The next day, Arthur was still in the infirmary, lying on the bed, his gaze fixed on the blank, lifeless ceiling. A soft stream of sunlight filtered through the window, and the distant chirping of birds lent a strange peace to the otherwise sterile room.
Suddenly, cheerful footsteps echoed in the hallway. The door opened, and in walked Anos and Julius, wide grins spread across their faces. The doctor followed closely behind. With their arrival, the room seemed to warm instantly.
Julius beamed. "Arthur! Good news—we're getting you out of here!"
A faint smile tugged at Arthur's lips. He pushed himself up slightly and turned to the doctor. "So after three days, I can finally leave?"
The doctor nodded calmly. "Yes. Right now, the disease is still in its early stage and hasn't progressed much. Blood Rot is a chronic condition—it reveals itself over time. But just to be safe, I'll need weekly updates from you to monitor the situation."
Arthur nodded. "Got it, doctor. I'll start getting back to my routine, but I won't push myself."
The doctor smiled approvingly. "Good. Knowing your limits is important. I'll leave you with your friends now. You're free to go. Take care."
With that, the doctor left. Arthur turned to his friends and gave them a quiet laugh. "Finally free. So, what's going on with you two?"
Anos and Julius exchanged excited glances. "Classes are canceled," Julius said. "We figured it's the perfect time for a trip."
Arthur blinked. "A trip?"
Anos nodded. "Yeah, we all need a break. We're heading outside the capital, near Garfit Village. There's a beautiful open field there—we're thinking of camping out for the night."
Arthur smiled. "Sounds like a plan. Just us three?"
"I invited Sophia too," Julius said. "She's coming with us. Now come on, pack your stuff!"
Arthur got up, quickly gathered his things, and headed to the dorms. After grabbing his backpack, he met up with the others. The group gathered by the fountain outside the academy, waiting for Sophia.
A few minutes later, she appeared. Waving with a bright smile, she walked toward them. She wore a soft blue dress that complimented her light hair, and in the golden afternoon light, her beauty seemed to glow.
Arthur, taken aback, murmured, "You look beautiful…"
Sophia chuckled teasingly. "What, I wasn't before?"
Arthur fumbled slightly. "No—I mean, you look *more* beautiful. That dress really suits you."
They all laughed.
Anos adjusted his glasses. "Alright, let's get moving. It's about a four-hour walk to the meadow. We should get there before sunset."
They slung their packs over their shoulders and left the academy behind. Winding through the narrow alleys and bustling streets of the capital, they were surrounded by the pulse of city life—vibrant colors, loud voices, and the scent of baked bread and exotic spices filling the air.
One vendor shouted, "Finest apples of the season!"
Another called out, "Adventurer! Best deals for your gear, right here!"
Children darted through the streets laughing, mothers cradled their infants, and fathers carried shopping baskets by their sides. Arthur watched them with a bittersweet smile. He had no family of his own—but these friends... they were starting to feel like one.
After leaving the city and showing their student IDs to the border guards, the group set off toward the field Anos had spoken of—a place he promised was full of wildflowers, painting the landscape in breathtaking colors.
About an hour into their hike, winding between low hills and wide open plains, the group paused for a short rest. The sun was bright but gentle, and a soft breeze danced through the tall grass, carrying the earthy scent of spring and the distant calls of birds.
Arthur sat on a rock, drinking water, when he noticed Anos wandering a little farther into the grass. He bent down, gently collecting something from the ground. Curious, Julius walked over and asked, "Oh—picking herbs? That's awesome… Mind if I help?"
Anos looked up with a kind smile. "Sure, just let me show you which ones to pick. A lot of these are just weeds."
Hearing them, Arthur and Sophia stood up, cheerful smiles on their faces, and headed over.
Sophia grinned and said,
**"We want to help too!"**
Anous patiently took the time to explain to everyone which plants were medicinal, how to identify them, and what similarities they should watch out for between helpful and poisonous ones.
Arthur, however, had an easier task. Thanks to the "Eye of Truth" he possessed, he could effortlessly recognize real medicinal plants, without needing to know their properties. Even those plants Anous had never seen before were as clear as day to Arthur. Meanwhile, Julius and Sophia carefully followed Anous's instructions, patiently combing through the meadow, leaf by leaf.
