After that, Rinoa went back to blowing soap bubbles, watching the transparent orbs float in the air as if she hoped to carry away all her worries from her face. Yet, amidst the dimness of the atmosphere, a poignant sadness lingered in her glimmering eyes. Before long, Hernandez approached her cautiously, noticing the fragments of emotions reflected in her hidden smile.
"You're acting unusually. Is that really your true nature?" Hernandez asked, his voice gentle yet filled with deep curiosity. "This is the first time I've witnessed the true softness and beauty of Rinoa Alfrenzo," he continued, his gaze full of admiration as if he had just discovered something precious in Rinoa's eyes and smile, highlighting her uniqueness among other girls.
"Why are you saying that?" Rinoa responded, her voice laden with emotion, her eyes narrowing as if trying to comprehend something shocking. "Are you mocking me?" she added, her tone mixed with confusion and a hint of defensiveness.
"I felt both surprised and delighted when you invited me for a walk together. Even though we can't call it a date, my heart truly blossomed in this moment. Everything feels so sweet, as if the world around us paused for a while, and it was just the two of us enveloped in the warmth of the atmosphere."
"So, do you really feel happy?" Rinoa said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Of course," Hernandez replied, his voice brimming with confidence, each word flowing like light illuminating the space between them. He felt a burning happiness within his heart, as if warm sunlight was seeping into the depths of his soul. Yet, in the deepest corner of his heart, he realized that Rinoa was doing all of this not just for him, but to help him complete the thesis that had burdened him, showcasing the extraordinary dedication of this girl.
"You know, humans are not perfect," Rinoa said, gently twirling the stem of the flower given by the little child earlier. She continued to twist it until she heard a soft crack as the stem broke, and the beautiful flower crown fell gently to the ground. The gray sky served as a backdrop for this scene, making the moment symbolic of the imperfection she mentioned, as if reminding us that even beauty can be fragile.
Then, Hernandez gently picked up the fallen flower crown, gazing at it as if it were a precious treasure. The bright and soft colors of the charming petals contrasted starkly with the gray background, creating a moment filled with meaning and beauty amidst sadness.
"Reach out your hand," Hernandez said gently, handing over the shimmering crown. "Humans may not be perfect, but they can be truly human," he continued, his voice filled with hope and understanding, encouraging Rinoa to embrace the imperfections and beauty within themselves.
Rinoa clenched her fist, placing it with deep emotion over her heart. For a moment, she appeared to be in prayer, sending forth hopes and dreams to the bright night sky. Yet, what she wished for remained a secret known only to her heart, while Hernandez could only watch the girl he loved with a mixture of hope and concern. After a precious moment passed, Rinoa opened her eyes, and she seemed to return to her usual self, her gaze now filled with enthusiasm and courage.
"I never expected you to be such an understanding and caring man," Rinoa said with joy.
Hernandez took a deep breath, trying to gather the courage that sparked within him.
"It's better if you don't agree to Guru Elbert's request," Hernandez said seriously, his eyes revealing deep concern and a protective instinct that surged within him.
"Black magic isn't suitable for you," he added, his voice firm and attentive, as if he wanted to protect Rinoa from lurking dangers.
"So, are you willing to help me?" Rinoa asked, her voice embodying a mix of hope and worry, while her eyes sparkled with untamed enthusiasm.
Tonight, Hernandez found a rare opportunity to get closer to Rinoa. With a warm smile, Rinoa motioned for Hernandez to sit beside her, the space between them filled with tension that felt like a gentle breeze on a night.
"By the way," Rinoa asked curiously, "I want to know what drives you to join me on the expedition to Gamma? After all, you could easily pass by taking other exams."
Hernandez fell silent, his mind swirling in confusion. He didn't know where to start, as if the words were stuck at the tip of his tongue, waiting for the courage to flow out.
"It's okay if you don't answer," Rinoa said cheerfully. "The night is still long; why don't we enjoy the beauty of the Garnet moon shining softly?" She continued, swinging her legs with joy, expressing how captivated she was by the stunning night scenery, as if she wanted to distract from the nagging feelings within her.
"Actually, it relates to the Garnet moon," Hernandez replied, his voice adding to the enchanting mystery of the night.
"How does it relate to the Garnet moon?" Rinoa asked, her tone filled with curiosity, as she tried to delve deeper into the meaning behind his words, which were laced with mystery and potential emotional impact.
"As its name suggests, the Garnet moon possesses captivating beauty, much like the glittering garnet mines—some of the rarest gemstones in the world—that shine like blood spilled under the moonlight," Hernandez said passionately.
"Garnet, with its stunning colors and brilliance, can be considered a space stone," Hernandez added.
"You could say that," Hernandez replied in a serious tone. "Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubies, and Diamonds are gemstones native to this planet, representing the natural richness produced by the Earth. However, Garnets, Amethysts, Sapphires, Aquamarines, and Topazes can be likened to celestial stones, products of cosmic wonders. He continued, "It's merely an expression, but many believe it. To find such stones, one supposedly must be right under the moonlight, which casts a soft and mysterious glow."
