A Brighter Future (Kuroinu)

On the way to the training ground, Rhodes maintained a stoic expression, but the stares of passersby still made him uncomfortable. This discomfort lasted until they reached the training ground, where the vast array of equipment, spanning the size of two soccer fields, captured their attention.

“Is this huge training ground just for us?” Rhodes wondered, assuming that others in the Levantine family must also use it; otherwise, it would be a waste of resources.

“It used to be quite bustling here,” Grave reminisced. “When I was younger, there were many trainees, many with great talents. The Levantine family was truly glorious back then. But now…”

Even though Grave found it hard to accept, the current state of the family and the emptiness of the training ground filled him with helplessness.

Rhodes internally sighed in relief. It would have been more troublesome if the place were crowded.

“Now, your training will officially begin. I’ll improve your physical condition to the maximum in the shortest possible time,” Grave declared, indicating intense and urgent training ahead.

“General Grave, you seem in a hurry. Why is that?” Rhodes inquired.

“You’ve noticed? Well, it’s about a potential war in the future. Before you go to battle, I’ll make sure you’re well-prepared to ensure your safety,” Grave explained.

“A war?!” Rhodes was shocked, wondering if war was indeed imminent.

“It’s with the dark elves,” Grave clarified, dismissing Rhodes’s guess about demons. “Our minor frictions have escalated to the point where war seems inevitable.”

Rhodes glanced at Chloe, who shook her head, indicating indifference as she had never met her kin apart from herself. Chloe’s main concern was Rhodes’s potential presence on the battlefield.

“The training will be tougher than before. Be prepared,” Grave stated seriously, determined not to let Rhodes die in battle but also confident in his abilities.

“Alright,” Rhodes agreed, starting the day’s rigorous training. Chloe watched him silently, helping him only when he was completely exhausted. Grave didn’t comment, knowing it wasn’t his place to provide such care.

Claudia, busy with her duties, hadn’t returned, so Chloe happily took on the responsibility.

After the day’s training, Chloe carried an exhausted Rhodes back to their room. Once they were inside, she spoke up.

“Rhodes, I’ve decided not to leave for now.”

“Why?” Rhodes, planning to rest, perked up at her words.

“With you going to war, how could I leave knowing that?” she said.

Rhodes sighed, “I didn’t expect this so soon. I’ve never killed even a chicken, and now I’m told to go to war. My mind is a mess.”

“We could escape together. After heading to the battlefield, we’ll find a chance to run away and live somewhere where no one can find us,” Chloe suggested, hoping Rhodes would join her in a peaceful, secluded life.

Rhodes, faced with Chloe’s hopeful gaze, regretfully shook his head, causing her expression to sour. She guessed it was because of the elf named Celestine.

‘How good can that person be to make Rhodes so unwilling to leave her side?’

Chloe felt resentment and curiosity about Celestine, whom Rhodes seemed so attached to. She wanted to see for herself what made Rhodes so captivated by her.

“I’m sorry, Chloe,” Rhodes apologized, noticing the darkening of Chloe’s mood. He felt guilty for not reciprocating her feelings.

“There’s no need to apologize for this. We each have our own thoughts. Although I’m sad about your decision, I choose to support you in whatever you do,” Chloe consoled Rhodes, indicating her unconditional support for him in everything except matters involving who he chose to be with.

Chloe reassured Rhodes, urging him not to be upset or apologize over this. She believed that if they had met earlier, there would have been no room for Celestine in the picture.