The night was unusually cold, and a deep silence settled over Milo's house.
Milo sat on the sofa, staring at his phone placed on the table before him the phone that his sister had tampered with earlier.
His fingers hesitated before touching it, as if it held something he wasn't ready to face.
Milo finally put his phone aside and leaned back on his bed.
The quiet of the night wrapped around him like a soft, heavy blanket.
His eyes slowly closed, his mind still buzzing faintly with thoughts of Toxifar and the Troublemakers, yet he allowed himself to sink into the calm.
As Milo tried to fall asleep, he felt an unsettling weight in the air.
From his window, he saw green eyes gleaming in the darkness, accompanied by a terrifying, sinister smile that flickered between the shadows.
His heart skipped a beat, a strange shiver running through him as the light in the room seemed to falter.
Milo quickly looked toward the window but there was nothing there.
The darkness remained calm and still, as if the eyes had never existed, leaving behind a chilling, mysterious sensation that clung to his chest.
Milo took a deep breath, trying to calm the sudden spike of fear in his chest. He shook his head slightly, convincing himself it was just a trick of the light or his imagination playing games.
Slowly, he lay back on his bed, pulling the covers around him. The strange encounter with the green eyes lingered in his mind, making his thoughts restless. Yet, exhaustion tugged at him, heavier than his unease.
The next morning, Milo woke up early, shaking off the remnants of sleep, and headed down to the lower floor. Upon arriving, he found his sister, Milena, sitting on the couch, looking at him with a calm yet curious gaze.
Milo went to the bathroom, washed his face carefully, brushed his teeth, and then returned to the kitchen to have his breakfast. After finishing his meal, Milena called out in her warm voice,
"Milo, can we talk for a moment?"
Milo looked up at her, ready to listen to what she wanted to say, while a faint sense of unease stirred in his chest.
"Yes, sister?" Milo replied, his voice calm but attentive.
Milena let out a soft sigh, her green eyes searching his face. "Milo… where were you last night?" she asked gently, though there was a hint of worry in her tone.
Milo stayed silent for a moment, his gaze drifting toward the window. The quiet between them stretched for a few seconds before he finally spoke.
"I was just… walking around," he said softly.
Milena's expression remained calm, her voice steady but serious.
"Milo… I went through your phone," she said quietly.
Milo froze, his eyes locked on hers, unable to find the right words.
"I saw some strange pictures,"
Milena leaned forward slightly, her tone lower now, almost a whisper.
"That place… is it where that gang the TroubleMakers meet?"
Milo took a slow breath, deciding there was no point in hiding it anymore.
"Yes," he said honestly, his voice calm but firm. "That's the place where they meet… how did you know?"
Milena sighed softly, her voice tinged with disappointment and worry.
"That much was obvious, Milo," she said, her gaze steady on him. "But how did you even get there? And why are you with them?"
She paused for a moment, her expression softening.
"You told me you were done with trouble… that you'd stay away from all of this."
Milo met her eyes, his tone calm but sincere.
"I was just an ally with one of them," he said. "But it's over now. I'm done with them."
He leaned back slightly, exhaling as if releasing a weight.
"I didn't do anything with them, Milena. I only visited their place nothing more."
Milena's tone softened, a hint of relief in her voice, though worry still lingered in her eyes.
"Milo… will you be alright? They're not planning to hurt you, are they?"
Milo gave a small reassuring smile and shook his head.
"No, don't worry," he said gently. "I'm away from them now."
Milo left the house after his conversation with his sister.
The streets of Novara were quiet and mysterious, bathed in the fading light of the setting sun. Shadows stretched across the cobblestones and walls, while dim lanterns cast a warm glow in the narrow alleys. The air carried a mixture of freshly baked bread, distant smoke, and the faint scent of the river. The soft rustle of leaves whispered through the calm city, hinting at secrets hidden in the night.
Inside the house, Milena sat quietly, holding her phone, and spoke softly but firmly:
"This is just to make sure he won't get hurt."
Milo walked slowly through the quiet streets.
"Ugh… boredom is unbearable these days," he muttered to himself.
"But anyway… only 22 days left until the test to become an adventurer and leave Novara."
"Ah… why not visit Sally lyn?" Milo thought aloud, a faint smile crossing his face.
He decided to head to Sally's house to see her.
As he walked through the narrow streets, the quiet rhythm of his footsteps echoed softly yet behind him, another pair of footsteps followed.
