It was graduation day across all academies in Novara, including Orion Academy.
The courtyard was filled with students wearing ceremonial robes as banners fluttered in the warm summer breeze. Above them, the sky stretched clear and bright while sunlight reflected off the polished stone floor.
Rows of students stood quietly, waiting for their names to be called.
Among them stood Milo, adjusting the collar of his robe calmly. His brown eyes moved across the crowd, distant and unreadable.
Beside him stood Hirax, relaxed with his arms crossed and a small knowing smile on his face.
Milo muttered,
"When is this going to end, seriously?"
Hirax raised an eyebrow and glanced at him.
"What's with you? You're acting weird today."
Milo sighed.
"We've been standing here for hours. Why don't they just mail us the certificates or something? I really hate gatherings like this."
Hirax chuckled and gave Milo a playful slap on the shoulder.
"Come on, man. Just a little longer."
Milo's bored expression didn't change.
Then Hirax asked,
"Where's that necklace of yours? Didn't you bring it?"
Milo replied flatly,
"I forgot it."
Hirax stared at him for a moment.
"Yeah… you're definitely off today."
Milo muttered quietly to himself,
"My necklace… It was stolen from me… by a little girl."
His face showed a mix of disappointment and humiliation.
Soon the noise of the courtyard faded as everyone turned toward the stage.
The principal stepped forward and began speaking in a clear, steady voice.
"Now, after passing the first stage, you have three paths ahead of you. You can either join one of the guilds to engage directly in field missions, apply to one of the specialized agencies and work under their supervision, or continue your studies at the academy to earn qualifications for high-level jobs in the city."
"Guilds are teams led by a commander and a vice-captain. Their main role is to carry out missions beyond the city walls, fighting monsters and protecting our lands through teamwork and coordination."
"As for the agencies, there are three major ones within Novara."
"The first agency operates similarly to guilds but in a more advanced and organized way. They use cutting-edge technology, specialized training centers, and strategic research."
"The second agency works directly with the government. They handle criminal investigations, monitor guild activities, and maintain internal order."
"The third agency serves as Novara's silent guardian. They combine magic and technology to maintain the city's great shield and protect critical infrastructure."
"And finally, some graduates choose civil jobs within Novara administration, research, or support roles, helping the city function behind the scenes."
The director then concluded:
"Graduates, today marks not just an end, but a beginning. Ahead lie challenges that will test your strength and courage. Whatever path you choose remember that you carry the hopes of Novara with you. Stand strong, act with honor, and protect what you love. The future is yours to shape. May you remain safe under the protection of the Church."
Everyone applauded.
Except one person.
Lilithia.
She looked at the stage with anger in her eyes and muttered,
"Ugh… pathetic."
And just like that, the sun slowly set on their graduation day.
A chapter of their lives closed beneath golden skies.
The six friends gathered together once more.
Sally smiled brightly, her pink hair framing her face as she asked,
"Hey guys, hey guys!
Tell me, what's everyone planning to do after graduation?"
Hirax, Lilithia, and Solir answered at the same time
"Join the guilds."
Hirax spoke cheerfully, Lilithia calmly, and Solir with quiet composure.
They looked at each other.
Sally crossed her arms, clearly annoyed.
"Ugh... What's wrong with you guys?" she said.
"Who still wants to join the guilds these days? As for me, I'm joining one of the agencies."
Ryo stood nearby with messy black-and-blond hair and a playful expression.
Lilithia looked toward him and asked gently,
"Ryo, what about you?"
Ryo smiled confidently.
"I'm joining the agencies too."
Everyone then turned toward Milo.
Sally teased him,
"Look at this quiet one, always hiding his true intentions."
Milo looked more serious than usual before answering,
"I'm joining also to the guilds."
Hirax smiled and placed his hands on Milo's shoulders.
"Great, just as I expected from you."
Sally's disappointment deepened.
"Even you, Milo? Even you?"
Ryo smirked.
"Then I guess we'll both be alone."
Sally glared at him.
"Shut up."
Suddenly Solir turned away.
"I've got something to take care of."
Sally quickly grabbed his hand.
"Wait, wait! We should take one last photo to mark the end of this year."
Hirax laughed.
"You never change."
Ryo grinned.
"Sally, let me stand next to you this time."
Lilithia gently pulled Milo closer.
The photo was taken with everyone smiling warmly except Solir, who maintained his usual calm and distant expression.
Later, as the sun dipped toward the horizon, Milo walked quietly through the streets of Novara.
The evening air was calm as the city slowly settled into night.
Then suddenly
He saw her.
The girl who had stolen his necklace.
A small blonde girl in worn clothes.
When she noticed Milo approaching, she immediately ran.
She used her energy to sprint away.
Milo watched calmly.
"She's using her energy to run away. I'll let her tire herself out first, then I'll catch her."
They ran through several streets until Milo realized she was heading toward the poor district.
"So, she's from the poor district."
When he entered the area, he saw people sleeping on the streets and old houses falling apart.
The girl kept running until she finally slowed, clearly exhausted.
Milo walked toward her.
Suddenly he grabbed her wrist.
"Where is the necklace?"
The girl screamed and struggled.
"Let me go!"
At that moment
A bullet infused with energy shot past Milo's cheek.
He dodged instantly.
Someone's energy flared nearby.
Looking up, Milo saw a man in his twenties standing on a rooftop above him, holding two pistols forged from his own energy.
The man shouted angrily,
"You bastard, how dare you come here and try to hurt a little girl!"
Several boys appeared around Milo, some holding sticks and stones.
Milo released the girl.
"Wait, you've got it all wrong."
The man interrupted coldly.
"Enough."
He jumped down and aimed both pistols at Milo.
Then he called to the boys,
"Stand back. I'll handle him myself."
One of the boys grabbed the girl and quickly led her away.
The man pointed his guns at Milo.
"I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget, intruder."
Milo looked at him seriously.
It seemed talking wouldn't be enough.
Milo stood calmly despite the tension, his brown eyes sharp and focused.
Beneath his quiet expression, a warrior was ready for battle.