Killian shifted on his feet, visibly unsure for a brief second, but Micah gave him a slight nudge, and he straightened up. 

Clearing his throat, he began, his voice steady and confident.

"My name's Killian," he said, looking Zach and Ruby in the eye as he spoke. 

"I am the top hunter amongst our village.

"He then gestured to his sister with a faint smile. 

"And this is—"

"I'm Micah," she interrupted gently, stepping forward with a small but proud smile. 

"His younger sister. I'm also one of the top hunters, just below my brother, Killian. We both use dao swords as our weapon." 

Zach gave a small nod, his expression softening. 

"It's good to meet you both," he said, his voice carrying a quiet authority. 

"I'm Zach. Captain of the Renaissance Band... just as you've heard."

Ruby stepped forward next, her demeanor warm and approachable as she added.

"And I'm Ruby. I may not be a warrior like the others, but I know my strength. It lies more in helping them move forward... emotionally, even when the fight seems impossible."

Micah's eyes softened as she listened to Ruby, a flicker of understanding crossing her expression. 

"That's... incredible," she said softly. 

"It takes a different kind of strength to keep people going. Maybe even more than swinging a weapon."

Ruby smiled faintly, her gaze dropping for a moment before she looked back up at Micah. 

 She said simply.

"Thank you." 

As the conversation settled into a calm rhythm, Zach gestured toward the rest of his band. 

He said, his tone shifting slightly as he pointed them out one by one.

"And these are the people who make the band what it is."

First, he motioned toward Jiighual, who was still loudly encouraging villagers to take food from the spread he had prepared. 

"That's Jiighual," Zach said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. 

"The Warrior of Gluttony. He's... well, as you can see, he's hard to miss. But his heart is as big as his appetite."

Jiighual turned at the mention of his name, catching the group's gaze. 

He called out, holding up a perfectly roasted chicken leg. 

"Oh, don't mind me!" 

He waved energetically before returning to his task.

"Just making sure no one goes hungry today!" 

Zach chuckled softly and moved on, pointing to Yzavynne, who was gracefully handing plates to villagers. 

"That's Yzavynne, the Warrior of Lust. But don't let the title mislead you. She's one of the most composed and strategic fighters I've ever known."

Yzavynne glanced back briefly, offering a small wave before turning her attention back to a child she was helping. 

"Strategic, maybe," she called over her shoulder.

"But someone has to balance Jiighual's chaos."

Next, Zach gestured toward Leeani, who was helping manage the lines with calm efficiency. 

"Leeani, the Warrior of Envy," he said, his tone softening. 

"She's proof that envy doesn't have to be a weakness—it can be a driving force to do better. And she does."

Leeani looked up at her name, giving a brief nod before barking a quick instruction to a villager to move to the next line. 

She muttered, though a small smile played on her lips.

"Someone has to keep order here."

Moving further down, Zach's gaze settled on Qarek, who was deep in his training, his punches precise and powerful as he shadowboxed. 

Gargeal stood nearby, offering corrections and encouragement. 

"That's Qarek," Zach continued, his voice steady. 

"The Warrior of Pride. His strength lies not just in his skills but in his unyielding confidence. He never backs down. And also, he's not using his war axe because he doesn't want to scare the people of this village."

"And his master," Zach added, nodding toward Gargeal. 

"That's Gargeal. He's not a warrior in the same way, but he's the one who taught many of us what it means to fight for something bigger than ourselves."

Gargeal noticed the group looking his way and offered a respectful nod before returning his attention to Qarek's form, adjusting the angle of his stance.

"Hmm."

Finally, Zach pointed toward Kazaks, who sat quietly on a nearby log, his one arm resting on his knee as he watched the others with a contemplative gaze. 

"Kazaks," Zach said softly, his voice carrying a note of reverence. 

"The Warrior of Wrath. He's been through more than most of us can imagine, losing an arm as a warrior but he's still here. Still fighting."

Kazaks looked up briefly, meeting their gazes with a faint nod before turning his attention back to the scene in front of him.

