The Academy Gates – Noroko's Suspicion
Noroko's mind was a whirlwind of doubt. To him, "Aldo" wasn't just a transfer student; he was a living riddle. When he reached his friends, Mizra asked about their exchange. Noroko lowered his voice: "Remember the masked man at the market? I saw his face clearly. He had a scar above his right eyebrow—the exact same one Aldo has."
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Aldo is hiding something dark. I bet his reason for joining isn't just to improve his Mikano."
The Walk Home – The Silence of Loss
The friends split up until only Noroko and Bringo remained. Suddenly, Noroko froze, watching a father lift his child high in the air, their laughter echoing like a painful melody. Bringo didn't miss the look of longing on Noroko's face.
"Don't we have training tomorrow?" Bringo said softly, deliberately ignoring the emotion. "We should rest early."
Noroko nodded. He didn't need words; Bringo's silent understanding was enough to pull him back to the present.
Noroko's House – The Bitter Truth
Minahoke welcomed him, but the storm in Noroko's heart finally broke. "Mother... where is my father? Why isn't he with us?"
"He had to go on a mission... he'll return," she stammered.
"Return?" Noroko snapped. "You've been saying that since I was seven!"
He stormed to his room. Minahoke stood by the window, weeping. "Should I tell him the truth?" she whispered to the night. "That the scroll is still with you, Haman?"
The Royal Palace – A Noble Hell
In the gold-leafed corridors of the palace, Queen Amaryllis walked with chilling grace. Her hazel eyes were beautiful but hollow. When she saw Bringo in his dirt-stained uniform, she sneered: "Is your memory as poor as your Mikano skills? Today is your sister's birthday."
Something inside Bringo shattered yet again. On the stairs, he crossed paths with Alique, the "jewel of the kingdom." She didn't even look at him, passing by as if he were a ghost.
Flashback – The Curse of the "Weak Heir"
Memories flooded back. Thirteen years ago, noble children mocked his dirty clothes, and King Sarohan called him "useless." Ten years ago, when he struggled to move a small stone, the King told his instructor, Okada: "Stop the lessons. Don't waste a professional's time on a 'book boy'."
Back then, young Bringo had sat alone, clutching a book on Earth Element basics, vowing: "One day, Father, I will make you proud. I will."
Present Day – Midnight
In his room, Bringo wiped his tears and looked into the mirror. "Keep going, Bringo. Don't weaken."
Across the kingdom, Noroko stared at the moon with newfound resolve: "Now isn't the time to grieve for my father. I must uncover Aldo's secret and find out what he's really after."
Te be continued