Curious about my family, I asked Zeus if I could meet my aunt Alfia. The answer was immediate and flat—she refused to meet us. I couldn't accept that. I couldn't let it stand. I had to see her, even if she didn't want to see me. Maybe I would never get another chance. She might never allow me into her life again, but I had to try. After all, if she's going to die, I at least wanted to know what she looked like what she thought—just once.
So, I made a plan.
Using my magic, Aetheris Rift, I could reach her. I didn't need permission to enter this dimension, not from anyone. I didn't need her approval either. I just needed to see her.
"Rift."
I took a step forward, and the world folded around me. Everything stretched, then snapped back into place as I passed through the rift, into a dimension I had shaped. This was my space, my realm—a cube of stone, endless and silent, where I could go anywhere I needed to.
Normally, I would have no idea where to find someone I'd never met. But this was different. Alfia… I had a feeling she'd be somewhere familiar, a place I knew my mother cherished—Hestia's Church, the one from the stories. The place where my mother had found solace.
I thought of that place, of Hestia's peaceful church, and I focused on it.
"Rift."
A small tear in reality opened before me, just big enough to peer through. I could see inside Hestia's Church, and as expected, there she was. Alfia sat quietly, almost as though she were asleep. But I knew better. Her posture was too still, too deliberate for that. She was awake—just pretending, or maybe waiting.
I took a breath, prepared to stay out of sight. But then, her voice, cold and sharp, cut through the silence.
"How foolish of you to try to spy on me with magic. Come out, fool."
I froze.
I had completely forgotten—she could sense magic. Especially if it was being used on her. I had only been using a small amount, but apparently, that was enough for her to catch on. Did I really think I had a chance of spying on a Level 7? Haha… that's impossible.
"Eeek," I muttered under my breath, realizing it was better to show myself than run away like some frightened child.
"Now, you're testing my patience," Alfia's voice came again, laced with irritation. "Come out before I blast you away."
I sighed. It was too late to hide now.
I stepped out from the rift, and her sharp gaze locked onto me immediately. But it wasn't the usual look of annoyance I expected—it was something else. A flash of confusion passed through her expression before her eyes widened in surprise.
There, standing in front of her, was a child. He had white hair, blue eyes—just like my sister had. The child looked about the same age as my sister's children, and yet… I knew there was no way this could be her son. No way. If he were her son, no he should have be with that perverted god, not here in Orario.
I stood tall, despite the nervous flutter in my chest.
"What's your name child?" Alfia asked, her tone far softer now, though still tinged with suspicion.
"I am Eirion Cranel," I said, holding my ground.
A jolt ran through her body. How could her sister's child be in Orario? Why would that perverted bastard bring him here, of all places, especially in such a dark time? Her voice wavered with anxiety as she rushed forward.
"H... How did you get here?" Alfia demanded, her gaze now frantic. "Did that old man bring you here? Tell me! Where is he right now? I'll give him a good beating!"
I took a step back, trying to calm her down.
"Auntie," I started, my voice steady despite the nerves running through me. "Grandpa didn't bring me here. I came on my own. I wanted to see you… just one last time. I used my magic, Aetheris Rift a space magic, to get here."
Her face changed again—this time, a mix of disbelief and something else. Worry, maybe? I couldn't be sure. But I was certain she didn't know how to handle this. "Did that old man tell you about me."
"No, grandpa Zeus didn't tell about you."
"Well, I'll be damned," she muttered under her breath, still processing what I'd said. Then, her eyes softened just a fraction. "You're here… you came all this way…"
I nodded, but before I could say more, she turned her gaze away, her shoulders tense. It was clear she wasn't used to dealing with family—especially not in a time like this. "You should leave this place I don't know how you knew about me and this place but you should leave now."
"Well, I just want to spend some time with you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I want to talk while walking through the city. There's so much I want to tell you—about myself, about Bell. I want to show you my magic, tell you about Bell's desire to be a hero, and… well, many other things."
She sighed, a quiet breath of frustration.
Alfia was always so cold, so indifferent toward others. But I knew she had a soft spot for her sister and that extended her nephews, even if she didn't show it often. She had been through so much, and it felt like she wore that indifference like armor—hard on the outside, but I could feel the cracks in it when it came to family.
She stood there for a moment, her eyes narrowing as though deciding whether she'd allow me to indulge this strange request. Then, after what felt like an eternity, she finally spoke.