"And then, of course," Zach added with a faint smile.

"There's Andhur, who you've already met. The Warrior of Greed. But don't let the title fool you—he's one of the most selfless people I know."

Andhur, who had been quietly observing the introductions, grinned and gave a mock bow. 

"Oh, stop it," he said playfully. 

"You're making me blush."

The group shared a small laugh, the tension from earlier slowly melting away. 

There was something grounding about the way Zach spoke of his comrades, each introduction laced with respect and affection. 

It wasn't just a band—

It was a family.

As the morning sunlight filtered through the trees, Micah and Killian exchanged a glance. 

There was a newfound understanding between them and the Renaissance Band, a quiet acknowledgment of the sacrifices they had made and the bonds that held them together.

Micah broke the silence, her voice soft but sincere. 

"Thank you," she said, her gaze sweeping across the group. 

"For everything. For what you've done for this village... and for each other."

Ruby smiled, a glimmer of warmth returning to her eyes. 

"It's what we do," she said simply. 

"And what we'll keep doing. Together."

The group fell into an easy silence as Haerak's words hung in the air. 

Haerak, his arms crossed and his brows slightly furrowed, finally broke the silence. 

"Oh, and by the way," he began, his voice calm but steady.

"You two don't have to worry about the loss of resources or food anymore. Now that Selene is dead, her meddling ends here."

Micah's eyes widened slightly, and a small grin broke across her face. 

"Well, that's good news! That just means me and Killian can roam around the island again and hunt as many animals as we want!"

Killian rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. 

"You don't have to make it sound that exciting, Micah."

Haerak chuckled softly. 

"But yes, that's true. Selene's influence over the land is no more. The forest can begin to heal, and so can we."

Micah and Killian shared a glance, their expressions lighter now. 

Killian said, his voice carrying genuine relief.

"We're glad to hear that."

"But," Haerak added, his tone growing more serious.

"Don't wander too far. Remember, Evelori is still out there—everywhere, anywhere. She is this island, after all."

Killian's smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful frown. 

"Yeah, I've heard that from Lyra already. I didn't expect that concept at all. So, she's basically hearing, seeing, witnessing everything we do? Like... even right now?" 

He gestured vaguely at their small group standing together. 

"She's witnessing this, too?"

Haerak nodded solemnly, his gaze heavy with the weight of the truth. 

"Yes. Evelori may no longer be as active or menacing, but don't misunderstand her nature. She is the soil beneath your feet, the air you breathe, the trees that surround you. Everywhere you walk, she's there. Every word you speak, she's listening."

Micah shuddered slightly, rubbing her arms as if trying to shake off a chill. 

"That's... not exactly comforting to hear, Haerak."

Haerak sighed deeply. 

"I know. It's not. And it's made me wonder—should we leave this island altogether? It's something I've been thinking about ever since Selene and Evelori revealed themselves. But if we leave, we'll be vulnerable to the kingdom's tyranny, dystopia, and greed. You know as well as I do that the kingdoms would see us as little more than an obstacle. They might even burn our village to the ground."

Killian crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. 

"That's not impossible at all. Especially the King of Drakonium, Ybael. He's the worst of them all—the kind of man who sees villages like ours as nothing but a nuisance."

Micah's expression softened, but there was a flicker of determination in her eyes. 

"I guess we can only pray to our god and ask for guidance."

Killian scoffed lightly, shaking his head. 

"As if that'll do us any favors."

Haerak's lips twitched into a faint, knowing smile. 

"Even so, I've been considering our options. But moving... moving would take years. Rebuilding the village? That's no small task. We'd need resources—stones, wood, coal—all gathered from scratch. And then we'd have to construct everything again: cabins, the blacksmith's forge, the village square... It would take time, and time is something we might not have in abundance."

Killian sighed, his head dipping slightly. "

I guess you're right—"

Before he could finish, Zach spoke up, his voice steady but thoughtful. 

"We can help."

Everyone turned to look at him, surprised by the sudden interjection.

