Reinhard began talking, carefully navigating through events while keeping crucial details out of his narrative.

He didn't mention the Star Jewel, that artifact was too important and too potentially dangerous if word spread.

He left out the Golden Melo Warriors and Dune being summoned from beyond death.

Honor's betrayal remained unspoken, as did his own fall into the crimson-black flames that had acted like a tide of pure corruption.

The encounter with Angra Mainyu stayed locked behind his lips, and he certainly didn't reveal gaining it as a third Beast Spirit.

The Saint's betrayal and his twisted plan were all that remained, carefully omitted.

But everything else he shared freely.

He described entering Eastern Hesod for the first time, seeing the roots that had consumed the land. He talked about encountering Night Terrors that attacked with mindless hunger. He explained the coordination between Seekers, Luminous Knights, and their small group.

He detailed visiting the old Melo City, a Forerunner city, and walking through streets that hadn't seen living people in centuries. They saw architecture that predated modern civilization, and saw structures that survived for centuries.

He spoke about reaching the old capital of the Forerunners. That magnificent city is now overgrown and consumed by roots, yet still retaining echoes of its former glory.

He explained the final push to end the Dark Silence, carefully editing out the most dangerous parts but preserving the feeling of working alongside hundreds of people toward a single desperate goal.

He described the moment when corruption transformed into healing. When death-blackened earth suddenly sprouted new growth, and when water ran clear for the first time in centuries.

And he talked about the aftermath.

All of them helped build the Pioneer Settlement, working alongside Vlad and the others to find survivors. Eating meals with Precursors, Luminous Knights, and Seekers who'd dedicated their entire lives to this moment. All of them made a massive bonfire to celebrate their success and the party they had together.

As he talked, Reinhard inwardly laughed, watching the expressions cycling across his friends' faces. Absolute disbelief widened their eyes when he described the scale of what they had to deal with.

Of course, just them being involved in the plan to retake Eastern Hesod was insane to them.

Shock registered when he explained the coordination required between multiple factions. Awe softened their features as he painted pictures of ancient Forerunner architecture. Excitement sparked like electricity when he described the final purification of the land.

Resa's pen moved constantly, scratching across paper as she took notes with the dedication of a true historian.

Irene leaned so far forward that she was practically lying across the table. Alger's usual mischievous expression had transformed into something approaching awe. Jake and Kite hung on every word, their earlier energy channeled into intense focus.

Finally, Reinhard concluded his account. Describing the settlement construction and the hope visible on every face as people built new futures on land that had been dead for centuries.

Silence fell across their corner of the library.

Then Resa trembled, her entire body shook with barely contained excitement. She reached across the table and clasped Reinhard's hands, shaking them rapidly while her voice came out in a suppressed hiss, still trying to maintain library decorum despite obviously wanting to shout.

"That's amazing! Rein, I can see why Irene says you're her favorite person. I completely agree with her!" Her green eyes were impossibly wide, shining with admiration. "I can't believe you did all of that! Visiting old Forerunner cities, reaching the old capital, helping end the Dark Silence!" She paused for breath, still gripping his hands. "Any one of these would be an amazing accomplishment, but doing all of them together is just... Stunning!"

Alger nodded, and for once his voice carried genuine emotion rather than playful teasing. He sighed, fuchsia eyes distant. "I have to admit I'm envious of you guys. Just being part of one of those events must have been incredible." He refocused on Reinhard. "At the very least, I wish I could have been there when you purified the crimson-black tide. Witnessing corruption transform and the forest restoring itself, that's the kind of moment people remember their entire lives."

Kite nodded vigorously, his blue-tipped blond hair bouncing with the movement. "I loved that part too! Damn, I really wish I could have gone with you."

Jake chuckled as he tilted his head thoughtfully. "I liked the bonfire part. It must have been incredible having different kinds of people just eating together and talking as equals."

Irene nodded, a grin spreading across her face that made her cyan eyes sparkle. "The fact that you celebrated during all that chaos and danger must have been amazing. Finding joy in the middle of darkness."

Reinhard chuckled as he nodded slowly. "It did help make up for missing the school bonfire event."

The others perked up at that reminder, and the conversation shifted naturally. They talked about the bonfire celebration that had happened at the Academy last year. Describing the food, the performances, the way first-year students had mingled and formed friendships, the professors who'd shown surprising dance skills after enough drinks.

After several minutes of reminiscing, Reinhard found an opening and took it. "Actually, we're thinking of going on a beach trip and visiting some festivals. Marie said we should invite others, so I was wondering if you'd-"

"Yes!" Irene interrupted before he could finish, practically bouncing in her seat. "We will absolutely come!"

Resa laughed. "It would be perfect to go on vacation during the summer. I don't think any of us..." She glanced at Alger, Kite, and Jake, her expression questioning.

All three shook their heads immediately. "We aren't doing anything." They said in near unison.

Resa beamed, turning back to Reinhard with obvious delight. "Yeah, we're totally free!"

Reinhard nodded with a faint smile. "Then that's something you can all look forward to for the summer."

Cheers erupted around the table before it was quickly suppressed. When the librarian's sharp glare cut through the stacks toward them, it was still present in their grinning faces and bright eyes.

Then Irene clapped her hands together, the sound sharp and attention-grabbing.

Her grin took on a quality that made Reinhard's instincts warn of incoming danger. "Now let's get to hearing about those beautiful dreams of yours that you had during your time in Eastern Hesod!"

Reinhard's lips twitched as he saw the look of intense interest blooming across every face at the table. "Sure."

Cheers erupted again as notebooks came out and everyone prepared to hear about his new dreams.

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