A cold breeze slipped through the narrow alleys of Novara, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and the echo of days long gone. The dim glow of the street lamps painted faded hues on the cracked walls, while shadows swayed between the buildings as if guarding a buried secret.
Milo stood still, his eyes fixed on the man before him… the stranger with striking green hair, unlike anything he had ever seen in the city. In his hand, a scythe glowed with an eerie green light, casting strange reflections across the alleyway.
The silence between them was drawn tight, like a bowstring about to snap. Even the city, with all its usual noise, seemed to be holding its breath, watching a meeting that could change its fate.
Milo stood his ground, eyes locked on the scythe aimed at him, bracing himself for the inevitable strike. But at the very last moment, as if the wind had intervened, the weapon vanished from the man's grasp, dissolving into the air.
The stranger stepped forward, placing his right hand on Milo's left shoulder and pulling him close until their faces were only inches apart. A sly smile curved his lips, and a faint, unsettling laugh escaped him.
"Did you really think I was going to attack you?" he whispered mockingly.
Milo lifted his hand, trying to push him away, but the man evaded the motion with ease—his movements so fluid and weightless, it was as if his body didn't even touch the ground.
He stepped back smoothly, his slender frame swaying with grace, green eyes gleaming with an unspoken challenge.
His face was sharply defined, cheekbones high, thin lips curled into that same mysterious smile. His long green hair flowed past his shoulders, with two strands framing his face, swaying with the faintest breeze.
"Wait… wait…" he said, his voice calm but firm.
Milo frowned in irritation.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
The man smiled faintly and replied,
"You'll know soon enough… because you're going to join us anyway."
He passed by Milo like a shadow, walking away with measured, confident steps until the darkness swallowed him whole.
Milo remained rooted to the spot, eyes fixed on the place where the man had stood, his mind tangled in questions without answers.
It was already too late to follow him. Turning away, Milo began the walk home, each step heavy with thoughts of what had just happened.
The heart of the city greeted him with the chatter of markets, the laughter of strangers, and the rhythm of everyday life. Yet despite everything, he felt as though he had returned to where he truly belonged even if only for now.
He stopped before the door of his home, took a deep breath, and pushed it open.
His reflection caught in the hallway mirror dark brown hair, slightly wavy, falling just past his shoulders. Deep brown eyes with a steady, watchful gaze, the look of someone always planning his next move.
"I'm back…" he murmured.
Before the words fully left his lips, a flying slipper shot toward his face. He tilted his head just in time to dodge it.
From the far end of the hallway came the sharp, angry voice of his sister, Melina:
"You idiot! Where have you been all this time? Do you have any idea how worried I was?"
"Sorry for being late… I got held up," Milo answered, still distracted by his thoughts.
Sensing his mood, Melina's voice softened.
"Alright… anyway, your dinner's ready."
She turned to bring it to him, but when she looked back, he had already gone upstairs.
Milo lay back on his bed, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling.
"You'll join us anyway…"
The words echoed in his mind, stirring unease deep in his chest.
Morning came once more, its soft light spilling over Novara. Across the city, recent academy graduates were preparing for the month ahead the final stretch before the decisive test that would determine their paths: becoming hunters, joining agencies, or enlisting in the city guard.
Meanwhile, the Hunters' Agency had opened free private training rooms for beginners. The place was now overflowing with people, all eager to prepare themselves for the world of hunters.
Milo woke up with the first light of morning, his brown eyes opening slowly as strands of dark brown hair fell over his shoulders.
He got up and quickly made his bed before heading to the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face and brushing his teeth in silence.
Back in the kitchen, he prepared a warm loaf of bread and a boiled egg, then poured himself a cup of hot tea.
Sitting at the table, he gazed out the window at Novara bathed in the soft light of morning.
Melina woke up shortly after, stretching and rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
She moved about her morning routine with practiced ease brushing her hair, washing her face, and changing into her clothes.
Once ready, she joined Milo at the table, sitting across from him quietly.