"Alright then, let's go."
She rose from her seat, her posture still tense, but the faintest trace of something—something almost like… acceptance—flashed in her eyes.
I couldn't help but feel a small sense of relief, a weight lifting from my chest. For all her harshness, Alfia was still family, and there was a chance—just a small one—that we could finally connect.
We left the church together, stepping into the bustling streets of Orario. As we walked, I couldn't shake the feeling that this moment was more than just a random encounter. It felt like the beginning of something new—a bridge between the past and the present. A chance to finally connect with the aunt I had never really known.
Normally, anyone stepping into Orario would be awestruck by the city, but today, I hardly noticed it. My attention was consumed with telling Alfia everything—about life with Zeus and Bell, about the things I had learned under his guidance. How we were being trained to become great adventurers. I showed her how my magic worked, explaining the complexities of Aetheris Rift, Glacies Spina, and Sanctum Lumen. Even if it was a stretch, Even if it a Lie I told her about the visions I had—how I saw Alfia and Zald working with Erebus to plunge the city into chaos, all to create a hero capable of defeating a dragon. I shared so much more, about Bell's hopes and dreams, about how his heart was set on becoming a hero.
Through it all, Alfia remained silent, her gaze fixed ahead, listening intently. Her expression didn't change much, but I could feel her absorbing every word.
Finally, after a long pause, she spoke.
"You remind me of my sister," she said, her voice still strained, but softer now—gentler, like the edge had been taken off her usual coldness. "it getting late you should leave now both bell and That old pervert god must be worried about you. Also, you shouldn't come back to Orario—it's not safe anymore."
"Ok, well bye bye auntie." remember that I did not tell anyone about going to Orario using Aetheris Rift return back to home.
"crap."
she hit me the head with magic "language."
damm that hurts, but she right I need leave now.
sigh
"If they're both determined to become adventurers, then it's best I prepare a gift. I should visit the god Hermes and ask him to craft weapons for Eirion and Bell." She muttered under her breath.
Two years later
It had been three years since I regained my memories after being reincarnated as Eirion Cranel. During this time, I focused on mastering magic and swordsmanship under Grandpa Zeus's rigorous training. One day, I asked him if he could teach me how to read and write Hieroglyphs—the language of the gods. He agreed without hesitation and even began teaching me other languages, including Elvish and a few others.
Another thing I've been working on is developing a plan to save the Astraea Familia. Zeus told me there's no way I could fight the Juggernaut and win, even if I received the blessing of the gods and leveled up many time. I'd still be outmatched. After thinking about it, the only way I can think to save them is by using my magic, Aetheris Rift, to trap the Juggernaut in another dimension. The Juggernaut is too fast for me to react in time, so my only chance is to trap it while it's falling after being spawned.
However, Zeus gave me a better idea: Instead of just trapping it in any dimension, I can use Aetheris Rift to open a portal directly above the Rudra Familia, and then create a barrier using Aetheris Rift to lure the Juggernaut's attacks toward them.
That's right. I've been experimenting with my magic, and through my trials, I discovered that I can not only make the Aetheris Rift invisible, but I can also surround myself with it, turning it into a barrier. This opens up more possibilities for how I can use my magic in combat and defense.
"Hmm, this could work," I mused, "I can make the Rift invisible... but isn't this too risky? Why not just use the first method?"
Zeus explained that there are two reasons why the second plan is better. First, it would kill two birds with one stone: we could eliminate the Rudra Familia, and second, it would give the Astraea Familia a good impression of me.
"Remember this boy a first impression is the key to add them your harem."
sigh
This old pervert.
But this a good idea to the Astraea Familia It can help gain their trust faster.
Eirion stood at the edge of the training grove, his mind focused on the task at hand. His hand moved instinctively to his sword as he concentrated. His heart burned with the need to see how the Astraea Familia was faring if they are still live or dead, especially with the looming threat of the Juggernaut hanging over them. I been check an eye on both the Astraea Familia and Rudra Familia. It had been few day since he had checked on them.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, focusing on the familiar sensation of Aetheris Rift. His magic wasn't just a tool for battle; it was his bridge to the world.
"Rift."
I could feel the familiar sensation—the world around me warped slightly as space itself tore open. A ripple shimmered in the air before me, swirling with light and shadow, hovering just above the ground. Slowly, the tear widened, and through it, a window to another place began to form.
"Time to see what's going on in Stardust Garden," I muttered under my breath.
