Absorb Fodra’s eleth and shut down the core. Having made that decision, Asbel and companions decided to rest in the residential district of Telos Astue to prepare for the day ahead. The rest wasn’t just needed to physically prepare themselves, either. Asbel’s declaration that he would sacrifice himself sent shockwaves through the party. Cheria and Richard were particularly shaken, and clearly did not approve of the plan. If they head to Fodra’s core and even a single person failed to mentally steel themselves, one misstep is all it would take for a lifetime of regrets.

Malik, as the elder of the group, decided somewhat forcibly that they must rest. After the decision was finalized, they all went about their own things. Malik, not having any particular goal in mind, wandered around the residential district. The area once inhabited by the people of Fodra appeared remarkably well maintained despite many years of abandonment. It’s as if time itself had suddenly stopped, yet lingering traces of their humdrum lives could be seen in every nook and cranny. Malik couldn’t help but feel a sense of sentimentality at such a sight. It felt familiar, almost like he’d seen it all before…

He paused in what appeared to be an abandoned office as these thoughts drifted through his mind. The facility is a far cry for the brick and stone buildings he was accustomed to. So then… Why does it feel so familiar?

“Hmm? Is that…?”

Among the rows of translucent containers lined up on the shelves, one that was a different color from the rest jumped out at him. As he reached out to inspect it, he heard a voice call out from behind.

“Oh, Captain. So this is where you were.”

Malik turned to see who it was. Sure enough, it was Hubert.

“Exploring is all well and good, but isn't it about time we all gather for dinner?”

“Oh, is it that late already?”

“It’s an unfamiliar environment, after all. To be honest, there’s hardly any sense of time here… but that’s precisely why we must stay regimented and maintain a sense of normalcy.”

As Hubert spoke, he took out his pocketwatch from his breast pocket and turned his gaze toward it. The clock ticking away time as it flows back on their distant homeworld of Ephinea.

“Sense of normalcy, huh? You sure think of everything.”

“H-Hardly… It's simply the logical thing to do to make sure Asbel can be in peak condition tomorrow…

As Malik praised him, a brief look of embarrassment crossed Hubert’s face.

“Hubert, have you found your resolve? For what might happen with Asbel.”

As he heard the question, his expression turned grim.

“I wouldn’t say resolve… rather, I choose to have faith in him.”

“Faith?”

“Indeed. He said he could handle it… so I must take him at his word.”

Memories of first meeting Hubert suddenly popped into Malik’s mind. Back then, he had such a stern, meticulous air about him, but he knows better now. It’s now clear to see he holds a compassionate heart and true inner strength.Having noticed just how much this young man had grown, Malik’s tense expression softened into a gentle smile.

“I see. Despite what you might say, you’re still brothers through and through.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Who can say?”

Both are strong willed and refuse to back down once they’ve made up their mind. The list of similarities could go on forever, but hopefully they’ve realized that for themselves one day. With that thought in his mind, Malik chose to keep the answer to himself, returning his attention back to the shelves.

“Are you investigating something?”

“Nothing so important. I’m just rummaging around to kill time.

Malik picked up the unusually colored container and cracked open the lid. Inside was a small metal ring.

“What’s this?”

“A ring, I presume.”

“A ring…?”

Malik held the ring up to his eye and inspected it closely. That’s a ring, all right. Judging by its side, it was most likely made for a woman. Perhaps it was just an old piece of junk. It was completely covered in rust, yet the inlaid gemstone shone bright.

“Why is there a ring in here…?”

“Huh...”

The ring reflected its colors upon the other containers, catching Malik’s attention. Suddenly the many rows of containers were dyed a twilight hue. The metallic shelves shifted to the warm tones of wood, with rolled up papers haphazardly stuffed into wooden crates which once held ammunition. Through the rusted ring, Malik saw a vision of a bygone era.

Back to that day where he scrounged up a bunch of crumpled notes and gold coins to buy a cheap ring adorned with a crimson stone. Surely a perfect fit for the woman he secretly loved. Malik never handed her the ring, but instead hid in a crate hidden away in the back of the cabin they used as their base of operations. If only she stumbled upon that ring…

Perhaps this rusted ring too was the dashed hopes of a fool who out of cowardice, or maybe stubbornness, hoped their loved one would notice their feelings without a word. Did they hide it away here? Just as this old fool once did. What ever became of that ring? The rebels were cornered by the government, and their strongholds fell one by one, until none remained. Surely that cabin too had been reduced to ashes. Even had it remained there untouched, she wouldn’t have wanted it anyway. That ring will never be worn upon anyone’s finger. Even that burning passion within his heart as he prepared to give it to her has long since faded.

“Hmm…”

A sudden silence filed the room. Hubert awkwardly cleared his throat, snapping Malik back to reality.

“...Sorry.”

“Don’t be… It’s quite curious, isn’t it? Though the ring has completely rusted, the gem still remains vibrant as ever."

“Hubert…”

Hubert’s words struck a chord with the captain. He’s right... And here he thought time had cruelly stripped everything away. But, not everything has been lost. Whether the fire within him was love or passion for the revolution, it was still burning. Whatever it was, Malik could feel a fire stirring deep within a corner of his heart.

“You’re quite the fountain of wisdom today, aren't you?”

A rusted ring hidden within the depths of his heart. So deep it was almost buried for good. It was these kids who shone their light upon him, illuminated his passion once more. He always aimed to serve as a role model for them, but perhaps that was overly presumptuous of him.

“It’s not like you to so easily hand out praise. What’s gotten into you?”

As Malik gave a hearty pat on the pouting young man’s back, he thought to himself… He may not be a role model, but perhaps giving a little push is enough. So the next generation won’t follow in this old fool’s footsteps.

“Still, is this really the time to waste chatting with me? Isn't there’s someone else you should be talking to instead?”

“A-And who might that be?”

“The one who just popped into your mind, of course.”