"Well," Zach continued, his expression calm yet resolute.

"If that's the final decision you make, Haerak, we'll help. But I need you to remember something. Evelori herself said something that stuck with me: 'I have watched humans for centuries. Everywhere. Across lands you will never see, across lifetimes longer than you can fathom. You speak of peace, but I have never seen it. Never.'"

The weight of his words settled over the group like a heavy blanket. 

Zach's piercing gaze moved between them, his tone deliberate. 

"Therefore, leaving this island wouldn't solve the problem. Evelori may be bound here, but her awareness extends far beyond it. She's seen the kingdoms. She's watched humanity. If we move, we'll just bring our struggles with us—and she'll still be watching, waiting."

The group fell silent, processing the depth of what he was saying.

"It's all up to you, Haerak," Zach added after a moment. 

"You're the chieftain of this village, and your people will follow your lead. But know this: staying doesn't mean you're trapped, and leaving doesn't mean you'll escape."

Haerak, Micah, Killian, and Lyra exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from thoughtful to troubled.

Lyra finally broke the silence, her gaze fixed on Zach. 

"Qarek, Yzavynne, and Leeani were all right about you, huh?"

Zach turned to her, his expression softening slightly. 

"Thanks for the compliment."

Lyra smiled faintly, nodding.

"So," Zach continued, turning back to Haerak.

"What do you think? Do you need more time to think it over?"

Haerak looked down, his expression deep in thought as the others—Andhur, Aina, Micah, Killian, Ruby, Lyra, and Zach—watched him quietly. 

The silence stretched, broken only by the rustle of leaves in the breeze and the faint murmur of villagers in the distance.

Finally, Haerak lifted his head, his gaze resolute. 

"No. I've decided. We'll stay here. This is our home, and I won't abandon it. Thank you, Zach, for your insight—and for helping me see the bigger picture."

Zach nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. 

"Anytime."

The group let out a collective sigh of relief, the tension in the air dissipating as they prepared to face their future together—on the island they called home.

As the decision settled over the group, Aina suddenly let out an excited cheer, her face lighting up with joy. 

She exclaimed, clapping her hands together and spinning around in delight.

"We're staying!" 

Andhur, not one to miss an opportunity to join in the enthusiasm, immediately mirrored her energy. 

"Yes! This is our home, after all!" he declared, throwing his arms in the air. 

Then, with a playful grin, he grabbed Aina by the wrist and spun her around as if they were dancing. 

"A victory dance, don't you think?"

Aina laughed, her giggles infectious as the two spun in circles, their unbridled joy lifting the mood of the group. 

Lyra, standing a little to the side, watched the two with a bemused expression, her arms crossed but a small smile tugging at her lips. 

"You two act like children sometimes," she remarked, shaking her head, though the warmth in her voice betrayed her fondness for them.

Micah chuckled softly, nudging her brother with her elbow. 

"Well, I'm just glad Haerak finally made a decision. It feels like we've been stuck in limbo for ages."

Killian nodded, his usual stoic demeanor softening. 

"Yeah. At least now we know what's next. No more wondering. No more 'what ifs.'"

Haerak, who had been watching Aina and Andhur's antics with a faint smile, turned back to Micah and Killian. 

"I appreciate your understanding," he said quietly. 

"I know this decision wasn't easy for any of us, but I believe it's the right one."

Ruby, who had been standing close to Zach, turned her attention to him, her eyes shining with admiration. She smiled softly, leaning just close enough to murmur.

"You really have a way with words, you know? That was... incredible."

Zach's sharp ears caught her words, and he turned to her with a faint smile of his own. 

"I only said what needed to be said," he replied, his tone gentle but firm. Then, leaning slightly closer, he added in a lower voice.

"But I'm glad it helped."

Ruby's cheeks warmed slightly at his response, and she looked away, a shy smile spreading across her face.

Before the moment could linger too long, a loud voice called out, breaking the quiet hum of conversation. 

"Oi! Captain!"

The group turned to see Jiighual standing by a makeshift stand, waving them over enthusiastically. 

