Months had passed since the three major factions, Swat, True Horde, and Series 9, had forged their uneasy truce. While the wasteland was less chaotic. there is a rumor of false prophet in Caliphate.. Muktar he gather followers from harmless peasants to warlike rogue officer who thirst for conquest. In the midst of this ever-shifting landscape, Rayaskent continued to thrive as a melting pot of diverse cultures.

  Vila, the mermaid, continued her role as a teacher in Rayaskent town. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and worry. She had faith in Wanderer ability to bring positive change, but she also knew the challenges he would face.

  One afternoon, Wanderer visited Vila's school. As she finished her lesson, he approached her and took a seat at her desk.

  "Do you know the story of the Ramayana?" he asked,

  Vila looked up, a smile on her face. "Wanderer, it's good to see you. As for the Ramayana, yes, I'm familiar with it. It's an ancient Hindu epic about Prince Rama and his wife, Sita, who is abducted by the demon king Ravana."

  "Demon king..." Wanderer mused. "Is that how you see Ravana?"

  Vila chuckled softly. "Wanderer, your question is a profound one. In the Ramayana, Ravana is portrayed as a demon king, a powerful and fierce opponent. But the perception of Ravana can vary depending on one's interpretation."

  She paused, "In some interpretations, Ravana is seen as an embodiment of ego and pride, a symbol of the negative forces that can overcome a person's moral compass. Others may see him as a more complex character who, although morally flawed, still has redeeming qualities."

  "Yes,,, I'm not a villain. I'm just a complex character." He took a seat on student chair.

  Vila smiled.while sit on teacher desk "Wanderer, our actions can seem contradictory or mysterious. You are, indeed, not just a villain in the grand story of life."

  She met his gaze. "It takes a certain level of self-awareness to acknowledge our own complexities."

  "You always wear that teacher facade," Wanderer said. "What are you really like? I don't want to talk to a Wikipedia."

  Vila chuckled. "Wanderer, you're quite perceptive. Indeed, I do wear a 'teacher facade.' It's a part of who I am, but it's not all of me. And I understand your desire to go beyond the surface."

  She sighed and leaned back in her chair. "Behind the teacher role, I'm simply Vila. I'm a person with thoughts, feelings, dreams, and fears. Just like you, Wanderer."

  "You know," Wanderer said, his gaze drifting around the simple schoolroom "back in the Ramayana, when Rama finally saved Sita, they no longer united, didn't they? Rama had to maintain his facade as king, and perhaps, there was jealousy or something else that kept them apart. And Sita, despite her undying love, couldn't change the situation."

  From outside, the faint sound of children's voices drifted in – reciting lessons and chorus of song, a burst of laughter quickly hushed. the late afternoon sun slanting through the window,

  Vila then look at his eyes "Yes,In the story, Rama and Sita, despite their genuine love for each other, are torn apart by circumstances and societal expectations. Rama, with his role as king and the pressure to maintain public perception,... distances himself from Sita. This creates a painful separation between them. Sita, on the other hand, despite her unwavering love and loyalty, bears the weight of public judgment and the burden of being separated from her beloved Rama."

  Wanderer looked at her. "Yes,,,I can't love you because... your... circumstances... there is always... distance between us."

  Vila's eyes widened, the weight of his words hitting her like a wave. She met his gaze, her heart heavy with empathy and a hint of sadness.

  "Wanderer...i understand your predicament. Love can be complicated, hindered by circumstances and the complexities of life. But I want you to know that my love for you remains steadfast, even in the face of challenges."

  "So tell me what's in your heart," Wanderer said, his eyes softening.

  Vila looked into his eyes, “Wanderer, my heart aches with love for you. Despite the distance that circumstance has placed between us, my feelings for you remain strong."

  She paused, taking a deep breath. "Sometimes, I long to be closer to you, to bridge the gap that exists between us. But I understand the constraints you face, and I respect your position and convictions."

  Wanderer shook his head slightly. "Nahh,,, I can just leave my position anytime. I always realize there will be someone capable to replace me when I'm gone. But you... you can't change your status, can you?"

  Vila nodded, "Yes, you're right, Wanderer. My role and responsibilities as a teacher, leader, and symbol of hope in Rayaskent mean I cannot change my status. My duty to my students, my town, and my own purpose in life tie me to this position."

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  She sighed. "I cannot simply leave and be with you, even if my heart yearns for it..."

  Wanderer added, "And... you're the one who chose it then..."

  Vila nodded again,. "Yes, Wanderer, I chose this path. I chose to teach, to lead, and to inspire those around me. But it doesn't mean my heart doesn't ache for you, for the moments we may not be able to share."

  She looked at him for long time. until she continue in low voice, "My choices are not without sacrifice, and unfortunately, one of those sacrifices is the full expression of my love for you."

  Wanderer noticed her shift in tone and said, "A kiss on the cheek? Hehe."

  Vila blushed slightly at his request, but she couldn't help but feel her heart flutter at the sweetness of it. "Wanderer, you're being cheeky," she said with a smile. "But fine. Just one kiss on the cheek, nothing more."

  She leaned her head slightly toward him, offering her cheek, her expression filled with affection and a hint of playfulness.

