The Past: Hope and Inspiration

The next day in the late afternoon, the sunlight brought back what had been snatched from Nightville. Fenrius with messy hair, dull skin, and torn prison clothes, has returned to his hometown. There, he saw small children his age running toward him calling his name and crying because they had waited so long for his return. His six friends are Dale, Yaevin, Luca, Camus, Talindra, Kagari. They embraced Fenrius like his own family.

“What are you doing Fenrius? How could you sacrifice everything for this village?!”

“Fenrius… Why did you leave us all?! Didn't we promise together to explore the Runeverse someday?"

“Without you, this village would have been destroyed long ago, if something had to be sacrificed, it shouldn't be you… Plus you are our leader.”

Fenrius just smiled happily even though he didn't fully listen to them. Seeing their faces again, became one of the reasons why he had to live. Just like his dead friends who handed him the torch of life for the village. Now it was his turn before he handed the torch to his surviving friend. He suddenly mumbled, "Guys... Somehow, I feel reborn."

His friends were mixed up by Fenrius' words just now.

"Fenrius? Are you okay? Your face looks pale and your body is hot, you have a fever!”

Ever since Talindra mentioned that it made Fenrius think so, and after that, he actually became sick to his stomach and dizzy. Now that he remembered, it seemed that some of the poison had entered his body. Even so, he was relieved to have gone through that hell. As an orphan, it's hard to live alone, and like it or not, he definitely needs help from whoever it is. That's why he prefers to die willingly. Not wanting his friend to worry, he immediately changed the topic, "Yaevin, did you manage to do it?" asked Fenrius who turned to his Elf-friend.

"Yes, almost," Yaevin responded. “But to be honest Fenrius, it's really hard to be in your position as a distraction on the front lines. However, thanks to the help of others, the Atria soldiers still don't know our identity."

Fenrius patted Yaevin on the shoulder saying, “You did your best. You all need to know, The Witching Night Boy was originally one person, but when that person is gone, there must be someone who will take his place!”

Fenrius's breath felt heavy, the chills down his spine, he didn't know why. While he was chatting with his friends, without them knowing, a mysterious figure was lurking from the top of the hills of Gronoa which were filled with dark clouds. Seeing the faces of the children one by one and remembering them, then vanishing with the wind.

The clouds were torn by the wind, and a red sunset slashed the west. Seeing the sudden gleam in the gloom Fenrius turned his head towards the hills, and there was no one. However, he felt like an aura had been tailing him from behind. He wouldn't be able to calm down if he continued like this. But after thinking about it maybe it's just the wind that blows.

"It's Fenry!" shouted one of the villagers followed by others.

"Where is he? I miss him so much, he hasn't been around for a month."

There came the citizens surrounding Fenrius and his friends. The boy waved, greeting them with a friendly smile. Fenrius' energy seemed to increase. He knew the end of the battle was also beautiful, but he didn't feel any glory. His blood was still boiling from the rigors of yesterday's battle, he knew he would not be able to sleep tonight, as long as the chain of struggle was not broken, then he would continue to advance against death.

“Fenry, where have you been? Your body is dirty like that," worried the old blacksmith.

"Blacksmith Uncle. Can you forge a sword for me again?" asked Fenrius.

"Of course. What for?"

"I want to play again tonight. And Alchemist Uncle, can you make me an explosive ball as usual?"

The old alchemist nodded his head, "Whatever your request Fenry, I’ll be ready to do it."

"No," said the bartender. “You just came after a month and want to steal again? We should have a feast upon your arrival.”

"Not tonight, Sir."

Fenrius took out his new weapon which surprised them all. A high-caliber Magnum pistol from the warden. The symbol of the power that controls the prison. With this Fenrius seemed to be able to do anything, one chance, one goal. He can't wait to use his new toy, and the children's gang can start operating again after he's been away for a month.

“What weapon is that?! I just saw it now!” Dale exclaimed.

"It's a pistol, a long-range firearm loaded with bullets," explained the bartender. “If you pull the trigger it will produce explosive power with a loud sound. Unlike magic, the gun can kill people in an instant.”

"And this gun has one more bullet left," continued Fenrius.

"Okay... For tonight, I allow you to act," convinced the bartender.

Fenrius turned to his friends, "Do you guys trust me for tonight?"

From the past until now when Fenrius was a swindler, he never failed in his plans to steal cargo, almost failed when he tried to listen to the advice of his friend who tried by means of total ambush. Seeing the captain say that in shabby and dirty clothes made them think twice. However, knowing the new weapon, and Fenrius' high self-confidence, made them nod their heads confidently.

"According to your orders captain!"

“Yeah, let's do it! If with you, the children’s gang becomes invincible!"

They were excited except for one shy little red-haired girl, Kagari. The girl said quietly, “But... Fenrius... Are you sure? Previously we were almost…”

“Not this time Kagari,” Fenrius denied. "I'm sorry I kept you guys waiting. This is my time to shine.”

Blood was still churning in Fenrius' body, reducing his hunger and thirst. His body trembled as if he couldn't wait to repay the soldiers for what they had done to him. By cooperating with the villagers, anything is possible for him, plus he doesn't want the village to starve to death and be crushed by the war.

"Fenry! If you fail to steal, run immediately to the village! We will all be ready to fight with you to the death!”

"Thank you, but The Witching Night Boy never fails to steal. Tonight is my rebirth. After I do, make sure the bar has a dinner party!”

Everyone cheered for Fenrius. They believed that the magical boy was a gift from the Divine to this village. Without him, Nightville would have been razed to a graveyard with restless souls. Will this village prosper in the future? That's where Fenrius' leadership is tested. Tonight, The Witching Night Boy is in action!