Novara was ancient its stones laid thousands of years ago, atop the ruins of a forgotten world

The city had survived wars, plagues, and the passage of time itself

At its center stood the Cathedral of Origins, the oldest church known, a symbol of faith and power

In Novara, people did not just worship godsthey worshiped history

The city breathed with the weight of its past, strong yet unforgiving

Life here was harsh but ordered, and behind its walls, every soul played a part.

Orion Academy:

Nestled within Novara's bustling middle district stood Orion Academy an ancient institution as old as the city itself.

Its stone walls, worn by time and countless storms, hid halls where young minds were forged not only in knowledge, but in power

Here, students learned the usual lessonshistory, language, and science but also something far more vital:

the art of understanding and harnessing their own inner energy.

Every day, the academy's classrooms buzzed with lessons on control, focus, and defense-skills necessary to survive in a world shadowed by monsters.

It was a place where strength was tested, patience taught, and destinies shaped.

For many, graduating from Orion was not just a rite of passage; it was the first step toward becoming a hunter-a protector of Novara's fragile peace

Education System:

In Novara, children take a test at age three, administered by the Church. This determines whether they attend regular schools or specialized academies like Orion. The choice shapes their future path from an early age.

It was a quiet, normal day at Orion Academy. Milo stood with his friends, talking calmly as the day began

miloMilo: 18years old had a medium build not too big, not too thin. His brown hair was slightly long, reaching his neck. His brown eyes held a sharp, determined look, Milo is a calm and brave young man who avoids unnecessary conflicts. He values those close to him and is usually open and friendly with them.

Milo had five close friends at Orion Academy. Each of them had their own personality, making the group balanced and supportive. They spent most of their days together, sharing lessons, training, and the usual school life

Hirax (milo best friend): was eighteen years old.

He had a strong, solid build, slightly bulkier than most students. His thick black hair hung just above the top of his neck, giving him a look reminiscent of ancient warriors. His brown eyes held a sharp and serious gaze, and his silence alone was enough to make those around him realize he was not someone to be underestimated Hirax is fiercely loyal and protective, especially toward Milo, whom he considers like a brother. He is brave and determined, never backing down from a challenge. Sometimes his boldness makes him act before thinking, but his strong sense of justice and strategic mind guide his actions. Despite his tough exterior, he cares deeply for his friends and values their safety above all else.

Sally Lyn: was eighteen, a bit short with an average build. Her soft pink hair and calm blue eyes gave her a quiet, gentle presence Her soft pink hair gently fell over her shoulders, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness to her simple appearance Sally was a bit vain and cared a lot about her appearance. She disliked fighting and conflicts, and saw herself as slightly better than others just enough to be confident but not arrogant Sally considered Milo, Hirax, and the other friends as just friends no more, no less.

Solir: was seventeen years old.

He had bright blond hair and deep brown eyes,Solir was shorter than Milo but slightly taller than Sally, with a build similar to Milo's neither too slim nor too bulky, Though he was considered a friend, he wasn't very close to the group, carrying an air of mystery around him Solir was somewhat calm and very serious, He rarely joked and disliked heavy joking. His trust in others was almost nonexistent, and he hated sharing his personal things and information.

Lilithia: eighteen years old, Her long, dark hair and quiet demeanor gave her a mysterious air. She rarely spoke, preferring to think deeply. Though serious most times, she showed a gentle playful side to trusted friends, She loved dark, strange things and often lost herself in music. Independent and private, she kept only a few close friends, Lilithia was somewhat close to Milo and Solir, She was perhaps the closest person to Solir, who was more open with her than with others.

Ryo: seventeen years old

He had black hair, often dyed blond, and brown eyes. Known for his confident and flirtatious nature, he had a particular fondness for girls, frequently trying to win over Sally and Lilithia especially Sally but usually failed, Among the group, his closest bond was with Herax, sharing a strong friendship despite his playful and sometimes vain personality.

This is the relationship between these friends, who spend most of their time together at school as they near their final year before graduation.

The school courtyard was calm in the late afternoon, with students winding down after a long day.

Among them, Milo and Herax stood together, their easy friendship clear in the way they spoke and joked.

Milo smiled and said, "Are you really sure you'll do it?"

Herax grinned confidently, "Watch me!"

He crouched, focused, then tried to balance on a single finger-but his body wobbled, and within seconds, he tumbled to the ground with a heavy thud

Milo smiled, offering him a hand. "It's not easy lifting that heavy body of yours with one finger."

