CHAPTER 18: Return

"Wh-what..?" Maika's eyes widened. She was surprised at Kaziel returning with a small wagon filled with food and ingredients to cook overnight.

"Hey, I came back~!" he waved his hand, his smile softening.

"..y-you’re kidding.." She looked surprised as her gaze turned back to his cart.

"The food. You might need these to eat more," he patted one of the sacks.

"H-how did you get those things?!" Maika was still surprised.

"Oh, about that. I forgot to introduce you.." he hovered his finger, and a raven landed gracefully on it as he showed it to her. "This is Anna's familiar. She helped me gather supplies and stay here for a while."

The bird, still visibly annoyed, pecked his head again. "Ow! Ow! I know.. I know. I will get what you want later," he said to the bird.

Meanwhile, Maika looked confused, having never seen the bird act with such understanding. She tilted her head, observing it. Noticing her curiosity, Kaziel offered her another reassuring smile. Her thoughts faltered, her mind suddenly blank. A warmth crept up her cheeks, flushing them as she forgot whatever she had meant to say.

"Y-you.. you shouldn’t be here..! why are you returning? Didn't I tell you it's dangerous?!” she stuttered slightly.

He laughed softly. "Well, I decided to stay for a while. You seem troubled, and if you have no food, that’s a problem. So, I wanted you to have some!"

Maika, however, insisted, "R-ridiculous.. please leave..!" She clenched her fists.

Kaziel's gaze turned serious. "I'm not leaving."

Maika paused for a moment. The bird sat still on the wagon, watching them, as if it knew that once Kaziel made up his mind, there was no turning back.

"..What makes you want to stay here?" Maika's gaze softened, though concern flickered in her eyes as she looked at him.

Kaziel remained unwavering. "I want you to join our party. Go on a journey with us."

Maika looked surprised. "Us..? What for?"

"For adventure? To slay the Greeds?" Kaziel tilted his head reconsidering. "Well, more like to bring hope to our world, isn't that fun?” he smiled.

'Bring hope to our world..' The words caught her off guard, stirring something deep within her. She remembered her first task—though it felt distant, like a faded memory. Shaking her head, she reminded herself it wasn’t what she needed to pursue anymore.

"I can't... go out of this place," she said.

Kaziel’s determination didn’t waver. "Are you chained by regrets? Grief... sorrows that keep you here?" His words struck a nerve, making Maika’s fingers twitch, but she remained silent.

"The Greeds will keep coming if you remain in despair. You don’t want that, do you? You don’t want them to ruin your garden, right?"

Maika turned to look at him, her expression unreadable. "I.. just can't.. it's not the only reason."

The raven continued to watch silently.

"Then I will stay until you tell me the reason," Kaziel insisted.

His words stirred something strange within Maika—an unfamiliar warmth.

He’s reckless… but he’s kind. No one had ever stayed for her like this before.

Is it really okay to believe in someone again?

But why? Why would he go so far, knowing it might risk his life?

"…What if I tell you you're risking your life the longer you stay with me?" she challenged him.

Kaziel smirked, his determination unwavering.

“I’d risk my life, no matter what—that’s my duty. As long as it means saving you… saving this world.” His voice was firm, steady. “I wouldn’t want them to suffer, not when I can do something about it.”

His gaze locked onto hers, intense and unyielding.

“And I wouldn’t want you to be left alone, drowning in regret—while I stand by pretending I don’t see it. That wouldn’t be right. It wouldn’t be me.”

His words struck something deep within her.

For the first time, Maika realized he wasn’t just saying them. He meant it.

But still… she could hardly bring herself to trust him.

Not after what Shiba did to her.

Believing in someone again… giving them another chance…

It could only lead to pain.

So, she turned away. "I.. can’t do that."

Kaziel furrowed his brows. She gazed up at the collapsed buildings, her voice laced with sorrow.

"I just... can’t leave this place behind. It’s broken... ruined... I have to atone for what I’ve done."

Her gaze lingered, haunted by painful memories. Hundreds of lives had been lost in this field—all because of her.

"Very well," Kaziel smugged. "Let’s turn this land back to what it was! If that’s what you wish for."

He smiled at her, making Maika turn toward him, surprised by his offer to help rebuild the land.

