"All right, seems you've finally started to think for yourself. That's good. Now wake Naivy, and let's begin searching for the city." Anas' voice fills the underground room as he starts walking out.
His black coat looks like an extension of his shadow as Leona stares at him, eyes widening before murmuring: "Stop giving me orders. I told you, I hate you."
She sighs and moves toward the sleeping Naivy, gently shaking her while speaking softly: "Naivy, Naivy, wake up—it's time to leave."
Naivy stirs in her sleep, then suddenly…
She hugs Leona tightly, her fragile, childish voice whispering: "Mom, you wake me so gently? It feels like I'm in paradise." (She buries her face in Leona's neck.) "I love you so much, Mom."
Leona freezes for a moment, eyes widening, then begins patting Naivy's head and whispers: "I'm sorry, little one, but I'm not your mom."
Naivy slowly opens her eyes and sees Leona's face up close: the kind blue eyes, the faint freckles along her nose and cheeks. She sighs slightly, releasing her grip, and stands alone: "I'm sorry, miss…"
Leona smiles faintly: "Leona, you can call me Leona. Anas told me your name is Naivy—it's beautiful." (She takes Naivy's hand.) "Come on, we must go. That fool Anas already started walking; we need to catch up or we'll get lost."
Naivy frowns slightly at Leona calling Anas a fool, letting out a small sigh, then begins walking.
"Hmph! You're beautiful and kind, but I won't let you insult Anas again. And he won't leave us and walk away either," Naivy says as she walks.
Leona shakes her head slightly, carrying the leftover food portions, and walks behind Naivy. She notices Edward isn't nearby, so she hurries out of the room, scanning, and lets out a sigh when she sees him walking beside Anas. She falls in step behind them with Naivy.
Edward, walking beside Anas who shows no reaction to his presence, glances at him and finally speaks: "Anas, by the way, I apologize for what I did to you. I really do. And… I want to move past the noble-commoner barrier. I want to get to know the one who defeated me, regardless of whether you're noble, common, or from some unknown class."
Anas hears him as he walks, hands in his pockets, staring ahead: "Let's say I did that—let's say I crossed the class barrier between us. What do you th—"
"Really?! You don't hate us anymore?!" Leona interrupts, jumping in front of him, fists raised like an excited child.
Anas tilts his head, staring at her.
Naivy shakes her head: "I don't know why I felt you were older than me earlier; you're probably younger than me in mind."
Edward frowns slightly, looking at his sister: "Won't you grow up, Leona? Also, I want to talk to him."
Leona shivers for a moment, biting her lower lip nervously, then moves back to the end of the group, lowering her head, walking silently behind them.
Edward glances at her for a moment, then turns to Anas: "All right, since you agreed, I want to ask about that active defense technique you used on me."
Anas finally looks at him coldly, then turns and continues walking.
Edward frowns, stepping in front of Anas, spreading his arms: "Why do you always ignore me?! I just apologized! What more do you want?!"
Anas stares at him: "Listen. First, I have no desire to teach you anything, though I don't even know what active defense is because I don't trust you. Second, don't ask anyone about anything—they won't tell you everything. Just watch and observe. Third, I don't wish to interfere in your affairs. But you have no allies here except your sister. Appreciate her more, fool."
Edward's eyes widen; his mouth drops open, then closes as he clenches his fists and lowers his head.
He recalls how Leona risked her life to save him from Anas' attack while he treats her this way now.
He looks at his sister, then approaches her: "Leona… I mean, my sister. I'm sorry, I'm just a fool. You can set me straight now." (He raises his cheek.) "Slap me—I deserve it."
Edward waits for the slap.
Instead, he feels something warm on his cheek.
Opening his eyes, he sees his sister placing her hand on his cheek: "Do you think I'd slap you? You're a whole year younger than me. I've cared for you since childhood. I'd only slap you if you harmed yourself or others. I'll correct your mistakes, but I won't slap you for speaking to me this way. You can make mistakes with me as much as you want—if I don't forgive you, who will?"
Edward gasps, lowering his head in embarrassment and humility for the first time: "I apologize, sister. I won't do it again. I'll protect you from now on, no matter what, because I love you."
Leona's eyes shine again as she hugs Edward tightly without saying a word.