Herax laughed as he rubbed his head. "Yeah, yeah... next time, I'll get it"

As Herax stood up, brushing the dust off his uniform, Milo glanced to the side.

Across the school courtyard, Ryo leaned against a wall, smiling confidently as he tried to get a girl's number.

Milo sighed quietly, "Look, it's Ryo. Doing his usual nonsense again."

Herax looked at Ryo and said, shaking his head with a smile, "That idiot will never change."

Sally called out from across the courtyard, "Hi there, guys!"

Standing beside them "Why are you still standing around like that?"

Ryo called out to Sally from a distance,

"Sally, miss meee???"

Ryo looked at Sally with a happy smile, his cheeks flushed red.

Ryo was surprised to see her looking at him with a disdainful expression.

While the four were talking, Solir appeared beside them with Lilithia, who was wearing headphones

Solir greeted them warmly as the four turned to look at him.

Milo smiled and nodded in response.

Herax held Ryo, ruffling his hair annoyingly while laughing.

Sally asked, "Is my nail polish nice?" then looked over at Solir and Lilithia, waving and greeting them

During their long and lively conversation, Sally grabbed her phone and took a picture of them all, saying, "Cheese!"

Milo glanced at the phone shyly and quietly.

Solir showed no interest in the photo.

Herax was still teasing Ryo.

Ryo laughed, his cheeks flushing slightly as he smiled for the picture.

Lilithia kept her eyes closed, still listening, but she smiled softly, showing her interest in what was happening.

After that, the scene shifts to them leaving through the school gates, talking with one another as they walk.

This is Milo's life before graduation and becoming a monster hunter

living a normal, happy life, ignoring the disasters happening around him.

Milo returned home and opened the door, saying, "I'm back."

His older sister Milina greeted him warmly.

Melina: has long brown hair and long brown eyes, She resembles Milo slightly in features, but her face is kinder and more beautiful, She is 24 years old, six years older than Milo, and carries a maturity and calmness that reflect her life experience

Milo and Milina live together in their home because their mother passed away some time ago, and their father has been away on a mission for four years,

Milo's father, Arthur, is also a very famous hunter, known by many in the city as a hero. Because of him, their family is somewhat well-known.

Milina takes on the responsibility of the family during their father's absence, so she is often busy.

This is the life Milo leads before the trials ahead a life filled with ordinary moments, friendship, and quiet responsibilities. But beyond the walls of Orion Academy and the familiar streets of Novara, a world of danger and destiny awaits him, ready to change everything.

On the other side...

The adventurers fought fiercely against the monsters.

A girl with long black hair stood at the front, skillfully swinging her sword against their enemies.

A large man with a scarred face looked at a timid young man who was almost attacked by a monster and said angrily,

"Focus, you idiot!"

The young man replied shyly, "I'm sorry."

Far from them, a person wearing glasses with red hair was firing beams at the monsters, defeating them.

Another girl attacked the monsters with knives, swiftly cutting their necks and protecting the back of the one with glasses.

The others continued fighting fiercely against the monsters, the clashes ongoing and intense.

It was graduation day across all academies in Novara  including Orion Academy.

The courtyard brimmed with students draped in ceremonial robes, banners fluttering gently under the summer breeze.

Above, the sky arched clear and endless, sunlight spilling softly across the polished stones of Orion’s courtyard. Rows of students stood in quiet anticipation, breaths caught between excitement and unease, their eyes fixed forward as they waited for their names to be called.

Among them stood Milo, adjusting the collar of his robe with practiced calm. His brown eyes moved thoughtfully over the crowd, distant and unreadable.

Beside him, Hirax stood tall and relaxed, arms crossed over his chest. A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Milo muttered, “When is this going to end, seriously?”

Hirax raised an eyebrow, giving him a sidelong glance. “What’s with you? You’re acting weird today.”

Milo sighed. “We’ve been standing here for hours. Why don’t they just mail us the certificates or something? I really hate gatherings like this.”

Hirax chuckled and gave Milo a playful slap on the shoulder.

“Come on, man. Just a little longer.”

Milo’s face remained bored and indifferent.

Then Hirax asked, “Where’s that necklace of yours? Didn’t you bring it?”

Milo replied flatly, “I forgot it.”

Hirax looked at him a moment longer. “Yeah… you’re definitely off today.”

