The restaurant was small, yet it exuded a quiet kind of luxury.
White marble walls reflected the soft glow of the hanging lamps, and a crystal chandelier at the center of the ceiling scattered golden beams over linen tablecloths and neatly aligned silverware.
In the background, the sound of a piano filled the air — calm, hypnotic — as if time itself moved slower in that place.
There were only five tables.
Two by the glass windows, revealing the Capital bathed in the golden light of evening; the others occupied by couples and weary soldiers savoring a rare moment of rest.
The air smelled of fine spices, sweet wine… and peace. A silence that felt elegant.
By the window, Kevin and Ruby shared a round table — completely covered in stacked plates.
Ten, maybe more. All empty.
Only three remained, still steaming, as the two ate like the world was about to end.
Ruby wiped her lips with a napkin and leaned her elbow on the table.
— So… what've you been up to all this time? — she asked with a light smile. — You disappeared ever since we got back to the Capital.
Kevin shrugged, chewing a mouthful of pasta.
— Saved a few people trapped during the attack. — He swallowed, then added, — Nothing special.
— Alone? — Ruby raised a brow. — I doubt that. I bet you ran into some real ugly beasts.
Kevin smirked.
— You'd win that bet.
As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward the door, watching soldiers come and go.
— What about the rest of the group… are they taking long?
Ruby rested her chin on her hand, a playful gleam in her eyes.
— I think they're waiting for the restaurant to recover from the trauma. — She eyed the mountain of plates. — You practically bankrupted the place, Kevin.
He let out a short laugh.
— Hahaha! I told you I was broke. And, to be fair, you ate more than I did.
Ruby raised a finger, pretending to be offended.
— Hey! To be fair… I did eat well, yeah! But don't worry — I'm the one who invited you, so I'm paying.
She pulled three gold coins from her pocket and tossed them onto the table. The soft metallic clink echoed faintly.
They stood, straightening their clothes before heading out.
Outside, the afternoon breeze brushed against their faces. The sun reflected off the damp cobblestones, and the smell of fresh bread from nearby bakeries mixed with the wind.
Kevin glanced sideways.
— So… where'd you get all that money, huh?
Ruby spun one of the coins between her fingers, smiling.
— Your cousin gave it to me. Said that since I'm your successor, I get paid after every mission.
Kevin fell silent for a moment, eyes fixed on the stone street.
"She's getting used to this new life… that's good," he thought.
But the calm moment was cut short by a voice shouting from the end of the street:
— There you two are!
Kevin looked up.
Luis was approaching with firm steps, followed by Augusto, Sebastian, and Julian.
— Good to see you again, Julian — said Kevin, smiling sincerely.
— Likewise, man. Been a while. — Julian returned the smile.
The wind swept between them, carrying the distant sounds of the bustling city.
For a moment, it felt like the world was finally breathing in peace.
Kevin broke the silence:
— And the guy with the yellow hair beside you, Luis? Who's he?
— Sebastian, — his cousin answered firmly. — My new student.
Kevin studied him for a moment, taking in every detail.
— Hm… got it.
Luis adjusted his cloak and said:
— Let's go. Augusto, fill Kevin in on the details. Ruby, Sebastian, you're with me.
Without complaint, Ruby and Sebastian followed quietly.
Kevin watched them leave, thinking:
"Why does he never tell me things straight…?"
The street fell silent again — only the sound of the wind and their fading footsteps remained.
— Come on, Kevin, Julian, — said Augusto, turning around. — We've got work to do.
The two exchanged a glance before following him.
— Alright, but before we go… there's something I want to do. — said Kevin, pulling up his hood.
Augusto looked over his shoulder. — And what would that be?
— He probably wants to visit his sister, — Julian replied without hesitation. — I'd do the same.
Kevin nodded.
— Right on. It's been four years since I last saw her.
Before Augusto could respond, a red glow surged through his body.
The energy enveloped him completely, and in an instant, he was floating in midair.
Curious, Kevin let his essence manifest — the green light flared around him, lifting him off the ground as well.
— Hey, wait up! — Julian complained, reaching out a hand. — I don't have aura like you guys to just fly around!
Kevin landed back on the street.
— Aura? I have that now?
Julian crossed his arms.
— Everyone knows this — whoever can fly using their own life force has reached the next stage: the level of Aura.
Kevin scratched the back of his neck, sheepish.
— Bit of a late update for me… but I'll take it.
Julian chuckled. — Augusto's already gone. Let's move.
Kevin glanced around — the street was empty, wrapped in quiet.
Then he opened his hand, and a green light took form.
From it emerged a translucent hawk, which landed on the ground and grew until it towered over them both.
— Your ride's here, Julian. — said Kevin with a faint smile.
Julian laughed and climbed onto the hawk's back.
The creature flapped its wings hard, taking off. Kevin followed close behind, cutting through the night wind.
From above, Julian spotted Augusto walking alone down a nearby street.
"Now that I think about it… I didn't even remember the Second Sentinel's name was Augusto," Kevin thought. "Did no one ever tell me that before?"
He looked up and saw Julian standing on the hawk, leaning forward — as if about to jump.
— He's not actually gonna do it… — Kevin muttered, frowning.
But Julian jumped.
The silence of the night shattered with the sound of air tearing apart — his body plummeting too fast.
— Heat up… — Kevin whispered, calm, without anger — only focus in his eyes.
Within seconds, he and the hawk dove after him, the air growing heavy and cold as they sped downward.