An hour passed like this. Once their backpacks were full of herbs, they set off again. The path was quiet and calm, and the sun shone from the center of the sky.
A little later, on a narrow trail through a sparse forest, they saw an old cart stuck in a muddy hole. Its wheels were sunken deep, and an elderly man with a white beard was trying, in vain, to push it free.
Arthur and Julius stepped forward immediately to help. Soon after, Anous and Sophia joined in. With coordinated effort, the cart jolted free and rolled out of the hole.
The old man, panting and with eyes full of gratitude, said:
"Thank you, kids. You've really helped me."
All the children smiled and replied,
"It was nothing, really."
The old man looked at them more carefully now and asked,
"Where are you headed? Maybe I can help you get there."
Julius said,
"We're on our way to the village of Garfit. Do you know it?"
The old man grinned, tapped his cane on the ground proudly, and said:
"Of course I do! I'm the village chief of Garfit. Come on, hop in. I'll take you there myself!"
The kids accepted his offer with joy and climbed aboard. The old man took the reins, and they began moving slowly. The road was bumpy, but the scenery was so breathtaking that no one minded the jolts.
The chief asked, "So, what brings you to Garfit? Do you know someone there?"
Anous replied with a smile, "I visited a beautiful meadow near the village years ago. We just want to go there and set up camp together."
The chief chuckled and said, "Ah yes, that meadow is quite the place. All the villagers go there every week. It's truly lovely—you've got good taste!"
Wildflowers bloomed along the roadside, and sunlight filtering through the tree branches cast golden patterns on the friends' faces. Arthur, quiet, was watching the scenery go by. But now and then, deep, dry coughs escaped him—sometimes accompanied by traces of blood.
Sophia's worried gaze locked onto him.
"Are you okay, Arthur?"
Arthur gave a faint smile.
"I'm fine… just tired."
Despite Arthur's effort to downplay it, his friends couldn't hide their concern. But for now, they said nothing.
Hours passed, and the cart rolled gently along the dirt path until, at last, through the trees, they saw thatched rooftops and blue smoke rising from chimneys.
The village of Garfit lay before them—a peaceful place, far from the city, where calm floated on the breeze and new adventures waited to begin.
After a warm and heartfelt goodbye with the kind old man who had brought them to the village's edge, the four friends slung their backpacks over their shoulders once more and headed toward the meadow Anous had so often spoken of. It was tucked behind the village's orchards, hidden among the hills. The sky was azure blue, and the sun gleamed like a golden coin in the heavens. Birds sang from the trees and distant fields, like an unknown melody rising from the earth.
The path, though simple, felt enchanted. They walked along a dirt track adorned with wildflowers on either side. Bushes full of tiny pink and white blossoms lined the way, and a soft breeze carried their fragrance. The ground beneath their feet was springy, and the crunch of dry grass kept them company. The wind sometimes bent the branches, as if whispering secrets to the forest. A strange peace wrapped around everything, as if they had stumbled into a hidden corner of paradise.
After about fifteen minutes, as they passed between two hills, the meadow suddenly opened up before them—a vast field like a carpet of vibrant flowers. Bright yellows, calming blues, deep reds, and soft purples covered the land. A sweet, magical scent danced in the air, so enchanting it seemed even the wind was intoxicated.
For a moment, the four stood still. Eyes wide, mouths slightly open, hearts full of wonder. Anous whispered:
"This is it… the place I always talked about."
Without thinking, they dropped their backpacks and ran into the meadow like children tasting freedom for the first time. Laughter filled the air. Arthur ran ahead with outstretched arms, wind rushing through his hair. Julius laughed and shouted:
"Catch him!"
Sophia squealed with laughter and darted away, her feet gliding across the grass like she had become the wind. Anous followed behind, smiling quietly, more mesmerized by his friends than the flowers.
In those moments of running and play, time seemed to slow. Golden dust rose from the flowers and shimmered in the sunlight. Petals carried by the wind danced through the air and landed gently on their faces. Laughter rang like bells, and nature seemed to laugh with them.
