The king had already been gone for three days.

  Kazuki sat alone at a bar, swaying slightly, a half-empty bottle in his hand, he had clearly drunk far too much.

  His thoughts were blurred, drifting in a heavy fog.

  And then, it came again.

  "Nearer, Kazuki... Nearer. Soon, she will fall, and only those close enough will find meaning in her downfall."

  That voice, soft, almost whispering, but chilling all the same.

  Even with his drunken haze, Kazuki couldn't ignore it.

  It stirred something deep inside him, pulling at the strings of his heart.

  "Who is going to fall? Who do I need to get close to? And why would she fall?"

  The questions spun in his mind like leaves in the wind.

  But soon enough, he gave up.

  "Whatever. I'll just finish this bottle and go to sleep," he muttered to himself.

  Yet despite everything, he didn’t really want to sleep.

  The night was still young, a young, silent night where the only sounds were the distant chirping of crickets and the occasional drunken mumble from the bar’s other patrons.

  His bottle was now empty.

  Kazuki was just about to order another when suddenly

  "AHH! HELP! HELP!"

  A scream tore through the silence.

  It echoed strangely, barely understandable at first.

  But curiosity got the better of him.

  "Who the hell is shouting like that?" he thought, grabbing his empty bottle as a precaution.

  You never knew what kind of trouble you might find around here.

  As he approached the source of the noise, the cries for help grew louder, more desperate.

  His eyes had adjusted to the darkness by now, and when he finally saw clearly, his heart sank.

  A soldier, not from Astrye, but from Estana itself, was mercilessly beating a boy, probably around Kazuki’s age.

  "Seriously? One of our own?"

  Kazuki felt a wave of anger rise in his chest.

  He remembered...

  He remembered what it felt like to be beaten like that.

  The pain was bad, sure, but the worst part was the way it crushed your pride.

  Without thinking, Kazuki moved.

  The soldier hadn't noticed him yet, too busy taking his frustration out on the poor boy.

  Kazuki gripped the empty bottle tightly, ran up, and smashed it against the back of the soldier’s head.

  The soldier collapsed instantly.

  Panting, Kazuki knelt beside the boy.

  "Hey, you alright?" he slurred slightly, still feeling the alcohol clouding his mind.

  "Y-Yeah... thank you," the boy gasped, his voice trembling.

  But just as the words left his mouth, something changed.

  The boy’s expression, already scared, twisted into one of pure terror.

  Worse than before.

  "That aura... Is he even aware of it?" the boy murmured, trembling.

  "Did you say something?" Kazuki asked, thinking he had heard a whisper.

  "No, everything’s fine," the boy quickly replied.

  Kazuki walked over and helped him up.

  "Hey, what are you doing out here alone at this hour? Is something wrong?" Kazuki asked with concern.

  "Or what did that soldier want from you to beat you up like that?"

  When the boy realized Kazuki meant no harm, his expression changed. Fear gave way to relief, and soon he looked completely calm.

  "So there is something human inside you," the boy said, visibly easing up.

  "Huh? Have you had too much to drink or something?" Kazuki replied, confused.

  "Or did you escape from a madhouse? Don’t come at me with dumb questions like that. Of course I’m human. My name’s Kazuki Hoshikawa," he said while thinking, Man, this kid is creepy. I don’t want anything to do with him.

  That single thought wouldn’t leave Kazuki’s mind.

  "Oh, so he really doesn’t know," the boy muttered to himself, breathing a sigh of relief.

  Is he making fun of me? Kazuki wondered, frowning internally.

  "Hey, at least tell me your name. You already know mine," Kazuki said.

  "Yeah, no problem. I’m Isran Arveil. I come from Upper Estana, near the vassal state of Necleanes," Isran answered.

  Vassal state Necleanes? Never heard of it, Kazuki thought.

  "Well, I’m from a faraway island nation," he slurred slightly. "So far away it’s not even on your maps."

  An island nation not even on our maps? Isran wondered.

  Must be just the drunken ramblings of a drunkard, he concluded.

  "You better not get the wrong idea, Isran," Kazuki said. "I only helped you for personal reasons... and maybe a little pity. Nothing more."

  "We’re not friends. You wouldn't want to be friends with someone like me anyway," he said, his tone shifting from cheerful to sad.

  Kazuki turned away and walked off, ignoring Isran’s attempt to stop him.

  What happened to make him like this? Isran thought, curiosity flaring inside him.

  When Kazuki returned to his tent, he stumbled right into Sebastian.

  "Pathetic," Sebastian muttered, shaking his head. "Instead of apologizing, you go drinking. You’ve really sunk low."

  Kazuki didn’t respond.

  Even though Sebastian’s words stabbed into his chest like a knife, he simply ignored them, crawled into his sleeping bag, and closed his eyes, letting the heavy pull of sleep drag him away.

