After that, Rinoa resumed blowing soap bubbles, watching the transparent spheres float in the air as if she hoped to send all her worries away. However, amidst the dimness of the moment, a profound sadness was evident in her glistening eyes. Before long, Hernandez approached her cautiously, attuned to the fragments of emotion visible in her hidden smile.

  “You’re behaving differently than usual. Is this really your true nature?” Hernandez asked, his voice gentle yet imbued with deep curiosity. “For the first time, I’m witnessing the true softness and beauty of Rinoa Alfrenzo,” he added, his gaze full of admiration, as if he had just discovered something precious in the sparkle of Rinoa’s eyes and her smile, emphasizing her uniqueness among other girls.

  “Why are you saying that?” Rinoa replied, her voice filled with emotion, her eyes narrowing as if struck by something surprising. “You’re teasing me,” she continued, her tone carrying a blend of confusion and slight defensiveness.

  “I felt both shocked and delighted when you asked me to walk together. Although we can't really call it a date, my heart is truly blooming at this moment. Everything feels so sweet, as if the world around us has paused for a moment, and it's just the two of us in the warmth of the atmosphere.”

  “So, you really feel happy?” Rinoa said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

  “Of course,” Hernandez replied, his voice filled with certainty, each word flowing like light illuminating the space between them. He felt happiness burning within his heart, as if warm sunlight was seeping into the depths of his soul. However, deep down he realized that Rinoa was doing all of this not just for him but to help him finish the thesis that had been weighing him down, showcasing an extraordinary dedication from this girl.

  “You know, humans are not perfect,” Rinoa said while gently twisting the stem of the flower given by the little child earlier. She kept twirling it until she heard a soft crack as the stem broke, and the beautiful flower crown gently fell to the ground. The gray sky served as a backdrop to this scene, making the moment symbolic of the imperfection she mentioned, as if reminding us that even beauty can be fragile.

  Then, Hernandez gently grasped the fallen flower crown, gazing at it as if it were a precious treasure. The vibrant and soft colors of the delicate petals contrasted against the gray backdrop, creating a moment rich with meaning and beauty amidst the sadness.

  “Try extending your hand,” Hernandez said, softly handing over the shimmering crown. “Humans cannot be perfect, but they can truly be human,” he continued, his voice filled with hope and understanding, inviting Rinoa to embrace the flaws and beauty within themselves.

  Rinoa clenched her hand, placing it with deep emotion on her chest. For a moment, she appeared as if she were praying, sending hopes and dreams into the clear night sky. However, what she wished for was known only to her heart, while Hernandez could only watch the girl he loved with a mixture of hope and worry. After a few precious moments passed, Rinoa opened her eyes, and she now looked like her usual self, her gaze full of spirit and courage.

  “I didn’t expect you to be such an understanding and caring man,” Rinoa said happily.

  Hernandez took a deep breath, trying to muster the courage that stirred within him.

  "You should really reconsider agreeing to Professor Elbert's request," Hernandez said in a serious tone, his eyes conveying deep concern.

  "Dark magic isn't right for you," he added, his voice firm and full of care, as if he wanted to protect Rinoa from the lurking dangers.

  "So, are you willing to help me?" Rinoa asked, her voice reflecting a mix of hope and worry, while her eyes sparkled with unstoppable enthusiasm.

  That night, Hernandez had a rare opportunity to get closer to Rinoa. With a warm smile, Rinoa gestured for Hernandez to sit beside her, the space between them filled with tension that felt like a gentle breeze on a night.

  "By the way," Rinoa asked with a curious tone, "I want to know what makes you want to join me on the expedition to gamma? You could easily pass by taking other exams."

  Hernandez fell silent, his mind swirling in confusion. He didn't know where to begin, as if the words were stuck at the tip of his tongue, waiting for the courage to break free.

  “It’s alright if you don’t answer,” Rinoa said cheerfully. “The night is still long; why don’t we enjoy the beauty of the softly shining Garnet Moon?” she continued, swinging her legs joyfully, as if to distract herself from the nagging feelings within.

  “Actually, it is related to the Garnet Moon,” Hernandez replied, his voice adding an air of mystery to the enchanting night.

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  “What does it have to do with the Garnet Moon?” Rinoa asked, her voice filled with curiosity, as if trying to dig deeper into the meaning behind his mysterious words and the emotional impact they might carry.

  “As the name suggests, the Garnet Moon possesses captivating beauty, with sparkling garnet mines, one of the rarest gemstones in the world, glowing like blood dripping under the moonlight,” Hernandez shared passionately.

  “Garnet, with its stunning colors and luster, can be considered a stone from outer space,” Hernandez added.

  “I suppose that’s true,” Hernandez said seriously. “Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond are genuine gemstones from this planet, representing the earth’s natural wealth. However, Garnet, Amethyst, Sapphire, Aquamarine, and Topaz can be likened to gemstones from outer space, products of cosmic marvels.” He continued, “This is merely an expression, yet many people believe it. To find these stones, one must be positioned directly under the moonlight, which casts a soft and mysterious glow.”