A mysterious figure trailed in the distance, their face hidden beneath a hood… but a single red strand of hair glimmered faintly in the twilight.
Sally was in her room, holding her phone and taking a few pictures of herself when her mother called from downstairs,
"Sally! There's someone here to see you!"
Curious, she put her phone aside and walked toward the door.
As she stepped outside, her eyes widened slightly standing there was Milo.
"Yo, Sally! How are you?" Milo asked with a light smile, waving his hand.
Sally smiled back, her face showing a mix of surprise and delight.
"Milo! So it was you waiting for me!" she said.
"How's your hand? Any injuries?" Milo asked, concern in his voice.
Sally replied kindly, smiling softly, "I'm fine. I've almost fully healed. The treatment here in Novara is always the best!"
Milo chuckled softly. "You're right."
Sally remembered. "Ah, I was about to go out to buy some clothes. Will you come with me, Milo?"
"Alright, I'll go with you," Milo replied.
The streets of Novara were alive with the soft glow of the late afternoon sun, casting long, warm shadows over the cobblestone alleys. A gentle breeze carried the mingled scents of baked bread, distant incense, and faint river mist, brushing against Milo and Sally as they walked. The chatter of a few passersby, the distant clatter of carts, and the soft rustle of leaves created a calm, almost magical rhythm in the city. Lanterns along the streets flickered faintly, hinting at the coming evening, while the sky above shifted into a soft palette of oranges and purples, wrapping Novara in a serene yet mysterious atmosphere.
When Milo and Sally arrived at the small market, the atmosphere was lively despite the approaching sunset. The little shops were adorned with bright clothes, and the scents of spices and fresh baked goods mingled with the cool breeze flowing through the alleys. Laughter of people and the voices of vendors calling out their goods created a bustling, curious energy.
Sally was busy examining the clothes, feeling the fabrics and laughing lightly at some of the unusual colors, while Milo watched her with a quiet smile, enjoying the innocence of the moment. Yet, he couldn't shake off a strange feeling gnawing at him, as if unseen eyes were following their every step a hidden presence in the shadows, quietly planting unease in his chest despite the cheerful scene around them.
The mood around them was dual: vibrant and comforting on one hand, but tinged with mystery and unease on the other, keeping Milo torn between enjoying the moment and staying alert to whatever might be lurking in the shadows.
After finishing their shopping, Milo and Sally parted ways, each heading down their own path. The streets of Novara stretched quietly before them, bathed in the soft glow of the evening lanterns. Milo walked with a thoughtful, slightly tense pace, still feeling that lingering sense of being watched, while Sally disappeared into the lively crowd, her steps light and carefree. The city's evening hum carried on around them, ordinary and calm, yet Milo couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that something or someone was keeping an eye on him.
Milo ran straight toward the poor district, his footsteps echoing against the worn stone streets. His breath came fast, the cold air biting at his lungs as he pulled out his phone while running. His fingers moved quickly across the screen as he typed a message to Toxivar:
"Why are you following me? Do you think I wouldn't notice?"
Milo reached the poor district, running past narrow alleys and worn cobblestones until he arrived at the orphanage. Its quiet façade stood under the dim evening light
Lucas called out to Milo,
"Milo, what are you doing here?"
Milo glanced at him, then sprinted toward him.
"Where… where is Toxifar?"
Lucas looked at Milo, noticing how exhausted he was from running.
"Take… take a breath first."
Milo, panting from the run, replied,
"Just tell me, I need to know."
Lucas answered honestly,
"I don't know."
Milo left him and immediately set off, determined to head to the Troublemakers' headquarters.
As he ran, a message arrived. He stopped and pulled out his phone, seeing a reply from Toxifar:
"What do you mean that I'm following you?"
Milo stood in place, panting from the run, and muttered to himself,
"What? If it wasn't really him following me, then who was it?"
Milo froze for a moment, the soft sound of footsteps echoing behind him. As he turned, his sharp eyes caught sight of a figure approaching steadily Raiza. Her katana was at her side, her posture calm yet alert, and the faint glint of her dark eyes reflected both focus and intent. The air around her seemed to carry a subtle tension, signaling that this encounter was far from casual.
Milo looked at her in surprise, his eyes widening slightly.
Raiza held the sheath of her katana and let out a light sigh:
"Alas… some people saw me carrying the katana and suspected I might get into trouble because of your caution, Milo. Honestly… I didn't expect you to realize that I was following you."