Milo muttered quietly to himself,

“My necklace It was stolen from me… by a little girl.” His face showed a mix of disappointment and humiliation.

As Milo’s expression settled into one of quiet disappointment, the bustling noise of the courtyard slowly faded into the background.

All eyes turned toward the stage where the principal, a tall man with a commanding presence, stepped forward to address the graduates.

His voice rang clear and steady, carrying both pride and solemnity as he began the ceremony’s opening speech.

The air grew still, the weight of the moment settling over everyone present, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

The director said in a firm and clear voice:

"Now, after passing the first stage, you have three paths ahead of you. You can either join one of the guilds to engage directly in field missions, apply to one of the specialized agencies and work under their supervision, or continue your studies at the academy to earn qualifications for high-level jobs in the city."

"Guilds are teams led by a commander and a vice-captain, along with several members. Their main role is to carry out missions beyond the city walls, working together to fight monsters and protect our lands through teamwork and coordination.

As for the agencies, there are three major ones within Novara. Each is renowned for a specific type of work.

The first agency, for example, operates much like the guilds taking on missions and fighting monsters but in a far more advanced and organized manner. They incorporate cutting-edge technology, specialized training centers, and strategic research to improve efficiency and combat capabilities.

The second agency works directly with the government of Novara. Their role is not limited to protecting the city; they also handle criminal investigations, monitor the activities of the guilds, and ensure internal order is maintained. They act as the official security arm of the city and often take orders from the higher council of the Church.

The third and final agency served as Novara’s silent guardians, blending magic and technology to protect the city from within. They created the great magical shield that kept monsters at bay and constantly monitored the city for hidden threats. With secret labs and cutting edge inventions, they guarded vital infrastructure from energy sources to magical networks ensuring the city’s survival. Fierce and influential, they balanced power with control, always wary of their rivals among the other agencies.

And the last path after graduation, some students take civil jobs in Novara, working in administration, research, or support roles for guilds and agencies. Others continue their studies to specialize or become trainers and advisors. They help keep the city running smoothly behind the scenes, supporting the work of hunters and agencies.

The director concluded his speech with

The director raised his hand, commanding silence as his voice filled the hall:

“Graduates, today marks not just an end, but a beginning. Ahead lie challenges that will test your strength, your courage, and your hearts. Whatever path you choose whether joining the guilds, agencies, or continuing your studie remember that you carry the hopes of Novara with you. Stand strong, act with honor, and protect what you love. The future is yours to shape May you remain safe under the protection of the Church.”

Everyone applauded the director's speech

except one person Lilithia She looked on with anger in her eyes and muttered,

“Ugh… pathetic.”

And just like that… the sun set on their graduation day a chapter closed beneath golden skies. With certificates in hand and hearts stirred by memories, they walked away not just as students… but as stories forever changed

The six friends gathered once again Milo and his friends

Sally smiled brightly, her soft pink hair gently framing her face, and her calm blue eyes sparkling with curiosity. She looked around the group and asked,

“Hey guys, hey guys!

Tell me, what’s everyone planning to do after graduation?”

Hirax, Lilithia, and Solir all answered at once

“Join the guilds.”

Each voice had its own tone...

Hirax spoke with a cheerful smile,

Lilithia answered calmly with a soft smile,

and Solir replied with quiet composure.

Hirax, Lilithia, and Solier looked at each other

Sally crossed her arms, her soft pink hair slightly tousled, and her calm blue eyes narrowing in mild frustration. Her lips pressed into a small pout as she spoke confidently, showing her clear disappointment Sally’s expression shifted to disappointment.

"Ugh... What’s wrong with you guys?" she said, folding her arms.

"Who still wants to join the guilds these days?, As for me, I’m joining one of the agencies."

Ryo stood nearby, his black-and-blond hair messy, eyes sharp and playful, waiting to speak

Lilithia noticed him waiting patiently and gave a gentle smile, her long dark hair softly framing her calm, thoughtful face. Her deep eyes sparkled with quiet warmth as she looked toward him and asked,

“Ryo, what about you?”

Ryo smiled confidently, his cheeks flushing slightly. He laughed with assured ease and said,

“I’m joining the agencies too.”

For a moment, everyone turned to look at silent Milo 

Sally spoke to him with a teasing smile,

“Look at this quiet one, always hiding his true intentions.”