At the height of his laughter, Arthur felt truly alive. It was a pure feeling—untamed and unforgettable. One that had long slept inside him, buried under pain, fear, and dark memories. But now, in this moment, there was no past, no illness, no "Bloody Death." Only now—and friends whose smiles lit up his soul like the sunrise.
Eventually, one by one, they grew tired and collapsed onto the grass, breathing heavily. The sky stretched above them, endless like a boundless dream. Laughter still lingered on their lips—quieter now, deeper. Arthur lay on his back, hands under his head, eyes fixed on the sky.
Petals from the nearby trees floated on the breeze, drifting like white butterflies. Sunlight danced through them like diamonds. Arthur followed them with his eyes, sometimes smiling, sometimes lost in silence.
In that stillness, he could hear his own heart. Not from sickness, but from joy. From connection—to the earth, the sky, and the people beside him. Next to him, Sophia lay with her golden hair spread across the grass, dancing gently with the wind. Her eyes were closed and she whispered with a soft smile:
"Do you think if we stayed here forever, the world would forget us?"
Arthur sighed.
"I wish we could… But even if it's just this one day, it's enough. It's more than enough."
Anos, sitting a bit farther away, had taken off his glasses and was jotting down notes about the local plants. But from time to time, he looked up and gazed at his friends with a deep, quiet affection. He wasn't one for loud laughter—but his smile now revealed the peace he had long sought.
Julius stood up, threw his arms wide, and shouted:
"Hey Life! You lost today! We won!"
They all burst into laughter. That moment etched itself into their hearts. Not on paper, not in a photo, but deep in the core of their beings—where the pure taste of freedom lives.
Time passed, and the sun slowly dipped lower, but the meadow remained full of light. The golden glow of evening coated the flowers like a layer of honey. Little birds sang on the branches, and the wind still played among the grass.
And Arthur, deep down, knew that though tomorrow might bring pain again, today… today would stay with him forever.
As the sun sank toward the horizon and the sky turned a reddish-orange, a soft breeze brushed against Arthur's skin. He was still lying on the grass, eyes to the sky, lost in deep thought. The sounds of birds above, blended with the gentle wind, formed a quiet melody—one that seemed made just for his soul's peace.
Arthur whispered, more to himself than anyone else:
"If I die one day… I want it to be here, under this sky, among these flowers. At least here… my soul would be at peace."
Julius, lying nearby, replied in a firm yet warm voice:
"No, Arthur… I promise you'll live longer than all of us. There's still so much you have to do."
Anos, who had been listening in silence, closed his eyes and said softly:
"You know… if I ever have to die one day, I'd want it to be here too… among these flowers, this wind… this stillness. This place feels like everything is at peace."
**Arthur smiled as he heard Anos speak.**
He felt seen—understood—and realized it was something he'd always longed for.
Sophia said nothing. Instead, she chose to enjoy the silence and the sound of birds, her half-closed eyes gazing at the sky while the wind gently played with her hair.
Moments later, Julius stood up and said,
"Time to make a fire. The sun's going down."
He began searching the area for suitable firewood. Anos, ever ready to help, got up to join him.
Sophia glanced at Arthur.
"They've gone to get firewood. I think we should pitch the tent while they're gone."
Arthur opened his eyes, gave a faint smile, and got up. From his backpack, he pulled out the tent and began setting it up. He drove the stakes carefully into the soil, tightened the ropes, and fastened the canvas.
Sophia knelt beside him to help. Their eyes met a few times during the task, and each time, they exchanged small, quiet smiles.
She said,
"These past few days… so much has happened. From your illness… to that cursed attack that killed hundreds in the capital. We were all exhausted. We *needed* this trip."
Arthur paused, lifting his head to gaze at the sky.
"Yeah… It felt like the weight of the world was crushing me. But now, here… I feel like I can finally breathe. Like I'm free again."
A brief silence fell between them before Arthur looked at her.
"You know… moments like this—here, with all of you—these are the ones I'll never forget. This is… a blessing. You guys are like family to me."
Sophia's eyes widened with surprise.
"I didn't think… you saw us like family."
Arthur gave a gentle smile.
"Not *like* family. You *are* my only real family. Maybe you thought I was just being sentimental, but… I've always felt this way. I just… couldn't say it before."