Milo's surprise deepened, his brow furrowing.
"H-How do you know my name? And… who the hell are you?" he demanded, his voice tense.
Raiza continued speaking, completely ignoring his questions.
"But tell me, why did you come here? Did you lure me in after realizing I was following you? Or did you think someone else was on your tail and came here to find them?"
She tilted her head slightly, a faint, unsettling smile crossing her face.
"Either way… it's convenient. No one will know or hear what happens between us now."
Milo stared at her sharply, his expression filled with suspicion and astonishment.
"You… were you the one following me?"
Raiza looked at him without replying. She drew her sword from its sheath and tossed the scabbard aside. Holding her sword in a combat stance facing Milo, she said,
"I'm Raiza, a member of the Talented. I'm one of Lord Tavian's guards, and he ordered me to bring you with me."
Milo looked at her, taking a deep breath to calm himself.
"As Toxifar said… you're going to target me after everything."
He shifted slightly, muscles tensed, ready for anything. His light brown hair fell loosely over his forehead, eyes sharp and calculating. The faint scar along his jaw caught the dim light, and his stance was balanced, every movement controlled and prepared for sudden action.
Raiza stood like a true warrior, feet firmly planted, shoulders squared. Her long black hair, streaked with red, swayed slightly as she adjusted her grip on the sword. Her dark eyes glinted with hostility and unwavering focus, lips pressed in a thin line of determination, radiating both danger and precision.
Milo stood naturally, trying to keep his calm.
"Listen… let's avoid fighting. I have no intention of hurting you, especially since I bear no grudge against you…"
But before he could finish, Raiza lunged instantly, her katana aimed at him with incredible speed.
Milo barely dodged the strike, almost getting hit. He stumbled to the ground for a moment but quickly regained his footing, his eyes sharp and alert.
Raiza immediately advanced toward Milo, raising her katana high above her head before bringing it down sharply in his direction.
Milo swiftly dodged the strike, stepping back to put more distance between them, his body tense and ready for the next move.
Milo spreads his energy, ready for Raiza.
Raiza looks at him and laughs with disgust.
"Ah, not bad."
Raiza spreads her energy and charges her katana with it.
Milo emits a transparent energy, while she radiates a crimson aura.
Milo notices the intense energy emanating from her sword.
Raiza plants her feet firmly on the ground and unleashes a slash aimed at Milo.
Milo stood ready for the fast strike coming toward him.
He gathered his energy around his hands and blocked the slash with all his strength.
"Ahhhhh!"
Raiza looked at him with a mix of surprise and disdain.
"Oh, just with your hands? Not bad at all," she said, her tone dripping with mockery.
Milo redirected the slash, sending it in another direction,
noticing that his hands were scratched from the force of the impact.
Raiza lunged at Milo directly, while he was still panting.
She aimed her sword at him, trying to slice him in half.
Quickly, Milo blocked her sword with his hand.
Their weapons collided with a loud clash.
Raiza tried to cut through his arm,
but Milo's energy shield protected his entire body.
Milo raised his other hand and threw a punch at her.
Raiza quickly stepped back, narrowly avoiding his strike.
Milo asked Raiza calmly,
"Is that sword of yours a Legendary Weapon?"
She replied also calm
"No, it's not. It's just an ordinary sword."
Milo stood upright.
"I'm serious I don't want to fight you."
"And I don't understand your people's reason for bringing me here," Milo said firmly. "I attacked one of you because he hurt my friend."
Raiza's expression shifted in surprise.
"You mean… you killed him?" she asked.
Milo's eyes widened in shock.
"Kill him? What do you mean?"
Raiza let out a sharp breath, her gaze turning cold and filled with hatred.
"You… or maybe it wasn't you who killed him," she said bitterly.
Milo's confusion deepened.
"What do you mean I killed him?"
Raiza lowered her sword slightly, her tone heavy.
"Braund is dead," she said. "He and his squad were killed last night. We'd been monitoring their movements from a distance when we found out… they were gone. We don't know who did it that's why I'm here. To bring you in… and find out if it was you."
Milo froze completely, his breath catching for a moment.
"T–Toxifar…" he muttered under his breath, disbelief flashing in his eyes.
Milo suddenly moved, turning away from Raiza and heading toward the Troublemakers' base.
But the moment he took a few steps forward, he felt something approaching fast from behind.
Raiza had raised her sword high, her voice sharp and cold.
"I don't know why you're running off so suddenly," she said, her tone dripping with scorn.
