But, the way Gilbert stared at Nely caused some concern. Because of his sharp eyes, the third party might look at the scene as if the man was about to kill the girl.

Selv believed he will not go that far, at least not as far as killing.

Still, while drinking his warm tea, he prepared himself to enter the conversation, just in case.

As no progress was made, Annatashya came and placed a drink on the table. It was an orange colored drink made of vegetable.

“Here’s your drink.”

Gilbert glance and with a low voice he said, “Begone.”

He then pushed the glass to the edge, making it fell and spilled all its content to the floor.

The sound of shattered glass engulfed the room.

Letting out a fed-up sigh, Annatashya grabbed a dustpan.

She cleaned the floor then went back to the counter. The silent deepened further.

Unpleasant air fell upon the room. Yet, Annatashya and Gilbert acted as if nothing had happened. She even started a conversation with Selv.

He told her to read the situation but she turned deaf ears on it.

Gilbert finally reached his limit. He slammed the table and said with a sharp tone,

“Woman, when will you make my damn drink?”

His anger was directed to Annatashya, who was on the counter.

Annatashya did not falter and replied with an indifferent tone.

“Oh, have your eyes gone bad while I was not looking? Can’t you see, I had placed yours on the table, but you just throw it away. Geez, I believe Selv did not teach you to waste things like that?”

“Your play sickened me, woman. My order is not that wicked drink, but a fresh coffee.”

Annatashya who heard that let out a giggle.

“Mind to tell me what so wicked about tomato juice?”

“I won’t spare my time to do useless things such as convincing you with words.”

“Well, what a shame. Another tomato juice coming right up!”

“Tch, irritating woman.”

“Did you say something, snorty brat?”

Annatashya still did not drop her smile, but her sharp glint fully conveyed of her intention. The two glared as if with the intention to kill. One took an easy to assault position while the other one took a kitchen knife in hand.

Nely who was caught between the glare could only tremble in fear.

It was no longer a situation for me to leisurely drink my tea, Selv thought.

Letting out a deep sigh, Selv checked on the two. They were both in an excited state.

So, Selv opened my mouth.

“Stop.”

The initial silent returned.

“I don’t particularly mind both of your clumsiness, but you should not scare the child in question.”

Annatashya and Gilbert both dodged Selv’s glance.

Really, Selv thought.

He looked at his clumsy children and let out a wry smile.

Both of them were generally on bad term since their first meeting, but by no meant it was enough to kill each other. After all, both were kind people at heart.

Selv had noticed of their cheap play from the start. The father was troubled about how to talk with his daughter. Perhaps because it was his first child or her handicap play a part in it, Gilbert dodged communicating with her.

On the other hand, the busybody shop owner thought of lending a hand, yet was unable to honestly help because of their bad term.

Gilbert was not dense enough to miss it. But, his pride made him unable to accept it. Thus, the situation became what it was.

Even though both were thinking about Nely, how could this happen? Selv could only lament on it.

“Gilbert, I’m sure you have things going on with your first child. But, at least try to talk to her. Annatashya, I know you can do better than that. I know you’re a capable person.”

Both did not speak right up. Only after looking the other way they muttered a quiet,

“Sorry.”

“You people…”

Why can’t they act someone your age in this situation?

Surely, this was something they could not change since childhood. Every child, without exception, would have this stubborn side on a certain aspect. It might be to accept critic, praise, say thanks or even apology.

Each has their own quirks and it was parents who would be troubled by it every time. Just like Selv currently.

“Fine. I’m already half-given upon making both of you get along. At least, you both swallow those petty pride and say it.

“How rude. I’m not prideful enough to receive that words,” Annatashya complained. “My pride is small enough to be drunk in few gulps.”

“Sure. Few gulps of a huge barrel that is.”

“You said something, brat?”

“Nothing.”

Here they went again. At least, the joking manner was more apparent this time, though Selv.

It was getting nowhere with these two so Selv initiated the conversation.

“When did you returned, Gilbert? I thought you were busy in the capital.”

“This afternoon. Had some business with the inventor.”

“With Astral? That’s rare. Is it another request from the capital?”

” Something along that line.”

“I see. Must be hard being a diplomat.”

“Thanks to you.

“Urg, you sure hit where it’s hurt,” said Selv.

He stood from his seat and joint their table.

Gilbert’s job, diplomat, was originally something Selv should have taken.

As the Guardian, it was his duty to not only protected the city from within but also outside.

