We Are Friends After All

The angelic humans had spent the entire day in deep conversation. As night fell, stars in the sky joined the streetlights in illuminating the bustling village of Érétide, which was gearing up for its grand finale: the festival. Throughout the village, people gathered to enjoy one last collective moment. Music echoed the villagers' joy, and their shouts added an unparalleled sweetness to the atmosphere.

Sitting on a bench, Marshal and Rahman sat side by side, while the rest were engrossed in the festivity. Although both were initially reluctant, they now shared a drink together, putting aside their reservations to savor this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

"What a beautiful evening, don't you think?" asked Rahman.

"Indeed. It reminds me of the Haradisian festival. Such a lovely summer night..." Marshal responded.

"I'm glad I met you, Marshal."

"It's not every day that angelic humans come together, after all. Though I wish we could have seen the fifth one."

"To be honest, I don't know if we'll ever see them. They might remain off the radar forever."

"You seem more serious than usual. It's kind of strange," Marshal chuckled.

"Even though I cherish being a superhero, it's hard to stay upbeat all day. Sometimes, when I get home, I really wish I could take a break," Rahman said with a light laugh.

"Rahman, do you ever feel sad when you save people?"

"Yes. Sometimes it's hard to maintain that heroic facade. But I symbolize my nation's pride and the hope of an entire people, so I must."

"And... have you ever failed?"

"What do you mean?"

"Have you ever been too late to save someone?"

"Not yet, but I fear that day more than my own death. If it ever happened, I don't know if I could wear my superhero costume again."

Looking up at Rahman, Marshal saw the true face of Edra's superhero. The mere thought of being responsible for even one person's death terrified Rahman.

"Even though we possess angelic energy and were chosen for our bravery and determination, we're still human. Mistakes are inevitable, Rahman. Whether it's you, Hermiel, Meyla, or me, we'll all fail at some point. But that doesn't mean the world will end. Failures are part of our growth and what make us human. When you fall, what matters most is getting back up. If you don't, who will step up when the world needs you?"

"You're wise beyond your years," Rahman laughed.

"Thank you. I'm still learning, but I hope my advice helps you in your darkest moments."

"I promise to heed your words, my friend."

With that, Rahman flashed his heroic smile, gracefully placed his glass on the nearby table, and turned to Marshal. "I'm going to find Meyla and Hermiel. Will you join me?"

"No thanks, I need some rest."

"Alright, see you soon!"

Rahman then soared into the starry skies, flying over Érétide in search of his fellow angelic humans. Marshal watched in admiration until he was interrupted by Milityasha, who stood behind him, her hands on his shoulders, greeting him with a warm smile.

"I hope I'm not intruding, Marshal Anabito. Can I speak with you privately?" Milityasha inquired.

"Of course..."

Milityasha began the conversation by offering him a slice of fruitcake. Though initially surprised by her approach, Marshal's apprehensions melted away when she gifted him a benevolent smile.

"Here's a slice for you."

"Thank you, madam... Dictator? Or should I say president?"

Marshal accepted the gift from the leader, awaiting her response. She took a deep breath before replying.

"Sadly, people have dubbed me a 'dictator' due to my expansionist ambitions and the perceived authoritarianism of my country. However, I've always acted in the best interests of my people and homeland."

"I see..."

Milityasha locked eyes with Marshal, sensing his discomfort.

"Are you alright? You seem tense."

"Ye-yes... it's just that I've never conversed with someone of such high stature before..."

She chuckled lightly at Marshal's remark.

"Ahah, I completely understand! But, to reassure you, I'm not here as a president but as a fan!"

"Fan? Why so?"

"Before this inauguration, I researched you, and I was amazed by your achievements. The way you defended your village, fought, and showcased both your strength and resilience! You may not be the most powerful among the angelic humans, but you're certainly the most honorable!"

"Heh... you're flattering me..."

"You can address me informally, you know?"

"Alright, then I'll do so."

"Wonderful! It's good to hear that."

Milityasha sat next to Marshal, who was savoring the fruitcake. Marshal, usually uncomfortable in social settings, was surprised to find that the so-called "dictator" was genuinely understanding of his anxiety.

"Milityasha, I'm baffled as to why people label you a 'dictator.' To be honest, I don't see an authoritarian figure in you. Quite the opposite, in fact."

"You really struggle with the informal address, don't you?"

"Yes, heh... It feels so odd."

"That's alright. I won't push you. To answer your question, I think it's because of my country's military power."

"What do you mean?"

Milityasha looked skyward, exhaling deeply.

"Let's be real, Marshal... If our three nations ever went to war, Argha would inevitably triumph."

"Why?"

"Because it's you, I'll reveal... I have an abundance of magical weapons, an obedient army, and a devastating strike force capable of annihilating the world..."

"But there's something I don't grasp. Why assemble the planet's mightiest army if you don't plan on waging war?"