"But turning your back on someone like me… is nothing short of suicide."
Two energy bullets shot through the air, striking Raiza's blade and deflecting her attack.
She staggered back, eyes narrowing in anger as she turned toward the source.
"Who the hell are you?" she demanded.
Milo dropped to the ground, catching himself with one hand before falling to his knees.
"L–Lucas…" he breathed out.
Lucas stood firm, his twin pistols glowing with transparent energy as he aimed them straight at Raiza. His expression was tense but composed.
"I don't know what the hell's going on here," he said coldly,
"but attacking my allies means you're picking a fight with me."
Lucas shouted to Milo,
"Milo get out of here. Don't look back. I'll handle this girl."
Milo stood, wiping sweat from his brow, voice steady despite the adrenaline,
"No, Lucas. This is my fight. I'll take the consequences."
Lucas straightened his back, his expression calm yet burdened with something heavier beneath the surface.
His dark brown hair was slightly messy, falling over his forehead, and a faint scar ran across his left cheek a silent trace of past battles. The twin energy pistols at his sides flickered dimly, like embers waiting to ignite again.
He looked at Milo with a mix of frustration and restraint.
"This isn't your fight, Milo," he said firmly, his tone steady but edged with warning.
"Toxivar dragged you into this mess. You made a mistake by listening to him, by giving him your time."
Lucas's jaw tightened as he holstered one pistol.
"Believe me, Milo… Toxivar won't bring you anything but trouble."
Milo stood for a moment, his eyes fixed on Lucas, confusion washing over him, yet he finally decided to listen.
"Alright… Lucas…" he said in a low voice, trying to gather his thoughts.
But before he could continue, Raiza lunged at him like a storm, her sword slicing through the air in a rapid series of attacks.
Milo stepped back, retreating step by step, trying to evade the relentless strikes, sweat dripping down his forehead, his energy pulsing around him to form a transparent shield that deflected some of the blows.
On the other side, Lucas raised his twin pistols, aiming them at Raiza, his eyes sharp and alert.
His voice cut through the air, firm and commanding:
"Leave him alone, you little brat!"
As Lucas tried to fire at Raiza, he suddenly heard the rapid sound of footsteps heading straight toward him.
A tall figure appeared before him, his skin dark, hair twisted into free-flowing dreadlocks cascading over his shoulders. His eyes were sharp, filled with focused calm yet carrying a silent threat. His body was toned and muscular, clad in flexible clothing that allowed unrestricted movement.
Before Lucas could react, the man lunged forward, raising his leg in a swift capoeira strike aimed directly at Lucas's face. The force and speed caught Lucas completely off guard, sending him crashing into the wall behind him with a heavy thud, and he slumped to the ground, momentarily
Milo's eyes widened in shock.
"Lucas!"
Raiza lifted her leg and struck Milo hard in the stomach, the force making him wince in pain.
"Don't lower your guard in front of me, you fool!" she spat.
Milo staggered backward, crashing into the wall behind him, the impact sending a jolt of pain through his body.
Raiza looked toward the newcomer.
"Lazaro, I didn't ask you to intervene in this."
Lazaro dropped into a squat, turning his face to look at her.
"You owe me anyway, little swordswoman," he said with a sly smirk.
He looked toward Lucas.
"Well, what do we have here?
A young man with two lovely pistols."
"I'm Lazaro, one of the Talented, and I love to dance.
What about you, young man?"
Lucas pressed his bleeding nose with a hand as he lay on the ground.
"Oh I get it now. You're one of the Talented," he spat, rising slowly to his feet.
"I'll crush you, you damned dancer!"
On the other side, Milo pushed himself up.
"If more of you show up, this will only get worse so I have to finish this quickly," he muttered, steadying his stance.
Raiza curled a provocative smile.
"No matter how hard you fight, the outcome will be the same."
She pointed her sword toward Milo.
"Just surrender."
The atmosphere in the alley had grown tense, thick with energy and threat. The setting sun painted the sky in dark orange hues, while the long shadows of the cracked buildings crawled over the dust-covered ground. The air felt heavy with aggression, every heartbeat amplified by the smallest movement, each person feeling the weight of tension pressing down on their shoulders. The scattered sounds of the fight clashing metal, gusts of wind, murmurs of anger blended into a chaotic symphony of danger.
Amid this mix of fury and anticipation, every fighter stood firm, eyes locked, waiting for the next moment that could shift the balance.