—Alright Kaze, time to settle this once and for all.
—Yeah…
Silence filled the room as the two young men locked eyes intensely.
—Eat, eat, eat! — The young man began urging the masked one to devour more and more pancakes. The dining table was piled high with plates, stacked to the brim with nothing but pancakes. Kaze tore through them effortlessly, not slowing down even once. After several minutes, the masked one could be seen slumped back in his chair, having managed to eat a grand total of:
—Fifty pancakes! New record! — The young man also sank into his chair, his earlier enthusiastic expression gradually fading into utter boredom. — And now I'm out of ideas.
A week had passed since Robin, Sein, Shoun, and Joy had sealed the rift. Since then, recruitment efforts and interviews had only grown more relentless, forcing Shoun and Sein to miss school until things calmed down.
—Your ideas didn't last long.
—I knew it was over the moment I forced myself to cook this many pancakes. — After a couple of days, he'd grown tired of watching movies all day with Kaze, leaving him to improvise ways to entertain himself without leaving the house.
—When do you think you'll be able to go out again?
—Maybe in a week... or two... Let's hope it's just one... — Suddenly, a Red Phoenix song began playing from Shoun's phone — Oh, I have a call... Hello?
—Hello Shoun, how are you? — The young man froze at the caller's voice before breaking into a wide grin.
—Mr. Valen! I'm doing well, sir. How about you?
—Hahaha, no need to be so formal. I'm good, Shoun... Listen, I was wondering if you'd like to come over for dinner tonight.
—I-I'd love to, sir!
—Glad to hear it. I'll send someone to pick you up at 7. Be ready.
—Of course, thank you sir! — After hanging up, Shoun let out a massive sigh — Haaaah... I can finally leave the house!
—Who was that?
—The Last Bastion. He wants me to have dinner with him tonight.
—What's the occasion?
—Hmm... Honestly, I'm not sure... Maybe he wants to congratulate me for becoming a great Codex bearer?... Anyway, do you want me to prepare dinner for you before I go? — Before Kaze could answer, his stomach emitted a horrifying gurgle.
**
The young man was helped out of the luxurious car that had picked him up by an assistant. Shoun had chosen to wear something different from his usual attire—a white dress shirt and black formal pants. He was guided through the grand mansion where he had briefly lived years ago.
The young man arrived at a large dining room where, seated at the table, was none other than Alex Valen, The Last Bastion, dressed in an unmistakably expensive black suit.
—It's good to see you, Shoun.
—Likewise, sir.
They shook hands and took their seats across from each other.
—My personal chef prepared a wide variety of dishes. Please, don't hold back.
Large platters of food were served, all looking incredibly juicy and delicious.
—(Smoked ribs... honey-glazed duck breast... Is that caviar!?) — With moderation—yet without holding back—the young man happily ate every dish while conversing with The Last Bastion. —(It's like everything melts in my mouth... The guys really need to try more than just my cooking.)
—I see you've enjoyed the food. Hehe.
—Yes... It's amazing. Honestly, I could eat like this every day—though my wallet would kill me if I even tried. Hahaha. — He joked before taking another bite.
—I'm glad... Shoun, have you wondered why I invited you to dinner?
—Hmm, I assumed it was to celebrate that I managed to clear a rift with just a handful of people. Knowing someone as considerate as you, it definitely seemed like something you'd do.
—...You're partly right. Even if this hadn't been assigned to me, I would've invited you to dinner— From a nearby chair, Alex pulled out a folder and slid it across the table toward the young man, whose expression immediately shifted as he set his food aside.
—...What is this?
—It's a contract. The government and I are offering you a position, you'll train directly under me as an apprentice. You'll receive a substantial salary, access to top-tier artifacts, and countless opportunities to develop your skills. Under this arrangement, you could reach Rank 3 by year's end, and who knows? You might even earn your Stigma someday.
—...Sir, is this serious?
—Absolutely! You'll have everything—
—That's not what I mean... You know what they did to me. You were the one who got me out of that place. Without you, I might still be rotting away, powering portals... Knowing all this, why are you making me this offer?
—It's a tremendous opportunity for you. I know the government has its flaws, but you'll have the best resources there... With our help, you might even join the Rank 5s in the future.
