Chapter 5
Days later.
The wind was calm that morning, brushing softly against the garden where Oliver stood.
He looked back, watching the young man behind him.
Oliver: "Shio… I don't know what makes you like this, but are you sure of it? Rin won't see you for years if he goes to that magic tower."
Shio smiled faintly.
Shio: "Sir Oliver… I'm really thankful. For everything. Rin will be fine. Don't worry. This isn't the first time something like this happened. We didn't see each other for years when I sent him to high school in another city."
Oliver sighed quietly, walking closer and patting Shio's head.
Oliver: "You're young as well, boy. Don't overwork yourself."
Shio chuckled weakly, sitting by the table with a pen and a letter in front of him.
Oliver: "To whom are you writing?"
Shio: "Someone important."
He paused, eyes softening.
Shio: "No… the most important person in this world."
Oliver: "That's strange. I can't tell if that person is important to you—or to the world."
Shio: "I wonder… I wonder as well."
A quiet moment passed.
Shio: "Sir… may I give you something?"
Oliver: "Hmm? What is it?"
Shio: "It's something I can't see to thank you—but you can see. Take it for now. Maybe we'll need it… after years. Maybe fifty years."
Oliver smiled gently.
Oliver: "Why not?"
Shio handed him a folded paper, his tone almost whispering.
Shio: "It's something important. Maybe not now—but after fifty years, it will be."
Oliver laughed lightly.
Oliver: "You think this old man will still be alive then?"
Shio: "Maybe not your body… but your name will. Your memory will."
Before Oliver could answer, the sound of hooves echoed from the road outside.
A carriage with six horses stopped near the gate, and a magician in a deep blue cloak stepped down.
Shio straightened himself.
Shio: "Looks like it's time to say goodbye."
Oliver: "So it seems."
The door opened. Rin appeared, holding his pack. His eyes were calm—but deep inside, fear flickered.
He stood before the magician.
Shio walked forward.
Shio: "Rin… see you in a year."
Rin smiled faintly.
Rin: "I knew you'd say that. A year, right?"
Shio: "A year."
And with that, Rin followed the magician, the carriage slowly disappearing beyond the hill.
Shio stood still for a moment, his eyes fixed on the horizon.
Shio: "Now, sir… I'll go as well. Please, stay safe."
Oliver: "Be careful, Shio. This world is bigger than it should be."
Shio: "Yeah. And we both know this city's just as dangerous. I found out you knew about the attack that happened three years ago. You know… that lady."
Oliver stayed silent. Shio continued, voice steady.
Shio: "Well… your life is your choice. And my world is mine."
He turned toward the yard where his bike stood—sleek, metallic, with faint lines of light running through it.
Oliver: "That thing again?"
Shio smirked.
Shio: "Not just a thing. I changed it—with your help. It's magical now. Thank you."
He placed his hand on the handle, the engine humming softly with pale blue sparks.
Without another word, he rode off toward the capital.
Shio (to himself): "I'll change fate… I should."
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The journey to Luna City took hours.
It wasn't the capital—but close enough. A city of lights and hidden faces.
Shio parked his bike near an old building, the sign above faintly flickering: Rose Bar.
He stepped inside.
Shio: "Can I get a red rose, please?"
The bartender looked up sharply.
Man: "Hot as ice?"
Shio: "Hot as ice."
The man nodded once. A signal.
He led Shio through a narrow hallway to a private room.
Inside sat a masked man, his smile painted beneath the mask—like a performer from a circus.
Shio: "I want to meet Sir Kaelous."
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then the man suddenly laughed—loud, sharp, echoing between the walls.
Still laughing, he slammed a dagger straight into the wooden table in front of Shio, the blade stopping just inches from his hand.
Man: "Now that's interesting. How do you know that name?"
The air grew tense.
Within seconds, shadows appeared—silent, swift, blades glinting at Shio's neck.
Man: "If I break your leg… or your arm… will you tell me how you know our leader's name?"
His tone shifted—from mocking to deadly, though that cold smile under the mask never disappeared.
Even without seeing his face, Shio knew—the man was smiling, but in fear.
Then Shio spoke.
Just a few words.
Words that made every shadow in the room tremble—not in fear, but in shock.
The man swallowed hard, his voice breaking the silence.
Man: "I… I am Max. One of His Majesty's hands, sir. If what you're saying is a lie—you'll regret it."
Shio only smiled. A calm, tired smile.
The candle flickered.
End of Chapter 5
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