Smoke rose from the small fire pit behind him, and the savory scent of freshly cooked food wafted through the air. 

Beside him, Kazaks, Qarek, Gargeal, Leeani, and Yzavynne were already gathered, plates in hand, digging into what appeared to be some kind of hearty stew.

"The line's gone!" Jiighual shouted, gesturing to the now-empty space where villagers had previously been forming a queue. 

"Get over here before it's all gone!"

Zach let out a soft chuckle, motioning to the others. 

"Well, we don't want to miss out, do we?"

The group—Haerak, Micah, Killian, Lyra, Aina, Andhur, Ruby, and Zach—began making their way over, the lighthearted energy from earlier following them. 

As they reached Jiighual's stand, the chatter from the other band members greeted them.

Kazaks gave them a small nod of acknowledgment, his plate already half-empty. 

"Took you long enough."

"Don't listen to him," Yzavynne chimed in, her tone teasing. 

"He was the first one here, practically shoved the villagers aside to get to the front of the line."

Kazaks grumbled, though the faint smirk tugging at his lips betrayed him.

"I did not."

Leeani laughed, poking at her plate with her fork.

"Don't worry, there's plenty to go around. Jiighual's been cooking up a storm."

Jiighual beamed at the compliment, his large frame puffing up slightly with pride. 

"Of course I have! Can't let my bandmates—or the village—go hungry, can I?" 

He handed a plate to Ruby, who accepted it with a grateful smile.

As everyone settled in with their food, the group naturally broke into smaller conversations.

Aina asked, eyeing her plate with curiosity.

"So, what's in this stew, Jiighual?" 

"A bit of this, a bit of that," Jiighual replied cryptically, though the mischievous glint in his eye suggested he was enjoying the mystery. 

"Mostly wild game and some of the herbs I found earlier. It's good, though, isn't it?"

Andhur, already halfway through his plate, gave a thumbs-up. 

He said through a mouthful, earning an exasperated look from Lyra.

"It's amazing!"

She scolded lightly, though her tone was more amused than annoyed.

"Chew first, then speak."

Nearby, Killian and Micah were whispering to each other, their expressions relaxed for the first time in what felt like days.

Micah admitted, her voice just loud enough for Killian to hear.

"This feels... nice."

"Yeah," Killian agreed, glancing around at the group.

"It's been a while since things felt this normal."

Meanwhile, Ruby nudged Zach with her elbow, leaning in slightly. 

"So, Zach," she teased softly.

"What's next on the grand plan?"

Zach smirked, taking a bite of his food before replying. 

"For now? We eat. After that, we'll figure out what's next. One step at a time."

Their quiet moment was interrupted by Qarek, who raised his plate dramatically. 

"A toast!" he declared, though there was no drink in sight. 

"This is for Nert! The hero of the EmberWind village!"

The group laughed, raising their plates in mock toasts.

They chorused, the warmth of their camaraderie filling the air.

"To Nert!"

Everyone settled down around Jiighual's cooking stand, the warm scent of seasoned stew and freshly grilled meats filled the air. 

The flames from the makeshift pit Jiighual had set up earlier danced in the evening breeze, casting a cozy glow over the gathering. 

"Alright, dig in," Jiighual said, standing tall and scanning the group. 

"But no complaints! If you don't like it, you can cook next time."

Andhur was the first to dive in, taking a big bite of the stew and groaning in satisfaction. 

"Jiighual, if I ever doubted your skills, I take it all back. This is heavenly."

 Jiighual raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms, though his tone was playful.

"You doubted me?"

"Of course not!" Andhur waved his spoon dramatically. 

"I meant hypothetically. You know I'm your number one fan."

Ruby smiled warmly as she took a delicate bite. 

"You really do outdo yourself every time, Jiighual. It's perfect."

Jiighual puffed his chest out in mock pride. 

"Ah, finally, some appreciation."

Kazaks, who was chewing thoughtfully, swallowed and smirked. 

"Not bad. But don't get too full of yourself, Jiighual. It's just food."

