The world has felt unbearably bleak lately.Events unfold one after another, too fast for me to keep up.I still haven't recovered from my last shock...the nightmares persist…but the worst part is this:
I grew used to someone always being there,someone who calmed me,who silenced those dreams...
Now he's gone.Gone leaving me alone to face this burden.
Sometimes I feel…no...I know it...
There is no reason for me to live...No goal...No dream worth staking my life on...No one waits for me...No one depends on me...
I am not anyone's hope...
If I were to disappear...to die...I doubt anyone would even notice.
Those voices in my head never stop saying it.
And yet…deep down, I know the truth...
Someone once wagered his life on mine.Someone believed in me truly.Someone praised me.Someone never began his day without greeting me with a wide smile even if it was fake,even if it hid something darker.
Another gave everything he had to train me,for so long I lost track of time itself—days, months, even seasons.
For their sake…
I will become worthy of their trust...I will never watch someone die before my eyes again...
I will be their first shield. As long as I stand beside them,they will feel safe.
That is my vow.
As (Raym) the hope of many,the bearer of a rare element I swear I will lose no one.I will carve a world where peace and stability exist,far from fear... No one will ever feel what I felt.
That was (Raym)'s resolve on the eve of his awaited day...the day he would prove himself. Morning arrives.
The sky is heavy with clouds unusual for this season.It feels like a warning.
Leaves fade in color.Autumn has come.
A quiet season…yet one that always carries unspoken dangers...
Our chosen team gathers under (Vail)'s command.Its core members: (Raym), (Vail), (Zack), and several soldiers...
Crowds gather to bid them farewell.
(Vail) surveys them with pride, raises his hand in salute—a calm smile filled with resolve.
(Zack) appears confident, wearing a relaxed grin...
But (Raym) feels uneasy...
This has happened before…People gathered like this once...And then disaster struck...
Sensing his thoughts, (Vail) places a hand on (Raym)'s head...
"Don't worry," he says calmly..."I'm here with you this time...Nothing will happen while I stand.I will not fall before my soldiers I swear it."
(Raym) exhales in relief, straightens his posture.
This is my day.
They set out toward their destination (Zero Province).
A nameless, ominous land...Rumors claim one of SI's strongholds lies nearby.A place so dangerous that no one truly understands what lurks within.
The road feels endless.Each step stirs memories of the last mission—yet (Vail)'s presence brings comfort.
If I can become like him…someone others rely on without fear—that is the man I want to be.
They converse along the way, trying to forget the length of the journey or perhaps the mission itself...
For once, (Raym) feels strangely hopeful.
They pass through a small village.
"Do not interact," (Vail) orders quietly.
Villagers scatter, hiding in fear.
It shocks (Raym).
These are my first civilians…Why are they afraid of us?
He notices tension in (Vail)'s expression and decides not to ask.
They leave the village and reach the province early, setting up a small camp.
That night is unbearable...
Sleep refuses to come.Every second feels like an ambush waiting to happen.
That night leaves a scar deeper than expected.
Morning finally arrives.
Too calm.Uncomfortably calm.
They prepare quickly.
Hours pass—then figures appear on the horizon.
They have arrived.
A group of roughly fifteen.Calm.Peaceful—despite their unsettling presence.
(Vail) smiles."At last. They seem genuine."
Introductions are exchanged.Conversation flows into evening.
The wind grows violent.A storm approaches.
(Vail) insists they stay the night.
For the first time in a long while,(Raym) feels at ease.
He falls asleep first.
The others follow.
All except (Vail) who keeps watchuntil exhaustion finally claims him.