Reinhard glanced at Janus, who was trembling while watching the activity around the settlement. Seekers, Precursors, and Luminous Knights continued moving wood and stone, expansion ongoing despite leadership departing.

"I feel bad leaving you here alone to-" Janus's voice carried guilt poorly concealed.

Amiya rolled her eyes before her hand flicked against his forehead. "Don't worry about us. Isn't this your last year?"

Janus blinked before nodding.

"Then enjoy these last few months at school." Amiya's voice carried insistence. "Go on trips with Marie and the others and enjoy your school life. Because when summer comes after you graduate, you will be staying here for a long while."

Marie giggled in agreement, and her arm wrapped around Amiya's shoulders. "She's right, you know. I can already imagine Vlad forcing you to work and work from all the stories I heard from other Seekers."

Janus trembled at the prospect before chuckling and nodding acceptance. "Would you guys also be interested in coming along-"

"Of course." Joseph interrupted immediately. "It would be nice to come help out, and I'm sure there are some parts of this place that would be amazing to explore."

Marie nodded enthusiastically. "Hopefully, next time we discover a hidden treasure trove from the Forerunners Empire!"

Janus laughed while Amiya shook her head with a smile. Her expression shifted slightly as she looked at Marie directly.

"I hope you can drag him along when you guys do go on trips. I fear he might hole himself up in his room if nothing else."

Joseph laughed. "Sure. We were planning on a few trips after returning, and were hoping Janus could tag along."

Amiya's eyes lit with delight. Her grin appeared, satisfaction evident at friends taking responsibility. "Great! He will gladly come along, isn't that right?"

Janus's lips twitched. "Do I have a choice? You would be mad if I didn't."

Reinhard chuckled. "Well, it would be a good way to relax."

Marie nodded before sighing wistfully. "Next time you have to come with us, Amiya."

Amiya laughed in delight. "I will. I've been wanting to visit the capital of the Mori Empire to check on their famous desserts."

Marie's eyes lit with joy. "They are the best! We will definitely go there next with you."

Rosaria's voice called out across the distance. "Time to go."

Final goodbyes were exchanged.

Amiya embraced each person briefly, words too quiet for others to hear. Janus received a slightly longer hug, accompanied by a stern reminder to enjoy himself rather than drowning in responsibilities.

They followed Rosaria toward the settlement entrance. The people they passed waved, hands rising in farewell, smiles appearing on faces showing gratitude without words. Vlad had warned them beforehand about maintaining discretion.

The carriage waited at the entrance. A large vehicle capable of holding ten people, drawn not by horses but by a magical orb mounted at the front. The sphere glowed faintly, containing energy that would propel transport across distances at speeds defying normal travel.

They entered in sequence.

Marie first, taking a position near the window, Joseph followed, settling across from her. Janus chose a spot near the door, still looking somewhat uncertain about leaving. Brunhilde and Reinhard took the remaining seats, positioning themselves comfortably.

Rosaria entered last, taking a seat near Janus before her hand gestured toward the magical orb.

"Head off, back to Memento Mori Academy."

The carriage trembled before the vibration spread through the entire structure, and then it began moving. It started smoothly at first before the acceleration built gradually until the speed exceeded anything horses could achieve.

They leaned back in seats designed for comfort during extended travel. Cushioning absorbed vibrations, windows provided views of passing landscapes, and the atmosphere settled into companionable silence.

Pioneer Village receded behind them.

The settlement they'd helped build, the people they'd helped save, the chapter of their lives concluded, but left permanent marks on Eastern Hesod's future.

The carriage wheels rumbled steadily beneath them as they made their way back from Eastern Hesod. Marie sat forward in her seat, peering out the window with wide, curious eyes. Her platinum hair caught the afternoon light as she gestured excitedly at the road ahead.

"Look at all of them!" Marie pointed toward a long procession of carriages stretching along the highway. Each bore elaborate emblems on its sides, noble house crests worked in gold, silver, and vibrant colors. "That one has the Veinwood crest, and there's House Crownslayer twin towers!"

Reinhard leaned toward the window, his untamed black hair falling across his forehead as he observed the convoy. Dozens of carriages rolled toward Eastern Hesod, accompanied by travelers in fine clothing that marked them as nobility or wealthy merchants. The quality of their garments, which were embroidered silks, fur-lined cloaks, and polished leather boots, spoke of considerable wealth and status.

"They're certainly hurrying along." Joseph commented, brushing his short blond hair back as he watched from his own window. His green eyes tracked the movement of the various groups.

But what truly caught everyone's attention was the Mori Empire army.

Beast Masters in resplendent golden and black armor marched in disciplined formations alongside the noble carriages. Their armor gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight, the metal worked with such precision that it seemed to glow from within.

Each Inquisitor chestplate bore the same striking symbol of the Mori Empire.

A figure clad in radiant armor, its body formed from pure light and sacred metal. The figure's helm was faceless and serene, giving it an otherworldly quality. Behind the armored figure spread two magnificent wings. Each feather appeared to glow, stretching outward as if embracing the sky itself. The wings shimmered between deep gold and pale white, the colors shifting and dancing with each movement of the Inquisitors.

At the center of the design, the figure held a towering sword extending downward in perfect symmetry. The blade was covered in intricate runes and swirling lines that resembled flowing wind and flame entwined together in an eternal dance.

"The Mori Empire is certainly making its presence known," Brunhilde observed quietly, her gaze following the military movement with slight interest.

Rosaria, who had been sitting back with her arms crossed, finally spoke. Her crimson eyes were watching the various groups. "They're all trying to get into Vlad's good graces." Her voice carried a note of dry amusement. "Eastern Hesod represents extremely high potential business ground now that the Dark Silence has been lifted. Every noble house and merchant guild with any sense is going to want a foothold there before the competition becomes impossible."

"It's already started then," Reinhard said, his light blue eyes narrowing slightly as he watched another group of nobles pass by, their carriages laden with goods and supplies.

"It started the moment word spread that Eastern Hesod was freed. Which was only four days ago." Rosaria confirmed. "Vlad is going to have his hands full managing all these vultures circling for opportunities."

Marie settled back in her seat, a thoughtful expression crossing her beautiful features. "At least it means Eastern Hesod will recover quickly. All that investment and attention will help rebuild what was lost."

"True enough," Rosaria agreed.

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