He had splendidly done his responsibility. But, one day his body could not keep up with the busy schedule and broke. He was bed-ridden for days and it caused people to become anxious. They thought the Guardian would leave them for good; especially people who were close to him like Annatashya.

So, to not make that mistake again, they took some of his duties and divided between them. Gilbert’s job was one of it.

The divided duties were many, but it could be summed into four parts; management, protection, information gathering, and development. Those four were the vital parts of the Guardian.

Someone with that title was obligated to help manage the town for better life, protect the town both internal and external danger, gather various information for the town, and develop technique or technology to make the town prosper.

Of course, it was the ideal condition on paper. In truth, not many could handle that many different tasks. Even the guardian before him only managed to do one task.

Yet, Selv had done those four, alone. People could praise him from being competent, but, as expected, it was too many for one to handle.

They did not force him. He did it out of his decision.

His reason was, “Guardian is someone who would willingly put his life on the line for the town.”

That was what his predecessor’s life taught him.

“Do you have time?” Selv asked.

“No. My plan became a mess thanks to a certain runaway girl,” Gilbert said with no intention to warn.

But, the person in question thought of it as a sarcasm and hung her head.

“Well, don’t be like that. It’s such a rare chance for you to return home. Let me handle the boring thing and go have fun with your daughter.”

Selv put his hand on Nely’s head and make a mess of it. She made an annoyed face but did not brush him off.

“You want to spend some time with daddy, right?”

For the first time since they met again, Nely looked at Gilbert’s face then to Selv.

With a half-smile, she shook her head.

Then, she conveyed how she understood her father’s position and it would be selfish of her to wish for it.

By the end of her words, Selv let out a big sigh.

“Gilbert, this’s an order. Go spend some time with Nely. Don’t you dare ask me why.”

“… I understand.”

Gilbert had no choice but to answer yes. How could he after being shown how his own child being considered.

He too was Selv’s children. So, he shared the same value that children should not mind difficult things and just enjoy their life.

“Here.”

Annatashya came and placed a coffee in front of Gilbert.

“A consolation prize for the loser,” she said with a smirk.

He knitted his eyebrows and said nothing.

“Thank you, woman.”

He acted mature by thanking, hinting at how childish she was to him.

With mocking thoughts of a loser dog’s wail in her head, she went back to the counter.

It was decided Selv would take on Gilbert’s job while he enjoys a parent-child time.

“As for the detail, you could tell me later-“

“Nely! I have come for you!”

Out of nowhere, someone slammed the door open with a great force. The person’s voice was louder than the bell’s noise.

Selv sent a glance toward the door. There he saw a young petite girl. Her height was no taller than the door handle. Hair no longer than waist for convenience with uneven length in several parts.

A long white coat that was longer than she clung to her. She captured Nely with her big eyes. Then, with her short legs, she made a run and leaped at her.

Nely was taken by surprise. It was a swift move unthinkable from her clothing.

“Nel~y!”

She pushed her down with the chair and rubbed her cheek against her in pure bliss. Nely tried to resist but she pinned her down perfectly, leaving no room for her to fight back.

Soon, their breath became ragged and clothes disarrayed.

“Hah… hah… Nely, why are you Nely?”

She then kissed Nely on the cheek. Her face was the image of happiness itself while Nely was pale and about to cry at any moment.

Huh? Was she such pervert, thought Selv.

Fasten than Selv, Gilbert caught her with his hand and proceed with an iron claw.

“Ouch, ouch, ouch! My head is splitting! It’s splitting alright!”

“It seems you are still strange, like always,” he said and increased the force of his grip.

“Aaaaaaa! My cranium, don’t you dare give up on me! Ouch, ouch, ouch! Give up! Give up! At least spare my brilliant brain.”

“Is it the pitiful brain speaking? Might as well change it to a new one. Here, let me help.”

She let out another ear-piercing scream. In resistant, she slapped Gilbert’s hand but it did not budge. Out of desperation, she looked around the room.

“Selv! Hurry up and help this beloved inventor of yours! The loss of my brain is the loss of you and humanity!”

She pleaded, half in tear.

Selv hesitated. In his eyes, their exchanges seemed natural.

He knew both parties but he did not know they had such close relation, which caused him to ponder.

Regardless, he helped her because she asked for it.

“Hey, leave your skinship at that. It was about to escalate into murder attempt.”

He looked displeased but obeyed him.

“Got it.”

Released, she fell flat on the ground, ran out of energy.

Nely, who was freed, escaped to Gilbert’s back, seeking protection. She was terrified.

