The fading afternoon sun painted streaks of amber through the cracked windowpanes, bathing the small room in a warm hue. The living room barely held its old couch, a chipped table, and three mismatched chairs, but the laughter inside made it feel like a palace.
Xion sat cross-legged on the floor, flanked by Lyra and Nyelle. Between them lay a weathered deck of cards slightly bent at the corners from use. They were playing a simple game of truth or dare.
Lyra lost first.
"Truth or dare?" Xion asked with a half-smirk, leaning slightly forward.
Lyra's cheeks flushed. She looked at Nyelle, then back at him. "Truth," she whispered.
Xion paused. This was a moment he hadn't dared to ask for before. "…Do you like me?"
Lyra's entire face turned crimson. She bit her lower lip, eyes darting nervously. "Yes… I do," she said softly, almost inaudible.
Xion's smile widened, his eyes softening. He reached forward and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly. Her tiny frame trembled slightly in his embrace. She buried her face into his chest as if she wanted time to stop.
Nyelle watched them in silence. Her fingers curled over the card deck. Her eyes, usually calculating, shimmered with jealousy.
The game continued. This time, Nyelle lost.
Xion looked at her curiously. "Your turn. Truth or dare?"
"…Truth," she muttered at first, then quickly corrected herself. "No… dare."
He raised an eyebrow. "Alright then....Kiss Lyra's hand."
Nyelle blinked. Her expression shifted between shock and flustered. She turned toward Lyra, slowly reaching out. She held Lyra's delicate hand with both of hers, eyes locked. Then, gently, she kissed the back of it. Her lips lingered for a second too long. Lyra stared back, unreadable. Something flickered in both of their eyes.
Then the game moved on, though Xion's thoughts drifted.
It had been a week since that night.
The hooded men.
He hadn't gone back to the mines since.
Instead, he'd tested himself in secret. He found he could trigger his strength in short bursts but nothing like that first explosion. Maybe 10% of it. Still… it was enough to shatter stones and lift steel. It was enough.
A thought began taking root in his mind.
The Mercenary Universal Guild.
It was said mercenaries lived by their fists and instincts, traveling between planets, taking missions, earning wealth, respect. Guild-registered mercenaries had life insurance, legal protections, and access to powerful tech.
It was more than he ever dreamed of having.
"Xion," Lyra's voice brought him back. "I've been calling you for a while… What's on your mind?"
He looked up, blinking. Both girls were watching him now.
"I… was thinking," he said honestly, "about joining the Mercenary Guild."
Nyelle blinked. "Seriously?"
Lyra frowned. "Isn't it dangerous?"
"I have… some strength," he replied carefully. "I won't take reckless jobs. But the pay's good. We'd be able to eat better. Fix the roof. Maybe get Nyelle her own bed," he added with a wink.
Nyelle flushed again, glancing away.
They talked it over for a while. Lyra worried, but she trusted him. Nyelle didn't say much, but when he hugged her before leaving, she didn't shy away anymore. She even leaned into his warmth, just a little.
---
The Mercenary Guild District was unlike any other part of the city.
Lit by neon signs and ship lights. Docks buzzed with activity mercenary teams boarding vessels, cargo being loaded, weapons being tested. The smell of oil, plasma, and smoke filled the air.
Xion felt a twinge of nervous excitement.
As he made his way toward the registration building, someone crashed into him, literally.
"Ah !" a woman yelped, landing hard on the ground.
Xion looked down.
She was stunning. Around 25, blonde hair pulled into a short tactical ponytail, wearing sleek black space armor lined with digital seams. Clearly expensive.
"Are you okay?" he asked, offering his hand.
She took it, rising with a slight wince. "Thanks," she smiled, brushing herself off.
He nodded. "No problem."
"You new here?" she asked suddenly.
He blinked. "Just came to register."
Her face lit up. "Perfect. I was just looking for a new recruit for my squad. We've got a light recon mission coming up don't worry no combat, just scanning."
He hesitated. She grinned. "I know, I know. Total stranger. But I've got good instincts, and you look like someone worth keeping an eye on."
Then, almost abruptly, she pulled a black card from her side pouch and pressed it into his hand.
"My merc code. If you're interested, message me. I've gotta go now transport's leaving!"
And just like that, she was gone running toward a landing pad and disappearing into the crowd.
Xion stood frozen for a moment, staring at the card in his hand.
"…What just happened?"
He shook his head, chuckled to himself, and continued walking toward the registration counter.