I peered through the opening. The lush beauty of Stardust Garden came into view. Unlike Alfia, none of the Astraea Familia seemed to sense my magic—good. That made things easier.
As expected, they were all still safe. I decided to stay a bit, just observing, listening—hoping to catch a clue, anything that might help me figure out when that day would come.
And then, luck struck.
"Girl, I'm telling you, this is a trap waiting for us on the 30th floor," said a pink-haired Pallum, clearly on edge.
"Lyra, even if it's a trap, we are the Astraea Familia," replied the red-haired girl, voice bright and unwavering. "Protectors of justice must overcome trials and defeat evil for our goddess!"
"Hmmm… Alise, when exactly are we going after them?" Ryu asked, her voice calm but sharp as always.
"Two days from now, in the afternoon. We start descending into the dungeon then," eastern beauty answered after thinking for a moment.
Perfect.
I now knew where and when the Juggernaut would appear.
Without wasting another second, I closed the rift and began heading back to the village. I had preparations to make. Get thing like mind and healing potions, it best if I get my wooden magic staff that I been using for practice just in case.
Just like that two day went by, I went over my plan once again with grandpa and told him that I might not be there for a week. Grabbing many mind and healing potions. It's time for me to save the Ryu, and other members of the Astraea Familia.
"Rift."
To the 30th floor of the dungeon.
I created a tear in reality—space itself rippled and peeled apart, revealing the distorted shadows and colors of the other side. Without hesitation, I stepped through, the tear closing silently behind me.
Peering through a smaller tear just ahead, I watched the scene unfold from a hidden angle.
"Yeesh, that was close!" Lyra gasped, brushing debris off her shoulder.
"So, it was a trap. But trying to bury us alive with bombs? That's both tacky and laughable," Kaguya said, her tone laced with mocking scorn.
"How the hell did they survive…? Damn you Astraea Familia bitches! Do you have any idea how much those blazerocks cost us?!" Jura snarled in disbelief.
"Well of course we survived! In case you forgot, we're the Astraea Familia!" the Amazoness barked proudly.
"Still, an explosion of that size... you must've spent quite a bit of time planting them."
"Too bad it was all for nothing..."
"G... gods-dammit!" Jura spat, retreating a step.
"Prepare yourself, Jura! We're putting a stop to your sinister plot!" Alise declared, her voice ringing with righteous fury.
"There's nowhere left to run!" Lyra added, pointing her blade.
"We're going to finish this now," Kaguya said, her voice calm and resolute.
"And you will answer for your crimes… every last one of them," Ryu's cold voice struck like a blade in the dark.
"Let's put an end to this. To Evilus—and to their reign of terror!" Alise cried, stepping forward with righteous fire in her eyes.
Jura stumbled backward, his voice trembling. "G-Gimme a break! I won't let it end in a place like this!"
But then it happened.
A deep, haunting rumble tore through the dungeon, followed by a scream—not from any human or monster—but the very dungeon itself. The air trembled. The stone walls groaned. A chill ran down my spine.
It was a sound I'd heard only once before in a vision. The scream of the dungeon itself. A warning.
"what's that sound?!" Kaguya shouted, eyes scanning the dim ceiling.
That's my cue.
I quietly widened the tear beside me and slipped through, descending into the dungeon's 30th floor unnoticed, landing with a silent thud next to Ryu. I kept myself veiled within Aetheris Rift, my presence masked, invisible to all.
I looked up… and there it was.
A monstrous shape began to emerge from the wall itself, flesh knitting from stone, blades unfolding like wings.
"It's the dungeon's executioner... the Juggernaut," I said loud enough for everyone to hear me.
Instantly, every head snapped in my direction.
The moment those words left my mouth, the Astraea Familia turned with weapons raised. Their eyes locked onto me—some with confusion, others with suspicion. I slowly dropped the veil of Aetheris Rift, revealing myself in full.
They weren't expecting a kid.
Especially not me.
A few of them blinked, trying to make sense of it. Ryu's eyes narrowed sharply. She was already moving in front of the others, ready to strike if needed.
"Who are you?" Alise demanded, sword raised.
"How long have you been there?" Kaguya followed up, tone cautious but not hostile yet.
Ignored their words. Instead of worrying about the weapons pointed at me, my eyes were locked on the ceiling above.
That's where it was coming from.
