Medieval Experimental Base

"No, it was you. You were the first to make me a promise of your own free will. Big brother, I have to go. If I don't leave now, Dad, Mom, and my sister will worry!"

The little boy smiled and waved. Then his whole body turned to ash and sand, scattering on the wind.

"No, don't go! I still don't know your name!"

The Illusory Realm had shattered. The little boy could not come back. Edward tore at his hair in regret. "Damn it. Damn me! I didn't even ask his name."

"Edward, the little boy has a name. He's called... Nameless Hero. He represents the thousands upon thousands of children caught in the 1944 campaign in Romania. Come on. Norbert and Ager are still waiting for us up ahead!"

Edward had just been through a fierce battle and lost his young friend. His legs could not carry him for the moment, so Hagrid hoisted him onto his shoulder.

Once the battlefield had crumbled into ash and sand, a vast desert appeared before them. At its far end stood an enormous gate nearly a hundred meters tall. Luo Bin and Hagrid trudged across the sand to reach it.

"Edward, you're up!"

Hagrid set him down and pointed to a recess in the gate.

"Urgh. You bounced me around so much I nearly threw up, and now you remember you need me? Hmph!"

For all his grumbling, Edward raised the Cross and fitted it into the recess.

Rumble!

Dust poured down from above the gate. After spitting out several mouthfuls of grit, Edward said, "Luo Bin, Hagrid, did you two know this would happen?"

"No, we didn't."

Standing three meters away, untouched by the falling dust, Luo Bin answered without a flicker of expression.

"Like I'd believe you!"

Edward wiped