The sun spilled through the dorm window, painting thin golden lines across Arin's face. He didn't want to wake up—not yet. For once, there were no alarms, no drills, no screaming beasts in the distance. Just… quiet.
That quiet didn't last long.
Something heavy sat on his chest. He groaned, opened one eye— —and saw Perin's big, round eyes staring straight into his soul.
"Perin," he muttered, voice raspy, "get off me before I turn you into breakfast."
Perin chirped, tilted his head, and promptly sat harder. Arin wheezed, rolling to the side as the creature wagged its stubby tail in triumph. Water splashed from its fur—apparently, Perin had already taken a bath and decided to share it with his master.
From outside came Om Sai's voice:
"Oi, demon-ass! You awake or should I bring a bucket?"
Arin groaned, throwing his pillow at the door. "Try it, old man! I'll feed that bucket to you!"
Shivani passed the corridor just in time to see the pillow smack Om Sai's leg. She shook her head, muttering,
"Two grown idiots living rent-free in my headache."
Morning Drill By mid-morning, Arin was on the training field. Dust rose around him as he dodged a wooden strike from Om Sai.
"Don't use your footwork like a dancing duck!" Om Sai barked, swinging again.
"It's called rhythm, you fossil!" Arin countered, catching the strike with his forearm and twisting.
Their exchange was more play than battle now. Arin's moves had sharpened—less rage, more control. When Shivani passed by, she paused. He was focused, steady. The same boy who once trembled under bloodlust now moved like a warrior in tune with his breath.
Om Sai noticed her gaze and grinned. "Careful, Captain. Keep staring like that, and people will think you like him."
She didn't respond. But the faintest twitch curved her lips before she turned away.
The Cafeteria Lunch smelled of synthetic curry and something fried. Om Sai, Arin, and Perin sat at a corner table while soldiers around them traded jokes and mana chips. A radio crackled in the corner—
"...minor storm activity beyond Zone 12… expected to pass by evening…"
Arin bit into his bread. "Tastes like cardboard."
Om Sai shrugged. "Cardboard's nutritious. Builds character."
"Yeah? Maybe it can rebuild your hairline too."
"Say that again and I'll rebuild your face, demon-ass!"
Shivani arrived with her tray, rolling her eyes. "Both of you, shut up before I personally make sure you eat that table."
Perin squeaked approvingly, chewing on a piece of bread. Arin laughed until she smacked him lightly with her spoon.
Hospital Wing Later, Arin walked alone down the quiet corridor. The scent of antiseptic mixed with the faint hum of mana vents. Vayushri was still asleep, bathed in soft light from a nearby lamp. Her form shimmered faintly, the way water ripples under the sun.
Arin sat beside her bed. "Hey… you did great back there," he whispered. No response—but her breathing was steady, peaceful. He stayed there for a while, just listening to her breath, until Om Sai's reflection appeared in the glass door.
"You can't save everyone, kid," Om Sai said softly.
Arin didn't look back. "Maybe. But I'll try anyway."
Om Sai said nothing more.
Evening Sky By sunset, the three of them sat on the rooftop—the same spot they always somehow ended up in. Perin slept between them, little chest rising and falling.
Om Sai broke the silence first. "I've decided. When this war's over, I'm opening a tavern."
Arin snorted. "You? You'd drink all your own stock."
"That's called quality testing, idiot."
Shivani chuckled faintly, the sound rare and warm. "I just want one day without orders," she said quietly. "A day like this… every day."
Arin looked at the fading sun, the sky burning orange over the dome's edge. "Then I'll make sure that happens," he said simply.
Om Sai glanced at him—there was something in his tone. Not bravado. Not blind optimism. Just… conviction.
They sat there until the last light vanished.
Night That night, Arin placed the small black stone on his table. It pulsed once—faintly. He frowned, then shrugged, thinking it was a trick of the lamp.
"Tomorrow," he murmured, laying down, "we'll start again."
The stone hummed once more, a sound too quiet for human ears. A whisper in the dark:
"Tomorrow… we begin."