Her gaze met his for a moment, a silent understanding passing between them before they both turned their attention to the breakfast before them.
Melina glanced at the clock and said firmly,
"I have work today; I can't be late."
Milo shifted the topic away from her being late and said,
"The agencies have actually opened training rooms now private ones for beginners."
Milo said confidently,
"Hyrax will probably come and tell us to go train."
Melina laughed and replied,
"Yeah, that's so like him."
Milo stood up and said,
"Anyway, I'll go get ready."
He smiled and added,
"Enjoy your break fast sis."
After a short while, Milo came down the stairs wearing his necklace and left the house.
His sister noticed he was wearing it and frowned, upset that he hadn't told her he had found it.
As Milo was leaving the house, he spotted Hyrax standing at the corner, waving at him with a friendly smile.
Reminder: Hirax, Milo's best friend with a strong, bulky build, has thick black hair that falls just above his neck. He recently graduated from the academy and is known for his loyalty and protectiveness toward Milo.
Hyrax walked straight toward Milo, a big grin on his face.
"Miiilo! Meeeeelo!" he called out, his voice booming across the street.
Hyrax ran straight toward Milo, his bulky build drawing the eyes of everyone nearby. His face was lit with unmistakable excitement, the kind that only came from seeing someone he had missed.
Milo froze in place, caught off guard by the sudden display. His brows furrowed slightly, a look of pure bewilderment settling on his face as Hyrax closed the distance between them.
Hyrax pulled Milo into a crushing hug, his massive arms squeezing him tight until Milo felt like he was being flattened.
Laughing loudly, Hyrax shouted with excitement,
"I missed you, broooo!"
Milo pushed at Hyrax's face to no avail, his cheeks tinged with embarrassment as passersby stared at them.
"Hyrax, stop it! You're embarrassing us," he muttered.
Then, with a faint smirk, he added, "Anyway… I just saw you yesterday at the graduation, so don't overdo it."
Hyrax stepped back from Milo, standing confidently before him. His bulky, solid build reflected years of training and strength gained at the academy. His thick black hair, falling just above his neck, was still slightly tousled, showing his practical, no-nonsense nature.
A broad smile spread across his face, his dark eyes shining with genuine warmth and friendship as he looked directly at Milo, a close friend he knew inside and out.
He spoke quietly but clearly,
"You're heading to the agency, right?"
Milo slowly lifted his head to meet Hyrax's gaze. His deep brown eyes were sharp and focused, carrying a mix of determination and quiet calm. His dark brown wavy hair, falling just past his shoulders, moved slightly with the motion, reflecting a composed and observant personality.
His face showed quiet strength, with defined features that revealed his experience and training, though his expression also held a hint of caution and deep thought.
He spoke in a calm, confident voice,
"That's right. I'm heading there."
They looked at each other for a moment, then shook hands firmly, a genuine bond of friendship between them.
Hyrax said enthusiastically,
"Let's go then!"
People around them watched some envied their close connection, others stared in surprise, and some simply observed quietly.
As they walked, Milo and Hyrax continued talking about their goals.
Hyrax spoke with growing enthusiasm, his eyes shining with determination.
"One day, just remember this," he said confidently,
"Everyone will call me the Hero of Novara.
I will become the Hero of Novara."
Hyrax looked at Milo.
"What about you?
Milo looked back at Hyrax.
"I want to... I want to explore the world.
I want to face all kinds of monsters and defeat them that's why I want to join the guilds I want to know what this world is hiding."
"For me,
that would be really exciting."
He reached up and grasped the pendant around his neck, lifting it slightly as he spoke.
"I'll reach the top that way."
The guild agency was located near the wealthy district, but not directly inside it rather on its outskirts where the commercial neighborhood began.
Milo and Hyrax arrived at the agency and noticed a moderate crowd gathered near the entrance. The area was bustling with new graduates and trainees chatting and preparing to enter the agency's offices.
Milo and Hyrax entered the agency, greeted by a polite hostess with a warm smile.
