Bread / I Make This Pact Here

His name was Phainon. Male, tall and upright, a young man.

"Hello."

Mr. Hua Yi smiled and extended a hand in greeting, approachable and easygoing, every bit the sunny, cheerful young man.

In response, the other man covered his head, looking slightly dizzy.

"H-Hello. I'm Phainon of Aedes Elysiae. Greetings to you all... Sorry, the light was so bright just now that it dazzled me. I haven't recovered yet."

Phainon kept rubbing his eyes with his left hand as he shook Mr. Hua Yi's hand with his right.

From Tribbie's earlier introduction, it was clear that she was a priestess who conveyed prophecies, more of a clerical figure. Phainon was the Combatant. Logically, he should have been the one exploring the ruins, searching for survivors, and making first contact with Mr. Hua Yi's group.

But the radiance in the sky earlier had nearly blinded Phainon!

Now, looking at Mr. Hua Yi, he felt as though the man had stepped out of the light itself. How should he put it—he inexplicably felt at ease.

"Mr. Hua Yi, are you also seeking refuge in Okhema?"

"No. My companions and I came from beyond the heavens. See that carriage in the sky? We rode it to Amphoreus. Tribbie just said it would be best to hide our identities. You're the second person to know for now. Shh, don't spread it around."

Mr. Hua Yi was remarkably frank, a smile always hanging on his face.

"Uh..."

The white-haired young man froze for a moment. Sensing Mr. Hua Yi's warmth and friendliness, the wariness he had felt toward the Outworlders inexplicably diminished considerably.

This man made people feel close to him with ease. He possessed immense personal charm.

Though they had only just met, that simple "Shh, don't spread it around" instantly closed the distance