The Phoenix meeting room bore the quiet echoes of departed conversations, leaving only Shinon, Rico, and Lova within its walls. The gravity of Shinon’s presence hung in the air as he disclosed the true reason for his return.

"I know you can already guess, but I’m here for more than just establishing another settlement," Shinon admitted. "There’s something the Eclipse has been up to nearby, I believe something troublesome."

"And I’m guessing you need our help to check on it?" Lova replied, crossing her arms before her chest.

"Yup."

Rico exchanged a glance with Lova and then back at Shinon with concern and a look saying he would need more information than what Shinon had provided.

Shinon nodded and continued, "I’m telling you two because you’re the only ones who can handle the darker side of things. You won’t hesitate to do what needs to be done, even if it means taking out humans."

Rico sighed, acknowledging the harsh reality of their world. He had known that something like this might happen after Shinon’s prolonged involvement with the Eclipse. One could only last in a pond of mud without getting dirty for so long.

Nevertheless, he also understood the weight of Shinon’s words. In a world where humanity often struggled to survive, conflicts were bound to happen, and all that mattered was to win, no matter the means.

"I assume Kira wouldn’t be a part of... whatever this is?" Rico asked, pointing at the three of them.

"Obviously not." Shinon shook his head. "There’s no way I’m putting her in any danger. Especially when it involves the Eclipse."

Kira, a healer by nature, couldn’t fathom willingly taking a life, even if it belonged to someone evil. The thought of killing another human being, even from the Eclipse, would be a difficult pill for her to swallow.

Aware of Kira’s sentiments, Rico knew she would find it challenging to be part of such a mission and agreed with Shinon’s decision to keep her out of the task. Lova, however, stood unwaveringly by Shinon’s side.

"I’m not against helping you, no matter the case," she said. "My life belongs to you, and I wouldn’t hesitate to be your sword or shield. Feel free to use me as you please."

Rico, hearing these words, felt a pang of jealousy and embarrassment. He had not known about any romantic involvement between Shinon and Lova, and the revelation, even if unintentional, caught him off guard.

"It’s not what you’re thinking, you gorilla!" Shinon, perceptive as ever, clarified that their relationship was not of that nature. "We are not in ’that’ kind of relationship!"

The awkwardness in the room intensified as Lova, realising her slip, blushed furiously. "O-Of course we’re not! Not that I would mind- I mean, no!"

To ease the tension, Shinon shifted the focus back to the mission. "So yeah, about the mission! We would need to leave tonight to check on the Eclipse, and what they’re up to because I have to leave soon, so we can’t delay this any further."

"Hm... be as it may, we still need time to prepare-"

"I have prepared your gears already," Shinon interrupted, passing two bags to Rico and Lova from his domain. "Anything else?"

Rico and Lova shook their heads, and the meeting room quickly emptied as they set out to prepare for the mission.

As they exited, they found Kira standing near the door; from her expression, it was apparent she had overheard the conversation. But before she could express her desire to join them, Shinon cut her off.

"No," he stated firmly, extinguishing any hope in Kira’s eyes.

No matter how strong she believed she was, Shinon wasn’t about to put her in harm’s way.

"But I can be the designated healer-" Kira attempted to argue, suggesting that she could be their healer, but Shinon swiftly shot down that proposal as well.

"I have a skill strong enough to heal us," he said, his tone unhesitating. "If you come along, you’ll be nothing but a hindrance."

"A hindrance?" Kira’s expression turned sour the moment she heard Shinon spew those words. "Is that what you believe I am?"

"In this case, yes."

The sharpness of Shinon’s words cut through the room, leaving a tense silence in their wake. Even the usually oblivious Lova sensed the hurt in Kira’s eyes. But Kira, despite the pain, didn’t argue further. She nodded, her eyes downcast, and left them alone.

"Was it necessary to speak so harshly to Kira?" As she left, Rico couldn’t help but voice his concern to Shinon. "She was only trying to help."

"It’s for her own good," Shinon replied, taking a deep breath. "I intentionally hurt her by calling her a hindrance because I didn’t want her to get harmed as we charged into the unknown. The Eclipse isn’t something she can handle yet. That’s why she needs to stay behind."

"You guys can do what you want for now," Shinon said when none of them said anything. "I’ll be in the workshop."

Rico nodded. It seemed like he wanted to say something but held back. Shinon knew Rico’s brotherly instinct towards Kira and expected him to be bothered by how Shinon spoke to her even after his explanation.

But after living in Heaven’s Refuge, he knew a no-nonsense attitude was the best way to deal with these situations. With that, Shinon turned around and left for the workshop to replenish his gear and consumables before their departure.

The workshop buzzed with activity as Shinon entered. But before he could say anything, Tom greeted him.

"Look who it is?" he said with a brimming smile. "How can I help you this time, young lad!"

"You could let me borrow a furnace and some tools for one," Shinon said, mirroring Tom’s smile. He noticed everyone looking at him. "Also, I need something big and explosive if you have those."

"Something big and explosive... I think I have just the thing for you," Tom mumbled, scratching his beard. "It is a prototype from one of the blueprints you left behind, but I think it would please you enough. Come."