"Bye, Big Brother! Bye, Sir Silver Mask!"
Alice waved enthusiastically at the two men before turning around and heading home.
Amon waved back with a smile. Once the girl had disappeared from sight, Arnold glanced at him.
"So, are you ready for tonight?"
Amon nodded without looking at him.
"Of course I am... I just hope I survive this."
"You'll definitely survive. Don't worry," Arnold assured him in a confident tone.
Amon's lips twitched.
'Why does that sound more like a curse than encouragement?'
"Well, enough talking. It's getting late. Let's go grab something to eat. I need to fill my stomach before heading out on a mission."
"Sure. Let's go."
With that, the two left the woodland and headed toward the village.
---
After many hours.
A lone figure stood before the temple, his expression serious.
It was well past midnight.