"That's why you want to go to gamma to search for Garnets that sparkle like gems trapped in the moonlight," Rinoa remarked.
"Have you ever heard the term 'supermoon'?" Hernandez asked, enthusiastically pointing to the bright Garnet moon shining in the night sky, capturing Rinoa's full attention.
"It's the event when the moon is at its closest position to our planet," Rinoa explained, her voice resonating with excitement under the bright moonlight. "When it happens, nature trembles with might; the ocean waves rage with heights comparable to the Tower of Babel, as if recreating a magnificent imitation of the legends we know, and tornadoes often emerge, swirling furiously in the tempestuous ocean," she continued, her eyes sparkling with joy as she depicted the awe-inspiring power of nature.
"As a result of the gravitational pull between two objects, extreme conditions are created. The small mass of the moon can only influence a part of the planet, much like the natural disasters you've mentioned. It is when the planet draws something from the moon that the sparkling gemstones fall to its surface," Hernandez stated, his tone conveying deep knowledge. "However, Rinoa, there is something you haven't considered: each moon has a distinct effect, both physically and emotionally, on the environment and those under its gaze," he added, emphasizing the complexity of their influences.
"Does this relate to the position of the moon?" Rinoa inquired.
"The Garnet Moon, the farthest of the three moons, possesses unique characteristics that set it apart from the others. Under the gentle light of the Garnet Moon, no disasters have ever occurred; its nights feel warm and comforting, free from the troubling complaints. It is a peaceful night, yet that peace feels vibrant and alive, without thunder disrupting the atmosphere. It is a time when humans do not harbor deceit within their hearts, and a soft beam of light descends to illuminate the land with warmth. Many believe that standing in this light can cure all kinds of ailments. In fact, some hold the belief that within the touch of this light, life can flow back to those who have passed away," Hernandez explained with a tone full of conviction, emphasizing the beauty and depth of this belief.
"And the stone lies within the gamma plains," Hernandez explained, his voice gently flowing with deep appreciation. "The only greatest energy center on Earth resides in Chaos Lake, gamma. Here lies the stone, shining with mystery and power, waiting to be discovered," he said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Rinoa was captivated by the tale shared by Hernandez. In her mind, it was as if Chaos Lake appeared before her, a natural wonder with shimmering waters in seven colors, stretching between the towering mountains. The imagery felt like fragments of her lost memories were suddenly piecing back together. There, amidst the breathtaking beauty, she saw a shadow of herself alongside a man, his face faint yet charming. However, along with that allure, Rinoa felt something odd; her head began to throb painfully, as if caught between two realms.
"Rinoa," Hernandez softly called, gently patting her shoulder with concern, his voice cutting through the fog of her hazy consciousness. He felt the urgency to ground her back to the present moment.
Rinoa suddenly regained her senses, opening her eyes wide as if awakening from a deep dream. She glanced around in confusion, as if all the objects around her were slowly spinning. Upon seeing the panic in Hernandez's face, her feelings clarified. With a calming smile, she said, "I'm okay," attempting to reassure him, even though doubts still lingered in her heart.
"Why are you crying?" Hernandez asked, his voice laced with confusion. His large, attentive eyes gazed deeply into Rinoa's, as if he wanted to delve into the hidden pain behind the tears flowing down her cheeks.
Rinoa was taken aback, and suddenly tears began to flow abundantly from her eyes. Could this all be caused by the memories of the past haunting her after hearing that voice? Each tear seemed to recount forgotten tales, stirring deep pain and longing within her heart.
"Rinoa, actually...," he choked, his words trapped by profound anxiety. His face reflected the tension of what he wanted to express, while a crimson glow began to flood their surroundings, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere. Her heart raced, sensing the impending wave of fear.
Before he could utter another word, the atmosphere suddenly transformed into a blazing red. The blinding light spread rapidly, causing many people around them to collapse to the ground in panic.
"Damn," said Hernandez, his awareness returning slowly, as if he were trapped in a thick fog. His body felt stiff, reluctant to follow the commands he wanted to express, as if an invisible force was restraining him.
"Hernandez, stay calm! I will help you," Rinoa said, her voice soft yet firm, as she invoked healing magic. Gently, she placed both hands on Hernandez's head, sensing the overwhelming tension there. "Paralysis paradox," Rinoa murmured, knowing the spell well, biting her lip as she tried to dispel the darkness that bound her friend's body.
Before long, a figure cloaked in black appeared before them, floating gracefully as if it were not touching the ground. The cloak fluttered softly beneath the pale moonlight, casting a terrifying shadow around their circle.
"Am I interrupting your date?" the cloaked figure asked with a sneering tone, its voice gliding softly yet laden with mockery, as its shadow was split by the moonlight reflecting on the ground.
"I can't help but feel jealous," it continued, bitterness evident in its voice, each word laced with uncertainty, reflecting the deep emotions buried beneath its mocking facade.