The situation was out of control. Selv lacked the information to understand the situation.

“For now, let’s sit down and talk things through. Annatashya, make something for her,” he said and took the fallen chair to its position. He then grabbed the girl by her collar and placed her there.

Soon, Annatashya delivered the drink. For some reason, she also took a seat next to him. He did not inquire. Nely took a seat on Selv’s other side with Gilbert as a wall separating for the other side.

“You got some explaining to do, Astral,” Selv said.

“Do I have to? I think I have made myself clear enough,” she replied. “I have come to meet Nely.”

Astral winked at Nely, causing her to shiver in response.

Selv let out a tired sigh.

“Please don’t joke around. Let me say it once again. Why do you, the genius inventor, come here to meet her?”

The petite young girl before him was none other than the person who invented the body-clad weapon and attractions in the entertainment district, one of the backbone of this town, the genius inventor, Astral Mneruq herself.

The person who distinguished herself to the world, earning her the special position as head of development in the Capital and Independent Town.

While that was how the world saw her, the usual Astral was as strange as one could get.

“Listen and be surprised,” she said with an impish laugh. She stood up, made a dramatic move to flutter her coat.

“I have come for Nely!” she declared with a smug face as if accomplishing something great.

Selv held his head. A long sigh escaped his mouth.

“Actually, she was not wrong,” Annatashya said. “I have contacted the two because they are related to Nely.”

“Not only Gilbert but Astral too? Can’t say I expect that.”

“Oh, you haven’t heard?”

“Heard what?”

“Those two are married.”

“That was quite… a happy news.”

Selv was perplexed. Not even in his wildest dream, the two were bound together in the vow of marriage.

Those two were the type of people who married with their job. Furthermore, they had no similarity in personality or hobby.

But, the ring on their left hand was indeed the proof he needed.

The last time he was here, the two did not have relation close enough for this to happen. What had happened in his absence?

“Congratulation, I guess?”

“I will accept your blessing,” Gilbert replied.

“Hehe, thanks!”

The couple with a huge physical gap. It bound to cause some trouble in public even when their ages were not that different. Considering the age of their daughter, it might have already happened. Not that the two would mind about other people.

“Well, your treatment of her leave some problem or should I say as expected,” Annatashya whispered and received Gilbert’s sharp glare.

Selv sipped on his drink.

He thought it all made sense. The incidents these few days and the identity of people who attacked her. Most likely, the motive was political. Both her parents were someone with enough influence to remove someone in position. Making Nely, their only daughter, as a hostage would prove to be useful to make a deal.

“I see. So, you two came to bring her back.”

Now that her parents were found, Nely would have no reason to stay with him. With this Selv completed his duty.

“Nice work finding out her origin,” he said to Annatashya.

“No, it wasn’t much. I just happened to have the information at hand,” Annatashya replied with a cool attitude. Yet, her eyes indicated her desire for praise.

Selv ignored her and addressed Nely.

“Isn’t that great, Nely? Now you can go back to your parent.”

Nely shook her head. She looked at her parents and explained why she did not wish to return. She came here to have her wish granted.

Of course, why would he want to return now? Selv had forgotten how she had come here in order to do something. It was completely out of his mind because of yesterday’s incident.

As she explained herself, a little color of trouble painted Gibert and Astral’s face. They knew of the truth.

The “It” could not grant her wish for it was no different than humans. This too was something he had forgotten about.

Age must have caught up to him.

Selv thought it was time to tell her the truth.

“Nely, do you know the history of this town and the being that grant wishes?”

While confused by the sudden question, she nodded. It was not strange for her to know considering who her parents were.

“Good, then I can skip that part. First, let me clear one misconception. The town in the story is not the independent town.”

Nely widens her eyes in disbelief. It was shocking and confusing at the same time. If it was a different town, why did it become part of this town’s history? It was strange even to the young Nely.

Selv sensed her feelings and continued.

“Before a being that can grant wishes came, the town was nothing but a nameless town. No, it might not even be a town. It was a place you could find anywhere at the time. But, it changed when the war happened,” Selv said with a clear and firm tone.

“People were forced to pick up weapons in order to protect their farm, family, and place. Obviously, people with no training did not stand a chance. Furthermore, humans, in general, are weaker than demons. The result was obvious even to a child.”

Defeat. Selv could have explained it with more detail on what happened to the people, but intentionally left Nely to figure out the result. It would be stimulating for children like her to know that part of a war.

