My seven elite units had change significantly. Boris and Sera were the only ones who remained that knew about the first expedition where I met Geia. The other five had all been either replaced or had left.

As I debriefed the mission, nausea caused by guilt washed over in my mind like lapping waves. Boris didn’t seem to be aware of my tumultuous thoughts while Sera remained unreadable and strict like always.

“We’ll leave immediately at dawn tomorrow.” I rolled up the map we were studying.

“Yes, commander!” Seven voices shouted as they stood up and saluted.

I left without looking back, hoping to get some shuteye before dawn, but ended up dreaming of Geia’s green eyes.

Damn. What would I do?

“Sakayo Village.” I told the teleporter manager.

The man nodded and gestured to the teleportation circle. As the squadron and I stepped inside, a blue light shone and we were teleported to Sakayo Village, the nearest settlement to the gorge Geia inhabited. The people of the village didn’t seem to pay attention as the eight of us entered the forest.

“Let’s move quickly.” I ordered and picked up speed as I sprinted forward.

Unlike before when the team only walked and stopped, we ran nonstop now. A mere four hours into after stepping foot into the forest, scenery changed into steep valley embedded into the land. As I dropped down the bottom of the gorge, my heart seemed to jump out of my chest with each beat. Beads of sweat rolled down from my forehead. ‘Please don’t be there’ was the last prayer I sent as the squadron entered familiar territory.

The white flowers were the ones Geia had picked for me before and I had sat with her under the oak tree that was simply a few feet away from my boots right now. As the cave came into view, so did a figure that I was familiar with yet dreaded so much.

The woman standing at the front of the cave while carrying a bundle of blossoms turned to spot me. Stems and petals hit the ground as her green eyes met my blue ones.

“Kahil-” She exclaimed, happiness seeming to light her faces up.

My teeth were gritted as a click sounded from my sheath. I leapt at Geia, sword unsheathed and glowing a violent blue. As if in slow motion, I saw Geia’s face fall into horror. My blade was closing on her neck when her hand suddenly shot up and grabbed the edge.

“What are you doing, Kahil?” Tears pooled in Geia’s eyes, “What about the promise you made me?”

I flinched, but pulled my sword out of Geia’s grip while jumping back. A tall wave of guilt and remorse rose in my stomach as I saw the blood dripping from Geia’s hand, but I still raised a palm. A mana blast from my hand shook the ground, obliterating everything in its way. However, a green light shone, blasting back at my attack. The dust cleared to reveal Geia hovering in the air, unscathed and glowing green.

“Commander, let us take care of-” Boris shouted.

“Shut up and stay there.” I snapped.

“Kahil,” Geia was close to breaking down emotionally, “What about the time we spent together?”

Her voice rose in volume, “What about everything?”

I was probably suffering inside at every syllable she uttered, but I could only dash at Geia again. Father was not someone to disobey. Geia’s face was wet with tears and scrunched up in unfathomable fury. I shook. My hand stopped as my sword was thrusted.

“I will kill you.” Those words dropped out of my mouth.

Geia’s face suddenly turned into shock, then transitioned to icy coldness, “I see.”

The green sheen around Geia’s body rose, flaring out of control. Vines also rose around the clearing. Trees glowed green and grew, branches spiraling into monstrous growth.

“You betrayed me,” Geia spoke in a deathly quiet voice, “You were supposed to be my friend.”

Those words, out of everything she had said before, stabbed me with vigor. I did not budge an inch from where I stood, sword pointed as Geia’s neck, as vines shot up from beneath my feet and wrapped around my body.

“You’re such a bastard.” Geia’s face was painted with pure anger and cold disappointment.

I did not resist as I was flung into the cliffside, ribs cracking. I slid down to the ground, sword dropped and mind not functional. I could only think of being ashamed of myself for betraying a friend. I had committed a grave sin.

“Answer me,” Geia flicked a finger and a vine snaked out to grab my neck, “Why did you do it?”

The grip around my throat tightened, but I didn’t speak. The vine lifted me up and dragged me over to Geia. Her green eyes flickered as usual, but now only with anger and sadness.

“I said,” Geia formed a dagger out of green mana, “Answer me!”

The sharp edge cut into my chest, creating a large gash that leaked crimson blood.

“I’m so tired, Kahil,” Geia clenched her fist and some of her vines cracked into pieces, “So get the hell out of my sight.”

I was let go by the vine.

“I see. So this is the power of a transcendent.” I coughed while laughing.

The thought had sparked in my mind as I spotted the vines. Now I faced Geia. Her vivacious green dress glowed as I had seen uncountable times before.

“Just go away already.” Geia turned away, floating away.

“One last advice,” I said, “Leave the kingdom.”

I struggled up and turned to face my squadron. They had been watching the fight with blank faces. I created a blade crudely out of mana dashed at them with a last burst of energy. Blood splattered as my seven colleagues fell.

No one would ever know about what had happened today. I would bury everything in my heart. As I limped away, I had a feeling that Geia was crying behind me.

Now after reincarnating, I was accepting the truth I had avoided for as long as I had met Master. Geia had really survived and left the kingdom after my betrayal. Relief and happiness overwhelmed my feelings.

“Thank god.” I muttered.

Master attacked the strange ice-wielding woman with vines. I knew this battle would end soon and I could talk to Geia’s successor transcendent again.