Just then, chunks of rock exploded outward. A violent surge of water came crashing down like a broken dam, soaking us all. Everyone looked up, instincts kicking in.
And then—it appeared.
A skeletal beast, jagged and terrifying, dropped from the ceiling. Its body twisted unnaturally as it fell. Even after all this time, all my preparation, seeing it in real life froze my blood. That thing… that was the Juggernaut.
Damn. Even if I'd trained for this day for years… that monster still terrified me.
But I couldn't back down now.
As it fell, I focused everything into my spell.
"Rift."
The spell activated instantly. Aetheris Rift tore through the air—my magic grasped the Juggernaut mid-fall, swallowing it in swirling light and shadow. Without pause, I reopened the rift—this time right above Jura and the Rudra Familia.
The creature dropped.
Gone in one space, reappearing in another.
Everyone froze.
"Wh... where did it go?" Ryu asked, eyes wide.
"Look at the Rudra Familia," I said calmly, pointing.
They turned—and what they saw turned their faces pale.
The Juggernaut was butchering them.
Fast. Brutal. Unstoppable. The skeletal beast tore through them like paper, slicing flesh and shattering bone. Even Level 3s and 4s didn't last more than seconds. Screams echoed through the chamber.
Even the bravest among us flinched.
The Astraea Familia stood in horrified silence. This was no ordinary monster. This… this was death incarnate the dungeon's executioner say the kids said.
Without wasting time, I pulled out my wooden magic staff. I couldn't let this distraction go to waste.
"Rift."
The spell activated again, and this time, I created a dome—a shimmering, invisible barrier around me and the Astraea Familia. The dimensional field snapped into place like a second skin.
This was no ordinary shield.
Anyone inside couldn't leave unless I allowed it. Anyone trying to enter without permission? They'd be banished to another dimension entirely.
It was a perfect trap.
All I had to do now… was wait.
Wait for the Juggernaut to finish its bloodbath.
Wait for it to turn on us.
Wait for the moment I'd been preparing for all this time.
My hand gripped the staff tightly. My heart was pounding, but I held my ground.
"I just need to hold… until it charges."
The Juggernaut was a blur of motion, a reaper with no mercy. Flesh tore, bones cracked, and screams echoed off the stone walls like a requiem for the damned. Within seconds, the Rudra Familia had gone from a formidable force to a pile of blood-soaked bodies.
The air stank of fear and blood.
Silence gripped the Astraea Familia.
Even Alise, so full of fire just moments ago, could barely speak.
"W-What… what is that thing?" she whispered, her eyes wide with horror.
Kaguya's fists clenched, but her voice trembled. "It's like it was made to kill adventurers…"
"No... that's not just any monster," said Ryu, her voice low and tense. "That's the dungeon's executioner… the Juggernaut."
Her gaze shifted—to me.
"And he redirected it."
They all looked at me now, standing calmly at the center of the dimensional barrier, staff in hand. Not a single sign of fear.
"What kind of magic is this?" Lyra asked, her tone somewhere between awe and suspicion. "And who are you really?"
"I've never seen magic like that," Kaguya said, eyes narrowing. "Some kind of barrier magic but this different than one I see."
Alise stepped forward, her voice uncharacteristically quiet. "You… You knew about the Juggernaut?"
I didn't answer right away.
They needed time to see.
Time to understand.
But Ryu was already piecing it together. Her sharp eyes locked onto mine. "You knew about this attack. You knew where the Juggernaut would appear… and you used your magic to drop it on the very people who summoned it."
Her hand trembled at her side. "That… takes more than power. That takes intent."
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Then Alise broke the silence. "You saved us… didn't you?"
I finally nodded. "Yes, I explain later."
While it was still massacring the Rudra Familia, I kept quietly drinking Mind Potions, one after another. I couldn't let the barrier drop—not even for a second. My staff hummed with magic, and the Rift held firm, shimmering faintly like a mirage in the air.
The screaming stopped.
The Juggernaut stood alone now, its body soaked in blood, bones, and gore. The Rudra Familia was gone—wiped out in less than a minute.
Then... it looked at us.
Its body tensed, claws twitching, that sickening growl echoing through the dungeon. The beast crouched low, preparing to strike.
I felt a chill run through my spine.
The Astraea Familia stood behind me, frozen, weapons raised but trembling slightly. Even Alise, so fearless before, gritted her teeth. Kaguya's eyes narrowed, calculating. Ryu was dead silent, her focus locked on the monster. None of them spoke—but they all knew what was coming.
