The passing moments filled with the swift departure of carriages whisking past Frederick's lawn. Some men and women, burdened by heavy bags, hurried on foot with their backs hunched. While most fled the area, Frederick remained rooted in front of his vehicle.

     Shaking his head from side to side, Frederick scans his surroundings, searching for someone. Hesitation clouds his mind, making him reluctant to evacuate. He glances at the rear of his carriage, where bags, luggage, and various packages crowd the connecting wagon. Turning his attention to the vehicle's interior, he observes the empty seating space prepared for passengers.

"Uh... sire? I suggest we leave," the coachman bashfully recommended, leaning forward from the driver's seat.

"Not until my son is here," Frederick hesitated nervously, gazing left and right.

"Dad!" a familiar voice suddenly echoed in the distance.

Frederick peered ahead down the street. "Oliver...?"

Silence passed until Oliver appeared from the end of the street, waving his hands. "Dad!" Oliver called out.

"Oliver! Come here!" Frederick's excitement made him leap.

Oliver jumped into his adoptive father's arms. "Glad you're safe!"

"Me, too," Frederick replied, embracing Oliver tightly.

"But why are you still here?" Oliver asked anxiously.

"What do you mean? I heard the bells ringing, signalling an evacuation. I packed everything up, but I couldn't leave you, of course," Frederick responded genuinely.

Oliver hugged his adoptive father again. "Thank you for not leaving me behind." Then, he let go and pulled away. "But... Dad? I think it's time to go."

"Why not? Let's hop in!" Frederick pointed to the carriage. "There's plenty of space left, just in case some of your friends need a ride."

"...Dad, you go. I stay," Oliver stated.

"...What!?" Frederick flinched. "Why?"

"I'm the Remaining Podeshire. It's my purpose to protect this city. It's in my title, after all," Oliver said, placing his right palm on his chest.

"Protect this city...?" Frederick questioned curiously. "...From what?"

"The Pyrovoidians," he answered quickly.

"...But I thought the government sent troops and armies around the lake to prevent the monsters from breaching their origin?" Frederick gasped.

"The soldiers and guards left. We underestimated the Pyro Void Monsters. They're too many and too ferocious. All we can do is... escape," Oliver explained. "While everyone flees from this place, I will stay."

"You shouldn't stay by yourself," Frederick argued.

"Sorry, but I must remain in this place and face those creatures," Oliver replied.

"Oliver, my son, please, you can't stay here!" Frederick grabbed Oliver's left forearm.

"Dad, I promise you I will protect this city. Everyone must go as far as possible! I have my elemental powers within me. Trust me, I can do this," Oliver assured.

"You sure about that?" Sophia popped out and asked. "I'm not that woman who will watch a hero fight for this world. I shall stay here—with you, Oli. And help you against those monsters," Sophia said, approaching her friend.

"You're... staying?" Oliver asked in concern.

Sophia nodded confidently, smirking as she crossed her arms.

"I'm staying, too!" a masculine voice followed. Everyone looked at the man who spoke—it was none other than Gregory approaching them with Edgar. Gregory ventured. "I'm not leaving any of my friends here."

"Same for us!" a lady stated.

Everyone gazed across the street to see who spoke. It was Sarrah all along, with Bethany by her side.

"And if Sarrah wouldn't leave, I shall do the same," Bethany stated with a brave, confident smile.

"You're all staying...?" Oliver inquired as his voice flooded with worry. "I mean, all of you have your abilities, and I appreciate each of you. But I don't want to risk anyone's life."

"You'll risk your life if we aren't here to assist you," Sophia stated.

"...Are you all honestly confident that you will stay with me?" Oliver asked.

Everyone nodded and smiled at the Remaining Podeshire.

"If everyone's staying, I'm staying, too, then," Frederick laid his palm onto Oliver's shoulder and declared.

Oliver smiled. "Dad... you're fifty-eight. Time to leave."

     Before Frederick could reply, he found himself instantly inside the carriage. The door slammed shut. Then, the wheels began spinning on the ground, creating sparks as the wooden wheels ground against the concrete road.

     Oliver waves at his bewildered adoptive father from outside the fleeing carriage. He watches Frederick's vehicle depart, leaving him with his friends nearby. As the carriage swiftly turns to the left, Oliver and Frederick lock eyes and exchange a gracious smile.