Milo’s face appeared a bit more serious than usual, his brown eyes focused deeply as if lost in thought. A slight furrow formed between his brows, and his lips pressed into a thin line, revealing the weight of the decisions swirling in his mind, He looked at her and said,

"I’m joining also to the guilds."

Hirax smiled and placed his hands on Milo’s shoulders.

“Great, just as I expected from you.”

Sally’s disappointment deepened.

“Even you, Milo? Even you?” she said with a bitter tone.

Ryo smirked and replied,

“then I guess we’ll both be alone.”

Sally shot him a disgusted look and snapped,

“Shut up.”

Suddenly, Solir decided to leave.

“I’ve got something to take care of,” he said quietly, turning away from the group.

Sally grabbed his hand gently.

“Wait, wait!” she called out.

“We should take one last photo to mark the end of this year,” Sally said, smiling warmly as she held Solir’s hand.

Hirax laughed and said,

“You never change.”

Ryo grinned,

“Sally, let me stand next to you this time.”

Lilithia gently tugged Milo closer to the group.

The photo was taken with everyone close together, all smiling warmly  except Solir, who, as usual, maintained his calm and distant expression.

As the sun neared the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over Novara, Milo was taking a quiet walk through the familiar streets. The evening air was calm, filled with the soft sounds of the city settling down. Thoughts swirled gently in his mind as he strolled, the weight of the day still lingering but softened by the peaceful twilight around him, Suddenly, Milo noticed the figure of the person who had stolen his necklace.

A small girl, about twelve years old, with blond hair and wearing slightly tattered clothes, caught Milo’s attention.

She saw him approaching and quickly ran away She used her energy to sprint away quickly.

Milo noticed this and said,

“She’s using her energy to run away. I’ll let her tire herself out first, then I’ll catch her.”

As they ran through streets and alleys, Milo noticed she was heading toward the poorer district.

Milo said,

“So, she’s from the poor district.”

When Milo entered the poor district, he saw some people sleeping on the streets while others were arguing nearby. The houses were old and worn down.

He then moved into a quieter, emptier neighborhood perhaps the residents were all inside their homes.

She kept running until she stopped. Milo, still following, slowed to a walk in her direction.

At that moment, someone noticed Milo was trailing her and stood still, watching

She continued running, panting heavily, clearly tired.

Suddenly, Milo grabbed her hand firmly and tightened his grip.

He asked, “Where is the necklace?”

The girl screamed, struggling against his grip.

“Let me go!” she shouted.

Milo looked around and noticed just how poor and neglected the neighborhood was.

Suddenly, Milo felt something strange

A bullet infused with energy shot toward Milo’s cheek, but he dodged it just in time.

He felt someone's energy rising. Looking up, he saw a young man in his twenties standing on the rooftop directly above him. The man had a short black hair, light stubble, and slightly brown-toned skin He wore a simple dark shirt beneath a worn, lightweight jacket made of sturdy fabric. His pants were durable but faded and slightly torn, showing signs of long use. His shoes, though comfortable, were old and scuffed, reflecting the tough life of the poor district. The outfit was practical but clearly aged, fitting someone accustomed to hardship and rough conditions He carried two pistols that he forged using his own energy.

He said to Milo,

“You bastard, how dare you come here and try to hurt a little girl!”

Some boys appeared, some holding sticks, others holding stones.

Milo looked at him seriously.

He released the girl.

“Wait, you’ve got it all wrong.”

He replied,

“Enough.”

He jumped down to the ground, aiming his two pistols at Milo.

Calling out to the boys surrounding Milo, he said,

“Stand back. I’ll handle him myself.”

One of the boys grabbed the girl and they began to move away.

The man with the pistols said,

"I’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget, intruder."

Milo looked at him seriously.

It seemed that talking wouldn’t be enough.

Milo stood tall and composed despite the tension around him. His medium build was relaxed yet ready for action, muscles subtly tense beneath his dark robe. His slightly long brown hair framed a face marked by sharp, determined brown eyes. His calm demeanor contrasted with the intensity of the moment, showing a warrior prepared for battle beneath the surface.

The air was heavy.

A strange pressure lingered in the narrow alley, thick and unmoving. The sun dipped low behind the worn rooftops, casting long shadows that crawled along the cracked pavement.

Milo stood still.

