That night passed peacefully, opening a new chapter filled with meaning, and soon the morning arrived to greet the world once more.
"Rawin, it seems that today you're finally allowed to leave," a doctor said gently.
"Oh? Does that mean I can see the outside world now, Doctor?" Rawin asked.
"Yes, of course. You may go, but please be careful. Your body may not be fully recovered yet," the doctor reminded him.
"Alright, Doctor," Rawin replied.
As he was about to step out of the White Greever Tree, he unexpectedly met Darvish.
"Oh, hello Elder Darvish. I didn't expect to meet you today," Rawin greeted.
"Yes, I didn't expect you to be discharged today either, Rawin. By the way, has your body recovered completely?" Darvish asked.
"I think so. I wanted to go out and get some fresh air," Rawin answered.
"That's good to hear—much better than before," Darvish said with relief.
"So, what brings you here, Elder Darvish?" Rawin asked curiously.
"I'm discussing plans with the craftsmen from the eastern district. We're preparing a grander decoration than the last one," Darvish explained.
"Why? Is this year special?" Rawin asked.
"Of course. It's to honor the departure of the hero," Darvish replied.
"You really don't need to do something like that, Elder. It's not worth such trouble for someone like me," Rawin said quietly.
"It is worth it—for someone who risked his life to protect others," Darvish insisted.
"But still, you shouldn't trouble yourself with this," Rawin protested.
"As the village elder, this is my responsibility," Darvish said firmly.
Before Rawin could respond, someone approached them. "Pardon me, Elder Darvish. Everyone has gathered and is ready to begin."
"Ah, very well. My apologies, Rawin—I can't stay with you any longer. I hope you enjoy your walk," Darvish said as he turned away.
"Of course, Elder," Rawin replied.
After Darvish left, Rawin wondered, "Where should I go now?" He decided to leave the village and head toward the plaza.
"Oh, it's the hero! May the Goddess Elvaria bless you!"
"Thank you, Hero!"
"If not for you, we would have died!"
"Thanks to you, our families are safe!"
"Please forgive our past mistakes, Hero!"
The people showered him with gratitude as he passed by, and Rawin responded with a gentle wave.
"He seems happy, doesn't he?" Alson remarked from nearby.
"Oh, come on, Alson. Everyone is just excited because I showed up today," Rawin said.
"Of course they're excited. They're looking at the hero who saved their lives," Alson replied.
"So what are you doing here, Guard Alson?" Rawin asked.
"Just resting a bit before my next shift," Alson said.
"I see. While I'm here… could you take me to the graves of Sir Yarsl and the other victims?" Rawin asked.
"Of course. They were buried near Lake Krever," Alson explained.
"Lake Krever? Is that where people are usually buried?" Rawin asked.
"No. Normally, the burial grounds are far to the south. But this time, by special request of the elders, the victims of the incident were buried near Lake Krever—close to the White Greever Tree, which is reserved for heroes," Alson said.
"That's good. They deserve it… after everything they did," Rawin murmured.
They walked together, talking along the way. When they arrived, they found Elder Kaelith already there.
"Greetings, Elder Kaelith," Alson said respectfully.
"What brings you two here?" Kaelith asked.
"I'm escorting Lord Rawin to visit the graves of the victims," Alson replied.
"I see. Alson, may I speak with Rawin alone for a moment?" Kaelith asked.
"Of course. I was only here to guide him. I'll take my leave now, Elder Kaelith, Sir Rawin," Alson said.
"Thank you, Guard Alson," Rawin said, and Alson walked off with a wave.
"So, Elder Kaelith… what is it you wish to speak to me about?" Rawin asked.
"Rawin, do you know the true number of victims from this incident?" Kaelith asked calmly.
"I only know that Sir Yarsl died… and that seventy percent of the troops were lost. That's all," Rawin answered.
"Hm… it seems you already know quite a lot," Kaelith remarked.
"That's what Lord Yarsl told me… in his final moments," Rawin said quietly.
"I see… The total casualties were three hundred Bronze-ranked hunters, four hundred Silver-ranked hunters, and three Gold-ranked hunters—our own subordinates," Kaelith said.
"I'm deeply sorry… I couldn't save them, Elder Kaelith," Rawin said with guilt in his voice.
"No, this is not your fault, Rawin. It is ours. We took far too long to defeat a single Ancient Glossy Beast, and because of that, our subordinates became victims of our failure," Kaelith said.
"But still… if only I could've helped them back then…" Rawin whispered.
"This should be a day of celebration—for the survival of our people. Don't burden yourself with regret, Rawin. I believe they would be glad to know you avenged them and saved everyone," Kaelith said kindly.
"…Yes. I suppose you're right," Rawin said.
"So, where will you go next, Rawin?" Kaelith asked.
"I think I'll visit Miss Firsa's house," Rawin answered.
"Very well. Please send her my regards," Kaelith said.
"Of course, Elder Kaelith," Rawin replied.
As Rawin walked away, putting some distance between them, Warsen suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
"Hello, Rawin," Warsen greeted casually.
But for what reason did the Visionary of the Greever Tree come personally to meet Rawin?
Did he know what Rawin had truly experienced in his deep slumber?
Or was there another reason behind his sudden appearance?
Something he knew about that mysterious power?
No one knew.