It charged.
Like a flash of death, it tore through the ground toward us.
And then—gone.
The moment it got close to the barrier, it vanished without a sound. No impact. No explosion. Just a ripple in space, like a rock dropped into water, then silence.
Everyone looked around, eyes wide in disbelief.
"Wh-what just happened?" Lyra gasped.
"Did it… disappear?" said Alise.
I cut off my magic.
The barrier collapsed, not outward, but inward—trapping the monster within the residual field. It howled, thrashing against the sudden confinement.
Just as it charged toward us, it vanished—swallowed back into the walls as if it had never existed. trapping it till its' death.
"I sent it away," I said calmly, lowering my staff a bit. My hand trembled just slightly, but I hid it. "Another dimension. A space only I control. It can't get out unless I let it."
They all looked at me again—but this time, not with suspicion.
With awe and Gratitude .
Ryu took a step forward. "You redirected it once. Then erased it from this world. Just like that…"
"You… what are you?" Kaguya asked, voice sharp but not unkind.
"You—what level are you, and which Familia are you from?" asked Lyra in curiosity
"I don't know any strong white hired kid Adventurer." Asked Ryu.
I didn't answer right away.
"Should you not introduce yourself before asking others?" I asked, trying to buy some time.
"Ah—you're right," the red-haired woman replied with a grin. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Alise Lovell, Captain of the Astraea Familia." She placed a hand proudly on her hip as she gestured to the people around her. "And these are my Familia members."
One by one, she introduced each of them by name and rank, speaking with the confidence of someone who truly loved her comrades.
"And finally, this is our last member—Ryuu Lion."
At the sound of her name, I perked up and looked toward her. She didn't say anything—just gave me a quick nod, cool and reserved. Still, that brief glance carried weight.
"Now," said the pink hair Pallum with a smirk—Lyra, if I remembered correctly. "Did we give you enough time to come up with a good excuse, kid?"
Oh no, She caught on. She knew I was stalling.
"W-What do you mean?" I replied, forcing a smile that probably gave me away even more.
That was all it took—chuckles broke out among the group, the tension easing into something a little more bearable.
"My name is Eirion Cranel."
The name hung in the air for a moment. The silence stretched.
"I'm not in any Familia," I said plainly.
"Huh?" Lyra blinked, surprised.
"I'm actually… Falna-less," I continued. "And if you're wondering why I'm even here—it's because I was testing if my magic works in the Dungeon or not."
There was a long pause.
"WHAT?!" a few of them shouted in unison.
"YOU—! You shouldn't even be down here without a Falna!" Ryu scolded, her voice firm with concern. "What if you'd gotten injured? Or killed?"
"That's right, Eirion," Alise added, crossing her arms. "You should only be entering the Dungeon with the blessing of a god. It's reckless to go in without it."
I looked away, eyes on the ground, and whispered, "I couldn't let the same tragedy happen again while I'm here…"
"Huh? Did you say something?" the werewolf girl asked, ears twitching.
"I said I am sorry" I replied quickly, forcing a small smile.
There was a beat of silence—tense, uncertain. The kind that made you feel like you were being measured, weighed.
Ryu crossed her arms, her piercing gaze fixed on me. "…You shouldn't be here without a Falna."
"I know," I said, the smile slipping. "But I couldn't just sit back and do nothing."
"That doesn't make it any less reckless," Lyra muttered.
"I'm aware," I said quietly, eyes dropping to the ground. "But if I hadn't acted… the outcome might've been worse."
Alise exhaled slowly, her expression softer than the others. "Well… reckless or not, you saved lives today."
I looked up at them again. "I wasn't trying to be a hero. While I was here I thought I could help out."
Ryu's expression shifted slightly—less anger, more understanding.
"…Just don't throw your life away," she said.
"Not planning to," I said with a small nod. "I still have too much to do."
Alise knelt gracefully, her gloved hand reaching out to mine with a warmth that caught me off guard. "That's enough, girls. You're scaring him," she said gently. Her smile was soft, but there was command in her voice. "Why don't we talk more over a campfire at the safe floor? Would you come with us and tell us everything you know?"
I gave her a silent nod, unsure if I could even speak without my voice shaking. There was something grounding in her presence—like she was both flame and anchor.
