The team gathered in their guild hall, the atmosphere jovial, with drinks and laughter filling the room.

  "Tomorrow's raid is going to be a real challenge," Saber said, leaning back in his chair and looking thoughtful. "We need to be at our best."

  Chloe knocked over a drink as she tried to sit down. "Oops! Looks like I'm already at my clumsy best. But hey, who’s ready to kick some dungeon butt?"

  Lead smirked. "Chloe, if you can manage to stay on your feet for once, we might just have a chance."

  Argil sipped his drink quietly. "I... I just don’t want to let anyone down."

  "Oh, Argil, you worry too much," Ergo said, grinning mischievously. "Besides, isn’t it more fun when you get all flustered?"

  "Ergo, knock it off. We’re supposed to be a team," Saber said firmly.

  "Lighten up, Saber," Chloe nudged him. "Let’s enjoy tonight! What’s a little teasing among friends?"

  "Yeah, Saber. We’ve got to keep our spirits up," Lead laughed. "Besides, if we can survive Chloe’s clumsiness, we can survive anything."

  Argil smiled a bit. "Thanks, guys. I guess I do take things too seriously sometimes."

  "You know, Argil, if you need some special training, I’m always here. Just a little... private session?" Ergo leaned closer to Argil.

  "Cut it out, Ergo. We don’t need your kind of ‘help,’" Saber glared at her.

  "So, what’s the plan for tomorrow, Saber? Any secret strategies?" Chloe asked, trying to lighten the mood.

  Saber relaxed a bit. "Well, I’ve been thinking about how we can use our strengths together. Argil, your stealth will be key in scouting ahead. Lead, your experience will guide us through. Chloe, just... try not to trip over anything."

  Chloe laughed. "Got it, boss! I’ll do my best."

  "Sounds like a solid plan," Lead nodded. "We just need to stick together and watch each other’s backs."

  "I’ll do my best to support everyone," Argil said more confidently.

  Ergo smirked. "Well, this sounds fun already. Just don’t blame me if things get... interesting."

  "You know, I’ve been thinking. What do you all see yourselves doing after tomorrow’s raid?" Saber asked.

  Lead sighed deeply. "Well, to be honest, I’ve been considering retirement. It’s been a long journey, and I think it’s time to just relax and enjoy life a bit."

  "Retirement, huh? That’s a bit boring for someone like you, Lead. But I get it. We all need a break sometimes," Chloe grinned.

  "But after considering how often you get back pains, it’s understandable," Saber mocked.

  "I’m planning to keep the title of adventurer, but I’ll just take on small missions from now on," Marco nodded. "The big ones are getting too risky. Plus, I think now’s the time to look for a bride and settle in the town somewhere."

  "So, you’re looking for a bride, huh? Then you might wanna fix that solar panel first!" Chloe teased.

  Others laughed.

  Argil looked a bit nervous but determined. "I... I want to learn more about sorcery. I’m thinking of enrolling in ‘Aspire Academy’ and trying to pass the entrance test."

  "What’s that?" Saber asked.

  "It’s a school where students come to learn about sorcery and carry the handle which you have right now," Marco explained.

  "That’s a great idea, Argil. You’ve got a lot of potential. What about you, Ergo?" Saber smiled.

  "Oh, I’ve got my sights set on becoming an imperial mage," Ergo replied with a sly grin. "I’ll apply right after this raid. It’s about time I showed everyone what I’m really capable of."

  "Well, I’m planning to stay in town with Marco and Lead," Chloe raised her glass. "Someone needs to keep you two old-timers out of trouble."

  "We’re not that old, Chloe. But thanks for sticking around. It’s good to know we’ll still have some fun," Lead laughed.

  "What about you, Saber?" Ergo asked, placing her hand on her cheek.

  "I... haven’t given it much thought," Saber admitted.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Everyone looked at him expectantly.

  "I used to smile and play all day in the garden, so I never had any chances to think about choices," Saber began. "After my parents died, my only focus was on labor, which kept me occupied, so no time to think except for work. And now when I have the time... I don’t know what I want."

  "You can come with me if you like," Argil smiled.

  "What?" Saber looked shocked.

  "You heard the kid," Ergo said. "Now no one’s here to stop you, so you can go to the academy and study. Plus, I think it may change Chloe’s mind, right?"

  Chloe, who was drinking, reacted. "AH! HUH???" She placed her hand behind her ear.

  "On top of that, you even have that handle, so the admission is guaranteed for you, fellow," Lead added.

  "Sounds like we all have our paths planned out. It’s kind of exciting to think about the future, isn’t it?" Argil smiled.

  "Yeah, it is," Saber said thoughtfully. "But first, we have to get through tomorrow. Let’s give it our all and make sure we all get to see these plans come to life."

  "To our future adventures, wherever they may take us!" Chloe clinked glasses with everyone.

  "To our future adventures!" they all said together.

  "You guys... I... I just want to say... I’m really going to miss you all," Chloe said, her voice slurring slightly and her eyes glistening with tears. "You’re like family to me."

  "Chloe, are you alright? Maybe you should slow down a bit," Lead looked concerned.

  "It’s okay, Chloe. We’re all here for each other. We’ll still see each other around, right?" Marco patted Chloe on the back.

  "Yeah, Chloe. We’re not going anywhere. We’ll always be friends," Argil added, a bit awkwardly.

