Sitting on his bed, Hajime stared at his door, glaring at the small amount of light seeping through the crack underneath it.
How long will it take for my parents to go to bed? I want to go explore, but I can't while they're still awake.
After two hours of waiting, Hajime finally heard two pairs of easily recognizable footsteps walking up the stairs and down the hallway past his room.
They're finally going to bed. Thank God. I was about to just give up and sleep.
Impatient, Hajime stood up and dropped to his knees. Crawling under his bed, he found a specific tile with a small gap separating it from the one next to it. Pressing his fingers into the crevice, he dug deep and, with some effort, lifted the tile. Underneath was a black bodysuit made of the same material as his sheets, with a face mask resting neatly on top. Grabbing the suit, he replaced the tile and crawled back out.
I wonder where I should explore tonight. Last time didn't go so well—I got lost and chased by thugs. Hopefully I remember the way back this time. I'll figure out where to go once I reach the alley.
After changing out of his pajamas, Hajime slipped into the bodysuit and pulled the face mask over his head.
"Alright, time to head out."
He glanced at the door one last time to make sure no light crept in from the hallway. Then he walked over to his window, adrenaline already starting to build. Pulling aside the black curtains, he slid the window open.
Outside, two beautiful moons glowed side by side in the night sky.
I still can't get used to the two moons…
Hajime swung one leg through the window, then the other, until he was seated on the windowsill. Turning around, he dangled from the edge before dropping silently onto the angled roof below.
Okay, Hajime, this is the important part—don't make too much noise.
Sliding carefully down the roof, he reached the edge and jumped, rolling as he hit the ground to absorb the impact.
Grinning, he looked left and right like he was crossing a street and tiptoed across the lawn with practiced ease.
Wow… every time I do this, it gets easier. How has no one caught me yet? Still, I should be more careful on the roof.
Reaching the metal fence surrounding his property, Hajime checked for nearby guards, then climbed and jumped down to the other side, landing with a loud thud.
Crap, hope no one heard that.
He sprinted away, staying close to the line of bushes that paralleled the stone path until he reached the edge of Wealdstone City's business district.
Wealdstone City was a peculiar place in the Magna Frisia Kingdom on the Bolaris continent—home to as many nobles as commoners.
Walking quietly along the pristine stone path, each brick so clean it reflected the moons' glow, Hajime ducked behind bushes whenever guards passed by. Eventually, he reached the heart of the city.
At an intersection, he stopped and looked at the three branching streets, annoyed.
"Where's that tavern again?"
Turning right, Hajime noticed a warm glow in the distance—brighter than anything else, even rivaling the moons.
That must be it. One of the only places open at this hour.
He weaved through several narrow alleys until he found it: a medium-sized tavern buzzing with life. Laughter and voices spilled into the streets, its light bathing the surrounding buildings.
I feel bad for the people living next to it. That noise must be awful.
Though clocks weren't common in this world, Hajime guessed it was around 11 p.m., judging by the moons' positions.
Next to the tavern stood a surprisingly tall hotel—five or six floors high. Between the two buildings lay a shadowy alley, untouched by moonlight.
Keeping his head down, Hajime slipped into the alley the moment the coast was clear, sprinting forward with practiced caution.
Finally, I'm here. Now… where to tonight?
Even in the dim alley, Hajime could make out shapes. He spotted a wooden ladder propped against the wall. A smirk tugged at his lips.
Rooftops it is.
Buzzing with excitement, Hajime ran to the ladder and grabbed it, almost losing his balance from its unexpected weight.
"Whoa. Why is this thing so heavy?"
The ladder banged against the wall a few times, the sound echoing.
Crap. Hopefully no one heard that.
After a struggle, he managed to wedge the base into a crack between two stones. Giving it a few firm shakes, he began to climb.
Let's hope the rest of the night goes smoother.
At the top of the tavern, he removed his facemask and let the cool breeze wash over him. He gazed out at the flickering lights from windows and streetlamps, glowing like stars across the city.
"Wow… this place is incredible. But man, a view like this in Tokyo or New York would've been even better."
A sudden noise snapped him out of his thoughts.
"I heard something over here!"
Two guards rushed into the alley, torches in hand, their armor clanking with each step.
Crap, too loud.
Hajime dropped to the ladder and tried to pull it up. He had it halfway up when the guards entered the alley.
One of them shouted, "Hey you! Stop right there!"
No time!
Panicking, Hajime leaned back and yanked the ladder with all his strength, toppling onto his back but successfully pulling it onto the roof.
"That was too close. Time to go."
Scanning the rooftops, he spotted a tall, flat-roofed stone building to the south—higher than anything nearby.
That one. The view must be amazing.
Grinning, Hajime sprinted to the edge and leapt across rooftops, using air magic to help compensate for his lack of strength.
Man, I'm glad I learned air magic. This would've been impossible a week ago.
Despite the magical assistance, he still had to stop and catch his breath now and then. Finally, he reached a building across from his destination and studied it.
"Hmm… windowsills? But someone might be inside. I still haven't learned enough magic for this."
Then he saw it: a wire holding up a poster for a fancy restaurant, stretching from the rooftop to the ground.
That'll do.
He climbed down, crossed the street, and approached the wire.
Tug test first.
It held firm.
Grinning, he wrapped his legs around it and climbed like it was a firepole.
Fifteen exhausting minutes later, he flopped onto the rooftop, drenched in sweat.
"Whew… rough. But worth it."
Forcing himself to his feet, he admired the city—soft candlelight flickering from windows, casting a golden glow across the skyline.
Finally, he sat cross-legged and relaxed, letting the beautiful view wash over him.
An hour later, he yawned.
"Guess I should head back… I need sleep for magic and sword practice tomorrow."
Climbing down the wire with care, Hajime returned to the ground, retraced his steps to the alley, and masked up again. He made it home undetected, slipped through the window, and changed out of his stealth gear.
After stashing it beneath the tile, he crawled into bed, the warmth of the sheets embracing his body.
"Finally… I can sleep."
Exhausted but satisfied, Hajime closed his eyes and drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.