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But he couldn\'t lie to himself anymore.

Despite the suffocating feeling that followed, he knew he had to cross this obstacle somehow.

And if he were to numb his feelings in the process, then so be it.

He was exhausted.

It was impossible to keep everyone safe in any progression.

He had only realized now that death was inevitable, despite the foresight, the preparations, and the knowledge. He couldn\'t take everything into account.

\'No wonder Jin ended up the way he was.\'

It was quite ironic. He had judged a book by its cover, never pondering too deeply about its contents.

If anything, he wouldn\'t be surprised anymore if he ended up like Jin.

In any case, Brandon looked around.

There were a lot of people, seated on the rows of chairs that stretched endlessly. He barely knew anyone due to the sheer amount.

Then, his eyes shifted upward, towards the large portrait—embedded on the wall.

There she was, Evelyn. As if it were a photo of Mona Lisa herself.

Right in the middle was a large casket draped in white flowers. Brandon frowned as he stared intently.

Because there was nobody inside the casket.

But seeing the sea of flowers offered by those who came to pay their respects, regardless if they personally knew Evelyn or not, Brandon\'s expressions softened.

There were too many flowers to count. There were even children offering flowers out of respect.

Recalling the video he had just watched an hour ago, a small smile tugged up his lips.

Evelyn\'s words from the video echoed in his mind.

—I\'ve been thinking a lot about... you know, things. Life, death, all that. It kind of hit me after we went to Big Sister Yi Jihyeon\'s funeral. There were so many people there, so many who cared about her. And it got me thinking….

what about me?

He had watched that part, barely able to breathe, as she laughed softly after saying it, as if it was a passing thought.

But now, seeing the overwhelming presence at her memorial, Brandon couldn\'t help but think about how wrong she had been.

So many people had come. Too many to count.

Children, adults, strangers—all of them with flowers, all of them mourning her loss in their own way.

\'You were wrong, Evelyn.\'

He thought, his heart heavy.

\'People cared. They cared more than you ever realized. You had made a significant impact on others lives, lives you\'ve saved without ever asking for anything in return, despite you not realizing it.\'

It wasn\'t just the sea of flowers or the crowd that proved her wrong—it was the looks on their faces, the way people spoke in hushed tones, the way they bowed their heads with genuine respect.

Brandon raised his head and stared upward.

\'I hope you\'ve found genuine peace up there.\'

Brandon offered his own flowers, clasped his hands together and bowed.

Turning around, Brandon strode and found a seat.

The ceremony had yet to start. Which was quite odd, considering he was awfully late.

Feeling someone poke his shoulder, Brandon turned around.

"You made it."

It was Vanessa.

"Yeah, you were right. Evelyn would\'ve been disappointed if I didn\'t show up."

Brandon glanced around, then returned his attention back to Vanessa.

"Where are the others?"

"They left a while ago to grab some refreshments,"

Vanessa replied, glancing toward the entrance.

"But they should be back soon. Why don\'t you go find them? They can\'t be far."

Brandon hesitated, his gaze lingering on the portrait of Evelyn.

"Hmm…."

Vanessa noticed his hesitation.

"Don\'t worry, the ceremony won\'t start for a while. People are still paying their respects."

"Alright, I\'ll be back."

***

"So it is true then…."

Rachel said, massaging her chin.

It was the first time in a while since the entire group had gathered.

While Raven, Reinhard, and Claire had already gotten confirmation of the issue, Rachel and Amy on the other hand, still couldn\'t believe it.

However, it was only now that they finally had the opportunity to ask someone related to the Imperial Army—which were—of course, Amelia and Belle.

"So what do you all plan on doing?"

Amelia halted in her steps, turned around, and glanced at each and everyone present.

"Some students have already dropped out as far as I know. No one would blame you if you choose to relocate to a different academy."

It was true. As a scholar, Amelia had to spend her winter break at the academy, helping the instructors prepare for the upcoming semester.

It wasn\'t just her, but Belle was also a scholar.

And so, the two were quite knowledgeable with the inner structure of Imperial Academy.

They were both Generals in training after all.

"I\'m staying."

Raven was the first to speak up, nodding his head, his blue eyes lighting up with determination.

"Not like I have any other choice."

Followed by Reinhard, who shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, my father said this would have the most economical impact, so…."

And Claire too.

"...."

"...."

Amelia and Belle stared at them dumbfounded. With an exception to Raven, what kind of sorry forced excuse was that…?

"What about you two?"

Belle asked, looking at Rachel and Amy.

They knew the two were working together, and would probably be well off, even if they didn\'t choose the battle mage—or the military route.

Claire was also in the same line as them, but due to her father, a powerful figure in the past, she chose to stay.

"I\'m dropp—"

"I\'m staying."

Amy and Rachel spoke in unison.

"Hold on, Amy was totally about to say—"

"I\'m staying."

"...."

Clapping her hands together, Amelia turned around.

"Well that\'s that. We should head back, the ceremony might start soon."

The group traversed the streets, nibbling on snacks with juices in their hands.

However, as they were about to cross the pedestrian lane, they paused.

"....?"

"...."

"Uh?"

Standing in the center, was a child. And while the pedestrian lights were green, it would only be a matter of time until it turned red.

Yet for some reason, the child didn\'t move.

The sight was rather odd, causing the group to stop as Raven spoke.

"What\'s wrong?"

He approached the child.

"Are you lost?"

"...."

However, the child didn\'t respond, his head looking down.

Raven glanced to the left, then to the right. Cars were eagerly waiting for the pedestrian light to turn red.

Crouching down, Raven spoke once more, and the others neared the child.

"You shouldn\'t stand here. It\'s dangerous."

The child, with unkempt hair covering most of his face, continued to look down.

There was something unsettling about him, something Raven couldn\'t quite place.

His small frame didn\'t shift at all, even as the group gathered around, unsure of what to do.

Claire exchanged glances with Amy in confusion.

"Is something wrong with him?"

Raven, still crouched, tried again.

"Hey, it\'s okay. Are you lost? Where are your parents?"

"...."

The child remained quiet.

The pedestrian lights flickered, signaling that they would soon change. Cars revved impatiently at the intersection.

Belle took a step forward, eyeing the child warily.

"Maybe we should take him somewhere safe. He doesn\'t seem to—"

But before Belle could finish, the child slowly lifted his head, revealing his innocent features.

"What value lies in the relentless craving for that which can never be satisfied? Is it not the boundless yearning for more, a thirst so deep it consumes all in its path, leaving only emptiness in its wake?"

Raven frowned, confused by the cryptic words.

"Uhm, what are you talking about...?"

The child\'s smile widened, and his eyes suddenly gleamed, a sinister aura beginning to surround him, causing a chill to run down Raven\'s spine.

"Greed."