  "Lead, you’ve always been like a father figure to me. I don’t know how we’d have made it this far without your guidance. Thank you for everything," Chloe said, tears streaming down her face.

  "Thanks, Chloe. That means a lot coming from you," Lead smiled warmly.

  "Marco, you’re like the elder brother I never had. Always looking out for us and keeping things fun. Promise me you’ll stay awesome, okay?" Chloe continued.

  "You got it, Chloe. I’ll do my best," Marco grinned.

  "Argil, you’re like my younger brother. You’ve got a big heart and even bigger potential. I know you’ll do amazing things," Chloe said.

  "Thank you, Chloe. That... that really means a lot to me," Argil blushed.

  "Ergo, as annoying as you can be sometimes, you’ve got a good side too. You’re like a big sister figure, though your clinginess to Saber makes me a bit jealous," Chloe said.

  "I’ll take that as a compliment. Thanks, Chloe," Ergo smirked.

  "And Saber... I need to tell you something I've been holding in for so long," Chloe confessed. "I-I...I think I love you, Saber."

  Everyone was shocked.

  "You mean so much to me, more than just a friend. I can't keep it inside any longer," Chloe continued.

  "Well, this just got interesting," Lead glanced at Saber with a raised eyebrow.

  "Looks like someone had to spill the beans eventually," Marco tried to keep the mood light.

  "Oh, um... this is... unexpected," Argil said, blushing and looking away.

  "Oh, this just made my night. This is going to be fun to watch," Ergo grinned.

  "Say YES. Say YES," Argil chanted.

  "Say YES. Say YES," everyone joined in.

  "Hewy, stwop tweazing..." Saber said, dizzy.

  THAP! The screen went black as Saber collapsed.

  He opened his eyes and found himself in a room.

  "Where am I?" he got up. "It’s someone else’s room."

  He got out.

  "It sure is pretty dark," he muttered as he walked. "What’s the time by the way?" He checked the screen. "3? In the middle of the night?"

  He heard laughing.

  "What’s this?" he wondered.

  Opening a door, he saw Lead and Marco playing pillow fight and laughing loudly. They noticed Saber.

  Saber was shocked. They were shocked.

  Saber closed the door.

  "NO!!!" they both shouted.

  Saber tried to run, but they caught him.

  "Where do you think you’re going, lover boy?" Marco said.

  "We have so much to discuss," Lead added, locking the door.

  "Someone help me!!!" Saber shouted.

  NEXT DAY - 7:00 (MORNING)

  Saber yawned, looking disturbed. Last night was a nightmare. We had a pillow fight all night, and now I’m sleepless. He yawned again. Today’s just getting started. It’s gonna be a long and hectic day.

  "Saber? Are you sleepy?" Chloe asked.

  Saber flinched. What does it look like, huh?

  "No? Not at all," Saber pretended to smile.

  "You sure? You’re yawning way too much," Chloe said, worried.

  No surprise, detective! Saber thought.

  Marco and Lead yawned too.

  Ergo taunted, "Looks like you boys had a fun night, even after the party, and nobody even thought of inviting me, I see."

  Marco and Lead flinched.

  "Looks like I missed all the fun," Ergo said, passing through.

  "Really, Saber? Without me too?" Chloe asked sadly.

  "Oh no no, she’s just messing with you," Saber said, troubled.

  They turned left.

  "You guys go without me. I’ll meet you near the sphere gate," Saber instructed.

  "Don’t be late," Lead reminded him.

  "Don’t get lost," Marco added.

  "And don’t get kidnapped," Chloe chimed in.

  Why is it that Chloe always says the unnecessary stuff? Saber thought.

  Saber turned around and walked ahead. He reached the field where Saber and Carlos were sitting on the fence.

  "So, it’s today, huh?" Carlos said.

  "Yup. And thanks for the tip, it really helped a lot," Saber replied.

  "No worries," Carlos said.

  "And today I might get to show off again because of you," Saber added.

  "I see. Well, glad to hear that," Carlos said, jumping down.

  "So what now?" Saber asked.

  "What do you mean?" Carlos responded.

  "You said you’d only come here for these 3 days, so where will you be from today onwards?" Saber asked sadly.

  "Well, I haven’t thought about it. I might start traveling too," Carlos replied.

  Saber jumped down. "So, is it our last ‘goodbye’?"

  "When you put it that way, it sure sounds emotional. I’ll still come and help you, Saber," Carlos assured him.

  "Alright then," Saber said, offering his pinky finger.

  Carlos laughed. "What are you? A child?"

  "Come on," Saber said, embarrassed.

  "Alright, fine," Carlos laughed, crossing his pinky finger with Saber's. The sunlight made them appear in silhouette.

  "Pinky Promise," they both said.

  The sphere portal opened.

  Last time, I was beaten up by a level 10 Baldy. Saber remembered, looking at the screen displaying level 10. Talk about it now, folks!

  Last time, I was alone. Saber’s mind flashed back. What about now? He thought, smiling evilly as he looked at his group. What a huge upgrade. He placed his hand on his left chest. I can once again feel the pressure. But today’s pressure is different. Last time I stood alone. And this time, I’m with others.

  "Here we go," Saber said.

  The sphere’s opening completed. All six drew their weapons.

  The announcer's voice boomed, "Are you guys ready?"

  Without hesitation, everybody rushed towards the portal.

  "GO!!!" the announcer shouted.

  From the front, the team looked formidable as they jumped forward with their weapons in hand.