Short, dry grass dotted the balding flatland. Edin stood in a firm stance near the edge of the flatland, both hands wrapped around the hilt of his sword. A few hundred meters away from him was an ætterling that had been tied up. Now that he had progressed greatly in the last couple of months, he had moved on from beheading brighunds bound to poles to battling much bigger brutes in open fields.

Arden oversaw the scene from afar, clenching her right fist as her magic restrained the beast. Her left hand, meanwhile, held one of her dual swords as a precaution. Ætterlings were not to be handled lightly—they were twice as big and fast as a man, and the venom from their claws could kill one in a minute or less.

Arden looked at Edin. She commanded him: "Now, fight."

Her right fist unclenched.

The beast broke out of its bonds and roared. It unsheathed its claws before scrambling toward him on all fours.

Edin's eyes narrowed into slits. He remained in his spot—no retreating.

The beast jumped at him. He sprang forward, swinging his sword.

Slash!

Blade cleaved off a claw as he leaped out of harm's way. The thud of him landing on his feet masked the sound of falling flesh.

The creature screeched, clutching its amputated limb.

Edin turned around. Faced the beast. Bolted towards it just as it reared its head.

The beast swiped a foreleg at him—he ducked, then struck the legs.

It bawled as its knees buckled, then even more loudly when he severed both ankles. It snarled and swung its last claw at his face.

He dodged. Changed grip. Leaped and brandished his blade, cutting off the final claw.

The beast howled and rolled on the ground, exposing its backside. Perfect.

Edin raised his sword, aimed, and plunged it into the beast's back. Wet cracking sounds rippled through the air as he pierced its bones and heart.

The body stilled at once. Edin pulled out his sword and let it dangle from his right hand, his gaze lingering on the blood pouring out of the corpse's wounds.

Now the real fight had begun.

Arden observed Edin as he stood stationary in front of the carcass, battling his desire to butcher the body further. His fingers caressed the handle of his weapon while his left hand clenched into a fist. She paid closer attention to his chest. It was not puffing that much this time, signaling a more relaxed breathing pattern compared to before. A positive sign.

A long moment later, his left hand opened and his sword faded away. Edin turned his head to face his mentor, whose lips were now upturned at the corners.

"Well done," Arden congratulated him. "At this rate, you should be back in the Guild in no time."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome." Arden's smile grew wider and warmer. "Excited about this weekend?"

"Uh, what's happening this weekend?"

"You don't remember? The twelfth of Sigelend is in six days!"

"Oh, right! The day you found me."

Arden breathed a sigh of relief. "I was starting to worry there."

"To be fair, I don't remember most things about me. Oh, and your birthday's near too, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's the day after tomorrow."

"What do you want me to get you?"

"Oh, nothing."

"Nothing?" Edin asked. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," Arden replied. "I already have everything anyway."

"There should be something I can give you for your birthday," he insisted. "It's the least I can do, after all you've done for me."

"Aww. But really, Edin, I don't want anything for my birthday. I mean, you didn't give me anything last time too."

"Because you didn't tell me when your birthday was!"

Arden chuckled. "Please, don't worry about presents. I already have everything I want." She reached into her pocket and retrieved a packet of decomposing powder. "Go and start the car. After this I'll drop you off and you can relax at home."

Edin bowed his head as if he would obey her fully—he still intended to gift her something, regardless. He turned his back and ambled towards the car, one hand stroking his chin as he pondered what present he should give. He had no clue where to start; any memories of him giving or receiving gifts had been wiped, if there were any in the first place. Perhaps he could ask a friend of hers? That would mean he would have to know one of her friends, and as far as he knew, he was not acquainted with any of them—he also was not sure if he could count himself.

But he did have a friend he could ask.

Edin retrieved his phone and scrolled through his list of contacts, searching for Rowan's number. He opened the chat and typed: Hi, it's Edin. Do you have any free time tonight?

He sent it. Rowan replied not long after: yeah i'm free, wanna hang out?

Edin continued their conversation.

Yeah, I need a little help. Arden's birthday is in two days and I was thinking if you can help me find a present for her?

ARDEN'S BIRTHDAY IS IN 2 DAYS?
i got u
there's this really nice mall here called plaza steorra
we can meet there at 10 after my shift
or 9:30 if you wanna have dinner too, i know some good restaurants

10 sounds good, I'll just have dinner at home before meeting up. See you there

awesome!
oh and 1 more thing
can i bring a friend along?
she's my new partner

Oh sure, you can. If she's fine hanging out for long, we might spend a few hours going around

won't be a problem
i gtg see u tomorrow!

Bye!

Edin locked his phone with a press of a button and pocketed it, a smile forming on his face.

