Milo and Lucas slipped out of the abandoned buildings, moving cautiously through the shadows. The narrow alleys twisted between crumbling houses where people still lived despite their poverty.
The streets were mostly empty, the evening casting long shadows, though distant footsteps, laughter, and whispers hinted at life nearby. Every step was careful Milo's heart thumped with each echo, while Lucas stayed sharp, anticipating any threat.
The city felt alive; every window, shifting shadow, and faint tavern glow seemed to watch them. The night wasn't just darkness it was tension, warning that one wrong move could change everything.
Lucas slowed as they passed the orphanage where he had once lived, noticing a familiar figure near the entrance.
"Lucas!" a voice called out, gentle yet carrying a hint of concern.
He looked up to see Sister Liza, the nun who had cared for the children for years. Her expression mixed relief and worry, her eyes scanning him for any sign of trouble.
Lucas approached slowly, each step cautious. She stood firm, concern in her eyes. Before she could speak, Milo's phone rang, breaking the alley's quiet. Milo, walking just behind, grabbed it quickly.
Milo glanced at Lucas and gave a faint smile. "Don't worry, she's my sister."
He stepped a few meters away and lifted his phone to speak with her.
His sister Milena's voice came through, full of worry and anger:
"Milo, for heaven's sake... where are you? It's late!"
Milo replied calmly, gently trying to soothe her tone:
"Milena... I'll be staying at a friend's tonight. I'll be back tomorrow, I promise."
Milena felt a bit reassured, yet a trace of doubt lingered in her voice:
"Did something happen? Are you hurt?"
Before she could continue with something important, Milo interrupted quickly:
"Nothing happened, I swear."
A flicker of guilt passed through Milo for lying, but he wanted to protect her.
He smiled softly, "Goodbye... I love you, sis."
He hung up and turned off his phone, keeping a calm exterior while his heart felt uneasy.
Milena sat in her room, the bedside lamp casting a warm glow. In simple, comfortable clothes, her long brown hair over her shoulders, she let out a sigh.
"aaaaagh... he didn't even let me finish my sentence."
She tried calling him again, but there was no answer he had turned off his phone. Resting her head on it, she smiled wryly.
"That idiot... no choice... I guess I'll have to call him again."
Thinking of Milo's last words, she blushed, a shy smile spreading as her heart raced at the warmth they had left her feeling.
Meanwhile, Lucas ended his call with Milo and they continued walking together through the nearly empty alleys.
Lucas spoke calmly, "No need to worry now... Sister Liza told me they called the city guards after hearing the commotion in the abandoned area."
Milo looked at him thoughtfully. "Commotion? You mean the fight?"
Lucas nodded. "Exactly, our fight... but it's strange, why didn't the city guards show up while we were fighting?"
Milo looked at Lucas thoughtfully. "I guess it's because of that woman who stopped our fight(Celestine) ... maybe she told them not to intervene."
Lucas nodded, pondering. "That's possible... but she(Celestine) didn't chase us when we ran."
Milo thought about it for a moment, then replied with concern:
"Damn... this is worrying. We really don't know what her goal is.
But her appearance... it seems somewhat familiar to me."
Lucas reached his small apartment and opened the door with a faint smile.
"You look exhausted, Milo... come, spend the night at my place. We'll get some rest."
Milo hesitated but felt relieved at the thought of a safe place for the night. He entered the simple, warm apartment and leaned against the wall for a moment.
Sitting on the bed, he ran his hands through his slightly long brown hair, weary from the day. His usually sharp brown eyes looked heavy-lidded. Lying back under the blanket, he tried to calm his mind, crowded with questions about the mysterious woman, her motives, and Toxivar. Thoughts raced, lips pressed slightly, while his breathing gradually slowed. Even in exhaustion, his mind searched for any clue, but the answers remained elusive.
Morning came quietly to Novara's poorer district. Golden sunlight filtered through old buildings, casting long shadows on cracked sidewalks. The air carried the scent of fresh bread and faint smoke from cooking fires. In Lucas's old apartment, soft morning light fell across the modest room. Distant city sounds footsteps, a vendor's call, the wind rustling crates blended with Milo's quiet worry about the upcoming test.
Milo woke up to Lucas's voice, who was already sitting on his bed, clothes neatly arranged.
"Wake up, Heya," Lucas said with a faint smile. "Wash your face, and let's head to the orphanage at Sister Lisa's to have breakfast there."
Milo woke slowly, messy brown hair over his forehead, and reluctantly got out of bed. Splashing cold water on his face, his brown eyes brightened, and he felt a spark of energy despite the day's hidden anxieties. He prepared to leave with Lucas for the orphanage.
At Sister Lisa's orphanage, she greeted them warmly.
"Welcome, my children! I'm so glad to see you this morning."
Breakfast was modest bread, fruit, and a little soup yet the children laughed freely, filling the room with joy. Milo sat among them, feeling brief warmth away from the streets.
He noticed Mira, the little girl who had stolen his pendant; they exchanged shy smiles, a mix of familiarity and forgiveness.
Nearby, a figure with a scarf covering his mouth watched quietly. Milo observed silently. Lucas leaned close and whispered:
"Oh... that person, he's also one of the troublemakers."
Milo leaned slightly closer to Lucas, whispering:
"Really? I've never seen him before... he seems mysterious."
The orphanage was warm and simple. Children laughed over their humble breakfast, and the scent of bread and milk filled the hall, giving a sense of comfort and safety.