“Now you might be wondering why the being haven’t taken part. This is the second misconception. The being came only after the town had fallen. Not to mention, it helped the people for one simple reason. A demon pissed it off. Because of one demon, it massacred every demon in the town.”

Yes, it was not holy but demonic being. It was not bound by ethic, moral, and rule. It merely di as it pleased. The result just happened to be in favor of humans at that time. A slight mistake could change the whole thing upside down.

It coincidentally granted the people’s wish.

It accidentally used its power for them.

It was by pure chance. Nothing more, nothing less.

“Then, out of a whim, it decided to rest on the town for a while. The people of the time accepted it with open arms for an obvious reason. Fortunately, nothing much happened for a while. But, slowly, the people realized the danger of keeping a monster in the middle of their town,” Selv said with a hint of mocking.

Once it was no use, they decided to discard it. True, it was only by chance. Yes, it might turn its blade on them. But, it did not change the fact it helped them. To forget that fact was foolish and ungrateful.

“people’s views on this were divided into two. So, as a compromise, they appointed someone as an observer in case it decided to bring harm to the town. This is where my title, the Guardian, came from.”

Selv checked on her to see if she caught up. From her amazed expression, he decided it was okay to continue.

“The guardian is someone who dedicates their life to the town. A patriot of town, you might say. “

The term patriot usually refers to someone who loves and devoted to their homeland. But, it was not completely wrong to use in this case. After all, in a sense, the independent was a country.

“They received the task of killing the town’s savior. Even God to few people. So, how did it end? It ended quite pitifully. Without ever doing their duty, it disappeared from the world. The term disappeared is vague and no records are left to explain it. The strange part is that all of the information conveyed it the same way. It disappeared from the world.”

Now, what could possibly cause a being out of this world to “disappeared from the world?”

Lifespan, perhaps. Enemy? No, quite unlikely.

Selv thought about it. Using the information available he reached a certain conclusion.

“It had grown bored of the town,” he said.

Just like how it saved the town from a whim. It was more than possible to do the same and left the town.

“So, with a half-assed conclusion. What happened next? A conflict.”

Selv wetted his lips by drinking. He took a brief break before he continued.

“A town that lost its protector and God. Soon, they blamed each other, jeered at neighbor, and lost their way. Fortunately for them, there just happened to be someone in a position to take all the blame. The person they appointed to remove the threat and save the town. Yes, the Guardian,” Selv said with a harsh tone. He gripped his hands hard and glared at the figure long in the past.

The title he held has both positive and negative meaning. One of which was praised for protecting the town and the other which was blamed for making the being disappeared.

Although now the negative meaning was gone. In the past, the Guardian was treated like thrash despite doing their best to protect the town. That was something Selv could not forgive.

“And so, they made the Guardian took all the duty it’s duty despite doing nothing wrong and hid the fact from outsiders. This was when the independent town was born,” Selv concluded. He tried to take a drink only to realize his cup was empty. So, he placed it and let out a sigh.

The story still held the same impression to him no matter how much time had passed. He had been told this truth by the previous guardian, but since then he only thought of the story as such,

“It was a laughable tale.”

One could take moral lesson such as be grateful or don’t depend too much on someone. But, the historical fact just made it laughable no matter what, in a sarcastic meaning.

“The price in the story was a never-ending suffering for one unlucky lineage. So, after heard this story, do you get what I want to say, Nely?”

The being that grants wish did not and no longer exist. Those two points were what he conveyed to her. The being she wished for did not exist in the first place and it that appeared in the story was no longer anywhere in this world.

Nely answered with a small nod.

“Well, sorry to break your hope,” Selv said while scratching his head.

Nely held her head down, not giving any responses. The truth seemed to give her hard hit. No wonder, her hope was crushed by the cruel reality. No children are fine with it.

Out of consideration, he tried to cheer her. But, it was an unnecessary concern. Before he said a word of encouragement, she took his hand and firmly gripped it. Then, with a face of compassion, she looked straight at him.

Are you alright? Or so her face said to him.

Selv was left speechless for a while.

What is this child talking about? He thought.

Of course, he was fine. He did not get hurt by anyone. He had enough money and plenty of friends. It was harder to find him when he was not alright.

Yet, what with that face of her?

“Of course, I’m alright. Do I look like I’m not?” he replied with a question.

The answer he got was a nod.

True, Selv got slightly emotional. But, he was fine. The past was something that had gone by. Even if he had spoken as if he was there as a part, he was not. The story was from far in the past before he was born.