  Wanderer humming and raise his left eyebrows at her gesture "Hmm, hmm,.. Yes, you want a dominant man, don't you?"

  Vila's blush deepened. "Wanderer! Where did that come from?" she protested, her tone half-serious, half-playful.

  There was a moment of silence before she let out a small sigh. "You know me too well," she said with a sly smile. "Perhaps I do find a certain appeal in a dominant man."

  "Yes," Wanderer replied.then walk toward her, then He flicked her forehead.

  "Ahh!" Vila exclaimed, surprised. She rubbed the spot where he flicked, a mix of annoyance and amusement in her eyes. "Hey! What was that for?" she asked, trying to sound indignant but unable to hide the hint of laughter in her voice.

  "Hmm,,,You know, when someday you're ready for me, you know where to find me. Until then, you will be... the mermaid."

  "I know, Wanderer. And I appreciate your patience and understanding. Someday, when the time is right, we'll have our moment."

  She then smile “Yes, I will continue to be the mermaid, until that day comes. I'll keep swimming, teaching and leading, and waiting."

  Wanderer frown "Waiting... waiting for what?",

  "Waiting for the moment when our circumstances align, Wanderer. When our paths can intertwine, and the distance between us fades away, I know we can't be together just yet, but that doesn't mean I don't hope and dream of the day when we can finally be together."

  "You fool,,,You can't just wait for fate to give you the things you want. You can choose it right here, right now. It's all a matter of mind." He tapped his head with his index finger.

  Vila listened to his words, her brows furrowing "Perhaps you're right, Wanderer,,Fate may not always bring us what we want. But sometimes, .Just because I can choose it now, doesn't mean it's the right choice for me. Or for the people I'm responsible for."

  "You know, your people are strong enough,,They can rule themselves."

  Vila smiled, "Yes, they definitely are strong, and they can rule themselves. But they also need a guiding hand, a symbol to rally behind. I chose to be that symbol, to lead them through the wasteland."

  She fiddled with the edge of her red scarf. "Besides, my responsibilities go beyond just leading. I'm a teacher too. And I can't abandon my students."

  "Alright,.. Mermaid." Wanderer said.

  Vila chuckled softly. "Alright, Wanderer. I'll continue being the mermaid, teaching and leading. But know that my heart is open to you, and that my feelings for you remain unchanged."

  "Hmm," Wanderer humming. then after some quiet moment he ask. "What do you see yourself doing in the next five years?"

  Vila paused,. She took a deep breath. "In the next five years, I hope to see myself continuing to lead my people and teach my students. I hope to see Rayaskent flourishing and the world on a path to stability. to have made a positive impact on those around me."

  Wanderer stood up from his chair, giving up on her but keeping it cool. "I see... hmm... good girl. See you around."

  Vila chuckled at his affectionate nickname. She smiled warmly at him "See you around, Wanderer. Take care and stay safe out there."

  Wanderer smiled and walked to the wooden door. Then he turned to her. "Again, I think Rama didn't make a mistake when leaving Sita in the forest. It might not have been the wisest decision, but he was just a human. And his legacy to defeat Ravana to save her is proof of his love for her... probably."

  Vila listened to his words with a mixture of curiosity and contemplation. She tilted her head slightly, reflecting on the tale of Rama and Sita.

  "You make a good point, Wanderer," she said softly, "Rama's decision to leave Sita in the forest was not easy, but it was a desperate one.”

  She smiled faintly. "Love and sacrifice often go hand in hand, don't they?"

  "It's just... human things," Wanderer replied. "Goodbye, Vila."

  Vila nodded, her expression a mixture of understanding and melancholy. "Farewell, Wanderer," she replied, her voice soft and heartfelt. "May your journey be safe, and may we meet again someday."

  Vila watched as Wanderer walked out the door, a mixture of emotions on her face. She remained standing in the room for a few moments, lost in her thoughts. Then, after a deep breath, she straightened, her expression resolved once again.

  As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the wasteland, Furqan and Shizuka found themselves walking side by side in around Rayaskent while finish their supply run and recruitment, the sounds of their comrades fading into the distance.

  "Did you see the way Wanderer looked at Vila?" Furqan asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It’s like he was trying to decipher some ancient riddle."

  Shizuka chuckled softly, brushing a strand of white hair behind her ear. "I noticed. There’s definitely something between them. It’s not just admiration; it’s deeper than that. But with everything going on, can they really afford to let their feelings get in the way?" .

  Furqan nodded,. "True. Wanderer carries the weight of leadership on his shoulders. He can’t let personal feelings cloud his judgment,."

  "But you have to admit," Shizuka replied, her tone lightening, "it’s nice to see him show a softer side. Vila brings out something in him that I think he needs. It’s like she’s a beacon of hope amidst all this chaos." .

  Furqan smirked, shaking his head. "A beacon, huh? More like a siren, luring him into dangerous waters. But I get it. They both have their roles to play." .

  Shizuka sighed, her gaze drifting toward the sunset. "I just hope they find a way to navigate their feelings without losing sight of what’s important." .

  "Well, if anyone can balance it all, it’s Wanderer," Furqan replied, "He’s faced worse odds and come out on top. Let’s just hope he doesn’t have to choose between love and duty.,,, or a lust" .