"Don't be mistaken. I use this army to shield my nation from the demons and archdemons who've terrorized us for too long. As the Mother of the People, my goal is to protect my citizens from the engulfing chaos."

"I see... That's commendable, you're a worthy leader."

"Thank you, Marshal. Speaking of demons, especially Abaguo, could you shed light on his objectives?"

Marshal lowered his head, fists clenching on the table.

"Abaguo is probably the vilest demon I've ever faced... He desires to rival the emotion archdemons by transcending his existence... to achieve that, he said he'd absorb thousands of souls to reach the transcendental archdemon stage."

"I bet he's despicable and ruthless..."

"Yes, he is. He slaughtered, tortured, and absorbed thousands of innocents. If necessary, I'd chase him down to Hell itself and end him with my own hands!"

Milityasha sketched a slight smile in response to Marshal's unwavering determination. Suddenly, she clasped her hands on her thighs, as if to begin a more serious discussion, plunging the atmosphere into silence with her strangely grave aura.

"You won't need to. Forget Abaguo, and focus on your training at Adaken.

"Excuse me? I'm sorry, Milityasha, but there's no way I'm going to let that monster roam freely in nature. He's going to end up massacring people if I don't act first.

"I understand your resolve. It's true that your status as an angelic human would easily allow you to defeat Abaguo, but I think you've already given enough of yourself. You have proved your true worth as a representative of the Anabitos.

"But that's absurd! Why should I stop pursuing Abaguo? For what reason?"

Without answering him, she stood up without even glancing at Marshal. She stood straight, her arms along her body, staring blankly with a calm face.

"Tell me, Marshal. Do you know about WADI?

"Yes, it's an organization you founded to capture dangerous demons across Trillia. Why do you ask?

"Marshal, are you brave?

"Yes?

"Are you disciplined?

"Huh... Yes?

"Are you loyal and obedient?

"Yes... At least, I try."

With vibrant sincerity, she turned toward Marshal, placing her hand on his shoulder, and a kind smile stretching her lips. Then, in a soothing voice, she asked him:

"So agree to give up the pursuit of Abaguo. You're going to end up losing your life, and that's not what I want. I promise you that WADI will track Abaguo so that he will be imprisoned forever. Let me handle this situation to take a weight off your shoulders. You have fought enough... So let me take over, okay?

"All right... I put my trust in you, Milityasha. Capture Abaguo, and make sure he doesn't kill anyone again...

"I can guarantee you he will never hurt anyone again. Thank you once again, Marshal. Now, enjoy this evening, and keep your promise. You don't deserve to suffer all the sorrows of the world...

"But I wanted to know... What if you don't? What if you fail?"

Milityasha's green eyes glinted dangerously in the dim light, drawing closer to Marshal's face. As he faced the president of Argha, Marshal suddenly felt a potent aura emanating from Milityasha's stoic and calm expression. An intimidating yet soothing gaze that made him wonder what was in store for him.

"Do you doubt my expertise?" she inquired sharply. "Should I remind you of who I am? Should I remind you why demons tremble at the sound of my name? Should I recount my triumphs?"

"You misunderstand," Marshal stammered, "I never meant—"

"People often doubt and underestimate me because I'm a woman with no personal powers, no affinity for magic or mana," Milityasha continued, cutting him off. "Yet they conveniently forget that it was I who toppled the old regime of Argha. I defeated Anton Ivanov, the former tyrant of Argha. I gave my people back the freedom and peace that they lost because of that man. I tell you this because, in comparison, Abaguo is but a mere insect on our path. You must let me lead the charge, Marshal. Only I can rid you of this burden. Only I can defeat Abaguo without any casualties. I'm doing this for your sake, and for the prosperity of the Kingdom of Rymis."

Suddenly, she cupped Marshal's face with both hands, forcing him to meet her intense gaze.

"If you wish to bear the weight of even more deaths on your conscience, by all means, continue this futile chase after that abominable creature!" she declared. "Go ahead! But when the world blames you for the needless deaths of innocent souls, don't come to me seeking mercy! So, what will it be? Allow WADI to handle Abaguo? Or carry the weight of tens of thousands of deaths on your conscience?"

"I..." Marshal hesitated, searching for the right words.

"And if you truly doubt me," she added, her voice dripping with a mix of challenge and disdain, "use your personal power on me! Read me! Go ahead! But know that you'd only be sinking in my regard."

"I... I trust you fully," Marshal stammered, "It's just that... you frightened me."

Without warning, she embraced Marshal, instantly diffusing the tension that had built up in mere moments. Marshal was baffled by the duality of her nature - both gentle and fearsome.

"What are you doing?" he whispered.

"I wanted to show you just how committed I am to ridding us of Abaguo," she said, pulling back slightly. "I apologize if I scared you, ahah!"

"If that's all it was, then it's no big deal. Your determination did give me quite a scare for a moment. But know this - from now on, I place my full trust in you. Please ensure that Abaguo is defeated so that no one else suffers!"

"You have my promise, Marshal."