The fading light brushed the edge of his face, highlighting his sharp features and unreadable expression. His dark robe swayed faintly in the breeze, the hem brushing the dusty ground. Brown hair, slightly tousled and falling just above his shoulders, framed his calm yet focused eyes — deep brown, locked firmly onto the figure ahead.

Across from him stood the man quiet, unmoving, calm.

His skin was lightly tanned, his jaw covered in faint stubble. Cold gray eyes stared back with steady intensity. He wore a dark, worn-out shirt under a battered jacket, and torn pants that told stories of hardship. His old, scuffed boots were planted firmly, legs slightly bent  prepared.

In both hands, he held twin pistols, forged from pure energy. The barrels pulsed faintly with a glow, like veins of light ready to strike.

Silence.

Milo broke the silence with a calm but firm voice:

“Listen… let’s avoid all this.

There’s no need to fight we can talk this through.”

But the answer came sharp, like a blade slicing the air:

“Shut up.”

The man’s voice was cold, cutting.

“I won’t listen to your lies, intruder.

“I know scum like you all too well.”

His voice dripped with disgust.

“This isn’t the first time…

But this time  you’re not getting away"

Milo’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

“You’re seriously mistaken… I only want the neckla—”

Before he could finish, a shot tore through the air.Milo’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

“You’re seriously mistaken… I only want the neckla... ”

Before he could finish, a shot tore through the air.

A voice called out from the side, one of the bystanders near the gunman:

“He got him!”

The man lowered his pistols slightly, a small smirk playing on his lips.

But suddenly

a spark of energy erupted from Milo.

His brown hair fluttered with the pulse of power as his robe swayed in the sudden gust.

Two bullets slammed into his right wrist with a sharp impact.

Milo gritted his teeth, feeling the sting.

A faint scratch appeared on his skin, smoke rising slightly from the wounded area.

Despite the pain, Milo’s eyes remained steady, unyielding.

The man stood frozen, eyes wide in stunned silence no words escaped his lips.

Energy began to ripple from Milo’s body, a faint glow spreading across his skin like wildfire.

His voice was low but steady, carrying the weight of resolve:

“You left me no other choice.”

Then, in a blink, Milo dashed forward

a sudden burst of speed and power that shattered the silence around them.

Milo swung his right hand in a powerful strike.

The man blocked it with his right arm, muscles tense and steady.

Quickly, he grabbed his pistol and aimed it straight at Milo’s forehead.

But Milo was faster.

He thrust his right hand forward, pushing against the man’s arm.

The sudden force threw the pistol off balance, making it vanish from sight.

Seizing the moment, Milo delivered a sharp right-handed kick to the man’s side, driving him to the right.

The man staggered, hitting the ground, then pushed himself up onto one knee.

The man noticed Milo moving toward him.

A cold smile crept across his lips.

“Don’t get too confident.”

In a swift motion, he formed his weapon in his left hand,

quickly pressing the two pistols together.

Energy surged between them as he charged up an attack,

a deadly force gathering at his fingertips

The man unleashed a swift, white beam of energy,

shooting it directly at Milo with deadly precision.

Without hesitation, Milo raised both hands,

blocking the beam as a small explosion burst outward,

sparking dust and light around them.

The man’s eyes widened in surprise once again.

“Alright, alright...

Seems you’re not weak after all.”

Milo’s power surged as he charged another strike.

He blocked the next blow with both hands,

a faint scratch appearing on his skin.

He clenched his teeth slightly, wincing from the sting.

The man stood up, brushing dust off his clothes with a cold smirk.

Without warning, he fired a sudden shot at Milo.

Milo dodged swiftly and closed the distance.

The man fired a second, then a third bullet

but Milo was still one step ahead, evading every shot with ease.

When Milo got close enough, the man dropped his weapons,

ready to land a punch.

Milo slipped past his strike and delivered a powerful kick to the man’s back,

sending him forward.

The man staggered on the ground but pushed himself up onto one knee once again.

Suddenly, a voice cried out

a girl shouting,

“Lucas!

Milo’s eyes widened in recognition.

She was the same girl who had stolen his necklace.

For a brief moment, Milo hesitated, caught between anger and confusion.

Lucas’s gaze snapped to the girl, sharp and alert.

The girl spoke urgently,

“Lucas, listen... the truth is... ”

Lucas cut her off, his voice firm,

“Mira, listen carefully.

I haven’t been defeated yet. He’s really strong,

but I won’t lose to him.

And I can’t avoid this fight

because I have to protect you.”