  When Kazuki woke up the next morning, he wanted to go to the place where the wounded were given food.

  But on the way there, he ran into Isran again.

  "Good morning, drunkard! Slept well?" asked Isran, who had been waiting for him in front of the tent.

  "You again... I told you clearly yesterday that I don't want anything to do with you. And stop talking to me like we're friends," Kazuki said, clearly annoyed by Isran.

  "Oh come on, let’s have breakfast together. I want to know more about you!" said Isran cheerfully.

  This guy really doesn’t have all his screws tightened, Kazuki thought.

  "Fine. But we’re not friends. So stop acting like we’ve known each other our whole lives," Kazuki said, giving in reluctantly.

  "Thanks, Kazuki!" Isran said, still beaming with happiness.

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  Maybe... Maybe letting a cheerful person like him into my sad life might actually help, Kazuki thought.

  The two boys walked together to the place where food was being distributed.

  Each of them grabbed a piece of bread and a bottle of water and sat under a large tree that provided them with thick shade.

  "So... can you please tell me where you're from?" asked Isran, his curiosity obvious.

  "I already told you yesterday. But if you want, I'll tell you again. It’s an island nation in the east. So far away that it’s not even on your maps," Kazuki replied, still struggling to describe Japan.

  "Are you serious, or are you just drunk again?" joked Isran. "But seriously, if you come from such a distant place, why are you even here?"

  "Honestly? I don't know myself," Kazuki answered, not sure what to say.

  "You're really something else. You’re here and you don’t even know why," Isran laughed.

  Man, this guy is annoying, Kazuki thought.

  "Anyway, why are you here? You said you're from the north of Estana, but we’re here at the southern border near Astrye," Kazuki asked, annoyed, as he continued eating his bread.

  But he suddenly started choking. Out of nowhere, a gust of wind shot from Isran’s hand, clearing the piece of bread from Kazuki’s throat.

  "Hey, man! What kind of magic was that? Explain it!" Kazuki said, surprised and slightly aggressive.

  "First, you should be thanking your lifesaver. But... you really don’t know what magic is?" Isran asked, amazed.

  I’m so stupid. Of course there’s magic here. This is a fantasy world! Why didn’t I think of that earlier? Kazuki thought, feeling an overwhelming excitement building inside him.

  He had always wanted to use magic.

  "I know magic exists, but tell me everything you know! In my homeland, there was nothing like it. And tell me, can I use it too?" Kazuki asked, his face lighting up with pure joy.

  Even with that dark and terrifying aura around him, he really doesn’t know what magic is... And he says there was none in his homeland? Isran thought, bewildered.

  "Alright, Kazuki, I’ll tell you everything I know about magic," Isran said.

  "But don’t get the wrong idea. We’re still not friends, okay?" Kazuki reminded him, trying to keep his distance.

  "Yeah, yeah, I know. But first, I have a question," Isran said.

  "What is it?" Kazuki asked, curious.

  "Did you feel anything when you touched me yesterday?" Isran asked seriously.

  "Huh? Are you kidding me? I’m not into guys!" Kazuki snapped, annoyed by Isran’s teasing.

  But then, realization hit him hard.

  Normally, when he touched people, he could feel everything, their thoughts, their emotions.

  But yesterday, he hadn't felt anything.

  Was it because of the alcohol? he wondered.

  "Hey, give me your hand for a second," Kazuki said quickly.

  "Huh? Alright," said Isran, stretching out his hand.

  When Kazuki touched him, it was just as he had suspected:

  He felt it all.

  Love. Hatred. Curiosity. Physical and emotional pain.

  But no pride.

  The pain this boy had endured was even worse than his own.

  Kazuki collapsed onto the ground, overwhelmed by the agony flooding into him, screaming in pure torment.

  After about an hour, he finally calmed down.

  He now understood:

  Whenever he touched someone, he would relive their soul.

  And when he was drunk, that ability didn’t work.

  Isran asked him, "What... what just happened?"

  "Ah, nothing important," Kazuki replied, still breathing heavily.

  But from that day on, he gained a deep respect for Isran.

  Because apart from Sebastian, Isran was the only one who had suffered even more than he had.

  "Alright Kazuki, let me explain it so you can understand. There are five magic elements: water, wind, earth, fire, and holy magic. I can only use wind magic," said Isran.

  "Which one can I use?" Kazuki asked excitedly, a huge smile stretching from ear to ear.

  "None. People are born with magic, and only a few have it. Most of those come from noble or wealthy families. You, unfortunately, can't use magic," Isran said dryly.

  That's it for me... I'm stuck in a fantasy world without any magic powers. I'm doomed, Kazuki thought to himself as his wide smile faded into a look of deep disappointment.