Jiighual gave him a mock glare, holding up a ladle like a weapon. 

"Careful, Kazaks. I might 'accidentally' forget to serve you next time."

Qarek chuckled from his spot by the fire, shaking his head. 

"Don't take him seriously, Jiighual. You know Kazaks loves your cooking. He's just too stubborn to admit it."

Leeani was seated beside Yzavynne, carefully scooping her stew with a spoon. 

She glanced up, her voice soft yet pointed. 

"If he didn't like it, he wouldn't be on his second serving."

The group burst into laughter, with Kazaks shrugging in mock defeat. 

"Fine. It's good. Happy?"

Yzavynne leaned back on her hands, her tone dry but amused. 

"Finally, some honesty."

Meanwhile, Zach sat quietly, observing everyone with a faint smile as he ate. 

He always let them have their fun during these moments, content to watch the people he'd fought alongside relax and enjoy themselves. 

Ruby noticed his quiet demeanor and nudged him gently.

She asked, her voice low so only he could hear.

"You okay, Captain?" 

Zach looked at her and nodded. 

"Yeah, just... taking it all in."

Ruby smiled softly, her tone turning teasing. 

"Well, don't take too long. Your stew's going to get cold, and Jiighual will never forgive you if you don't finish it."

Zach chuckled, his deep voice carrying a warmth that made her smile widen. 

"Point taken."

Jiighual suddenly called out, pointing his ladle at Zach. 

"Captain! You're not just sitting there grading my cooking, are you? What do you think?"

Zach, ever composed, looked up and met Jiighual's expectant gaze. 

"It's great. You've got nothing to worry about." 

Jiighual grinned, clearly pleased. 

"I'll take that as high praise."

Aina, sitting next to Lyra, clapped her hands together excitedly. 

"Jiighual, you've outdone yourself. I think this might be your best meal yet!"

Andhur leaned toward her and whispered conspiratorially, though loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Don't let him hear that, Aina. His head's already too big."

Jiighual pointed his ladle at Andhur this time. 

"Careful, Andhur. You're one comment away from washing the dishes."

Haerak, who had been sitting quietly with a bowl in hand, finally spoke up. 

"Jiighual, you've earned your praise tonight. This meal... it reminds me of what we've been missing. It's good to have moments like this."

His words carried a deeper weight, and for a moment, the group fell silent, each of them reflecting on the battles and hardships they'd endured to reach this point.

Micah, breaking the silence, let out a contented sigh. 

"Well, I think I speak for Killian and myself when I say we're glad to be here... and even more glad to have food this good again. We're glad to meet all of you."

Killian smirked at his sister's comment. 

"You mean you're glad someone else cooked for a change."

"Exactly," Micah replied with a grin.

Lyra shook her head at their banter but smiled softly. 

"It's good to see everyone like this. It feels... peaceful."

The fire crackled softly as they all continued eating, their conversations weaving together in a comfortable rhythm. 

Ruby leaned closer to Zach again, her voice a soft murmur. 

"You've done good, Zach. You always do."

Zach turned to her, his expression gentle. 

"Thanks, Ruby. It's not just me, though. It's all of us."

Jiighual, noticing the pair murmuring, called out again. 

"Hey, captain! Ruby! Don't think you're off the hook. I made enough for seconds, so you'd better eat up."

Zach raised a hand in mock surrender. 

"All right, Jiighual. We'll make sure not to disappoint."

△▼△▼△▼△

In the distance, Seraphina appeared, she dashed toward them, clutching an assortment of colorful glass vials in her hands. 

The faint clinking of the bottles against one another echoed across the gathering, announcing her approach.

"Andhur!" she called out, her voice enthusiastic and loud enough to interrupt even the most engrossed eater. 

"Andhur, wait! You're going to love this one! It's revolutionary!"

Andhur's ears perked up at the sound of his name, but the moment his eyes registered Seraphina and her chaotic collection of potions, his expression shifted to one of mild horror.

