The weight we share

We approached Aeliff, and after some stubborn deflecting, he admitted his brother was in the first squad that vanished in the forest. He’d waited helplessly for answers that never came—until Estheria brought back proof of their last fight. Though he refused to say it outright, it was clear he was thankful. Watching him fluster and storm off, I couldn’t help but smile a little. For someone so sharp-tongued, Aeliff sure wasn’t good at being honest.

Then we stepped into the dorm, Estheria walked ahead with that familiar calmness in her stride.

The moment she crossed the threshold, the three young elves --Levia, Hade, and Wish --came running to her, their small hands grabbing onto her sleeves as they gently tugged her forward. They pulled her toward the gathered villagers, where one by one, everyone began to surround her, faces alight with warm, welcoming smiles.

I stood there quietly, watching the scene unfold before me.

In this world, countless things weave together to shape who we become. There are moments that bloom with joy, and moments that drown us in sorrow. There are things that must be done --responsibilities, oaths we make, paths we choose to walk even when they’re difficult. And there are things that should never be done -- betrayals we regret, mistakes that can’t be taken back, pain inflicted knowingly or not.

There are people who take and take, until nothing remains. And then… there are people like Estheria. People who give endlessly, even when no one asks them to. People who stand back up, even when the world never once offered them a hand. People who smile not because life has always been kind -- but because they’ve chosen to be kind, despite everything.

I looked at her, surrounded by her people, her lips curving in that soft smile, her golden hair catching the dim light as she bowed in gratitude to the villagers. Her people love her. And she loves her people.

And quietly, the questions stirred inside of me.

If my village had never been destroyed… If Strixx and I had never wandered so far from home, never lost everything we knew… Would I have grown up to be someone like Estheria?

Would I have learned to stand so tall, to be someone others could rely on? Could I have smiled like that, for others --without regret, without bitterness? Would I have had the strength to give endlessly, the way she does now? Would I have been able to protect something… someone… with such quiet determination?

Or am I only standing here now because I’ve met her? I didn’t have the answers. Not yet. But in that moment, as the villagers gathered close to her with gratitude shining in their eyes, something settled deep within me.

I wanted to walk that same path. No matter how long it took… I wanted to be someone like her.

on this journey… before I ever stood here like this…

There was someone who pulled me out of the dark place I was stuck in.

I turned my eyes toward Strixx, who stood quietly next to me. She was watching Estheria with a soft, calm look on her face.

It was Strixx. She was the one who dragged me out of the same endless loop I thought I’d never escape.

The one who showed me the world was still beautiful, even after everything I had lost. Because of her, I met kind people like this. People who made me feel like I belonged again.

I want to be someone who can help these people. I want to protect the ones standing with me now. I want to protect the people I care about.

I looked at Strixx and smiled to myself.

She noticed right away and tilted her head, confused.

“Luca… why are you smiling all by yourself?” she asked, her tone full of curiosity. “Tell Strixx too. Strixx wants to smile as well.”

Before I could say anything, we heard a voice from behind.

“Luca. Strixx.”

We turned around to see Elder Eldwin walking toward us. He smiled warmly.

“I really can’t thank the two of you enough for staying beside my Estheria,” he said kindly. “You both… you’re true friends to her.”

I smiled back at him. “Of course we are. We’re here to help her.”

Strixx stepped forward with a happy nod. “Strixx loves Estheria.”

Eldwin looked past us toward Estheria, who was still surrounded by villagers, smiling brightly as she talked with them. “I’ve seen her smile a lot more ever since you two came here,” he said softly. I let out a slow breath, my gaze following hers.

“…It’s hard not to,” I murmured. “From the moment we met her, we’ve always admired her. We still do. It’s not something that fades… Estheria is someone who makes you want to stand beside her.”

Strixx, standing next to me, gave a small, knowing nod. “Strixx feels the same.”

After that, we joined everyone . We didn’t know every face, every name, but as we talked… as we laughed and listened… The smiles, the voices, the quiet warmth -- it all wrapped around me like an old memory.

For a fleeting moment, it felt like home. Like the village I had lost long ago. That same cozy, gentle feeling I thought I’d never find again.

The day passed by like that, full of gentle smiles and warm voices.

When night came, we all went to sleep together in the dorm. The big hall was filled with beds where everyone rested. Strixx had already fallen asleep beside me, her breathing calm and steady.

Moonlight shone softly through the tall windows, casting light across the room.

I quietly got up, careful not to wake anyone. Lately, I had started doing this a lot --going outside for a walk at night.

I stepped out into the cool night air. The wind was gentle, and the whole academia surrounding was quiet. Everything felt calm and safe.

I looked up at the sky.

The stars were shining, clear and bright.

I strolled quietly through the wide halls of the Academia that night, the cool breeze brushing past me as I walked along the veranda by the garden. That’s when I heard a soft, steady sound -- controlled breaths and faint movement. Curious, I followed it.

