Anazitis walked away from the battlefield, muttering under his breath, "Let's clean this up. The last thing I want is the Chaos Seekers figuring out what I did here."
He crouched down, scooping up some charred earth and the last of the screaming mushrooms he had used for his fake black fire. Despite the eerie scene, a light smile curved on his lips.
"I didn't think it would go this smoothly," he said, tossing a still-hissing mushroom into a pouch. With a flick of his fingers, he cast a sealing spell on the bag. The mushrooms fell silent, drained of all energy.
Anazitis exhaled, satisfied. "There. All done."
He paused, brushing dirt off his gloves. "I've had enough of messing with nature… bad memories."
His eyes turned to the horizon. "Still got two hours left. I should head to the city."
---
Earlier that Morning…
Lion stepped out of the inn and blinked as sunlight warmed his face. The city was already alive — laughter rang through the streets, market vendors shouted prices, and children raced past him, squealing with joy.
He stood still for a moment, taking it all in. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"The city's alive again," he whispered. "Just like always."
He watched the children disappear around a corner, their laughter echoing behind them.
"If our plan works... this happiness might never end."
Later, on an empty stretch of land outside the walls, Lion finished his training. Sweat dripped from his brow, muscles loose and sharp.
On his way back into town, a group of children sang a familiar melody, the same one he and Anazitis used to hum years ago.
"Hearing that again... makes me believe in Anazitis' dream," he thought. "Eternal happiness... it sounded foolish before, but now, I can almost see it."
Lost in thought, he nearly bumped into an old man walking past. The elder's eyes sparkled with joy, and he hummed a cheerful tune.
Lion smiled. "Everything feels like it's going to be alright."
Checking the time, he muttered, "10 a.m. Still got two hours. Maybe I'll head to the market."
---
The Tavern
The tavern door creaked open, and Lion stepped inside. The air was thick with warmth, roasted meat, ale, and laughter. A bard strummed a lively ballad in the corner while mugs clashed and people cheered.
Lion's eyes scanned the crowd—until a loud voice pierced the noise.
"Hey, ladies! You were checking me out, right?" a drunk man slurred, wobbling near a group of servers. "C'mon, don't be shy. I know I'm a catch!"
He puffed his chest and grinned. "If I were a woman, I'd chase me too! But there's only one me. And you're lucky I'm here."
One of the servers crossed her arms. "Pay your tab. Or leave."
The drunk chuckled. "Even if all the men disappeared and it was just me and you? I'd still be single—too good for everyone!"
He leaned closer. "Tell you what, I'll apologize... if you show me your—"
THWACK.
Two fists struck at once, knocking the man out cold. He collapsed to the floor with a grunt.
One of those fists was Lion's.
The other belonged to a towering man with black hair, dark eyes, and a presence like a stone fortress.
"He won't be waking up anytime soon," the knight said, casually.
The server gave a grateful nod before walking off.
Lion turned to the knight. "You've got a heavy hand," he said with a grin.
"You looked like you had it covered," the knight replied, sitting down. "Just figured I'd help out."
"First drink's on me," Lion offered. Gotcha, Pingo... target found.
The knight gave a tired smile. "Can't say no to that."
A green-haired waitress brought them two mugs of the tavern's best ale. The men clinked their drinks and downed them in sync, drawing a few glances from curious patrons.
"I'm Dynatos," the knight said, wiping foam from his lips.
"Lion," he replied, gripping his hand.
They shared a laugh, and for a moment, the air felt lighter.
Dynatos leaned back, shoulders easing. "That laughter... it's been a while."
Lion tilted his head. "Something weighing you down?"
Dynatos hesitated, then smirked. "I think too much. Always have. My dad hated that. Once, I spent half an hour thinking about what to eat—he smacked me with a spoon and said, 'It's just bread. Stop thinking!'"
Lion burst out laughing. "Sounds like my kind of guy."
"I owe him more than I ever said. Taught me how to protect others."
"But things aren't always as they seem," Lion added, more serious now.
"Exactly," Dynatos said. "Even places that look peaceful… they can hide shadows."
Lion raised his mug. "To simple joys."
Dynatos nodded. "And a simple life."
---
Meanwhile…
Halfy wandered the city streets, fidgeting with his hands, eyes darting from alley to alley.
"The knights should be nearby…" he muttered. "Anazitis said to draw their attention. Then the item will do the rest."
He stopped short as he reached a large crowd. A circus had been set up — bright tents, spinning lights, and upbeat music filled the square. A clown juggled flaming torches, and children gasped with delight.
Halfy stared at the scene, expression unreadable.
"I'll ruin this," he whispered. "That'll do the trick."
He took a step forward.
"This'll be fun. Never wrecked a circus before. Always good to try something new."
But before he could move further, an old man stepped into his path. His voice was stern, but not angry.
"Stop. Don't take another step."
Halfy blinked. "What?"
"Look at their faces," the old man said, eyes intense. "Their joy. Their laughter. You want to destroy that?"
"I just… I'm trying something," Halfy said, eyes narrowing. "What's it to you?"
The old man didn't raise his voice. But the way he said his next words hit harder than a shout:
"No one should ruin a smile. We're supposed to protect joy. Not tear it down."
Halfy's mouth opened to argue—but he looked back. The laughter. The children's smiles. The clown twirling a flaming ring. All so full of life.
He clenched his fists.
"Why do you care so much about making other people happy?" he asked, quieter now. "Isn't it enough to make yourself happy? I don't get people like you."
The old man smiled gently. "Because sometimes, making others smile is how we survive. Even if just for a moment… it makes the world a little brighter."
Halfy said nothing.
Then, finally, he turned around. "Maybe I'll look somewhere else."
As he walked off, he muttered, "Where have I seen that guy before? That face…" He shook his head. "Whatever. Old people like that always show up."
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