  "Hey, hey, Kazuki, don't be sad! There's still the Buff Rings. Every human can wear one!" Isran said quickly, noticing how disappointed Kazuki looked, trying to cheer him up.

  "Really? What's a Buff Ring? Can I wear one too?" Kazuki asked, smiling again. Whatever, who cares about magic? A Buff Ring sounds cool too! As long as it's something magical, he thought, feeling hopeful.

  "Alright, listen. Buff Rings are magical artifacts, remnants from the ancient war that happened about 3000 years ago. They're found in great numbers and are divided into three classes: weak, strong, and then... there’s a legend about seven cursed rings the Seven Deadly Sins Rings. One ring for each sin," Isran explained.

  "An ancient war? Buff Rings? You’re just dropping big info bombs on me, but you haven’t even told me what they do!" Kazuki said, his curiosity burning.

  What kind of crazy world did I land in? he wondered.

  "Sorry, you're right. I got sidetracked," Isran chuckled. "Buff Rings give you a ‘buff’ they boost your physical abilities. Things like more speed, more strength. Stronger rings can even let you fly or see a few seconds into the future. But they can’t let you cast elemental magic."

  "Okay, okay, got it," Kazuki said thoughtfully. So if I find or buy a Buff Ring, even a weakling like me could get strong... That's awesome! he thought, feeling happy.

  "But," Isran added, "they're not exactly cheap. Weak rings cost between 5 and 15 Auren, while strong ones go for 15 to 50 Auren. In Solin, that’s about 150 to 500 Solin."

  Kazuki’s jaw nearly hit the floor.

  Wait, what?! 150 to 500 Solin?! Sebastian celebrated like crazy just for getting 25 Solin! he thought, his smile once again disappearing.

  But another question was burning in his mind.

  "Isran, what can you tell me about the Seven Deadly Sins Rings?"

  "They're just a legend," Isran said with a shrug. "I don't believe they really exist. It's more like an old fairy tale. Supposedly, each ring represents one of the seven deadly sins. They’re incredibly powerful but come with heavy curses. Still... I think it's just a myth."

  "Got it," Kazuki said quietly, deep in thought but feeling a little better.

  After that conversation, the two boys grew closer. Kazuki still kept a little emotional distance, but even when he tried to pull away, Isran wouldn’t let him. He stubbornly stayed by Kazuki's side.

  Two weeks passed.

  Isran started spending even more time with Kazuki, always sticking around.

  But Kazuki was growing tired of it.

  He was sick of this "friendship act."

  "So that's what happened," Isran said with a laugh while they were drinking together at a small tavern.

  What the hell am I doing here? Kazuki thought, glaring at Isran. Why does this guy keep clinging to me? I just want him to leave me alone.

  Kazuki had had enough. He slammed his hand on the table and shouted:

  "Get lost already! I’ve been telling you the same thing for two weeks, but you never leave me alone! Why?! What's your real reason?!"

  People turned to stare at them.

  Isran stayed calm, smiling slightly. "Relax, Kazuki. People are staring. I'll tell you. I stayed because I saw it you’re hurting. You needed someone by your side."

  "Cut the crap! I'm trash, okay? Why would someone like you want to hang around someone like me?!" Kazuki shouted, his voice breaking as tears welled up in his eyes.

  Isran looked him straight in the eye and said softly, "Because we're friends."

  "Oh yeah? Then tell me what the hell does 'friendship' even mean to you?!" Kazuki yelled, tears now falling freely down his cheeks.

  Isran answered without hesitation:

  "Friendship means... 'A friend is the one who stays even after you've messed up badly.' Your old friend, the one you're mourning, he hasn't abandoned you. If he had, he would’ve left you completely, without a second thought. And me? I'm your friend too. So just let it all out."

  That was it.

  Kazuki’s strength shattered like glass.

  He stumbled forward and collapsed into Isran’s arms, his body wracked by uncontrollable sobs. It felt like a dam had burst inside him, all the fear, the loneliness, the unbearable weight of everything he had kept hidden spilling out at once.

  "I'll never see my parents again," he choked out between gasping breaths. "Sebastian probably... hates me... I don’t even know why I’m here in Estana, in this nightmare," His voice broke, and fresh tears poured down his cheeks.

  "I’m so lost... I’m so scared..."

  Isran held him firmly, his hand moving in slow, soothing circles across Kazuki’s trembling back. His own heart ached at the boy’s pain, but his voice remained steady and soft, like a lifeline in the storm.

  "It’s alright," he murmured. "You're not alone. I'm here. You're safe."

  Kazuki clung to him as if the world might tear him away at any moment, crying until he had no more tears left to give.

  From that day on, the two became true friends.

  Two more weeks passed.

  An announcement came:

  The King and Queen were finally returning