Sophia frowned slightly.
"But Arthur… back at the infirmary, you told me and Julius that you had nothing left in this world. When we asked, 'What about us?'—you didn't even answer."
Arthur let out a deep sigh.
"I know… I was scared. Scared you might not feel the same. That maybe I was just a burden. I didn't think anyone should have to carry someone like me. But… the way you treated me—showed me—I was wrong."
Sophia paused. Her face revealed a surge of emotion.
"Arthur… you've *always* been part of my family. Not just mine—Julius and Anos feel the same. No matter what happens, no matter what threats come our way, we've got your back. Even if one day the whole world turns against you…"
That sentence lit a warm flame in Arthur's chest.
For the first time in a long while, he felt peace. Safety.
He smiled—not with fleeting joy, but from the depth of his being.
A feeling like home. A feeling of belonging.
Softly, he said,
"Thank you… really, thank you…"
Another breeze whispered across the meadow. The sky was now on the edge of night, painted in hues of orange and violet. In the distance, Julius and Anos returned with arms full of firewood, their silhouettes bathed in the fading light of the sun.
Arthur's heart—after so long—finally sparked with hope.
The rustling of grass signaled Julius and Anos approaching. Their arms were full, and their faces glowed with the last golden streaks of sunset. A cool breeze passed through the field, carrying the scent of earth, blossoms, and the coming night.
Julius grinned, energetic as ever.
"Oh hey, you already set up the tent? Awesome! We gathered as much wood as we could. Pretty sure we tore down half the forest!"
He laughed heartily, dropped the wood by the grass, and sat down. Anos silently laid down his load and settled near the half-built fire. Julius, practiced and precise, began arranging the logs. He stretched out his hands, closed his eyes, and whispered a quiet incantation. A tiny spark flickered, and within seconds, a warm and steady flame roared to life.
All four gathered close, hands stretched toward the fire, soaking in its comforting warmth. The sky had now darkened completely, a velvet sea of black adorned with shining stars.
Julius's face, lit by firelight, beamed.
"Well, now that it's night… time for tea! What's better than tea out in nature?"
Anos nodded. From his backpack, he retrieved a small metal kettle. After inspecting it briefly, he whispered a spell that filled it with water. Meanwhile, Sophia rose, walked over, and dropped some dried tea leaves into the water. The soft aroma of tea blended with the scent of burning wood, creating a nostalgic, soothing atmosphere.
They sat in gentle silence; only the wind, the crackle of flames, and the occasional chirp of night insects could be heard. The firelight flickered in their eyes, burning the moment into the heart of night.
Julius, gazing into the flames, said,
"This place really is amazing… Anos, you were right to praise it so much."
Anos, staring into the dancing orange flames, replied,
"Years ago… I came here once with my mother. She loved gathering medicinal herbs. This place was a paradise for her. Whenever she touched a flower, it was like life returned to her… I slowly started learning from her—about leaves, roots, even the scent of certain petals."
Sophia, her hands warming by the fire, said gently,
"I'm glad you had that with her. Not everyone gets to make memories like that. Moments like those… you never forget."
Anos gave a bitter smile. The firelight revealed an old sorrow on his face.
"The only thing I can do… is keep those memories close. In my heart. In my soul. That way… it's like she's still with me."
Arthur looked at Anos. Something in his expression made Arthur feel the weight of his past—despite how well Anos tried to hide it. Arthur asked softly,
"What about your father…?"
A sudden silence fell. Anos's face tightened. He kept staring at the flames, but his hands slowly clenched into fists. A few seconds passed before he exhaled deeply and said, in a barely-controlled voice:
"We're not close. There's always been a gap between us… like two people who just can't understand each other. But… I still hope. Maybe someday things will be different."
Arthur stayed silent for a moment, then said,
"But at least you're close with your brothers, right? They get along with you, don't they?"
Anos didn't answer immediately. His gaze was still lost in the flames. The chirping of crickets now echoed more clearly through the silence. Finally, he spoke:
"They're much older than me… over ten years apart. Ever since I can remember, they've always been busy with their own lives. One's a merchant, the other's in the military. I only saw them at formal gatherings. So really… they've always felt more like strangers than brothers."