There, under the moonlight, was Estheria.

She was doing push-ups, her movements steady and focused. Even when she noticed me standing nearby, she didn’t stop. I listened silently as she counted under her breath.

“…Five hundred seventy-eight… five hundred seventy-nine…” She pushed herself all the way to six hundred before finally stopping. Slowly, she stood and dusted off her hands, her expression calm as she looked at me.

“Luca… you’re not asleep yet?” she asked gently.

I shook my head. “No… just came out to get some fresh air. What about you? Why are you training so late?”

Estheria smiled, soft and thoughtful. “Earlier, the Grand Mage told me that starting tomorrow, we’ll restart the investigation alongside the higher mages. I was thinking about it… we still don’t know what kind of enemy we’re dealing with. And now, I’m wondering if I’ve dragged you and Strixx into something even bigger than before.”

I looked at her, a small grin tugging at my lips.

“Heh… I might not be the strongest, but I learn fast, you know. Don’t worry — we’ll be okay. I’ll do everything I can to keep up, and I won’t slow anyone down.”

Estheria’s expression softened even more as she shook her head slightly. “No, Luca… that’s not what I meant. I’m just… worried about you and Strixx. You two are the first real friends I’ve ever had outside of Elfairia.”

“Luca…” she spoke softly, almost like she was thinking aloud.

“Tomorrow, Strixx, you, and I… we’re not just part of some small search anymore. We’re part of something far bigger. A mission that could affect all of Elfairia. The safety of so many people rests on what we do next…” Her voice wavered just slightly as she pressed a hand gently against her chest. “And honestly… I’m scared. I don’t know if I’ll be able to save everyone. I keep thinking back to that day in the forest… when those demon beasts appeared. I couldn’t even move. I couldn’t do a thing to protect anyone.

Her fists tightened at her sides as she closed her eyes, the weight of that memory clear in her voice.

I took a breath, stepping closer, and spoke quietly -- steady and calm, but with all the certainty I could offer her.

“Estheria… listen to me.” She slowly lifted her eyes to meet mine. “No one can ever guarantee how things will end. No one knows whether they’ll succeed or fail. But what matters… what really matters… is that you gave everything you had for the sake of someone else. That you stood up and fought with all your heart to protect the people you care about.” I smiled gently, my voice softening even more.

“Even if things don’t go the way you hope… you’ll never be a failure. Not to us. Not to anyone here. Because what people remember, what they hold onto… is the fact that you stood for them when it counted.” I let those words settle before I added, “And I’m sure everyone feels the same. The people of the village love you so much, Estheria… because they know how much you love them too. That’s why they trust you. That’s why we trust you.”

“That’s why… you should remember this too, Estheria.” She glanced at me, her expression curious and open.

“It’s not always just people relying on you. It’s okay to rely on others too. Lean on us when you need to. That’s what friends are for.”

Her eyes stayed on mine for a moment longer, warm and clear now. Then, with a soft breath, Estheria let her hands fall gently to her sides, the heaviness she carried seeming just a little lighter.

“Luca… you really are good at making people believe in themselves,” she said quietly, her smile deepening just a little. “Thank you. Truly.”

I shook my head with a small laugh under my breath.

“I’m just saying what’s already true. You’ve always carried everyone on your shoulders, Estheria. It’s only fair someone reminds you… you don’t have to carry it alone anymore.”

For a few seconds, neither of us spoke. The cool night air brushed past us gently, and above, the stars shimmered in the clear sky like scattered lanterns. The whole Academia was quiet, only the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze filling the space around us.

Estheria took a long breath and looked up at the stars.

“You know… standing here right now, it’s strange. I don’t feel as anxious anymore.”

I smiled, following her gaze upward. “That’s good… because no matter what comes, Strixx and I are right here with you. We’ll figure it out together.”

She nodded slowly, her expression peaceful. “Yeah… together.”

After a quiet moment, she turned back to me with a faint grin.

“I should probably get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”

“Yeah, you should.” I chuckled softly. “And maybe no more push-ups in the middle of the night.”

She let out a light laugh, her usual bright spirit flickering back into her voice. “Okay, okay… fair enough.”

With that, we both slowly made our way back toward the dorms, the calm of the night settling gently around us.


The morning was calm and golden as we all gathered for breakfast, sharing food and quiet laughter with the villagers. Before we set out for the Grand Capital, Hade, Wish, and Levia ran over to see us off, their smiles bright and full of hope. Levia hugged Estheria tightly, asking her to stay safe, and Elder Eldwin gave us his blessing, resting a proud hand on Estheria’s shoulder. Strixx and I bowed deeply in thanks, feeling the weight of their kindness. When Aeliff arrived with the carriage and told us to hurry, we shared one last smile with everyone before climbing in. As the wheels turned and the village faded behind us, I carried their warmth in my chest, a quiet promise that we’d come back.