He just heard it from a very close person who suffered because of it.

He was fine, he repeated.

“Well, I might get slightly emotional along the way, but that isn’t important. Back to about you, Nely. What will you do now? The thing you seek is not here.”

Using her hands, he conveyed her will. Her movement was sharp and clear. It conveyed her determination even to Selv who did not understand hand language.

“She said she still wants to stay here,” Annatashya said.

“Yeah, even I understood that. But, there is someone who is aiming for her. I believe it would be best to return her to her parent,” Selv argued.

As if found something funny, Anantashya leaked out a giggle. Selv’s gaze automatically went to her.

“Sorry, I could not help it. That sounds quite strange coming from the only person who could fight against the Death.”

She had her point. Currently, Selv was not being himself. He felt something uncomfortable within Nely. Whether it was her personality, action, or something else, he did not know. Only the uncomfortable feeling was real and certain to him.

He felt his body was rejecting something. His body refused to be in this place and leaned toward the exit. Rising heartbeat told him further of his irregularity.

He had long forgotten that this feeling also exists within him. It was what people called anxiety.

Make no mistake. It was anxiety, not fear. Both might be similar but the former comes from something unseen and most of the time unconsciously.

It was close to how you suddenly find your daily life as something strange. Why do we waste our time going to a school or workplace where we are nothing more than a tool? Why do we repeat this activity for no reason? Why did we only realize it now?

It took him some time to mutter his next words.

“…You’re right. But, as you can see, her parents came to take her back. Rather than me who is just a person, they are more suitable to handle this case. After all, Gilbert is quite strong. Not to mention, the security on Astral’s lab is impossible to breach.”

A fair point. There was a limit to what a person can do. Gilbert and Astral who could move lots of people were the suitable people for it.

But, they had their own reason.

“About that,” Gilbert interrupted. “The reason we came today is to entrust Nely to you.”

“What?”

He continued.

“A suspicious rumor entered my ears. In order to investigate it, I need Astral’s help.

“Just call me honey, like usual,” Astral chimed with a red face.

He shut Astral with her glare and continued.

“…it’s dangerous and might take time. So, I intend to entrust her to you. I heard from the woman over there that you took her under your wing. It’s convenient. ”

“Wait! Even so, it’s only temporally. I don’t intend to take care of her for long or stay here for a long time either. After I have done my business, I intended to return home,” Selv said.

Selv’s home was not in the independent town. It was somewhere quite far away from people. It was the only place in this world he called “home”. Everyone except Nely knew of this. No, everyone in the town knew. It was a knowledge close to a common sense there.

“Please,” Gilbert lowered his head.

“Please,” Astral followed with a rare serious tone.

They, who held a high position, abandoned their pride and lowered their heads to plead for Selv’s help. The sincerity and determination were conveyed clearly.

“Now you’re playing dirty,” Selv said helplessly. “You are fully aware that I could not reject when someone asks me like that.”

“Even so, this is our decision.”

Selv stared at the two for a while. He finally gave up with a sigh.

“Fine. In the name of the Guardian, I accept that request.”

“You have my gratitude.”

“I knew I could count on you!”

“Yeah, yeah. But, don’t forget while you guys are here, you better play with Nely while still can.”

“Of course! I always play with her daily even without your words!”

Hearing Astral’s words, Nely twitched. She without a moment of delay prove her words to be true with action. She needlessly made body contact with her with suspicious hand movement.

Nely sent a help request with her eyes to Gilbert. But, he did not move. He had let it happen because of Selv’s words. After saying that, Selv could not do something to hinder a family from playing with each other. Nely had no one to save her.

“Still, that’s you playing her…”

Considering her personality, she must have teased Nely a lot. It was not a wonder for Nely to showed such reaction to her mother. Or it might just be her rebellious period, thought Selv.

“Good work. You must be tired. Here’s your refill,” Annatashya said with a pot of tea. She seemed to have left her seat once the talk had finished.

“Thank you,” Selv said and gave her the empty cup.

With a gentle motion, she poured him with a smile. Then, as if it was natural she placed the pot on the table, placed her seat closer, and sat.

“it was rare for you to sigh six times.”

“There were too many things happening at once. A sigh or two is normal. Or rather, don’t bother counting such things. Don’t waste your memory for something trivial.”

“My, even I won’t bother remembering something trivial. It just happens to be not trivial because it’s you.”

“Is that so.”

“Yes.”

Selv ignored the meaning behind her words and put his lips on the glass.

“What is your plan?”

