The air around them suddenly felt heavier.
Milo stood still, his eyes shifting between the two. The tension was unmistakable… sharp, silent… suffocating.
"…Do you two know each other?" Milo asked, his voice cautious.
Herax replied,
"Yes… I remember him."
Lucas looked at Herax, his gaze sharp and questioning.
"Why are you here?"
Milo tried to ease the tense atmosphere between them.
"Wait, Lucas… this is my friend. I asked him to come with me."
Lucas slowly stood up, his eyes carefully examining Herax.
Then, he began walking toward him… step by step.
Herax remained where he was, unmoving.
Then he called out to Milo.
"Milo…"
Milo immediately turned his gaze toward him.
"I told you before… that I got into an argument with a waiter, right?"
He paused for a moment, then added, his eyes fixed on Lucas:
"…It's him."
Lucas stepped forward until he stood right in front of Herax, staring at him.
Herax met his gaze without backing down.
Lucas then glanced at Milo and asked quietly,
"Is he really your friend?"
Milo simply nodded.
Lucas ran a hand through his hair and let out a soft sigh.
Then, he extended his hand toward Herax.
Milo was clearly surprised by Lucas's behavior,
while Herax seemed slightly taken aback.
Lucas spoke in a calm, low voice,
"If you're Milo's friend… then you must be a good person."
From his expression, it was clear Lucas still wasn't used to speaking gently… but he was trying.
"Let's forget what happened between us that day…"
Herax looked at him for a moment, then smiled slightly and reached out his hand.
They shook hands respectfully.
Meanwhile, Milo felt a sense of relief wash over him.
A few minutes later, Lucas sat back on the crate, watching them.
"So… Milo and his friend… what brings you here?"
Milo noticed how pale Lucas looked, and that his light stubble was gone.
"I wanted to talk about something… I think it might benefit you."
He thought for a moment.
"Hmmm… alright. Let's discuss it inside the orphanage."
Milo, Herax, and Lucas entered the orphanage, stepping carefully past the lively chatter of the children. The warm light from the lanterns cast a gentle glow across the wooden floors and simple tables.
They moved toward a quieter corner, away from the noise and laughter, and sat down on a worn bench. The hum of conversation and the occasional clatter of dishes reached them softly, creating a comforting background rather than a disturbance.
Lucas placed his hand on the table, intertwining his fingers, then looked at Milo.
"What is it that you wanted to talk about?"
Milo ignored the topic for a moment and asked about Lucas instead.
"Are you alright, Lucas… you don't look like it."
Herax's gaze showed he agreed with Milo.
Lucas let out a long sigh, looking up for a moment before lowering his head.
"I'm just… sad about what happened to my friends… my family."
Milo remained silent for a moment.
"You mean… Toxivar…"
Lucas nodded slightly.
"And the other person… the one who covered his mouth with a scarf, Julian."
Lucas continued, his voice low but steady.
"Toxivar… he lived with me for a long time. We shared a lot of goals… and he left without even saying goodbye. He left everyone worried. And on top of that, he's wanted by justice."
Milo and Herax were silent for a moment, absorbing his words.
"And the other… Julian. I saw him get arrested right in front of me, and I couldn't do anything. He became a prisoner, and it seems his reputation is really bad because of how much he provoked Novara's police… his bad and stubborn behavior."
He clenched his fist tightly.
Milo looked at him, upset.
"Sorry about that."
Lucas replied calmly,
"Don't worry. It won't affect me much. Just a few days, and I'll be back to normal, I guess…
Anyway, let's forget about that. Tell me… what did you want to talk about?"
Milo's gaze fixed firmly on Lucas, his expression serious and unwavering. There was a quiet intensity in the air, a mix of anticipation and concern. Milo took a moment, then explained the proposal Celestine had made to him. He described the opportunity, emphasizing that she was looking for a trusted assistant someone capable and reliable. He suggested Lucas for the role, pointing out that it could offer both support and safety, and perhaps a chance to regain some control after recent hardships.
Lucas listened quietly, thoughtful, while Milo explained Celestine's proposal. Herax watched silently, and the warm, lively atmosphere of the orphanage contrasted with the seriousness of their discussion.
After Milo finished speaking, Lucas glanced at him for a moment.
"Oh… the Guild Agency, and with an important member too."
He paused, then let out a small laugh.
"That's… a lot, Milo! That's really a lot!"
Milo was surprised by Lucas's reaction but smiled.
"I've never seen you laugh before… so, what do you think about the offer?"
Lucas lifted his head.
"We've barely known each other for a short time… and you trust me like this?"
Milo looked at him seriously.
"I just think you're qualified for it… especially since you dislike your current job."
Lucas replied,
"Job? I was actually fired."
Herax burst out laughing at hearing this.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend."
Milo smiled.
"Looks like you don't really have a choice then, huh?"
Lucas smiled.
"Yeah, honestly… but I hope… can you give me some time to get back on my feet?"
Milo nodded in understanding and extended his hand to shake his.
"Alright, agreed!"
Lucas shook his hand firmly.
"Agreed, boy!"
After the agreement between Milo and Lucas, the two returned to the middle-class district. The streets here were calmer, the air carrying a soft breeze mixed with the faint scents of fresh bread and flowers from nearby houses. They sat on a small wooden bench, talking and occasionally exchanging smiles, enjoying the quiet after the previous tension.
Milo pulled out his phone and called Celestine. After a few moments, she answered, her voice calm but firm. Milo explained about Lucas and that he wanted Lucas to work with her instead of him. After a brief pause, Celestine agreed and ended the call.
Later, Celestine was seen arranging papers on her desk, her expression slightly stern as she focused on the details. She muttered to herself:
"I really wanted Milo to work with me… but… there's no other choice."
Milo and Herax sat on a wooden bench in one of the parks. Milo leaned back against it, looking completely at ease, a sense of relief washing over him after everything had ended peacefully.
Herax broke the silence.
"You seem to be in a good mood, Milo."
Milo turned his gaze toward him.
"Yeah… all that's left now is the test. We'll finally achieve one of our biggest childhood dreams, right?"
Herax smiled at him.
"Yeah… we'll follow in our parents' footsteps and surpass them."
Milo let out a small laugh.
"Now that's the spirit, Hera."
Milo placed his hand on his shirt, gripping it slightly as he looked down.
"But I really need to become stronger… I'll win next time, no matter who my opponent is."
Herax patted Milo's back warmly.
"I know that… and I believe in you."
He then flexed his muscles confidently.
"And me too… I'll crush any obstacle, any villain that comes my way. I won't hold back!"
They both stood up.
Around them, the sounds of people filled the park, a gentle mix of chatter and distant laughter, while the sky above added a quiet beauty to the moment.
They shook hands, smiling at each other.
Herax, with his confident and friendly expression, his tall and broad build, looked at Milo.
Milo returned the look with the same warmth, standing proud, a quiet confidence in his posture.
Herax spoke first.
"Will you promise me, Milo?"
Milo replied without hesitation.
"Yeah… I promise."
And so, the day filled with intense events came to an end with a promise between two friends.
"…a promise that would shape everything to come."