The cold edges of two blades pressed against Axel's neck.
But he didn't flinch. His gaze stayed locked on the man in front of him — calm and alert.
"...Guess that's one way to greet your customers," Axel said lightly.
The man didn't laugh. His grip on the swords stayed firm.
"Answer the question. Who sent you?"
"No one," Axel replied evenly. "I came here looking for a weapon."
The man's eyes narrowed. "This symbol… you shouldn't know about it."
"You mean Yaz? You're not exactly subtle wearing it around your neck."
"That doesn't explain how you know about it!" the man snapped.
Axel stayed silent for a moment. Then he stepped forward and the blade pricked his skin.
"I grew up with your people," he said with a clearl voice.
The room went silent.
Then, slowly, the man lowered his blades.
"…You've got guts, kid," he muttered. "Most people freeze when steel presses that close to their skin."
Axel exhaled quietly. "You almost ruined my shirt, old man."
The man finally laughed, returning the swords to their rack.
"Name's Izem," he said. "Used to be part of something… but that was a long time ago."
Axel noticed a flicker of sadness in his eyes.
"Are there more people in the Empire?" he asked casually, though his mind was racing with curiosity.
Izem gave him a long, wary look. "You ask too many questions for someone who just wants a weapon."
Axel shrugged. "Curiosity's part of my charm."
With a sigh, Izem rubbed the back of his neck. "Wait here."
He disappeared into the back room — a cramped space filled with crates, metal scraps, and half-built weapons.
A few minutes later, he returned carrying a small and wrapped bundle.
"Here. Light, balanced, and sharp enough to cut through reinforced steel."
Axel unwrapped it carefully. Inside lay a pair of sleek, light-green daggers — simple, yet perfect.
"These are…"
"Old prototypes made of ocean metal," Izem interrupted. "Tough enough to handle deep-sea pressure. From a time when smiths didn't just make weapons — they made statements."
Axel turned one in his hand, testing its balance. "How much?"
Izem smirked. "For someone like you? Let's say… half of your tournament earnings. Call it a discount."
Axel raised an eyebrow. "You're not ripping me off, are you?"
"No, no," Izem said quickly, then added, "Just… do me one favor."
Axel tilted his head. "What kind of favor?"
"Don't mention this symbol. Or me. To anyone. Got it?"
"…Got it," Axel said while sliding the daggers into his belt.
As he turned to leave, Izem spoke again.
"Kid… what's your name?"
Axel paused at the door and looked back. "Axel is my name."
He stepped out as the door creaked shut behind him, leaving him in a dim and silent alley. Night had fallen — the cool air brushed against his face.
So… they're still around, he thought. Hidden in the Empire. Waiting...
Axel lingered for a moment, his hand resting on the dagger at his hip.
That symbol on Izem's necklace… he hadn't seen it in years.
He started walking back toward the main street.
The sounds of laughter and merchants slowly returned — life in the city moved on, as if nothing had happened.
But Axel's thoughts stayed sharp, circling back to the blacksmith.
"Axel!"
A voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
Hector stood at the other side of the main plaza, waving one hand while holding a half-eaten apple in the other.
Gini stood quietly beside him, munching on an apple as well.
"Where the hell did you disappear to?" Hector called out.
"Had to search for something," Axel said casually.
"Search something?" Hector frowned. "You didn't like my bargaining skills, huh?"
Gini snorted.
Axel rolled his eyes. "Relax. I'm here, aren't I?"
They walked together toward the city's outer streets, weaving through the main plaza.
The air smelled of spices and oil, coming from all the crowded restaurants they passed
"So," Hector said with a grin, "what did you buy?"
Axel pulled one of the daggers just far enough for the moonlight to catch its edge.
The blade shimmered faintly with a greenish tint.
Hector whistled. "Damn, that looks expensive."
"It was," Axel said.
"Are you sure they didn't scam you?"
Axel smirked. "Don't worry. I'm better at bargaining than you'll ever be."
They all laughed, wondering if Elaine might lecture them for arriving late and suspecting they'd been drinking.
The full moon hung high above as they left the main plaza, painting the streets in silver light.
Axel's thoughts drifted to his first day at university tomorrow… but also back to the blacksmith — to that symbol, its name, and the past.
For the first time in years, he wondered if fate was pulling him back toward the life he had tried to keep hidden.