The atmosphere grew tense after Kairos' final words, and silence hung heavily over the area. The six great guild masters entered their carriage without another word, leaving the scene wrapped in a somber quiet. Adventurers began guiding the shaken citizens back to Aventia, while others dispersed, heading off in different directions.
Amidst the fading chaos, Takeshi heard a familiar voice call out to him. He turned just in time to see Akari running toward them, her face filled with worry. He scooped her up in his arms, and she wrapped herself around him and Nyx in a tight hug.
"Papa, Mama, are you alright?" Akari asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"We're fine," Takeshi assured her, his tone calm and steady. "Thanks for worrying about us."
Akari looked up at them and smiled brightly, her relief evident.
After their heartfelt reunion, the three returned to their room. Nyx busied herself in the kitchen, preparing food, while Takeshi played with Akari in the living room, their laughter filling the space with warmth and comfort.
A short while later, Nyx carried plates of steaming food to the table. Takeshi and Akari joined her, and the three shared a quiet, comforting meal.
"Nyx," Takeshi began between bites, "I'm planning to visit the information center later. Would you like to come with me?"
Nyx glanced up from her plate. "Alright, but you need to rest first. Did you use your power earlier?"
Takeshi shook his head. "No. The monsters inside weren't strong enough to warrant it."
"That's good," Nyx said with a sigh of relief. "Every time you use your power, it drains you completely. You always end up unconscious afterward."
Takeshi smirked faintly. "Oh, so you've noticed?" He leaned back with a slight chuckle. "Alright, I'll rest first."
Nyx nodded approvingly. Once they finished eating, Takeshi retreated to the bedroom for a nap while Nyx and Akari cleaned up.
When Takeshi awoke in the afternoon, golden sunlight filtered softly through the curtains. He glanced over to see Nyx and Akari sleeping soundly beside him. Moving carefully to avoid waking them, he slipped out of bed, dressed, and made his way to the V-Building's information center.
Upon arrival, a woman at the reception desk greeted him with a polite smile.
"Hello, sir. Were you part of the battle against the monsters earlier?"
"Yes, I was," Takeshi replied.
"May I see your adventurer ID?" she asked, holding out her hand.
Takeshi handed over his ID, and the receptionist scanned it, updating his rank before returning it.
[Name: Hiroshi, Takeshi]
[Species: Human]
[Occupation: Adventurer]
[Rank: B-]
[Role: Fighter/Marksman]
"Thank you," Takeshi said, pocketing his ID. "By the way, I'd like to access the information center."
"Of course," the woman said, guiding him to a large room filled with shelves of aged tomes, organized files, and glowing orbs containing archived data. The scent of old parchment mixed with the faint hum of mana infused the air. Takeshi browsed until his eyes landed on a book titled Incident Reports: 10 Years Ago.
As he read, his brow furrowed. The book detailed an attack by mysterious figures on an exploration party. Everyone in the group had been declared dead, but no bodies were recovered—only the scars of battle remained.
Takeshi's fingers gripped the page tightly. These figures... they must be connected to the cult I encountered in the bunker. What are they planning? A grim determination settled in his chest. Whatever it is, I have to stop them.
Back in their room, Nyx greeted Takeshi with a sleepy smile. "Oh, Takeshi. Good afternoon. Where have you been?"
"I found something," Takeshi said, his voice low and firm. "I think the cult from the bunker is connected to my parents' disappearance."
Nyx's eyes widened slightly. "What do you plan to do?"
"I'm going to find them," Takeshi replied. "And I'll make those responsible pay."
Nyx stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We'll come with you."
Takeshi nodded. "We leave in the morning."
The following day, the trio prepared to set out. As they stepped out of the V-Building, Kairos intercepted them.
"Good morning," Kairos said, his voice calm but authoritative. "Before you go, I'd like to have a word."
"We're in a hurry," Takeshi said flatly.
"Please, just a moment," Kairos insisted.
A faint surge of mana flared between the two, rustling papers nearby and stirring a chill wind. Not a challenge—more like a quiet test.
Nyx quickly stepped in, placing a hand on Takeshi's arm. "Hey, stop it," she whispered. "Let's hear him out."
Reluctantly, Takeshi lowered his aura. "Fine. Make it quick."
Kairos led them to his office, his tone shifting to one of measured seriousness. "The commander of the V-Guild was impressed by your performance. Mr. Hiroshi, you took down a C+-rank humanoid monster with ease, defeated a pack of B-rank dire wolves, and single-handedly killed an orc. That's no ordinary feat. And Ms. Xardgoat, you defended the gate flawlessly."
"Your point?" Takeshi asked, a hint of impatience in his tone.
"I wanted to thank you personally for saving the city. As a token of appreciation, here's your reward." Kairos handed each of them a gleaming ring. "These will enhance your defense and resistance. Additionally, your ranks have been increased."
Nyx accepted the ring gratefully. "Thank you."
"Thanks," Takeshi said, pocketing the ring. "But we really have to go."
"Of course," Kairos said with a nod. "If you ever need anything, let me know."
With that, the trio stepped into the morning sun—united, determined, and one step closer to uncovering the truth. The road ahead was uncertain, but Takeshi's resolve had never been stronger.