Season One
Chapter One: The Farewell
At just six years old, Jovina lived happily with her loving parents, who cherished her more than anything else in the world.
They resided in a small village called "Ruby Village," a place untouched by the phenomenon known as [The Change of Nature]. Life there was still peaceful and bright.
But sadly, fate had no intention of letting Jovina's happiness last.
One day, while the family was gathered at home enjoying a cozy afternoon, a knock came at the door.
Jovina's father went to answer it and found one of his friends from the Search Team standing there.
Both Jovina's parents were members of a group that had not given up on finding the cause behind the strange phenomenon.
Alex welcomed his friend warmly.
"Welcome, Marco. Come inside."
Marco smiled politely but declined.
"Thank you, but I'm just here to deliver a message from the headquarters."
Alex's expression turned serious.
"From the headquarters? Is it a new mission to investigate the phenomenon?"
Marco nodded.
"Yes, that's right. There's a suspicious location that needs to be investigated, but..."
He spoke with a strange, discouraged tone.
Alex immediately noticed.
"Is it dangerous? You sound worried."
Marco sighed heavily.
"You're right. It's an abandoned place, and no one really knows what's inside. Rumor has it that no one who's gone there ever came back. That's why only a few volunteers have stepped up. Honestly, we would understand if you and Lady Loria chose not to join."
Loria, who had come to check who was at the door, overheard their conversation.
She stepped forward, her gaze calm yet determined.
Looking first at Alex, then turning to Marco, she said:
"We cannot turn back now. We've dedicated our lives to uncovering the truth behind this phenomenon.
The government might have declared it something normal to live with, but I can see the world deteriorating day by day.
So yes, I'm ready to go."
Marco stared at her in shock.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded firmly.
"Yes."
Alex stepped beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. He smiled gently.
"I'll go too. I won't let my wife face this alone. Her dream is my dream."
Marco smiled, admiration in his eyes.
"You two are as brave as ever... Then, we'll be waiting. Please come to the headquarters in two days."
They both nodded.
"We'll be there."
After a brief farewell, Marco left, and Alex and Loria remained standing silently at the doorway, watching him disappear into the distance—until Jovina came running out.
"Mama, Papa, who was that?"
Alex smiled warmly, lifting her onto his shoulders.
"Just a friend of Papa's. Come on, let's go inside. Aren't you hungry?"
Jovina answered excitedly,
"Yes, very much!
That night, once Jovina had fallen asleep peacefully, her parents stood by her bedside, gazing at her lovingly.
Loria brushed her daughter's hair softly, her voice filled with tenderness.
"The hardest thing... is parting with our precious little girl. It's going to be hard on all of us."
Alex gently wrapped his arms around Loria.
"Don't worry, my love. Jovina will understand when she grows up.
I'm sure she'll carry on our dream. After all, she's our daughter."
Loria smiled and whispered,
"You're right."
Time flew by, and the day of departure arrived.
With no relatives nearby, Alex arranged for Jovina to stay with a trusted friend.
Before leaving, they knelt to say goodbye.
Loria knelt down, stroking Jovina's head tenderly.
"My dear Jovina, we're so sorry to leave you, but your parents must go."
Alex spoke next, a kind smile on his face.
"We'll miss you so much, our precious girl."
Sadness crept into Jovina's little heart.
Though it hurt deeply, she tried her best to be brave.
Forcing a smile despite the tears welling up in her eyes, she said:
"Papa... Mama... Please come back soon. I promise I'll be a good girl until you return."
Her words filled Alex and Loria with warmth and reassurance.
They smiled, saying:
"That's our brave daughter.
You've grown up so much, sweetheart. We promise—we'll try our best to come back soon."
They gave her a photo of the three of them together, telling her to look at it whenever she missed them.
Then, they hugged her tightly one last time before setting off.
And so, Jovina's parents departed toward an unknown fate, while she remained behind, waving at them with a heavy heart.
As they grew smaller in the distance, she watched silently, unaware that it would be a very long time before she would see them again...
and unaware, too, that her dark and difficult journey was about to begin.