A bitter quiet spread through the group. A breeze stirred the fire. Anos took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and said:
"Three years ago… my mother died from a cursed illness. A strange, black curse… that slowly devoured her body and soul. First her hair began to fall out. Then her eyes… they were always bloodshot. Like something inside her was burning her alive. Every night… she screamed. From pain. From terror. And I… just listened."
Tears welled in his eyes, but his voice remained steady.
"My father said nothing. He just… sank into depression. Hated himself for being helpless. My mother slowly lost her mind. She started attacking people… even us."
He ran his hands over his face, but kept speaking:
"One night… my father told me not to go into her room. Said it was dangerous. But I couldn't stay away. I snuck in. The room was dark… the walls were stained with blood. And my mother… was in the corner, using her bloody fingers to write strange words on the wall. She was whispering. Her voice… didn't sound human anymore…"
His voice cracked. His breath trembled.
"She saw me. Suddenly lunged. I screamed. She wasn't the same woman anymore. She grabbed me—with strength I couldn't believe. Her hands… were ice cold. She started choking me. I kept saying 'Mom… please'… but it didn't matter. She was killing me…"
Arthur clenched his hands. His heart felt heavy. He knew how painful this memory must be. But listening—that was the only thing he could offer now.
"When I was about to pass out, my hand brushed a shard of broken glass from the window. Instinctively… just trying to survive… I stabbed her in the stomach."
Tears now streamed freely down Anos's cheeks.
"After that, all I saw was blood. Warm blood… all over me. My father heard the screams and came running. When he saw her on the floor… and me… he threw me across the room. But it was too late. She was already gone."
A crushing silence followed. Only the fire crackled. Only Anos's broken breaths could be heard. No one said anything. They just let the silence speak. A tribute to pain deeper than words.
Arthur stepped closer, tears in his own eyes. Gently, he placed a hand on Anos's shoulder.
"You… weren't alone. You're not alone now."
Sophia and Julius sat quietly, eyes filled with empathy. The group felt more like family now than ever before—not by blood, but through pain, through memory, through understanding.
Anos's sobs echoed in the night like raindrops on stone. The fire that once felt warm and safe now seemed to dance with the shadows of the past—shadows of pain, of screams, of blood.
Sophia couldn't bear it. She stood. Her steps soft but sure. As if her heart knew exactly what to do, she sat in front of Anos, wrapped her arms around him, and held him close. Gave him her warmth—silent, but real. A balm to his broken soul.
With a voice soft and trembling, she said:
"We're here, Anos… always. Let it out. Don't let this pain destroy you from the inside."
At first, he didn't react. But her words… opened a long-locked door. He rested his head on her shoulder and cried harder. His sobs echoed in the night—like a scream finally set free. His shoulders shook, hands clinging to her clothes like a lost child seeking shelter at last.
Julius and Arthur stood nearby, still. Eyes full of grief and compassion. They felt helpless in the face of such deep pain. What *could* they do? Wounds that burn from within can't be healed with swords or spells.
Julius whispered,
"I wish I could do something…"
But Arthur, staring into the fire, had other thoughts. Anos's voice, his memories, all replayed in Arthur's mind. He had waited five months for this. Five months of friendship, travels, and quiet efforts to draw closer… and still, Anos had said nothing. Until now.
But Arthur knew more than the others. A month ago, while Anos slept, he'd given in to temptation and used the Eye of Truth. What he saw… shook him.
He saw what happened after Anos's mother died. How his once-proud father became a broken drunk. How he blamed his son. How those eyes—filled with hate—looked at him. The fists, the shouting, the nightly crashes from Anos's room. Beatings. Humiliation. The endless blame.
And Anos… just stayed silent. Always silent.
Arthur had wanted to speak to him about it for so long. But he'd been afraid. Afraid that saying too much too soon would shatter the fragile trust between them. So he waited. Until Anos was ready. And now… that time had come.
Anos still cried, but no longer like someone collapsing. Rather, like someone finally allowed to *breathe*. Allowed to be *vulnerable*. And still be *accepted*.
Arthur sighed.
In his heart, he whispered:
"You're not alone anymore, Anos… We're here now. Till the end."