Milo and Lucas finished and thanked Sister Lisa before stepping into the narrow streets of the poor district. Morning sunlight filtered between old buildings, and the city's distant sounds faded, granting a brief calm before the day's challenges.
Lucas paused, offering his hand with a faint smile:
"I truly enjoyed my time with you, even if we meet again under bad circumstances."
Milo shook his hand: "Yeah, you're right, but i enjoyed too."
Lucas prepared to leave: "Now I'm heading to the city center to work... what about you?"
Milo took a step closer, his expression serious: "Can I ask one last thing from you?"
Milo looked at Lucas seriously, awaiting his request:
"Can I meet Toxivar one last time? I want to talk to him."
Lucas paused for a moment, his expression showing deep thought before he responded.
Lucas looked into Milo's eyes, seeing the unwavering confidence there.
"Damn... I really can't refuse your request this time."
He grabbed his phone and added, "Give me a few minutes, I'll convince him."
After a few minutes, he pointed to Milo from a distance: "He's in that tavern."
Milo smiled, saying, "Th... thank you."
Lucas raised his hand in a wave and continued on his way toward the city center.
Milo headed toward the tavern, his heart filled with anticipation and tension.
The streets were quiet, morning light seeping between old buildings and casting long shadows on the cobblestones. The air smelled of dust and dew, with distant sounds of children playing and the city slowly waking.
Milo walked steadily, heart tense but resolute, scanning ahead for any surprise. His brown hair swayed lightly with each step, the cold air sharpening his focus as he approached the tavern.
Inside, Toxivar sat casually at the bar, long green hair falling over his shoulders, his sharp features alert despite his relaxed posture. The bartender paused mid-motion, eyes flicking to Milo with recognition and unease, recalling the chaos of their last encounter.
Milo sat beside Toxifar, keeping his composure as the latter stared at his drink, ignoring him. The silence between them was tense, each waiting for the other to move first.
Toxifar lifted his glass, but Milo placed his hand in the way.
"I won't let you get drunk until we finish our conversation, Toxifar," he said firmly.
Toxifar set the glass down and looked at him coldly.
"Speak, Milo..."
Nervously, Milo began,
"I don't really know where to start, but... you're the one who killed the guy who attacked my friend, right?"
Toxifar paused, then smiled.
"You found out that quickly... or should I guess Lucas told you?"
Milo slowly shook his head, indicating that Toxifar's guess was correct.
Toxifar grabbed the glass, gently swirling it between his fingers before speaking in a cold tone:
"Yeah, I did it... and I enjoyed it.
Their screams were... comforting."
Milo frowned at Toxifar's calmness, then stepped closer.
"You need to turn yourself in... you've already become a murderer."
Toxifar's green eyes gleamed coldly.
"Milo... in this miserable world, Novara has neither justice nor equality. The loss of a few outlaws doesn't matter."
Milo paused, then said softly,
"Toxifar... you're better than this."
Toxifar shifted slightly, hiding his reaction, and let out a faint chuckle.
"Tch... I thought you came with something important, or maybe to join us. But you've disappointed me, Milo."
He stood, hand heavy on Milo's shoulder, voice harsh and mocking:
"I thought we'd make a great duo... but you're just another dog for the Novara Church, a weak coward unwilling to pursue justice."
Milo grabbed Toxifar by the collar, toppling chairs as tension surged. The bartender trembled, and everyone in the tavern turned to watch.
"What are you trying to achieve? Destroying the church and killing people won't make you different from them," Milo said, sorrow in his eyes.
Toxifar pushed back, and Milo, face filled with restrained anger, whispered,
"I've really had enough..."
Just as Milo was about to strike, a tall man appeared with startling speed, placing a hand on each of their shoulders, trapping them. Even Toxifar showed surprise, eyes flashing with caution.
The man leaned in calmly.
"My young friends, stop this quarrel and let's resolve this peacefully."
The tavern fell silent. Toxifar muttered,
"Who the hell are you?"
The man rubbed the back of his head casually.
"Well... I'm just a man looking for work."
Both Milo and Toxifar felt an unusual, heavy presence radiating from him. Toxifar whispered, tension in his voice,
"Damn... I hope this ends well."
The man stepped back from them. "Alright... I guess you two have calmed down now, so
Before he could finish, Toxifar dashed out of the tavern, leaving abruptly.
Suddenly, Milo ran after Toxivar, leaving the tavern quickly as well.
The man watched them for a moment, then chuckled softly.
"Damn... they ran off before I could finish my words. Well, anyway, I guess the problem is solved."
The bartender grabbed his hand.
"Thank you so much, mighty man! You really are a hero."
Some patrons whispered in awe,
"You really scared them... are you a magician or what?"
Others laughed at the scene, the tension finally easing.
In the man's mind, he thought, "Ah... why do people always misunderstand me?"
At that same moment, Milo chased after Toxivar.
"I can feel his energy... he's close," Milo thought.
As Milo approached him, three people suddenly blocked his path.
The scarfed man stood in front of Milo, flanked by two alert companions, his gaze calm and calculating. The street felt almost silent, as if holding its breath.
The blond man glared at Milo, tone cold and taunting:
"Do you remember me, you bastard?"
Milo tensed, every muscle ready, senses sharp for any sudden move. The narrow street and long shadows seemed to close around them, the air thick with anticipation, dust, and distant smoke.