The table was packed due to the new addition to the group, Raz. All of them squeezed at the table and Valoel sipped at his freshly brewed tea, observing as Raz explained the situation that happened.

It was awkward as Raz had to mention someone unpleasant, however, he didn't want to lie to Xue in any manner.

"...and that's how they left."

Xue raised his palm, placing it on his forehead.

"Unfortunate timing." Cecil lamented.

"So, which part of the mortal realm are they in now?" Xue asked.

"They should be right where you were." Raz blinked, frowning in confusion.

Xue and Cecil frowned in confusion as well.

"We didn't see them."

"Not at all."

"Huh?" Raz blinked rapidly, a drop of sweat rolling down his face.

Where did that bastard Mir send them to?!

Did he stab us in the back again?

Raz decided that the priority on his list wasn't to secure a proper place for Xue once he returned. Instead, he should be pummelling Mir into the ground!

"In Nem, there is a rumour that the point of origin for angels and demons were hidden deep within the mountains," Ryo interrupted the conversation, grinning. "I can see now that it's a complete lie!"

"...!"

"Ah!"

Xue and Raz raised their heads in realisation.

"The waypoint in the archives of the heavenly realm has been linked to the snow-covered continent ever since the beginning. There seems to be miscommunication among your people." Valoel chuckled, placing his tea cup down on the table.

"That's right, K'xug and Hana never told us where you specifically were," Raz sighed in resignation, placing his hand on his forehead. "The both of them simply mentioned returning back to the mortal realm to reunite with you."

"K'xug was never one to be descriptive in his words," Xue said helplessly. "Forget it, we'll meet up eventually."

"...are you okay, my lord?" Raz questioned, his voice hesitant.

"Why? What's wrong? Why are you asking that question?" Cecil asked in a panic, leaning in close and squishing Xue's face in her hands. "Is he injured–are you injured?"

"Huh? What? No–I'm noh whinjurhed."

Ryo laughed at Xue's dumbfounded expression.

Valoel quietly observed the young group of people.

"No, I-I mean...about Mir." Raz stated nervously.

Xue raised his hands, pulling Cecil's hands away from his face and held her soft hands in his, not letting go. His expression was void of any emotion.

"Why should I care about him?" Xue questioned.

"...what?"

"Do I need to care about him?"

Cecil knew about Xue's past, and she simply squeezed his hand gently and wore a small smile on her face.

"No..." Raz was surprised before he showed Xue a happy smile. "No, not at all! There is no need to care about that bastard!"

"Oi, Xue," Ryo stepped in, an unhappy frown on his face. "Who is this Mir guy? Does he owe you a debt? Do you need me to teach him a lesson?"

Xue was stunned for a moment before he let out a short laugh of disbelief.

"What?" Ryo blinked rapidly, looking at Cecil. "I'm serious! Did I say something funny?"

Cecil shrugged.

"It's fine now, not anymore," Xue stopped his laughter, a smirk on his face. "Right now, he means nothing to me. I don't even remember who he is anymore."

Raz appeared emotional, lowering his head towards Xue. "My lord, I will follow you to the ends of the–"

"Shut up, not another word."

Cecil giggled at Xue's annoyed expression.

Xue simply sighed in resignation at Raz, leaning his head on Cecil's body, closing his eyes.

"What a lively bunch." Valoel said, a joyous tone in his voice.

That's when they realised there was another presence here.

"Hey old man," Ryo asked, interest apparent in his silver-coloured irises. "Who are you anyway? You seem strong."

"My name is Valoel, just an angel who simply lived far too long due to an incident long ago," Valoel introduced himself, smiling kindly. "In that everlasting lifespan, I am a master to three lovable disciples and a good friend of the previous Supreme God, Edmund."

Xue, Raz and Ryo were surprised at his sudden revelation. It was as if Valoel was commenting on the weather as he said those words.

"The three lovable disciples you are talking about..." Cecil trailed off, looking at Valoel.

There was a reverent look in his wrinkled eyes as he faced Cecil, bowing his head slightly. "Yes, just as you have guessed. The current demon lords, Veau and Zeau, along with the daughter of Edmund."

"Daughter of Edmund?"

"Ah, she was mentioned in the archives a few times!" Raz exclaimed.

"The young lady, also known as the princess of the heavenly realm, Eona." Valoel nodded.

Cecil felt a faint presence before her and she cast a furtive glance upwards. The transparent figure of Eona was standing in front of her, one of her hands on her chest as she bowed her head down, as if to pay her respects.

"Master Valoel."

