Walking Alone

"What can I do for you, Teacher?"

Gilan took a deep breath and spoke in a low voice.

Pala smiled in gratification and replied:

"Take my place, and wrap my corpse."

"Teacher..."

Gilan's nose instantly stung.

He immediately rose to his feet, bowed deeply to his teacher, and solemnly paid his respects.

"Your student will not fail your trust!"

"Good."

Pala smiled.

After a brief silence, he added:

"All this time, I've been the one covering for you. But this time, it's your turn to cover for me..."

"My journey to the Ovena Federation is an act of recklessness, but also the fulfillment of a dream from my youth—to charge alone into the enemy's headquarters, turn it upside down, and die if need be."

Pala laughed.

"But the most important sword I carry, the Philosopher's Sword, must not be lost—much less fall into the Federation's hands... His Excellency the Chief has his own arrangements. In the end, it will be left to my student, Gilan Iros."

"To borrow February Director's creed, 'inheritance' is also an art, humanity's most precious treasure. I hope you can become a new arm of my king, and after my death, succeed me as the Empire's new sword that guards the nation!"

"Gilan!"

Pala said in a deep voice.

His tone was exceedingly solemn.

"Teacher, I'm here."

Gilan lowered his head, his violet eyes moist.

Pala stood up and silently pressed a hand against his shoulder.

"From now on, the Empire's safety is in your hands."

"Yes..."

Gilan rasped.

Having made his final arrangements, Pala no longer lingered. Leaning on his cane, he turned and walked out of the room.

The old man hunched his back and said without looking back:

"Do not interfere in this journey."

"I will leave the Empire overnight and set out