[Location: Nethia Hospital – Night – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]


    Nadia Fernleaf was visited by her mother,  she pulled her into a tight embrace, her shoulders trembling. Tears dampened Nadia’s shoulder, but she only clutched her mother tighter, burying her face in the familiar warmth. After some casual conversation with her mother and Professor Friedrich, her mother eventually stepped outside to sit for a while.


    Nadia sat quietly on her bed, looking at the new glasses her mother had given her. The last pair had been destroyed in the last battle.


    She thought about her life. This was the first time she had felt like this… She had known that joining the Order would be difficult, but experiencing it firsthand was different. She had always preferred painting or gardening with her mother. But now, the reality of her choice was sinking in.


    Her father was a member of the Order too, but he was stationed in Amethia City—a distant city far to the north of Nethia.


    I wonder if this is really what I want…


    Her gaze drifted toward Friedrich, who was seated beside Alma. His posture was heavy with exhaustion, the weight of the day evident in the slump of his shoulders.


    A soft chime from his Lumina Core broke the silence, drawing her attention. She watched as he glanced at the screen, where the name Gideon Frostwhisper flickered briefly before he let out a long, weary breath.


    Nadia’s curiosity piqued, and she strained to listen, her eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before her.


    “Fred, how are they?” the voice of Headmaster Gideon asked, his tone calm but tinged with concern.


    “They’re stable. Thank you for covering for me, Gideon...” Friedrich replied, his voice steady.


    “Don’t sweat it. Though, I should start billing you for overtime,” Gideon chuckled.


    Friedrich’s lips twitched into a small smile. “I owe you more than just thanks, Gideon. I promise, next time—it’s my turn to take over whenever you need,” he said.


    “Forget promises. Just take care of Alma, will you? She needs you more than the academy right now. And... I’m glad she’s okay.” Gideon’s voice softened.


    The hologram faded, leaving the room in silence once more. Nadia’s gaze shifted to Alma, who stirred slightly in her bed.


    “Dad... I’m sorry,” Alma’s voice soft yet trembling.


    Friedrich turned quickly, his gaze locking onto hers. He gave a small nod, but before he could respond, Alma continued, her voice wavering.


    “She’s...she’s... back.”


    Nadia’s breath hitched. Who’s back? she wondered, her mind racing. She had known Alma since they were children, and never once had Alma mentioned a sister. The professor’s wife was a mystery too—Nadia had never seen her, not even in pictures. Since they arrived in Nethia, it had always been just Alma and Friedrich.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Friedrich stepped closer to Alma, his hand gently clasping her cold fingers. No words passed between them, but the warmth of his touch seemed to offer comfort in the chilled room.


    “Don’t worry, Alma. We’ll protect you,” he said, his tone firm yet calming.


    Alma looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you,” she whispered.


    Friedrich pulled her into a firm yet gentle embrace, his body shielding her from unseen fears.


    Nadia watched them, her thoughts swirling as she drifted back to their childhood.


    Alma had always been the quiet one, sitting beside her in class from their first day of public school all the way to graduation. At first, she had been reserved, but over time, she had opened up to Nadia. She was impressive—always at the top of their class, well-liked by both classmates and teachers. They constantly praised her. Over time, she had become cheerful and loved teaching others.


    Unlike me. I was just ordinary.


    And yet, despite all that—despite her father being the commander of Nethia City—she still saw me as a friend. It was unbelievable.


    Nadia turned her gaze to Alma, who now lay sleeping, her face pale but peaceful.


    Can I ever be like her? Strong, well-liked…


    She thought back to the first time she entered the simulation battle at thirteen. Back then, every team she was on always lost. She could still remember the way her classmates looked at her—like they hated her, like it was her fault they had lost. It happened so often.


    And then there were the times she found her bag or her things missing from her locker. She had cried back then.


    She didn’t want to accuse her classmates of doing it… but she had no idea who else it could have been.


    But Alma was always there for her, always by her side no matter what.


    That was why, at eighteen, she joined the Order—to always be with her.


    The sound of footsteps drew her attention. Friedrich entered the room quietly, his gaze falling on Nadia, who remained awake.


    “You’re not sleeping?” he asked, his voice gentle.


    Nadia shook her head slowly, her eyes still trained on the shadow of her reflection on the floor. “No...” she murmured.


    Friedrich stepped closer, standing by her side. “Thank you, Nadia... Because of you, Alma is safe,” he said, his expression filled with gratitude.


    Nadia shook her head quickly, her hands clenching on her lap. “No, sir... I didn’t do anything. I just ran,” she said, her voice trembling.


    Friedrich took a deep breath, his gaze steady on Nadia’s hunched figure. “That’s not true, Nadia. Just being there for her… means more than you know,” he said firmly.


    He moved to a chair beside her bed, sitting down slowly. His gaze shifted to the window, where the rain continued to streak the glass.


    “The truth is, Alma’s been sick for a long time,” he said, his voice lowering.


    Nadia turned her head. “What? But she always seemed fine,” she said while her brows furrowed.


    Friedrich nodded slightly, his eyes dropping to the floor before meeting Nadia’s again. “She hid it well. But her condition worsened, enough to require treatment before,” he explained softly.


    Nadia sat in silence, her eyes glistening.


    Was she sick all this time? She tried to remember—ever since they were kids, Alma did have a history of going to the hospital, but not frequently…


    Friedrich smiled faintly, though his eyes held a deep sadness.


    “I’m truly grateful you’ve been by her side, Nadia… Thank you,” he said.


    Nadia didn’t respond, only nodding slowly as silent tears streamed down her face. Her hands clenched tightly at her sides.


    All she could do now was support her, repay everything from before, and protect her.


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    All she could do now was support Alma, repay her for everything, and protect her.


    She could only hope Alma would get the treatment she needed and recover, though deep down, she feared her illness might be incurable.