The air was heavy inside the inn’s quiet hall. The group had returned victorious, yet something was different—a quiet tension lingered after Kazuki’s solo stand against the abyss-born army.

  In the morning, Kazuki sat alone on the rooftop, eyes scanning the city. His status screen flickered faintly before vanishing. “So this is what power costs,” he muttered.

  Below, Elara and Garron discussed future quests with Rinara and Drake, though their words often trailed off whenever Kazuki was mentioned.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Later that day, a letter from the Duke arrived—an official thank-you, sealed with his crest, and an invitation to attend a private meeting regarding “something urgent.” The party prepared to depart, unsure of what awaited them.

  That evening, while the others rested, Kazuki remained by the window, eyes fixed on the stars. Flashes of his past life blinked in and out—his mother's anger, the funerals, the pain.

  His thoughts were interrupted when Elara quietly entered.

  “You didn’t eat,” she said, placing a plate beside him.

  Kazuki didn’t respond.

  “You saved a lot of people… even if you don’t smile about it.”

  She left without waiting for a reply.

  The stars blurred for a second. Kazuki blinked. Maybe… not everything needs a reason. He looked down at his hand. The one that wielded destruction now trembled slightly.