Everything behind me had turned to dust, and I was running fast, trying to get away from the area.
Even Saros couldn't save anyone but Louis—he himself was badly wounded.
We finally made it past the edge of the magic zone. We survived.
What a terrifying spell… It left nothing behind. Everything inside its range was reduced to scattered dust.
Even Galon—there wasn't a trace of him left.
The disaster left behind a massive crater, almost one kilometer in radius.
But that wasn't the only catastrophe. The entire city was in ruins because of the orc army.
The orcs had retreated back toward the Abyss, but the losses were heavy. Pieces of bodies were scattered everywhere.
Houses and buildings were destroyed. Around 3,000 people were killed, and 5,000 more were left severely injured, barely clinging to life.
All of this happened in just a few short hours.
It seems the Abyss truly is terrifying.
As we headed toward the shelter, Saros asked me a question with a serious expression.
"Boy—no, you're not just a boy—what are you?! How did you withstand the pressure of the aura?!"
"I think I was far enough not to be affected by your aura," I answered.
"Then how do you explain carrying an adult woman in your arms?"
Lounis thought to himself:
What a suspicious man—always asking questions. I can't tell him the truth. How do I avoid this one?
Lounis stayed silent, unwilling to respond. After a short pause, Saros sighed and said:
"It doesn't really matter, as long as you're human and not an enemy. I think I've found a gem. I'll recommend you to Uncle Archie to join the organization... But truly, we've suffered a crushing defeat."
"What defeat are you talking about? You killed the orc leader."
"That doesn't mean we won. We lost thousands of lives. We couldn't save them."
"You're wrong. You saved a lot of people. Of course, you couldn't save everyone—but you have to accept reality. You're human. You have limits. You can't do everything."
A smile appeared on Saros's face and he said:
"You're right. What a pessimist I am... Haha, I never thought I'd learn a lesson from a kid."
"Look, the shelter is ahead. Everyone seems safe."
I was excited—I couldn't wait to check on my friends, Adam and Isabella. I ran ahead toward the shelter.
I found the guard, Kuro, sitting on a chair, holding his head like he was lost in thought.
All the children who had gone with him were there—except Adam and Isabella.
After leaving Miss Lily to be treated, I rushed to Kuro.
"Kuro…"
"Ah, Lounis. Thank God you're safe."
There was a sad smile on his face. My heart began to race in fear. Was I about to lose my friends? I asked him the question, though something inside me wished I hadn't.
"Where are Adam and Isabella? What happened?"
"Even I didn't know exactly what had happened. Everything was going smoothly… until one of those cursed orcs appeared. I fought him—it wasn't a difficult battle. But once I defeated him, I turned around to check on the children… and that's when I realized Adam and Isabella were gone."
"Their disappearance doesn't mean they're dead. I'm going to look for them."
"Don't waste your energy. I searched every corner of the city—I couldn't find them."
"I won't just sit here and do nothing. Just because you failed to find them doesn't mean I will too."
I took a few steps toward the exit, but before I could leave, the door opened from the outside. It was Archie, the commander of the Guardians—and behind him… it was Adam and Isabella.
But why was Adam carrying Isabella in his arms? And why was he covered in blood?
I rushed toward them. Adam's body was soaked in blood—but wait… he wasn't injured. That wasn't his blood.
He stopped at the entrance to the shelter. His eyes were empty—as if I was staring into darkness itself… That wasn't Adam. Not the friend I knew.
I didn't think much at that moment. I took Isabella from his arms and sprinted toward the infirmary so she could receive treatment as quickly as possible.
After that, I came back to speak with Adam. I found him sitting on the floor. I walked over and sat beside him.
"Adam, what happened to you and Isabella? Why are you covered in all this bloo—"
I didn't even finish my question when Kuro came running in. He couldn't believe Adam and Isabella were back, and he started bombarding him with questions:
"When did you get separated from me?! How did it even happen?! And where have you been all this time?!"
But Adam refused to speak. He remained silent, staring into Kuro's eyes with a blank expression. I didn't like that look… Something about it felt off.
Moments later, Commander Archie arrived and called Kuro.
"Kuro, come to the center of the shelter. I'll be speaking to all the Guardians."
"Yes, Commander."
Out of curiosity, I sneaked in as well. I wanted to hear what the Commander had to say—and I also wanted to see the other S-rank Guardians.
Ever since I saw Saros' strength, I felt some kind of connection.
When I reached the meeting place, I saw many Guardians of all ages and ranks.
From the moment I arrived, I could tell who the S-rank Guardians were. Their presence was unlike any of the others—but I couldn't get a clear look at them; they were standing at the front rows.
I hid behind a crate and focused on listening to what Commander Archie was saying.
"This night has been tough for all of us. We've lost thousands of lives—but we've also saved thousands more. You've all gained experience from this event that will prepare you for future disasters. Remember—you are humanity's last hope.
According to the latest report, the situation is under control. The orc army has retreated back to the Abyss. We managed to capture some of them—and General Saros succeeded in defeating their leader."
The Guardians were stunned by the news, but Saros used that moment to speak up.
"Commander, I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's something important I want to say in front of everyone."
"Go ahead. Everyone's listening."
"When I was fighting, I noticed a boy sitting at a distance, watching the battle. He wasn't affected at all by the aura coming from me or the enemy's leader. He even carried an adult woman in his arms and ran with ease. I believe he has great potential—and that's why I personally recommend that he be recruited into the Guardians."
All the guards, even the other generals, seemed surprised. It was clear that this child had great potential if General Saros himself recommended him.
"So, General Saros, where is this child? Or at least, what is his name?"
Saros smiled and said,
"He's right there, eavesdropping behind that crate."
He pointed his finger toward the crate I was hiding behind.
(Lonis, speaking to himself)
"Whaaaaaat?! So he knew I was here this whole time?!"