Annatashya asked while sneakily moved her hands toward his arm.

“Gather information, I guess,” he said, brushing the incoming hands. “There’s a need to remove the threat like yesterday to completely protect her.”

“So, you’re saying you don’t have the confidence to protect her all day?”

“Well, that’s asking too much from this old bone. I can only protect things on my sight. But, the story is different if there is no threat here. Why would anyone need a protection when there are no threats?”

A person has his limit. Fully aware of that, Selv decided to use the town itself to protect her. Once the mastermind behind yesterday’s incident was caught, her safety in this town can be said to be perfect.

After all, there was no person stupid enough to laid a hand on someone under his protection in this town.

“I’m counting on you to identify the one behind it,” he said to her.

“Now, what should I do? Why should I lend a hand to someone cold enough to brush my hands as if sweeping some insects?”

Annatashya pondered while putting her fingers on her chin. She did not forget to send a meaningful glance at him.

“Fine. Do as you please. “

Selv gave up. He was too tired to argue at this point.

Without restraint, she coiled her hands on his arm without minding body contact. In fact, she pushed herself to him. Her face slacked, showing the true face beneath her adult mask.

“Hehe.”

Was it because of their long separation? She was clingier than the last time he had seen her, Selv thought.

But, somewhere in his heart, he was glad.

“You’re still the same old Anny,” he muttered with a small smile.

To be honest, he was sad about how people change over time. He was someone who did not change. When he saw how people matured or aged, he found himself engulfed by this sentimental feeling of being left behind.

So, when he saw her unchanged childish smile and gesture, he felt light inside.

“Of course,” she replied to his mutter. “Even if I learned etiquette, the proper behavior of adults, grown in height, or change my appearance, inside, I’m still the same person who wants your affection.”

Her voice was gentle and full of warmth. Every word she said sipped inside the torn, rugged heart of his.

“I see,” was his reply.

He watched the interaction of the peculiar family in front of him. The father was a scary, military-looking man, the mother was a petite looking girl with unusual brain and conduct, and the child which could not speak but saw the world as pure as a child.

They were by no way the perfect picture of a family. But, they were enough to be seen as family.

Age was something humans could not avoid. When one gets old, they could not help but get emotional over trivial things.

Selv looked at them and thought. Was there a future where he could have a family like them?

There might be.

He could not deny such possibility. Even now, it was not too late.

But, as long he or his heart was unable to change, it was not possible.

He could only blame himself for that.

He met eyes with Nely. Still, in Astral’s grasp, she had a puzzled look.

How does he look in her eyes that caused her that face?

Either way, it was going to be busy from tomorrow. He stopped thinking of such things and decided to rest.

It was a little early, but the moon had appeared. So, he excused himself by using his age.

They decided to end the discussion for today. For the time being, Nely was decided to be with her parents. After saying their farewell, Selv went to his room.

On his bed, he closed his eyes. He listed the things he needs to do before he could return home. First, he must wait for information while protecting Nely. Then, he will need to crush whoever aiming for her. All left was to wait for her parents.

Next, he needs to survey the surrounding area for Deaths. Fight upon encounter and if possible, defeat it. Only after it was deemed safe, he could return home. If only he was not tasked upon a new request.

His thoughts went negative, so he decided to stop.

Before he entered deep sleep, he thought it was going to be busy for a while.

And so, the Guardian relieved himself from his burden by sleeping.

“Soon.”

At the same time in another place, a man stood in front of his men. He and the people gathered there all wore a black coat to hide their identities. The moment they put on that coat, they were no longer an individual but a group.

“Soon, our wish will come true!” The man declared.

Dim light showed the gloom warehouse and the man’s unshaved chin. From that, it was speculated his age was around thirty.

The crowd did not cheer on him. How could they?

They were aware that their wish was evil. What they were about to do will, without a doubt, cause people to suffer and grief regardless of the outcome.

They knew it was wrong, but they decided it was the right thing to do.

Aah, contradiction.

Humans are a being full of contradiction. They wish a world of peace but still stab people in the back. It was their nature. Could not be helped.

Only by contradicting themselves, humans could keep the balance of their mind and behavior.

“The preparations are complete,” the man addressed the crowd. “Tomorrow is the day.”

Tension filled the air. Their eyes became sharp and filled with determination. That response was more than enough.

Finishing the brief speech, the man ended the gathering. They all dispersed in every direction of the independent town.

Soon, they will execute their plan. All for a wish.

Selv at the time was deep in his sleep and was unaware of it.