"It’s impossible."

"You said it was possible," he countered.

She hesitated. "N-no... I mean, for you to use Elyssence..! There’s no remaining Sapphire Heart energy-"

Kaziel chuckled. "Well, I’ve got that covered! Look!"

He gestured toward the cart, revealing several Sapphire Hearts, glowing warmly. Maika's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Wh-where did you get those?!"

Oh… I forgot to tell you.” Kaziel crossed his arms, glancing at the glowing gems in the cart. “I’m a traveler. We collect Sapphire Hearts.” He let the bird land on his shoulder.

"Travelers..? Sapphire Heart collectors..?" Maika muttered. This guy—there was so much she didn’t know about him, yet he kept surprising her over and over.

"We know a lot about this world. And you... you're more special than you realize," Kaziel continued, his gaze filled with confidence.

His words left her speechless. He was knowledgeable—far more than she had given him credit for. His determination reminded her of someone from long ago.

Renwick.

Kaziel’s passion and unwavering spirit felt just like his. But she was still too new to all of this. She barely even knew herself.

“But I’m..”

To her surprise, the raven suddenly flew toward her, landing gently on her shoulder before she could say anything.

"Anna? You’re finally interested in her now?" Kaziel raised an eyebrow, watching the bird’s unusual behavior.

Maika was frozen in place, staring at the raven.

Her eyes blinked, realization dawning upon her.

It had been so long since anything—or anyone—approached her with warmth.

Since someone had come back for her.

That Kaziel…

Maika watched as he bickered with the bird perched on her shoulder.

He was… a weird guy.

Although half of her was still afraid to trust the man in front of her, the scene to changed where Maika sat in silence, watching him.

Kaziel was seated on a wooden log across from her, stirring a pot over the fire. The flames flickered, casting warm shadows over their faces. The only other sound was the constant cawing of the raven, which Kaziel seemed to understand perfectly.

Maika tilted her head, watching the odd exchange. She couldn’t relate to how he spoke to an animal so casually—it was her first time witnessing something like this.

After a while, Kaziel finally scooped up some of the stew and handed her a wooden bowl. "Go on, try it!" he encouraged, his smile easy and inviting.

Maika hesitated, taking the bowl gently and staring into it for a long moment. Kaziel noticed her hesitation and smirked slightly.

"You’re wondering if I poisoned it or something, aren’t you?" he teased.

Maika stiffened. "N-no?" she stammered, though it was clearly a lie. She had to think twice before trusting him enough to eat.

Kaziel raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

She gulped and glanced down at the steaming soup. Taking a deep breath, she cautiously took a sip.

The moment the flavors touched her tongue, her eyes widened in surprise. She lowered the bowl abruptly, causing Kaziel to lean forward in concern.

"I-is it okay..?" he asked hesitantly, smiling wryly.

Without answering, Maika grabbed the spoon and began eating more eagerly. Kaziel blinked in surprise, then chuckled as he watched her savor every bite.

It had been so long since Maika had tasted something warm—something cooked.

For years, she had survived on nothing but fruit. The food she once searched for had long been ruined—spoiled, expired, or too dangerous to eat. Some had brought her nothing but pain when she forced herself to consume what little remained.

But now… this was different.

The warmth spreading through her wasn’t just from the food—it was something deeper. Something unfamiliar.

It was the feeling of sitting together, sharing a meal.

Kaziel tore a piece of bread in half and handed it to her. "Try dipping it in the stew. You’ll love it~!"

She took the bread slowly, following his suggestion. As soon as she took a bite, the rich flavor blended perfectly with the broth, making her eat with more enthusiasm.

Kaziel grinned, watching her. Then—

Peck!

"Ow!" he yelped as the raven’s beak struck his head again. "Alright! Alright! I know! I still have extra bread for you, okay? That one was meant for the girl!"

Maika glanced up at the exchange, amused despite herself. Kaziel’s laughter filled the quiet night, mixing with the gentle crackling of the fire.

For the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel so alone.

Kaziel and the bird had accompanied her tonight. And strangely enough…

She didn’t mind it.

As Maika finished the last bite of bread, Kaziel stretched. “You know… If I’m staying here, I should at least learn how to use Elyssence. Maybe you could teach me?”