Naivy watches the siblings, sighing: "My sister never apologized for hitting me; I thought all brothers were like that."
Anas glances over his shoulder at everyone, then continues walking. Suddenly…
Click click click click click.
Anas hears footsteps on the stone tiles but keeps walking, only softening his steps slightly.
Naivy, watching Leona and Edward, notices the change in Anas' movement and stops, whispering to Edward: "Get your sword ready."
Edward looks at Naivy, confused, but Leona senses the tension, pressing on her brother's shoulder. He immediately grips his sword hilt, his expression turning serious, thinking: I will protect you this time. (He tightens his grip until his knuckles whiten.) Yes, I will protect you, no matter the cost.
Everyone watches Anas, who keeps moving. Unexpectedly, he falls, hitting something massive.
The group freezes, staring in confusion at the huge object.
From the shadows steps a man with brown hair and brown eyes.
His body is huge, packed with muscles.
He wears a brown shirt highlighting his muscles and pants of the same color.
He glares at Anas sitting on the ground, then looks up at the others.
Naivy stares at him as if she's used to this.
Leona trembles briefly, positioning herself behind Edward, who crouches slightly, hand still on his sword hilt.
"This is painful. Sorry for bumping into you, sir. Forgive this fool. My companions and I were searching for shelter; we're injured, exhausted, and hungry," Anas speaks.
The man glares with disdain: "Pathetic. You think I'll show you mercy? You'll become slaves. The laws here aren't like those on the surface." (He fixes his eyes on Leona, smiling as he steps forward.) "Seems we have some good goods today. You better submit or die. The choice is yours."
Anas, still seated, responds: "All right, we submit. Will you treat our wounds? You don't want to sell damaged goods, right?"
The man turns to Anas, scowling: "Shut up, idiot. Do you think we'll heal you? Buyers here only care about beautiful girls or strong men. Wretches like you are sold at the lowest price. Why should I bother taking you to a healer?"
The man steps toward Anas, then…
Thud.
He kicks Anas in the stomach. Anas flies back, writhing on the ground, making the man laugh: "Weak! I didn't expect such weakness. My mercy is stirred—I'll sell or gift you to some rich person as a toy."
The man then turns toward Leona, who pulls Naivy behind Edward, who finally draws his sword. Naivy's eyes widen briefly, then refocus on the man, who says: "You carry something dangerous, boy. Drop it, and I'll let you live like a frien—"
Suddenly… Fwooooshhh.
Blood gushes from the man's neck.
He looks down to see Anas holding the dagger, eyes devoid of glow, pushing it into the man's chest, then kicking him into the river.
Everyone stares at Anas in shock, mouths slightly open.
Silence falls for a moment before Anas speaks: "I hate scum like that. He even wanted to turn a little girl into a toy for pleasure. What filth."
Leona's cheeks blush slightly as she mutters: "I'm not little. I'm sixteen, you fool… but, thanks anyway."
Edward stands upright, sheathing his sword, walking toward Anas: "I'm sorry."
Anas tilts his head slightly to the left: "For what?"
"I doubted you, thought you were just a cowardly fool. But it seems you had a plan. Right? (Brief pause.) So tell me what you were doing! I need to trust you next time! I don't want to ruin your plans, so I must understand!"
Edward's eyes sparkle with excitement as he shouts.
A brief silence passes. Anas sighs in exhaustion and says: "A hunter who loses caution becomes prey. I acted that way to make him underestimate me and to get information. We're close to the city, and there are no laws here—only the strong eat the weak. They have a doctor, but we must beware the slave traders. Don't attack immediately; pretend weakness, study your opponent, gather as much information as possible, then crush him when he least expects it."
Edward's eyes widen: "Incredible… I knew you were amazing."
Naivy and Leona exchange glances, not understanding much, then continue walking as the group resumes moving with Anas.
Suddenly, Anas turns: "By the way, if the danger is great, attack while I distract the enemy. If it's greater…" (He stares at everyone.) "You must flee and fight another day."
Edward quickens his pace beside him: "I'll follow you to hell, right, sister?"
Leona and Naivy nod, following Anas and Edward.
Anas sighs internally: It seems it will be tiring, but… maybe it's worth it, even just a little.