—...I can't believe this.
—What?
—I said I don't believe it. Someone must be forcing you to ask me this… You're genuinely good, someone who cares about people and would never drag a victim back to their abusers. T-to me, the opposite is impossible to believe… not without shattering my entire world.
—...It's true it wasn't my idea. But they convinced me we're your best option, that—
—"We"? Since when do you represent the government? From where I stand, the two of you are as different as heaven and earth… Actually, why do you even still work with those people? With your strength, you could easily start your own organization or back a less rotten one, like the Guild. — It was the second time in his life Shoun had inspect The Last Bastion. He couldn't see his rank—it was far too high, but he did glimpse a new facet of the so-called "hero" — You… Are you afraid?
—...
—...I see. Even you—one of the few Rank 5s who stands above all, still fear being killed… Is my theory correct? — Alex Valen stiffened in his seat. When no answer came, Shoun pressed on— …You were my hero. In some ways, you still are. But it's clear you lack what it takes to become the hero humanity truly needs. —Shoun knew his place. The Last Bastion could erase him with less than a snap. Yet he held nothing back, unloading every buried thought, certain they wouldn't kill him—least of all someone as soft as The Last Bastion— Thank you for dinner, sir… Know I still appreciate what you did for me years ago.
—...Do you understand the danger you're inviting by refusing?
—That warning sounds familiar. Plenty will come to kill me for being a potential threat or rival—many likely from your own organization. And you're still comfortable making this offer? For your peace of mind: I know what I'm facing. But I've chosen my path. I won't bow to the Guild, much less the government… Goodbye, sir.
—... — The Last Bastion watched as the young man left the room, drowning in his own thoughts—because everything Shoun had said… was true. He was a coward, someone who'd lost the strength to enact change long ago… someone weak— Forgive me, Shoun…
The young man exited Alex Valen's mansion alone. Knowing he was far from home, he hailed a taxi. Staring at New Caven's urban landscape through the window, he lost himself in thought.
—(Why did I ever think he was different? All government agents are backstabbing rats who… Who am I kidding? Robin's different. Sure, we have our differences, mostly because of their job,but what can they actually do? They're just an apprentice, someone who only wants to focus on research and uncover secrets in peace… I don't know enough about their life to judge them like this. Still, I know they're different… On the other hand, The Last Bastion? He has the power. The strength to change things. And to some extent, he tries. But something's holding him back, something that can terrify even one of the planet's most powerful beings… So what the hell can I do? Even if I become as strong as him, there's no guarantee I could fix this… Does this rebellion, the one I'm staking my entire being on, even have a point?) — Shoun's spiraling thoughts were cut off by the taxi driver's gruff voice.
—Hmm, now that I get a good look at ya… Ain't you that apprentice, "The Conduit"?
—Oh… Yeah, guess I am. — The moment he confirmed it, the taxi lurched to a stop. A flicker of panic crossed Shoun's mind—Is he kicking me out?—but it vanished just as fast.
—Thank you so damn much!
—…Huh?
—Thanks to you and your friends, my family was saved. We live in that area, and we're always afraid a rift might open there. Those government pigs and guild bastards always take forever to send help... From the bottom of my heart, thank you. — The driver was on the verge of tears when Shoun gently stopped him.
—Don't mention it... I lost my family as a kid because of a neglected rift. As long as I'm alive, no one else will suffer like that. — With those words, the driver resumed the trip, soon arriving at Shoun's house. — Thanks for the ride. How much do I owe you?
—This one's on me. Least I can do. — Shoun's frugal instincts flared, but then he noticed the driver's worn-out clothes, unkempt beard, and overgrown hair—even the car had seen better days.
—...Y'know, I earned a good sum from sealing that rift. Take this as extra help. — Before the driver could protest, Shoun handed him 2,000 Crestos, leaving no room for refusal.
—...Thank you, kid. Your kindness knows no bounds.
—Kindness? Hardly. Just doing what I can. Take care. — The driver drove off, and Shoun headed for his front door. — (Yes... This rebellion of mine might lead me down a dark path. But I'll light the way with the power of my lightning.)