While Eccar and the party were exploring the forest, shadowed by mysterious creatures lurking from the depths of the trees, Erend and his family had just finished breakfast.
Once they were done eating, Erend got into his car and drove Arty to her school. After a brief farewell, he headed straight to the military base. It was time for him to return to work like before.
As he walked through the yard and down the base corridors, Erend immediately noticed the cold stares from his fellow soldiers. He could only sigh. After all, it was his fault. He had been absent from duty for days, while everyone else had been working hard without pause. He couldn't really blame them for being upset.
Fortunately, General Lennard himself had granted him leniency. No one quite understood why the general gave such special treatment to a soldier who didn't hold a high rank—but they didn't question the general directly either.
Erend knocked on the door and heard the deep voice from inside.
"Come in."