"To think you could still regard my father with such fondness..."

"I thank you."

Valoel looked at Cecil once again, an apologetic look in his eyes.

Why does he keep looking at me?

As expected, he really must have known me from the time I was an Oracle.

Cecil pretended not to notice, looking back at Eona once again.

She still had her head lowered, completely silent.

"Angels and demons weren't always at war," Valoel sighed to himself, looking up at the sky. "There was a moment of temporary peace between all of us."

"Why were you there with Veau and Zeau?" Xue asked, raising his eyebrows. "When we arrived, it didn't look like you were allying yourself with them, but rather...sacrificing yourself for them."

"I have lived a long life, a very long one," Valoel explained, a helpless expression on his face. "However, I am still capable of being emotional and desperate. At that moment, it seemed as if nothing could get through to my two disciples who are far too lost in their own misery and promises, and I almost made a silly mistake. Fortunately, your timely arrival prevented that mistake from being irreversible."

"I saw a gist of it, what Veau and Zeau experienced." Xue admitted.

"You saw it? I doubt Veau and Zeau would be so willing to open up those scars once again." Valoel said in surprise.

"...it was a coincidence."

Valoel nodded in understanding.

"In that case, I could share the whole story with you along with their memories," Valoel offered. "Would you care to listen despite the suffering they've put you and everyone through?"

Just then, everyone looked over to Xue.

Eona raised her head to look at Xue as well, a guilty expression on her face.

He recoiled back in shock, staring at them with wide eyes. "Wh-what are you looking at me for?"

"Xue, the choice is yours," Cecil said, a concerned look in her irises. "If you are fine with it, we'll stay. If you aren't, we can walk away with you. "

"..."

Xue turned his head towards Valoel.

"We have time, so go ahead," he nodded, his words solemn. "But don't expect me to forgive them at all."

"You don't need to," Valoel smiled. "I'm grateful you are willing to listen to their side of the story."

Thus, Valoel started with the older brother, Zeau. The adopted son of the previous demon lord, an adopted son that was equally well-loved like his younger brother, Veau.

***

Zeau belonged to a secluded demon tribe which specialised in curing ailments. Ailments that aimed for the souls of the three different races, mortals, demons and angels. However, even the purest of intentions could be twisted in the wrong hands.

Just as they specialised in curing the soul, they also learned to manipulate it.

The secluded demon tribe became greedy, and too greedy to the point where the damages they caused became irreversible.

Out of fear and for the sake of the greater good, the angels and demons collaborated, breaking the peace treaty that swore of all wars of any kind. Meanwhile, the leaders of the mortal realm were informed to not let any of these demons from that tribe escape.

If they ran to the mortal realm, they would be captured either way.

Just like this, the secluded demon tribe was wiped off the face of the world. It ceased to exist and everything was back to normal, the peace would return.

The only survivor of the tribe was a young Zeau.

It turns out, he was an unfortunate victim of being experimented on.

He was adopted by Veau's parents, and the toddler Veau had an older brother to look up to now.

Meanwhile, his older brother viewed his newfound parents as if they were his saviours.

I'm...saved.

I have a new family...that treats me well.

I don't need to do things I don't like.

They won't treat me badly for not doing the things I don't like.

Unbeknownst to all of them, there was another survivor within the secluded demon tribe. Unlike Zeau, who possessed no animosity, this survivor was a pool of hatred and rage. There was only vengeance on his mind.

Since demons were compelled to listen to the demon lord, the survivor couldn't recklessly attack the demon lord. Hence, he chose to aim for those he wasn't compelled to listen to first.

He bided his time.

He trained.

He waited.

...and trained.

Waiting just for that day.

For his chance to strike.

The bubbly and innocent Eona had to watch as her mother was killed before her eyes. The light in her mother's eyes faded, but before her passing, she instilled a belief in her young daughter.

"Life isn't always happy."

"This is just a part of the life we are living, so don't be consumed by hatred and anger because of me."

"Eona, please stay with your father in these difficult times, hm?"

The young Eona could only stare blankly at her mother's body which was bathed in blood, and her father clutched at her mother's lifeless body. The entire time, Valoel could only stand at the side and weep along with them.

After that day, Valoel knew the meaning of being driven insane by grief.

He saw it all happen with his good friend, Edmund.

The ruler of the heavenly realm, a righteous and altruistic being, was completely broken.

From there on, Valoel knew there was no going back.

A war was coming—no, it was returning after two thousand years.

Just like before.

...as if all of this was premeditated by someone.