Milo couldn't help but notice the agency's vast size and multiple floors, the towering walls reflecting its importance and the scale of its operations.
The hostess explained that the upper floor was the office of the agency's chief, where important decisions were made and the affairs of hunters were managed.
The lower floor was reserved for special training rooms rooms that were no ordinary spaces but magical in nature.
She told them these rooms were accessed through magical keys that opened gateways to other dimensions, where training areas formed from pure energy existed.
This magical system allowed the agency to provide an unlimited number of rooms, not limited by the physical space of the building.
Milo and Hyrax exchanged looks of admiration, ready to begin their training and face the challenges ahead.
Milo grasped the key tightly in his hand. As he turned it, a shimmering door materialized before them, glowing faintly with magical energy.
He pushed the door open, and both he and Hyrax stepped through, instantly transported into the training room.
The space around them was vast and unlike anything they had ever seen walls that seemed to ripple with light, the ground beneath their feet steady yet glowing softly.
They had entered a realm created from pure energy, a place designed to challenge and sharpen their skills.
Suddenly, a translucent screen appeared before them, glowing with a soft blue light. On it, the digital face of a girl shimmered, calm and confident in expression.
Her voice was clear and calm, with a slight electronic echo emanating from the surrounding speakers:
"Welcome, I am Nova, the assistant system of the Guild Agency.
I will guide you through your training and provide necessary information."
Nova raised her digital hand, pointing to a list of commands appearing on the side of the screen, with instructions explaining how to use the magical training room.
Milo smiled, surprised by what he saw before him.
"Heh, this is weird."
Hyrax, on the other hand, was shocked, his eyes filled with astonishment and a hint of nervousness, as if he hadn't expected this kind of technology in the agency.
Nova's voice resonated clearly from the screen:
"There are many options available for your training.
You can choose to fight monsters and even customize their difficulty level.
You can also set up specific exercises and tailor them to your needs.
Since there are two of you, you can spar against each other in a regulated and safe manner."
Milo looked at Hyrax, and they both understood each other without a word.
They spoke at the same time,
"Let's fight!"
Nova shouted sharply, a frown appearing on her digital forehead,
"You idiots, out of all the advanced and unique options, you choose only to fight each other?!"
Milo smiled, looking at her confidently,
"Yes."
Nova shouted again,
"At least listen to me till the end!"
But Milo pressed the 1v1 fight option, silently ignoring her suggestion.
Nova accepted the decision.
"Very well, my duty is to serve you anyway."
Suddenly, the room changed shape, and the faces of Milo and Hyrax appeared on a screen with "VS" written between them.
Hyrax laughed, surprised by what he saw.
"Oh wow, what is this? Our faces are there!"
Milo looked around, amazed at how the room had transformed, turning slowly as he took it all in.
"This is beautiful."
Nova cleared her throat.
"Ah, ahem, alright, young men, get ready."
Milo looked sharply at Hyrax and took a fighting stance.
Hyrax lowered his hands to his thighs as if about to sit, smiling at Milo.
"go!"
Nova smiled as she released a few gusts of wind around them, adding a dramatic flair to the moment.
Milo's hair fluttered with the breeze as he stood ready, focused and steady.
Hyrax, equally prepared, tightened his stance, eyes locked on Milo, anticipating what was about to unfold.
Suddenly, Milo began charging his energy, surrounding himself with a glowing aura of power.
He dashed swiftly toward Hyrax, determined to land the first strike.
Hyrax, in response, unleashed his own energy, his body becoming a solid mass of strength and focus.
Milo struck at his stomach, but Hyrax didn't move an inch, standing firm like a mountain against the storm.
Hyrax grabbed Milo's hand and pushed it deeper against his stomach.
"Come on, come on, show me what you've got."
With Milo's hand still trapped in Hyrax's grip, Milo twisted his head upside down and aimed a swift kick toward Hyrax's neck.
But Hyrax stopped the kick with his hand, a faint smoke rising from the impact of his block.