With a reassuring grin, Alise stood and turned to the others. "Alright, everyone. We're heading back to the 28th floor safe zone and setting up camp. Priority one is keeping our savior, Eirion, safe until we're out of the dungeon."
"Okay," Lyra muttered, half in awe, half in disbelief. She glanced sideways at me. "Still can't get over it… Dropped the Juggernaut on the Rudra Familia like it was a cursed delivery package."
"I'm starting to think this kid might be more dangerous than the monster," Kaguya added dryly, arms crossed but with the faintest twitch of a smile tugging at her lips.
Ryu didn't say anything—just walked quietly beside me, occasionally glancing my way as if trying to figure me out. I didn't blame her. I was still trying to figure myself out, too.
As we made our way toward the safe floor, I felt something in my chest—something I hadn't let myself hope for in this world. During the travel I told them I wouldn't be able to leave to my village unit the Juggernaut dies. After hearing about this Alise offered me stay at the Stardust Garden. which I happily accept.
Maybe… I wasn't alone after all.
The flames crackled softly, casting a warm glow across the small clearing. The oppressive air of the dungeon felt a little lighter here, as if the monsters respected the sanctity of this temporary peace. We were circled around the fire, and for the first time since I arrived, the Astraea Familia looked less like fearsome warriors and more like people.
Alise handed me a bowl of warm stew. "Eat. You've earned it," she said, her smile relaxed now.
I took the bowl with both hands. "Thanks."
"So," Lyra began, leaning back on her hands. "Eirion Cranel. No Falna, not in a Familia, dropped a Juggernaut on the Rudra Familia like it was nothing. I think we're owed a bit of an explanation, don't you?"
The others nodded, their eyes on me. Not with suspicion—at least not entirely—but with curiosity. And maybe... respect. I don't like the fact that I going to Lie to some I admire but have tell half true and half lies.
I looked into the fire for a moment, gathering my thoughts. "I was testing my magic—Aetheris Rift. It lets me create tears in space. I can see through them, travel, and even move other things... like monsters. If I could use this magic in dungeon or not"
Kaguya raised a brow. "I see a Congenital magic?"
"It's rare," Ryu said quietly, "but not impossible. Especially if he has been studying for year."
I nodded. "I've been training with my grandfather in the village since I was little. He taught me swordsmanship and magic—well, helped me figure it out on my own, really."
"Who is this grandfather?" Alise asked.
"Ah, he was an adventurer," I responded softly.
"I see... So did your grandfather tell you about that monster?" Lyra asked, leaning in slightly, her curiosity genuine. "You called it the Juggernaut, right? The Dungeon's Executioner? Why is it called that?"
"Ah... yeah, that's right. He told me about it," I said, taking a slow breath. "The reason it's called the Dungeon's Executioner is because it's a special monster—one the dungeon itself creates when it feels seriously threatened. If too much damage is done, or rules are broken, the dungeon retaliates. The Juggernaut is its enforcer."
Everyone around the fire was quiet now, listening.
"It's absurdly fast, with claws sharp enough to cut through nearly anything. Its attack power is terrifying, but its defense isn't that high. Worst of all..." I glanced toward the elf girl before saying, "It has magic reflection."
"What?!" the elf mage cried out in shock, shooting upright.
All eyes turned to her. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she looked down, clearly wishing she could dig a hole and disappear.
To ease the tension—and cover my own tracks—I jumped into my prepared lie. "Anyway... I was testing my magic in the dungeon when I noticed the explosions on the 30th floor. I came to check what was going on. That's when I saw both the Astraea Familia and Rudra Familia confronting each other."
I paused, adding just enough tension to my voice to sound convincing. "Then I felt it. The Juggernaut starting to spawn. I was gonna run—I really was. But… when I saw you girls... I don't know. Something told me you were the good guys and those guys were the bad guys. So I went in."
There was silence again. Only the fire crackling and the quiet clink of spoons against bowls filled the air.
Finally, Alise leaned forward, her eyes thoughtful but warm. "Well then, Eirion... you've certainly given us a lot to think about."
Ryu's gaze lingered on me, no longer cautious, but... almost gentle. "Thank you—for saving us."
I looked down, trying to hide the heat rising in my face. "I just did what I had to do."
"No," Ryu said, her voice steady. "You made a choice. And it saved lives."
I couldn't say anything more after that. Not without my voice cracking.
But in that moment—under the soft glow of firelight, surrounded by once-strangers—I felt it.
That small but certain warmth.
Like I belonged.