Valoel began to wonder why all of them were given a chance at this everlasting life, especially him, if they had to suffer after momentary happiness.

After that tragic event, everything spiralled downwards bit by bit, slowly and gradually.

***

"Thus, the situation is what it is today, in the present time." Valoel finished recounting the memories, withdrawing his powers. He shared his memories with them as well.

"..."

"..."

The group was silent and contemplative, none of them speaking up even once as Valoel studied their conflicted expressions.

Just then, the tense atmosphere was interrupted by an obnoxious and all of them looked towards the source.

It was Ryo.

"What the..." Raz muttered out in disbelief.

Xue sighed, closing his eyes and shaking his head.

"How carefree." Valoel commented, clearly not offended that Ryo had dozed off.

Cecil threw a furtive glance to the spot in front of her.

"Mother...father..."

"I tried to..."

"I..."

Eona bit on her lower lip, looking back at Cecil.

"Oracle. Was there anything I could have done better?"

"I have always wondered if there was anything I could have done better." Valoel spoke in the manner as Eona, his expression just as despondent.

"You have tried your best." Raz frowned, his tone encouraging.

"Did I, truly?"

"Did I really?"

"I ran away from despair and refused to face the world."

"I sacrificed myself since a part of me couldn't face the pain any longer."

"It doesn't change the fact that you tried." Xue finally spoke up, his expression was composed and lacked any hostility.

"..."

"..."

Valoel and Eona couldn't say anything in return.

At that moment, it was as if something clicked within Cecil and she opened her mouth.

"There is no way of knowing that, but like what Xue said, at least you tried," she said, a kind smile on her face. "There is no way of knowing whether you could have done better, and neither is there a right answer for it."

Somehow, I can see why Tano brought me back.

It isn't just for Xue.

It's for everyone.

"If I stayed and didn't run–"

"If I wasn't so selfish to sacrifice my self–"

"That was the past!" Raz interrupted, expressing his frustration. "Right now, the present is what's happening and not the past!"

"Move on," Cecil added as she nodded along in agreement with Raz. "You need to move on and push forward."

"If that moment ever arrives again," Xue raised his eyebrows, smirking slightly. "You would know what to do, wouldn't you?"

"..."

"..."

Valoel and Eona went quiet again. One could be heard while the other could only be heard by one, but it didn't matter.

The message has gotten across.

[ To think I'll actually see the stone-faced Oracle and his secret admirer imparting their values onto others. ]

[ Sevont would have seized this opportunity to replay this moment, over and over, just to embarrass the two of you. ]

"How is it that you are so chatty once you are back?"

"Do you ever stop talking, I wonder."

[ ... ]

Cecil knew she had ticked him off, and she wanted to tease how petty he was. Thankfully, she held herself back.

"I'm kidding."

"Welcome back, Tano. I hope everything went well."

[ It was...pleasant. ]

[ ...Oracle. ]

"...?"

[ If there ever comes the day where the same situation arises... ]

[ This time, I am not going to sit back and watch. ]

[ I am not losing another friend again. ]

Cecil smiled to herself.

"I won't do whatever you are thinking of again."

She glanced around, observing the faces of everyone around the table. Raz and Xue shared a helpless expression as they watched the old angel tearing up, gulping down his tea hastily. He refused to cry in front of them.

Meanwhile, the transparent Eona cupped her hand around her mouth, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed quietly to herself.

Ryo was still snoring away, however, the atmosphere was still serene.

"I want to protect them. Every single one of them."

She looked down at her hands.

"Whether it is the Oracle, or me as Cecil Lan, it doesn't matter who I am now. All of you are precious to me, and I'll protect you until the very end."

Tano went completely silent in her mind, but somehow, she could feel as if he was satisfied with her words.

"Young Supreme God, why did you return? After everything that happened, no one would blame you for disappearing without a trace." Valoel glanced at Xue, hastily changing the subject.

"Old man–"

"Old man?" Raz looked at Xue in shock, seemingly offended that he addressed Valoel in such a manner. "My lord, you haven't changed your habit of calling people arbitrarily."

"Valoel." Xue cleared his throat, giving Raz a glare.

Raz went meek, smiling sheepishly.

Cecil smiled, patting Xue on the back.

"What do you need, Supreme God?" Valoel asked in amusement.

"Which side are you on?"

At his question, Valoel stiffened and he answered after a moment.

"I...simply want to end this war that has been going on for far too long," Valoel admitted. "There isn't a side for me to pick."

At that moment, a toothy grin graced upon Xue's lips. His handsome appearance in that moment was captivating.