Milo planted his hand firmly on the ground while upside down, maintaining his balance.
Hyrax spoke seriously,
"Going easy on you will get me killed someday."
Hyrax released Milo's hand trapped on his stomach and directed both hands toward Milo's torso while he was still upside down.
Milo received the attack and sent out a gust of wind energy.
But using his hand planted firmly on the ground, Milo grabbed Hyrax's foot and slid along the floor, evading Hyrax's attack with a swift dodge.
Milo swiftly slid his hands across the ground while upside down, propelling himself upward and delivering a kick to Hyrax's face.
Nova's voice rang out loudly,
"Awesome!"
Hyrax grabbed Milo's foot, causing Milo to recoil in shock.
"Damn!" Milo muttered.
Hyrax threw Milo aside, charging his energy as he dashed toward him at high speed while Milo was still staggering in the air.
Hyrax launched a punch with his hand, but Milo seized the opportunity, pushing himself with his energy to dodge the blow.
He then struck back with an elbow aimed at Hyrax's face.
"you're Slow bro!"
Milo stood firm as Hyrax stepped back slightly, holding his face.
"Damn, you got me!" Hyrax admitted.
Nova praised them both enthusiastically,
"You're amazing! Yay yay yay!"
On the screen, she appeared wearing cheerleader-like clothes, waving and cheering for them.
Milo charged toward Hyrax.
"Stop holding back!" he shouted, aiming for Hyrax's body while Hyrax held his face.
Suddenly, Hyrax grabbed Milo's hand.
"Hehehe, I got you, you loser."
Hyrax struck Milo's stomach with a powerful blow, causing Milo to leap slightly into the air.
Milo looked directly at him, ready to retaliate, while still holding Hyrax's hand.
But Hyrax punched Milo in the face, pushing him away.
Hyrax laughed,
"This is really fun!"
Milo smiled back,
"Yeah!"
He charged at him quickly.
Hyrax prepared to defend himself.
Milo threw a series of quick punches at Hyrax's chest.
Hyrax stood firm and endured the blows.
He grabbed Milo's shoulders.
Milo jumped up and headbutted him.
Hyrax's head jerked back slightly from the impact, and as he pulled back, he noticed Milo's right knee dangerously close to his face while Milo was at his side.
The knee strike connected solidly.
Hyrax fell onto his back.
Milo stood just behind his head, ready for the next move.
Milo stood beside him and extended his hand.
"Get up."
Hyrax smiled.
"Thanks."
As they both stood up, they readied themselves again.
Milo charged his energy, and Hyrax did the same.
They rushed toward each other, their fists meeting in a punch at the same moment.
Both shouted,
"Haaaaaaa!"
While Milo and Hyrax fiercely competed inside the training room, in a quiet corner far away, Lilithia rested calmly, sipping her water slowly, dressed in sportswear, preparing for her next round.
reminder: Lilithia, Milo and Solir's quiet and independent friend, who always prefers to stay in the background and loves music and strange things.
"It's time for me to go."
In the heart of Novara, while the others trained hard at the agency, Ryo strolled through the bustling streets, flashing a charming smile.
He playfully flirted with the girls passing by, his confident swagger catching their attention effortlessly.
The sounds of training battles echoed in the distance, but Ryo seemed more interested in enjoying the lively city atmosphere than breaking a sweat.
Milo and Hyrax's training ended.
Both lay exhausted on the ground.
Nova repeated excitedly,
"Yyyou tied! Great job!"
Hyrax panted,
"That was really awesome, bro."
Milo replied calmly, also panting,
"You're right."
Hyrax said,
"But you didn't use your special ability."
Milo replied, still panting,
"That ability is meant to protect those I care about, not for just trying it out.
Also, I still don't have full control over it."
During these moments, a man working at the agency appeared, watching the training rooms through the cameras.
He wore a cap, had thick brown hair, and a cigarette dangling from his mouth.
"Well, it seems we have a lot of interesting beginners this year…" he muttered, exhaling a cloud of smoke.