  “That’s why you want to go to gamma to search for garnets that shimmer like gems trapped in the moonlight,” Rinoa said.

  “Have you ever heard the term 'supermoon'?” Hernandez asked, pointing excitedly at the bright Garnet moon shining in the night sky, capturing Rinoa’s full attention.

  “It’s when the moon is at its closest position to our planet,” Rinoa replied, her enthusiastic voice echoing beneath the bright moonlight. “During such an event, nature trembles fiercely; the ocean waves rise as high as the Tower of Babel, creating a magnificent imitation of the legends we know, and tornadoes often rage in the turbulent ocean,” she continued, her eyes sparkling as she described the awe-inspiring power of nature.

  “Due to the gravitational attraction between two objects, an extreme state is created. The small mass of the moon can only influence part of the planet, much like the natural disasters you mentioned. When the planet draws something from the moon, that's when sparkling gemstones fall to the planet,” Hernandez said, his tone revealing a deep knowledge. “However, Rinoa, there is one thing you may have overlooked: each moon has a different effect, felt both physically and emotionally.”

  “Does this have to do with the position of the moon?” Rinoa asked.

  “The Garnet Moon, the furthest of the three moons, possesses a unique quality unlike the others. Beneath the gentle glow of the Garnet Moon, no disasters have ever been born; its nights feel warm and comforting, free of any troubling grievances. This is a peaceful night, yet that peace feels alive and vibrant, without thunder gnawing at the atmosphere. It is a night where humanity harbors no deceit in their hearts, and a ray of soft light descends to illuminate the land with warmth. Many believe that if one stands in this light, all ailments can be cured. In fact, some believe that within the touch of this light, life can flow anew to those who have passed,” Hernandez explained with a tone of conviction that underscored the beauty and depth of this belief.

  “And the stone lies within the gamma plains,” Hernandez continued, his voice flowing softly with deep appreciation.

  “The largest energy center on Earth is located at Lake Chaos in gamma. Here, the stone is preserved, shining with mysteries and powers waiting to be discovered,” Hernandez said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

  Rinoa was captivated by the story shared by Hernandez. In her mind, it was as if Lake Chaos materialized before her, a natural wonder with waters sparkling in seven colors, stretching between towering mountains. The imagery felt like fragments of her lost memories suddenly reassembling. There, amidst the breathtaking beauty, she saw a shadow of herself alongside a man, his face blurred yet enchanting. However, along with the charm, Rinoa sensed something strange; her head began to throb painfully, as if trapped between two worlds.

  “Rinoa,” Hernandez called softly, gently patting her shoulder with care, his voice cutting through the fog of her hazy consciousness.

  Rinoa quickly came to, eyes wide open as if just awakening from a deep dream. She looked around in confusion, as if everything around her was slowly spinning. The moment she caught a look of panic on Hernandez's face, her feelings became clear. With a calming smile, she said, “I’m okay,” trying to reassure her friend even though doubts lingered in her heart.

  “Why are you crying?” Hernandez asked with a puzzled tone, his big, caring eyes gazing deeply into Rinoa’s, as if wanting to delve into the pain hidden behind the tears streaming down her cheeks.

  Rinoa was startled, and tears suddenly streamed down her face. Did all this stem from the haunting memories of the past after hearing that voice? Each drop of tears seemed to recount forgotten stories, awakening deep pain and longing in her heart.

  “Rinoa, actually…,” his voice faltered, as if the words were trapped by a deep anxiety. His face displayed tension that illustrated the weight of the burden he wanted to express, while a glowing red light began to flood their surroundings, creating a chilling and disturbing atmosphere. Her heart raced, sensing the wave of fear that was about to envelop them.

  Before he could utter another word, the atmosphere suddenly changed to a fiery red. The blinding light spread rapidly, causing many people around them to collapse to the ground in panic.

  “Damn,” Hernandez said, his consciousness returning slowly, as if trapped in a dense fog. His body felt stiff, reluctant to follow the commands he wished to convey, as if a mysterious force was holding him back.

  “Hernandez, stay calm! I will help you,” Rinoa said, her voice soft yet firm as she conjured healing magic. Gently, she placed both hands on Hernandez’s head, feeling the tension that gripped him. “Paralysis paradox,” Rinoa murmured quietly, biting her lip, as she tried to dispel the darkness that bound her friend’s body.

  Before long, a figure cloaked in black appeared before them, floating gracefully as if it were not touching the ground. The cloak fluttered softly under the dim light of the moon, casting an ominous shadow around their circle.

  “Am I interrupting your little date?” the cloaked figure asked in a mocking tone, its voice smooth yet laced with sarcasm, while its shadow was sliced by the moonlight reflecting on the ground.

  “It makes me jealous,” it said, its tone tinged with bitterness, as if uncertainty enveloped every word that slipped from its lips.