"Nope," he said, immediately placing his half-finished plate of stew on the ground with deliberate care. 

"Absolutely not. I am not doing this again."

Without another word, Andhur sprang to his feet, turning to bolt away from the group. 

He shouted over his shoulder, his long legs carrying him at a speed that belied the full meal he'd just consumed.

"Not today, Seraphina!" 

Seraphina didn't miss a beat. 

"Oh, come on!" 

She yelled, her voice a mix of exasperation and glee as she began chasing after him. 

"This one doesn't explode! I swear! Well, not usually."

Andhur zigzagged between the cabins, his frantic escape only made funnier by Seraphina's determined pursuit. 

Her arms were flailing slightly as she tried to keep the vials from spilling while still running after her reluctant test subject.

Kazaks, watching the scene unfold, leaned back on his log and smirked. 

"He's surprisingly fast for someone who ate two servings."

"That's fear," Qarek remarked dryly, his arms crossed as he observed the chase like it was a casual sporting event. 

"Nothing motivates like the memory of a bad potion experience."

Jiighual chuckled deeply, setting his ladle down for a moment. 

"I warned him not to volunteer that first time. Seraphina's concoctions are... an adventure."

Yzavynne, elegantly swirling her spoon in her stew, raised an eyebrow. 

"An adventure? That's a diplomatic way of putting it."

Leeani, perched on the edge of her seat, laughed so hard she had to wipe a tear from her eye. 

"I still remember the time he turned green for a whole day. What was that one supposed to do again?"

"Boost his energy," Gargeal answered matter-of-factly.

"In her defense, it did work. He didn't sleep for a whole day."

Zach, who had been watching silently with a small smile, finally spoke. 

"You have to admire his commitment. Or his bad luck."

Ruby nudged him gently, her cheeks still flushed from laughing. 

"You're just glad it's not you."

"Absolutely," Zach admitted, his tone light. 

"I know my limits."

By now, Seraphina had cornered Andhur near a tree, waving one of her glowing blue vials like a prize. 

"Just hold still for a second! This one's for muscle recovery! You'll thank me later!"

The group's laughter grew louder as they watched Andhur's exaggerated gestures of refusal, his arms waving dramatically as he tried to negotiate his way out of being her guinea pig. 

Aina was clutching her sides, tears streaming down her cheeks as she gasped for air. 

"I can't—he looks like a cornered animal!"

Micah leaned over to Killian, grinning. 

"You think she'll catch him this time?"

Killian shrugged, his own smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. 

"If she doesn't trip first."

Just as he said that, Seraphina stumbled slightly over a root but managed to recover with surprising grace, still holding the vials aloft like trophies. 

She declared triumphantly.

"Almost got you!" 

Andhur let out a sound somewhere between a groan and a laugh, finally giving up as he slumped against the tree. 

"Fine! One vial. But if I grow feathers this time, I'm sending you the bill for all the stares I'll get."

Seraphina beamed, carefully uncorking the glowing vial and handing it to him like it was a gift. 

"You won't regret it, I promise."

As Andhur hesitantly drank the potion, the group broke into scattered applause, cheering and teasing him in equal measure. 

Jiighual called out, raising his spoon like a toast.

"To bravery!"

Kazaks, ever the skeptic, smirked. 

"Or foolishness."

Andhur returned to the group a few minutes later, his expression a mix of resignation and mild surprise.

"Well, I don't feel anything yet. So maybe this one's—"

Suddenly, he hiccupped, and a small puff of harmless glittery smoke escaped his mouth. 

The group froze for a beat before bursting into laughter again.

"Oh no," Ruby said between giggles. 

"What did it do?"

Seraphina tilted her head thoughtfully. 

"Well, it's supposed to relax muscles. The glitter is... an aesthetic choice."

Andhur stared at her, unamused, as another puff of glitter escaped. 

"Aesthetic?"

The rest of the meal passed in fits of laughter and lighthearted teasing—

The group enjoying the rare moment of peace and camaraderie. 

═════ ◆ TO BE CONTINUED ◆ ═════