The scene stood in stark contrast to the sadness that enveloped the white lily garden, where Honest remained alone. In the office, Avalon gazed out into the morning with a bright smile,
"A beautiful day to start something new," he muttered.
He walked out of the room, where Ashil and Vashil snapped to attention and saluted him.
Ashil held a piece of paper with the Esculenta Code written on it, which he then handed to Avalon. "Master Avalon, this is Master Honest's report on the Esculenta Code."
Avalon's smile widened. "Ah, that boy... always so eager to play his part."
He skimmed the report Ashil handed him. "The Esculenta Code has been activated, Vellion City is gone, and Serion City sustained minor damage."
He stepped forward, his robes fluttering in the breeze. "Just as I calculated... Leuliang, keep fighting."
Meanwhile, Serenity sensed Lian's power beginning to stir. "I hope the gift I gave you helps," she prayed.
Serenity walked across the white granite floor. Her steps were slow, yet they echoed sharply against the marble walls. She descended the steps until she reached the white lily garden.
Serenity approached Honest, who was standing in the middle of the garden.
"Brother, what is on your mind?" Serenity asked softly.
Honest turned around. "Even if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand, and you never will."
"What you said may be true." Serenity glanced briefly at the white lily.
"At least I can tell what you're thinking." She looked back at Honest.
"Even the darkest storm clouds carry a silver lining. Do not weary your heart for me, sister."
Honest's sweet smile was as warm as the sunlight that warmed the cold Peaceraft residence.
"Kindness may seem like an intrusion to those with different views," Honest said, clasping Serenity's hand. "Even so, never lose your way." He slowly released his grip, letting the silence settle between them.
"Brother, I am but a mere human, not much different from the people of Syntax." Serenity's sincere gaze was reflected in Honest's eyes.
"Even so..." Honest closed his eyes briefly. "What you see is not always the truth." He smiled faintly. "Sometimes, there is truth hidden in lies."
Honest left Serenity with that statement. "Brother, you've never lived up to your name. You lie to those around you," she said, clasping her hands together.
"Even to yourself," she whispered, staring at the white lilies with despair.
The sun was starting to rise, and the white lily garden was now empty—a silent witness to their conversation.
***
At Syntax, guards and military hospital units were cleaning up under Serion City's scorching midday sun. They had begun repairing areas damaged by Lian, as heavy vehicles rumbled past.
Meanwhile, in the ICU waiting room, Ron stared intently at the entrance, his left hand wrapped in bandages. When the doctor and nurses finally emerged, they headed straight for him.
"Lieutenant Colonel, how is your hand?" the doctor asked, glancing at the bandages on Ron's left hand.
Without looking up, Ron replied flatly, "It's better. Thank you for your help."
The doctor sighed. "Major Nox's condition has stabilized."
Ron's eyes widened slightly.
"If Major Nox remains stable through the afternoon," the doctor continued, "we can move him to an inpatient ward."
Ron finally looked up. "Thank you for everything you've done."
The doctor offered a warm smile. "It's my job. That is all I have to report for now, Lieutenant Colonel. The nurse and I will take our leave."
With that, they walked away, leaving Ron alone.
As the footsteps of the doctor and nurse faded, Ron walked to the window, gazing out at the aftermath of the dawn incident. "Leuliang Esculenta…" he murmured, his right hand gripping the aluminum frame tightly.
"I will never let you go, even if I have to sacrifice my life." He stared through the gaping hole in the wall surrounding Serion City Military Hospital.
***
The crimson glow of dusk bathed the Serion City sky, casting long shadows into the ICU waiting area. Ron sat in the heavy silence, his eyes still smoldering with a resentment he couldn't quite shake.
When a nurse finally emerged, the hard edge in his gaze softened.
"Lieutenant Colonel, we're ready to move Major Nox to the ward," she informed him.
Ron stood up, a flicker of relief crossing his face. "Thank you. Lead the way."
After a brief salute, the nurse disappeared back through the double doors. Moments later, they swung open again as a gurney emerged. Ron was at Nox's side instantly, his hand hovering near the rail as they moved through the corridors.
Once Nox was settled in the quiet of the ward, the staff began to withdraw. "Major Nox is stable, Sir. We'll leave you two alone now."
Ron nodded his thanks, his focus already shifting. He reached out and took Nox's hand, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Glad you're still with us, Nox."
Knock, knock, knock.
A sharp knock broke the silence. Ron pulled back and opened the door, not at all surprised to find Bhairin standing in the doorway.
Bhairin immediately asked about Nox's condition. "How is Major Nox, Lieutenant Colonel Eosvile?"
"He's stable and doing better now, Sir." Ron invited Bhairin into the room.
Bhairin stepped inside. "Leuliang Esculenta is gone."
He looked down at Nox, who lay motionless. Ron remained silent, and Bhairin could only let out a soft sigh.
As Bhairin turned to leave, Ron spoke up firmly. "Will the General just let him go like this?"
Bhairin closed his eyes. "If you were in my position, Lieutenant Colonel, what would you do?"
Ron raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that, Sir?"
"Just answer me," Bhairin said, opening his eyes.
"Under normal circumstances? No, Sir," Ron replied, his fists clenching tightly.
"Exactly. Under normal circumstances, no. But..." Bhairin gave a sad smile.
"Have you seen the gaping hole in the concrete barrier?" Ron instinctively nodded.
"Yes."
"Is that normal to you, Lieutenant Colonel?"
"No," Ron replied, his grip loosening.
"If he were a common criminal... perhaps I wouldn't feel this powerless," Bhairin said softly.
He looked back at Nox. "I wouldn't feel this heavy guilt, forcing you to swallow your rage until it drew blood."
Bhairin's gaze shifted to the bandages on Ron's left hand.
"I didn't let him go to set him free..." He turned toward the door.
"But the fact that he didn't destroy this place—that we are even able to stand here and talk—is because he pitied us. That is the bitter truth we have to swallow."
Bhairin walked quickly down the hallway, his mind racing. I saw him walk away without even looking back, even as the troops opened fire.
He stopped by a window near the stairs, looking out at the massive hole Lian had left behind. "We are nothing more than dust in the wind."
He turned away from the view. "I will simply report that Leuliang Esculenta has disappeared without a trace."
***
Meanwhile, Ron still couldn't fully accept Bhairin's statement.
"Do you think I'll just accept it? What about my parents? Friends and relatives? My homeland?" Ron held his head as he sat next to Nox.
***
The moon shone brightly over Serion City. Nox slowly blinked his eyes open.
Ron gasped, "Nox!"
Nox turned toward the voice. He saw Ron, his face haggard and dark circles heavy under his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Nox asked softly.
"I should be asking you that," Ron replied.
Nox tried to sit up.
"Nox, you need to rest," Ron said, his voice thick with concern.
"Calm down, I'm fine." Nox was already upright. "What happened, Ron?"
Ron looked down. "You collapsed, nearly fell into a coma, and were taken straight to the ICU."
"I'm sorry for worrying you." Nox lowered his head, his gaze falling on the bandage on Ron's left hand. "Ron, what happened to your hand?"
He reached out to touch it, but Ron reflexively pulled away.
"It's nothing, just a small cut."
"Does this have anything to do with Leuliang?" Nox's eyes sharpened.
"No, I just... lost control for a moment," Ron tried to hide it with a forced smile.
"What about him now?" Nox changed the subject, sensing Ron's discomfort.
"He..." Ron stared out the window. "Perhaps by tomorrow, the world will finally learn the truth behind the name Leuliang Esculenta."
To be continued…