Maika blinked, caught off guard. “You… want to learn?”

Kaziel nodded with a smile. “Of course. I saw what you did with the garden. If we’re going to fix this place, I might as well learn properly.”

She hesitated. Elyssence wasn’t something just anyone could use—was he even capable of it?

Still… If he was serious about staying… maybe he should know how to heal the land, too.

She let out a small breath. “Alright.. I could teach you.”

Throughout the days, Kaziel had been learning something new from Maika. He was crouched on the ground, hands hovering over the soil, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. The faint glow of Elyssence pulsed at his fingertips, but no visible change took place.

"You need to focus," Maika instructed, kneeling beside him. "Elyssence isn’t just about using energy. It’s about understanding the land, feeling its pulse, and guiding its growth."

Kaziel exhaled sharply. "Like this?" He pressed his palm against the earth, trying to follow her guidance, but the ground remained barren. His frustration grew as the magic refused to respond.

Maika watched him struggle, a small chuckle slipping past her lips.

Kaziel’s eyebrows furrowed. “Are you laughing at me?”

Yet, despite his words, his expression softened—his gaze lingering on her warm, unexpected smile.

The raven perched on the watering can nearby, watching their exchange with a tilted head.

Later, Maika led Kaziel to a hidden sanctuary—a vast enclosed garden, shielded from the outside world. The ceiling arched high above them, supported by ancient wooden beams intertwined with vines. Sunlight streamed through gaps, casting golden patterns across the ground. The air was rich with the scent of flowers, and a small fountain trickled softly in the center, adorned with delicate blooms.

Kaziel took in the breathtaking sight. "You built all of this?"

She nodded. "I spent years creating this place—planting, nurturing, decorating. It’s my sanctuary."

Kaziel marveled at her dedication. "You kept it hidden? Why? People should see this. They should know how much you’ve done."

Maika’s expression remained unreadable before shifting into a contemplative gaze. "This garden is a memory. A piece of my past. It reminds me of the time I spent with my friends, even if I can’t remember everything."

Kaziel wandered further, stopping by the fountain. "I can’t believe I never found this place before."

Maika watched as the raven landed on the fountain’s edge, dipping its beak into the clear water. "I spent a long time purifying the water, making sure it wasn’t toxic. I built a bamboo rain gutter system to collect and filter it." She gestured upwards to a series of neatly constructed wooden beams and channels designed to catch rain and guide it into the fountain.

Kaziel stared, astonished. "You did all of this by yourself?! You’re incredible!"

Maika averted her gaze. "It’s not that impressive though…"

"It IS impressive!" Kaziel beamed, the admiration in his eyes unmistakable. His genuine excitement caught her off guard.

This guy… he really was something else.

For the first time in a long while, Maika felt a small ember of pride flicker within her. She had built this place, nurtured it, protected it. And now, someone else saw its worth too.

That night, Maika sat alone in the chamber, her arms wrapped around her knees as she gazed at the small clock resting on the ground. The dim light flickered, casting shadows across the room. Her fingers traced the edges of the clock, lost in thought. Something stirred inside her—a quiet yearning, an unfamiliar longing.

For all the years she had spent here, she had never stepped beyond this place. The outside world was a mystery, distant and unreachable. And yet, tonight, something felt different. The weight in her chest grew heavier as she stared at the clock, as if it held a piece of the past she could not quite remember.

"You said you’d save us..."

A whisper. A voice from long ago echoed in her mind.

Her grip tightened on the clock, her knuckles turning white. "I can't..." she whispered, her voice trembling.

Memories flickered—half-formed, broken pieces of something she could not piece together. All she knew was that she had failed. She was the disaster that brought destruction. The very thought of leaving this place felt like betrayal, as if she were abandoning what little remained of those she had lost. She could not afford to forget.

She had to remember. She had to atone.

"I’m dangerous," she murmured, pulling her legs closer. The words had been drilled into her for so long that they no longer felt like a lie. A creature like her—an immortal—was never meant to be among people. She was meant to be alone.

Her gaze lowered, her voice barely a whisper.

"I wonder if he’ll still treat me the same... if I tell him what I am."