***

Beor, Sorien was a living work of art compared to the rather dull Irien, Asdur. The whole city glimmered like jewels, from its bustling central business district to the sleepier suburbia. Glass and metal skyscrapers sculpted the sparkling city skyline, some of them dressed in digital billboards or clothed in vertical gardens; low-rise buildings made of brick and concrete occupied the older districts, exuding a timeless charm that complemented the surrounding modernity; and even ordinary houses had their own appeal—though some homes were identical, especially in certain neighborhoods, there was an undeniable elegance to their design that put most dwellings in Irien to shame.

Situated near the center was Plaza Steorra, a shopping complex whose avant-garde architecture made it stand out from its more conservative backdrop. Its five buildings catered to every desire—one could spend a whole day inside and not run out of things to do. If one wished to take a break from the indoor lifestyle, the compound offered an expansive outdoor garden, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a picnic. Speaking of which, it was also where a certain guardian by the name of Rowan Eolern was waiting.

Rowan paced up and down a path as he waited. He had told Edin to meet him in the garden, near the large fountain in the middle. His dark eyes darted to the street. Then to the fountain. Then to his partner, who was waiting with him. He paced some more.

"He should be around here," Rowan said to his partner, a young brunette with bright brown eyes.

He continued to scan the sea of faces. Soon, a patch of blond sprouted in a field of brown and black.

Rowan leaned into his partner's ear and pointed. "That's him! The blond guy."

Her gaze followed his finger. She flinched upon seeing Edin's face.

Rowan raised his arm and waved at Edin, his grin beaming like the streetlights. "Edin, here!"

Edin turned his head to meet Rowan's gaze, then jogged to where he was. They greeted each other with a high-five-turned-handshake.

"Rowan, thanks a lot!"

"No prob. Oh, and this is Fallon." Rowan gestured to the woman next to him. "She's my new partner."

Edin glanced to the right. He raised a hand and made a short wave. "Hi."

"Uh, hi," Fallon responded, still shaken by his appearance.

"Why're you looking at him like that?"

"It's nothing, he just looks a lot like someone," she said, trying to conceal her discomfort behind a smile. "Uh, we're looking for a present for Arden, right? We might find something in the East Wing."

Fallon gestured to a building, and they began strolling. Rowan paced ahead a little, his excitement adding a light bounce to his steps; Fallon swayed her arms as she sauntered, her curious gaze drifting to Edin every now and then; Edin was sandwiched in between the two, his hands hiding in his pockets.

"So, you've been living with Arden?" Fallon asked him. "Rowan told me."

Edin gave a small nod. "For almost three years."

"Interesting. I didn't know she was living with anyone; I thought she's been living alone."

"I know right?" Rowan chimed in. "He has a whole tower to himself in her castle."

"Which castle?"

"The one in Irien," Edin replied.

"Oh, I see. I've been to the other one."

"Wait, hold up," Rowan said, "you've been to Arden's castle too?"

"She and my sister used to be best friends."

"No way! You didn't tell me that."

Fallon shrugged. "You didn't ask, so I didn't tell."

"I can't believe I'm the only person here who doesn't know her personally. Does your sis still hang out with her often?"

"Actually, she's dead, so..."

Awkwardness filled the air around them. Rowan cleared it first, saying, "I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Fallon told him. She focused her gaze forward. "Arden and I used to talk a bit too, but ever since the 'incident,' we haven't really spoken."

"Did you two fight or something?" Rowan asked.

"Oh no, not at all," she said, gesticulating, "it's just that she's become distant ever since... you know."

Rowan gave a short nod of understanding. Edin, meanwhile, had no idea what was being referenced. He kept quiet instead of prodding her into explaining, not wanting to make her more uncomfortable.

"Anyway," Fallon said, "Rowan also told me that she found you left for dead in the middle of nowhere? And that you have an amnesia curse?"

"Yeah, that's also true. The curse hasn't been broken till now, so I still don't remember anything from my past."

"Oh. I hope you recover your memories one day."

"I hope so too."

They entered the East Wing a few seconds later, the air-conditioned breeze greeting them as they set foot inside. Boutiques offering the most luxurious fashion flanked the hallways from one end to the other; aside from a few gourmet restaurants and tea salons, there was not much else.

"I know she has a ton of clothes, but do you think she'll like a new dress or gloves?" Edin asked. "I know she's into fashion."

"She might not appreciate them that much," Fallon said. "She and my sister used to complain about getting clothes for gifts instead of books—"

"Hold on," Rowan interrupted her, "did you just say books? There's a huge bookstore this way." He made a wide gesture. "We can get those special edition leather hardcovers, or those vintage-looking ones if you know what I mean?"

"But we went book shopping a few weeks ago," Edin said. "She already bought all the books she wanted."

"So, we're crossing that out?"

"I guess so."

The three of them continued brainstorming gift ideas for Arden. The discussion turned out to be lengthy; even after several minutes, they were still huddled in the hallway and had yet to enter a single shop. Clothes and books were ruled out, and so were food items, jewelry, technology, and every other category they thought of. Whatever Arden wanted or could want, she already owned.

