"In the final analysis, your affinity was the key factor in resolving the encounter" Jeremia said, clearly still surprised to learn that a Tower with the Time affinity had emerged in Nova Vitae.
"Yes" Seran replied briefly.
He had spent nearly half an hour retracing the entire battle—precise, structured, and unwavering in his narration.
Meanwhile, Tolvin ended the recording, pressing the same button that made the tripod-mounted tablet disappear into its storage state.
"Very well," Jeremia said after a brief pause.
"150,000 Flux will be transferred to your personal account. Your intervention has put an end to a threat that, unfortunately, not even the AF managed to eradicate in two years…"
The tension that had built up in Seran's shoulders slowly dissolved. His posture relaxed slightly against the chair.
"Have you ever considered joining the AF?" the Bastion asked.
"A Tower like you—still young, and already this talented—could rise through the ranks in less than ten years."
Silence settled over the room, heavy with expectation for the two government officials. They knew there was still untapped potential in front of them.
Barely a month had passed since the boy had become a Tower. His affinity was something truly rare—perhaps even unique.
The answer didn't take long.
Seran remained composed, his posture steady. His voice was neutral, yet firm.
"Yes… I was tempted" he admitted."But I have goals to achieve, a promise to keep, and I need all the freedom I can get."
As he spoke, he remembered exactly why he had become a Tower.
Regis
And their promise.
The expectation that had formed in Jeremia's eyes slowly faded—partly disappointment at not recruiting Seran, and partly calculation, already considering the prestige this "Raider Lag" could bring him in the future.
"I see" Jeremia said at last, his tone returning to professionalism.
"On behalf of the Armed Forces and Nova Vitae, we thank you for your service."
He allowed a brief pause before adding:
"The AF will always be ready to welcome you, Raider Lag."
Seran gave a small nod, then stood up and left the room.
Once the door closed, Tolvin—who had remained silent throughout the entire conversation—finally spoke.
"Sir… do you really believe a boy like that can make a difference?" he asked, unable to hide his curiosity at his superior's attention.
Jeremia turned slightly toward him.
"Tolvin… my eyes see more than you can imagine."
A faint smile appeared on his lips, and a subtle blue reflection flickered in his eyes.
Tolvin, familiar with the Bastion's particular affinity, simply nodded without asking further questions.
"From now on, keep me updated on Raider Lag."
Daylight gave way to night.
The lights of Nova Vitae's buildings lit up like stars in the sky, and with them, the city itself seemed to awaken. People left their homes after work—going out to eat, meeting friends, enjoying the evening.
Bars began filling with young crowds. Couples walked hand in hand through the streets. Sleek, modern vehicles cut through the skies, following strict flight regulations.
Those who couldn't afford such advanced machines relied on combustion engines—no longer fueled by petroleum, but by mana-based fuel extracted from deep underground deposits.
Seran, still without a driving license, walked along the sidewalks toward Fiovi Square, located in one of the most popular districts among young people. His friends were waiting for him—people he hadn't seen in a while.
"+150,000 Flux."
The notification appeared on his phone.
Finally, the bounty had been paid.
He slipped the phone back into his pocket, satisfied.
At least now he could finally afford a new mana ring.
"I guess the next step is getting a license…"
The square opened into a vast space where crowds gathered, taking photos to capture moments.
The surrounding architecture was more refined than in other districts. Bright lights and large glass storefronts lined the square, attracting both curious passersby and potential buyers.
A few minutes later, he reached the fountain at the center.
Small spotlights illuminated the water basin, creating shifting reflections with every splash.
At its center stood a stone monument depicting a Tower, blade raised as he struck down an Evox.
"Flovi killed a T4 alone, despite being an F3. They say his affinity was Light" Seran thought, observing the statue closely.
"He must have been an extraordinary Raider… I wonder what happened to him."
At the base of the monument, an inscription read:
"To the light that protected us 236 years ago."
Near the edge of the fountain, four people were waiting for him.
He quickened his pace.
"There he is, always late!" Kathy said with a grin, pulling him into a hug the moment she saw him.
"Look who decided not to die and show up!" Mard and Lucan laughed in unison, patting him on the shoulder at the same time.
Sylvia greeted him last, as always, with a quiet, graceful wave.
"Hey Sylvia, why so shy?" Kathy teased, noticing her unusual behavior.
"It's nothing… it's just that every time I see him, he seems different" she said, lowering her gaze.
"I'm still me, don't worry" Seran replied, slightly confused—Sylvia was usually far from reserved.
He then suggested grabbing something to drink at a nearby kiosk.
Time passed easily between laughter and jokes. Cola, water, and beer disappeared as they talked.
Later, sitting on a bench and watching the crowd flow by, Lucan suddenly spoke up.
"Hey guys, look at this. They're saying a famous serial killer was finally taken down… but they don't say who did it."
"Let me see" Mard said.
Kathy and Sylvia leaned in as well.
Seran remained silent. He already understood what they were talking about.
"The Tower killer known as 'Red', an F1, has finally been eliminated," Kathy read aloud.
"Serves that bastard right" Lucan added.
For a moment, Seran saw blood on his hands. Then it disappeared.
"They say it was an independent Raider" Sylvia added, glancing briefly at Seran, "but no further details were released."
"Definitely a hero" she said.
"Not a hero" Seran replied immediately
"Just what was necessary to survive."
His tone was sharper than intended.
Silence fell.
"In what sense… survive?" Kathy asked.
"I think I just slipped…" Seran thought.
His friends pressed him with questions, sensing something off.
"Do you know this Raider?"
"Did you hear something at the Presidium?"
Seran remained still.
But Sylvia noticed first.
"Seran… why are your hands shaking? Are you okay?" she asked softly, taking his hands in hers.
"It's fine… just the cold" he replied quickly.
But his eyes betrayed him.
A faint laugh echoed in his mind.
He froze for a second. His gaze went distant.
"Seran, don't talk nonsense—you're a Tower" Mard said.
"And it's May" Kathy added.
"Hey, you can tell us anything" Lucan finished.
Seran took a deep breath.
Under pressure, he finally looked at them.
And he began to speak.
This time, his narration was more controlled. He had partially moved past it, but he someone who had never killed a human before, only Evox.
One by one, their expressions changed.
Shock. Silence. Disbelief.
What had started as a peaceful evening slowly turned gray.
Kathy shook her head, unable to believe what he had endured.
Mard and Lucan were speechless.
Sylvia's eyes slowly grew moist, her hand resting gently on his back.
When he finished, Seran exhaled.
"That's everything."
Without a word, all four of them pulled him into a tight hug.
"You're suffocating me…" he muttered weakly, trying to lighten the mood.
"Shut up and enjoy it" they replied in unison.
A moment later, he managed to slip free.
"Alright… let's go drink something. This time, it's on me."
And with a small gesture, he pointed toward the kiosk they had visited earlier.