Suddenly, a man emerged from his house.

He was bald, a bit tall, wearing worn-out clothes.

He shouted at them,

“What’s all this noise, kids?

Do you think this is a fighting arena?”

Lucas replied casually,

“Oh, hey Bob, how’s it going?”

Bob shouted back angrily,

“You damn troublemaker, Lucas!

Since you came here, all you do is cause problems and noise with your damn fights!”

His wife appeared behind him, gently pulling him back.

“Calm down, Bob,” she said softly, trying to soothe him.

Lucas shouted back,

“Hey, what do you mean by ‘damn old man,’ huh?!”

Bob shouted back angrily,

“Old man! Want me to send you back to your mother’s womb, you bastard?”

Suddenly, another voice shouted from a nearby window,

“Can you keep it down? You’re way too noisy!”

Voices erupted back and forth between windows,

people shouting insults and complaints at each other.

Amid the rising chaos, Milo stood there, surprised and watching the scene unfold.

Milo called out to the girl,

“You! Give me back the necklace.”

He started moving toward her,

thinking to himself,

I have to use this chaos to get the necklace back and get out of here as fast as possible.

The girl fled, disappearing into the crowd.

Lucas shouted after her,

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Milo noticed her escape and quickly slipped past Lucas, heading straight toward her.

Lucas stopped abruptly and turned to face them both.

The shouting between the neighbors raged on, voices clashing like a chaotic orchestra of anger. People leaned out of their windows, waving their hands, yelling over one another each trying to be louder than the last.

In the middle of this chaos, Milo moved swiftly through the narrow street, his eyes locked onto the fleeing girl. His steps were steady, his breath controlled, tuned out from the madness around him.

He was closing the distance—just a few more steps and he’d catch her.

Behind him, Lucas ran with urgency, his expression tense as he pushed forward. His boots kicked up small clouds of dust as he kept his gaze on Milo and the girl, trying to calculate who would reach her first.

Every scream, every shout from the angry neighbors seemed to blur into the background.

This wasn't just a chase it was a race against time, unfolding beneath a storm of voices, unnoticed by the crowd.

And in those tense seconds, the whole street became a stage for something far more important than an argument: a silent battle was about to begin.

Just as Milo’s fingers grazed Mira’s arm, reaching to grab her

A fist came crashing into his cheek.

Lucas's punch landed with brutal force, sending Milo stumbling sideways, his boots scraping against the cracked pavement. The impact was sharp, enough to snap his focus and throw him off balance.

Mira kept running through the narrow alleyways, her breath quick and uneven, eyes darting nervously over her shoulder.

Milo planted his feet firmly, his glare locked onto Lucas, fire burning in his eyes.

"Looks like you’re not backing down..." he muttered, voice low but resolute.

Lucas didn’t look away. Calmly, he summoned his weapon once more, resting it across the back of his neck. His head tilted slightly, a confident smirk curling at the corner of his mouth.

"That question’s for you, intruder."

Milo’s energy flared around him, a silent, focused aura. He surged forward with lightning speed, feet barely making a sound on the cracked ground.

Lucas raised his weapon, shouting,

“Yo—”

But he never finished. Milo’s elbow smashed into his nose with brutal precision, blood instantly bursting forth. Lucas staggered back, yelling,

“You bastard!!”

He threw a fierce punch at Milo’s face, but Milo stood firm, unflinching.

Suddenly, Milo drove his knee hard into Lucas’s gut. Lucas gasped, dropping to one knee.

Seizing the moment, Milo grabbed Lucas by the collar and slammed a powerful punch into his face. Then he grabbed Lucas’s arm, spun him violently, and slammed him down onto the hard ground with a crashing thud.

Lucas’s body shook, saliva dripped from his mouth... and then he lost consciousness completel.

While Mira continued running, unaware of the chaos unfolding behind her, the boys who had been with Lucas approached Milo and the unconscious Lucas to see what had happened.

Milo stood firm, his sharp features calm and composed in the fading sunset light. His brown hair swayed gently in the evening breeze, his dark robe flowing around his feet. Before him lay Lucas, unconscious and slumped on the ground.

At that moment, a mysterious figure appeared. Wearing a hood that concealed most of his face, only a few strands of green hair peeked out. A faint smile curved his lips as he sat quietly.

Slowly, he rose and spoke in a calm yet charged voice,

“The time has come.”