New World - A New Beginning

JAY CADMIUM'S POV:

I stopped my approach outside the walls of Eloria, breathing heavily. Using lightning during the entirety of my travels had taken a severe toll on my body, and I was definitely going to need to rest a bit.

I recalled the incredible number of Dwarven battalions I had seen on my way to Eloria, my presence only having been concealed due to my speed and ability to swiftly navigate through the mountains. It was definitely impossible for an entire army to get through the defensive lines undetected, but it was feasible for a small group of highly-trained adventurers.

It seemed like King Glad still acknowledged Imania as a direct threat, meaning that a large number of her armies were positioned in defensive positions in the eventuality of an attack. If King Roy were to remain passive for much longer, I suspected some of the armies would be mobilized to strengthen the frontlines against the Dragons, and would probably allow the Dwarven forces to smash through the remaining Allied defenses.

I shifted my focus to my current situation: my mission within Eloria.

I wanted to avoid meeting my parents during my visit due to the fact that I'd be leaving to the frontlines shortly, and there was no reason to force them to say goodbye a second time.

Convincing Jean was definitely going to require physical stamina, and the best course of action I could take was to simply rest and spend some time relaxing. I estimated a day would be sufficient for my body to fully recover with the use of bind circulation

I sighed, heading to the small plain where I had sat down with Asthia underneath the stars. My cheeks reddened slightly as I recalled the events, the warmth of the girl's embrace still lingering in my mind.

My eyebrows perked up in surprise upon arriving at the scene, realizing an individual was already sitting as they looked at the peaceful rise of a new morning.

The girl's long pink hair swayed gently in the breeze, an aura I could never forget radiating around her. It was a power I had faced countless times, an individual who had trained me and helped me grow stronger.

I approached her slowly, my body suddenly hesitating.

Would she reject me as an individual?

I had just attacked the city of Thorria from inside its walls, plunging the capital into chaos and causing hundreds of innocent lives to be caught amidst the crossfire. I had been evading the cruelty of my actions to focus on my duties as Supreme Commander, but running away could only take you so far.

If I wanted to move forward, I'd have to face the consequences of my actions, and the first step would be confronting those I considered friends.

The girl's left hand twitched ever so slightly as she felt the presence of another person behind her, turning around and meeting my gaze.

"Welcome back, Jay," she said softly, a sad smile on her face. I was unable to replicate her expression, simply looking at her without emotion.

"Hey, Amelia."

I sat beside her, no more words being exchanged as we looked at the gorgeous rising sun, amber rays of sunshine illuminating our surroundings. My eyes closed, embracing the warming glow of the sun on my bare skin.

Amelia took a deep breath, breaking the silence that had lasted a few minutes.

"How are you doing?" she asked, genuine concern being present in her voice. I let out a deep sigh, thinking about my answer.

"I've been worse," I answered finally, letting out a small smile as Amelia chuckled at the comment.

"Do you regret what you did?"

"I didn't have a choice. If there was an alternate option, then I was unable to see it in time," I said truthfully. Launching a devastating attack from within the walls of Thorria was the only method I had found to destabilize the Dwarves to such an extent that the Southern fronts would stand a chance, and even if it had been successful, it wasn't without its faults.

"Do you think I resent you, Jay?" she asked, curious. She remained calm with her usual cheery voice, the constant aura of glee hindering my abilities to attempt to guess the answer.

"I honestly don't know. My experience in understanding other people's individuals is still lacking."

Amelia smirked, clearly amused.

"I can tell," she added jokingly, chuckling at her own words.

"At least you're still better than me in something."

The girl blinked, baffled that I had managed to pull off a sarcastic answer.

"Hahaha, seems like you're getting the hang of it, though." The girl looked ahead, waiting a bit before continuing. "I'm proud of you, Jay."

"Proud of me?" I asked, stunned.

Did this woman not mind the murdering of hundreds of people? Amelia sighed as if she had read my thoughts, shaking her head in denial.

"I don't agree with what you did and the number of casualties you caused, Jay," she explained casually as to not offend me, not that I would've cared anyway. "But you ironed your resolve and moved forward valiantly, doing what you believed to be the right course of action to defend the ones you love. That's something I admire in you, and something I'll never forget."

Words refused to escape my mouth, my mind slightly taken aback by the compliment.

"T-thank you, Amelia," I muttered, avoiding eye contact at all costs. She laughed, realizing that I was embarrassed.

"What? Can't handle a compliment?" she teased. I smiled, shaking my head in dismissal.

"Whatever. By the way, what's going on with Imania's presence in the war?" I asked, shifting the discussion to more pressing matters. Amelia's face darkened at the question.

"King Roy doesn't want to send troops to the frontlines. I even volunteered to go myself, but he insists that I stay and protect Eloria."

"But surely the King can't refuse if both of his S-ranks request a mobilization of his armies, no?"

"That's probably accurate, but Jean hasn't shared my opinion. Protecting her family is her number one priority it seems."

"She doesn't acknowledge the strength of those around her," I muttered, Amelia, approaching curiously.

"Say what now?"

"Nothing," I said, smiling. "I just think I know how we can convince her."

I stood up, the orb of heat clearly visible on the horizon now.

"Amelia."

"Hm?" she hummed, refusing to move from her position. Was she just lazy?

"Do you think I can beat Jean in a fight?"

Amelia coughed, choking from the shock of the question.

"You want to fight Jean?" she asked, stunned. "I've only faced her a few times, but I'm well aware of how powerful she is. I'm not sure it's realistic, Jay."

"Have you come close to beating her before?" I asked, attempting to collect information about One's fighting style in this new world.

"Once. I had pushed my speed past its limit and had managed to land a massive blow, but Jean managed to recuperate with her holy bind. You can't win a battle of attrition against her."

I nodded, taking mental notes.

"Let's go pay her a visit. I think we'll be able to get something out of it."

"Oh? Need someone to help you through the social aspect?" said Amelia, satisfied with her own remark as she laughed uncontrollably. I sighed, smiling.

"Shut up," I muttered, realizing she wasn't completely wrong.