That morning, the smoke of battle had already cleared from the city. Some citizens were still busy repairing the ruins, while rumors of "two mysterious mages" had begun to spread from mouth to mouth.
I sat at the edge of a quiet alley, my body still heavy, but my mind far calmer than before. The wounds I carried now felt like marks from a lesson recently learned.
Not far from there, Belzeebub stood in the shadow of an old tree. His eyes no longer burned sharply, and his voice was calmer, like a receding tide.
"You have power. But your technique… is still too raw," he said, staring straight at me.
I looked at him in silence, waiting for his next words.
"But there's one thing I saw—you're not afraid to stand. That's enough for me… for now."
He took one step forward, then bowed his head slightly. Whether it was a sign of respect or just his cold way of acknowledging something—I couldn't tell.
"Fighting isn't just about winning. It's about what you stand for. And you're starting to show that."
Then he turned away, his steps blending with the damp path, leaving his final words without looking back:
"Become stronger, Hiro. We're not done."
Peaceful Days
Since that day, Carla and I have been living in a small house on the outskirts of the city.
A house made of old bricks, vines curling around its windows, and the scent of toasted bread drifting in from the neighbor's kitchen every morning.
Carla works at the library, a place filled with old books and unfinished stories. She looks happy—and that brings me peace. Each night, she brings home new tales, and we sit on the rooftop watching the stars.
As for me, I train martial arts in an empty field every morning, using books Carla gave me, trying to recall the words of Blaze and Belzeebub. Connecting with my emotions, sharpening my control, strengthening my body.
No clashing weapons, no screams. Just a gentle breeze and the sound of a calming heartbeat.
A Quiet Ending… for Now
The days passed like a flowing river. For the first time in my life, I felt… normal.
No longer chased, no longer hiding, no longer running away.
I looked up at the blue sky, the white clouds, and the green grass, wondering, "Is this the freedom I've been searching for?" I reached one hand toward the sky.
"Hey, Hiro. Come on, breakfast is ready," Carla called softly.
I turned and nodded. "Alright, just a second." I stood up—but paused for a moment, still gazing at the sky.
"Will this really last?" I wondered again.
"Come on! It's going to get cold!" Carla warned once more.
I smiled and let go of all the worries in my mind, choosing to enjoy this calm moment.
But deep inside, I knew—this peace wouldn't last.
The world outside was still moving. And a greater storm was heading my way.
But for now…
I let myself breathe.