He looked in the window and sighed.
"The world keeps changing, and old fossils like me can't keep up. Maybe it's time for me to retire."
Sunny sat down across from him and chuckled.
"What are you talking about, Awakened Julius? You, of all people, must not retire."
Teacher Julius raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Why? Right... you probably don't know, but my course has never been very popular. I am usually lucky to get one or two students to attend... they are always the best students at the Academy, of course, but still! It's a bit..."
Sunny shook his head.
"It is because the world is changing that you must never retire. Think about it. Wilderness survival might not have been very in demand before — but it was only useful to a handful of Awakened before, as well."
He gestured to the quiet street outside.
"Now, there are many more Awakened out there. There are mundane people living in the Dream Realm, too. There are roads being built between new cities and trade routes being established. We are not just surviving in the wilderness anymore — we are trying to conquer it. So, experts like you will become more precious than gold very soon."
Teacher Julius stared at him with a strange expression for a while.
Then, his eyes glistened.
"You think so?"
Sunny nodded.
"Of course!"
The old man was suddenly full of energy and smiled.
"No... but you are right! The development of civilization is like a conquest of the wilds. Now that civilization is developing in the Dream Realm, youngsters like you will need someone with a bit of sense to guide them. I might not have a lot of sense, but I do know a thing or two about the Dream Realm. Let's see... I just need to change my approach a little..."
It was the same infectious enthusiasm Sunny was familiar with. Smiling, he quietly left Teacher Julius to contemplate and left to serve other customers.
At some point, Kim and Luster entered the dining hall.
They seemed a little disheartened to see the Brilliant Emporium closing its doors.
Luster shook Sunny's hand and gripped his shoulder with a strangely emotional look on his face.
"I think I know why you have no choice but to do it, Master Sunless. Those damned rumors...'I
The young man's eyes were almost glistening with tears.
"But, for whatever it is worth, I want you to know that, for me... and many others like me... you are a hero. A true hero! Princess Nephis, damn... I admire you so much, Master Sunless! Please, teach me your ways!"
Kim silently grabbed him by the collar, pulled him back, and gave Sunny an apologetic look.
"Please ignore my idiot husband, Master Sunless."
Lustern looked at her, hid a smile, and grumbled:
"No, I'm just saying. Can't I admire a virtuoso? It's purely academic interest..." Sunny coughed, then guided them to a table.
As they were sitting down, Luster looked around and asked in confusion:
"By the way, Kimmy... where's Quentin?"
She shrugged.
"He was walking Beth home. So, it will probably be just us two, today."
Feeling something stir a little in his heart, Sunny smiled with genuine mirth and walked away to help prepare their food.
He put extra effort to make sure that these two enjoyed an unforgettable meal. Later, Sunny heard soft whimpers coming from outside. Opening the door, he saw a peculiar scene.
Aiko, who had left some time ago to run an errand, was floating in the air with a panicked expression. Little Ling was hugging her leg tightly, hanging on it like a monkey.
Huge tears were falling from the little boy's eyes.
"No! Auntie Aiko can't leave! Ling Ling won't let her go!"
Giving up in despair, Aiko stopped trying to float away and awkwardly patted him on the head.
"It's... it's alright, puppy! I'm not leaving yet! But if you don't let go... I won't be able to walk! Ouch! M—my leg!"
Ling's dad finally managed to pull his son off her, hugged him tightly, and gave Sunny a helpless smile.
"Sorry about that..."
Nevertheless, Little Ling's tears were dried up soon. The boy was fully preoccupied with a bowl of ice cream... but he still insisted on holding Aiko's hand and refusing to let her out of his sight even for a minute.
His father sighed.
"Are you really leaving?"
Sunny glanced at him, then smiled.
"Yes. Well... for a while. Hopefully, we'll be back one day."
Little Ling's dad looked a little sad. The two of them were on friendly terms and spent quite a bit of time together due to the cooperation between the Beast Farm and the Brilliant Emporium. Sunny felt a bit touched to know that he would be missed.
"In the meantime, please take care of your family. Most people do not know, but you should be aware that we are in for some tough times.”
His former soldier nodded somberly.
"I know. I will... you take care too, Master Sunless."