"Wait guys," Rowan said, "I have another idea: there's this store in the North Wing that sells pretty unique stuff. Maybe we can find something—"

BEEP-BEEP. BEEP-BEEP. BEEP-BEEP.

Rowan and Fallon dove their hands into their pockets and retrieved their phones. They scanned the screens, then exchanged alarmed glances.

"Is there something wrong?" Edin asked.

"There's an army outside Beor," Fallon answered. "They've called backup twice but it's not enough; this is their third call."

"We better help!"

Rowan broke into a sprint, shooting Edin an apologetic look before he dashed through the exit. Fallon ran without sparing him a glance.

Edin remained still as the crowd flowed past him, noticing more people heading for the exit. He glimpsed his wristwatch. It was half past ten. The mall would close soon, and he was not sure if Rowan and Fallon would return quickly enough. Even if they got back before closing time or found another shop that would be open for longer, shopping would take a while, and he did not want to head home too late. Edin ambled towards the exit. He fetched his phone to text Rowan: Hey, thanks a lot, but I think I have to go home now.

He reached his car a few minutes later, having parked on the side of the street nearby. Edin got in, locked the doors, then put on his seatbelt. He placed his phone in a compartment before starting the engine.

Knock knock. "Hey you!" a muffled voice said.

Edin jerked his head to the right. A stranger was leaning towards his window, trying to peek inside. He lowered it. "Yes?"

"Just wanna let you know, there're monsters attacking us right now."

"Oh, okay."

"Yeah. You're gonna help, right?"

"No; it's not my concern."

She scrunched her face. "But shouldn't it be your concern?"

"Uh, no. Why would it be?"

The woman shot him a look. She then opened her phone, saying, "Guess I'll have to call the cops on you."

"What!" Edin exclaimed. "Why're you calling—"

"Don't you know? All cars with license plates starting with 'G' belong to guardians. Since you don't want to fight, that means you're not a guardian, which means you stole this car."

"Excuse you, this is my car! Whether it belongs to a guardian or not is none of your business."

"None of my business? Well if you own this car, the monsters attacking should be your business then! You're a guardian, aren't you?"

Edin gripped the steering wheel tighter, his sealed lips concealing his gritted teeth. Oh yes, he was, and he would gladly still be if the Guild did not force him out! If the woman was mad that he was cozying in his car instead of risking his life on the battlefield, she should shove her anger elsewhere—like up her rear end.

Goosebumps ran across Edin's skin as he sensed a wave of magic coming from far away. He cocked his head to gaze out the windshield. A dome-shaped force field rose to shelter Beor, and from its red surface, he knew that it was an emergency shield.

They were in dire need.

No, the Guild dismissed him for a reason. He was no longer a guardian. He should not fight.

But he was not a guardian when he fought a glæsseling near Irien that fateful day.

"Oi, answer me! Are you a guardian or not?"

Edin slammed a button.

Zip! The car window shot up and shut up the world around him.

He sped away, ignoring the stranger's reflection cursing at him from the side mirror. The outskirts were thirteen kilometers down the main road. It would take thirty minutes to get to the post; considering the traffic, likely longer—

The vehicles in front of him steered to the sides, clearing a path for him. Edin wondered why, then it hit him: his license plate. Guardians were given priority in emergencies like this.

Edin stepped harder on the gas pedal, even more when he noticed the traffic lights turning green for him. Only when he had reached the highway did he decelerate. He glanced at the sides. The post was on the left of the road. Edin turned left, parked next to the post, and jumped out of his car. He summoned his sword as he ran towards the battlefield.

The shield was a short jog from where he parked. He squinted to look beyond it, but its translucency made it hard for him to see anything that was on the other side. A dark mark enlarged in one spot before it took the shape of a man. Fwssh. A guardian limped through the barrier, his clothes torn in several places.

Edin widened his eyes. "Rowan!"

Rowan morphed his metal blade into a crutch and jammed it into the ground, leaning on it to support himself.

Edin rushed to his side. Rowan covered his wounded shoulder with his hand as he healed himself. "Edin, what—"

"What happened?"

Rowan shook his head, the rest of his body trembling. "It's like nothing I've ever seen." He glanced at Edin. "It's a nightmare out there, I couldn't do anything!"

"Like what? A horde of hanafiends—"

"No no, a different kind! We can't stop them!"

Edin glimpsed the shield. What kind of beast could they be dealing with? "I'll help—"

"No Edin, don't!"

Edin ignored him, sprinting towards the shield.

"EDIN NO! DON'T—"

Rowan's pleas sunk into silence as soon as Edin passed through the shield. He shivered; the air around him seemed to draw out whatever heat his body possessed. He surveyed the battlefield.

Shadow beasts swept the land bordering Beor, shifting from one monstrous form to the other as they overwhelmed the resistance. Edin felt his heart rise to his mouth as a memory forced itself into his mind.

The dark. Shapeless shadows. Hurling fire and lightning at a menacing sea of black.

He had battled those shadows before.