Raz was stunned at this sight, it was as if he was seeing the past Xue before him.

"I don't have a side to pick either," Xue continued grinning, extending his hand out to Valoel. "So let's join forces."

Valoel was surprised, staring at the hand before him and the people standing opposite him.

"We are on the same side." Raz smiled.

Valoel looked over at Cecil at the last moment, as if seeking confirmation from her. Cecil knew that Valoel had figured out her identity somehow, and she still needed to question him about it. Nevertheless, this wasn't the time.

Cecil gave Valoel an encouraging nod.

Valoel was in disbelief, the tiny sprout of hope within him was starting to bloom again.

Stopping the war...

...is it possible?

To see the people I love suffer no longer.

I...still want to cling onto that hope.

Valoel stretched his hand out, his movements hesitant and in the end...

He gave the extended hand a firm shake.

"Th-thank you, for giving this old man a chance to hope again."

"Ma-master Valoel! Don't cry!"

"Hmph, look carefully, do you think I'm crying?"

"...you are, old man."

"Xue!"

"My lord! Ha-have some decency!"

"Isn't he clearly crying?"

"...rude brat."

Ryo let out another obnoxious snore.

***

The demons were allowed to temporarily reside within the mountains and the inns, but it didn't mean they were spared from the hostile glances of the mortals. On the other hand, K'xug, Hana, Fyth and Nerri settled down at the inn, listening to the story from the demon general.

"It seems more than just a disagreement, the lords do argue with each other frequently," the demon general stated, shaking his head uneasily. "But this is something entirely differently."

K'xug began to ponder.

His memories being tortured in the cave and kept inside there did not seem to help.

He couldn't figure out what the two closely-knitted brothers could possibly fight about.

Perhaps...

Is it something to do with their past?

I only had a glimpse of their past and not entirely thanks to Valoel.

K'xug contemplated.

"So all of you are running away to the mortal realm now?" Hana questioned, her face growing unhappy as she pointed at the demon general accusingly. "You can't start harming the innocent mortals, or I'll do more than just shoot my arrows!"

The demon general raised his arms into the air.

"I don't know who taught you how to fight but we'll know better than to mess with the Supreme God's beloved."

"What?" K'xug growled out.

The demon general flinched, his eyes wide in confusion.

Fyth and Nerri began to snicker, their shoulders shaking with mirth.

"Wrong wrong!" Hana exclaimed in a horrified tone, shaking her head and her hands vehemently. "That belongs to Cecil, and not me!"

K'xug was glaring at the demon general as if he would murder him on the spot.

Hana immediately hugged him, her arms around his as she raised her voice. "I am K'xug's beloved!"

The entire inn went quiet, looking at the couple openly displaying their affection.

K'xug went still, the jealousy within him deflating in an instant.

"How sweet." Fyth clapped.

"How cute." Nerri clapped as well.

K'xug and Hana remained in their position, an obvious blush on their faces.

"Alright, not that...I care..." the demon general blinked rapidly, lowering his arms. "We are simply here to hide and not cause any trouble."

"Does this apply to all of you?" Fyth questioned, dubious.

"Unfortunately, no. We demons are compelled to follow the orders of our lord, and some follow till the very end."

"Not a surprise." Nerri nodded.

"I'll patrol the area and quell those fanatics down, in return, can you promise me something?"

"It depends." Fyth shrugged.

"We don't have time to waste." Nerri narrowed his eyes.

"Don't let the angels discover us hiding here," the demon general pleaded, hesitating for a moment before he spoke out the next few words. "We have people here who are in no condition to fight, and they have simply lost their will from the war."

"..."

"..."

"The people I've come along with have no intent to harm, we simply want to live."

Fyth and Nerri looked at one another before nodding in agreement.

"As long as you keep to your promise!" Hana emphasised.

"No matter what, there's one person we can't hide you from." K'xug said abruptly.

"...who...is it?"

"Xue," K'xug responded, looking at the demon general. "I do not know how he would react with your presence here, and I won't stand in his way no matter what."

K'xug glanced out the window.

"He'll be here soon enough, so prepare yourselves."

The demon general was quiet.

K'xug furrowed his eyebrows.

When he returns...

It'll finally begin.

The end of this entire war.

It wasn't just them that needed to be prepared.

It applied to everyone else here as well, including himself and Hana.

***

《 start 》

At this point...

Pity.

Sadness.

Anger.

Hatred.

I no longer know what to regard them with.

It doesn't matter either way.

Forgiveness.

That's the one thing I will never grant those two brothers.

《 stop 》