The morning light slipped gently through the curtains, casting soft golden lines across the room.
Milo slowly opened his eyes, blinking as he adjusted to the brightness. For a moment, he remained still, staring at the ceiling… his mind quiet, untouched by the weight of the outside world.
Then, with a quiet breath, he sat up.
He ran a hand through his hair before getting out of bed, his steps slow but steady as he made his way to the bathroom.
Cold water splashed against his face, washing away the last traces of sleep. He stared at his reflection for a brief moment… silent… thoughtful.
"…Another day."
After getting ready, Milo headed downstairs, the faint smell of food already filling the house.
"Good morning~"
Milena's cheerful voice echoed from the kitchen as she placed the last dish on the table.
Milo stepped in, a small smile forming on his face. "Morning."
He took a seat, glancing at the table before looking back at her. "You're in a good mood today."
Milena turned slightly, placing her hands on her hips with a playful expression. "And why wouldn't I be?"
Milo let out a quiet chuckle as he picked up his fork.
The two began eating, the atmosphere warm and peaceful, filled with small, simple conversations… the kind that made the house feel alive.
A few minutes later, Milo stepped into the living room.
He noticed Milena watching the news, her eyes focused on the screen.
He stood behind her. "Don't you have work today?"
"…No," she replied without looking away.
Milo glanced at the screen, curiosity showing on his face. "Are they still talking about that incident?"
Milena nodded. "Yes… the explosion caused by Number 3."
She paused slightly. "The one that shook the wealthy district of Novara… and destroyed important underground facilities."
Milena continued, her voice calm but serious.
"There are rumors… they were carrying out secret operations underground. That's why they're trying so hard to hide it from the public."
Milo's expression grew sharper. His mind was racing, analyzing.
The Numbers… they've done more than expected. I wonder what they're planning now… especially Toxivar.
Milena glanced at him, her eyes curious yet concerned.
"And Novara hasn't caught any of them. Even Number 3, the one they tried to interrogate… he blew himself up and died. The investigator who questioned him… is said to be in a fragile psychological state in the hospital."
Milena glared at him, half annoyed, half worried.
"What really bothers me… is that you went on that mission with Celestine to catch them! And you didn't even ask me!"
Milo froze, his eyes bulging slightly, veins popping from his forehead as he took a step back.
"Ah… wait, wait! I'm fine! Really, I'm totally fine! Look!"
He grabbed his cheek, puffed up his chest a little, and flexed his arm and abs dramatically.
"See? I'm perfectly fine! Totally fine!"
Milena placed a hand over her face and let out a long sigh.
"Alright… fine. Just… remember, whenever you want to do something stupid or reckless… that you have an older sister who worries way too much."
Milo smiled faintly and looked down.
"Alright… sis."
After the sibling conversation, Milo left his house, still thinking about Celestine's proposal.
At the same time, he was heading toward his friend Herax's house.
When he arrived, Herax's mother greeted him with a warm smile.
"Herax is still asleep, but I'll wake him up for you," she said kindly.
A few minutes later, Herax appeared, still looking sleepy, rubbing his face.
"Milo… what's with the surprise visit?" he asked, his voice thick with sleep.
Milo raised his head, looking at him with a bright smile.
"How's it going, Herax!"
Herax blinked a few times, trying to shake off the sleepiness.
"…Milo… you're too energetic this early."
Herax looked toward the sun and immediately shut his eyes.
"Aaah! My eyes!"
Milo glanced at him and chuckled softly.
Herax looked down, trying to avoid staring at the sun.
"So, Milo… what's the reason for this visit? Do you need something?"
Milo asked,
"Are you free today? I mean… your parents won't need you for anything, or it's not your training day?"
Herax nodded.
"Yeah, I'm free today."
Milo looked at him, a small smile spreading across his face.
"Alright… come with me!"
He finally brought up the topic of Celestine's proposal as they walked together.
"So… what do you think?"
Herax stopped for a moment, placing his hand on his chin, deep in thought.
"Hmmmm… what a proposal. Is she the same person you were talking about yesterday at the hospital?"
Milo nodded, a small smile on his face.
"Yes… that's her."
Herax placed his right hand on Milo's shoulder, a hint of emotion in his eyes.
"Milo… I'm proud of you. Your life will be better with her."
Milo froze, his face turning red.
"W-wait! Can you stop looking at me like that!? And… what exactly do you mean by 'better with her'?!"
Herax folded his arms and looked at Milo seriously.
"Alright then… how do you feel about this? Your comfort matters more than anything."
Milo paused for a moment, scratching his cheek thoughtfully.
"About that… I'm not sure. I don't have a problem with it, but during my adventures, I won't be available for her."
"And… I also don't think I'm good at that kind of work," Milo added.
Herax paused for a moment, thinking, then offered a suggestion.
"What if… you suggest this to someone else? Maybe she just needs someone, but doesn't have many people to propose it to or something like that."
Milo stood still, not liking the idea at first.
"I don't think I know anyone… wait a moment."
Milo's eyes lit up as he remembered someone he knew.
"Yes, yes! I have someone I think would benefit from this."
Herax smiled for a moment, clearly pleased.
"So… was my suggestion good?"
Milo nodded slightly.
"Yeah… but I think that person is working right now…"
Herax looked confused.
"Working? Then why would you suggest a job like this to someone who already has one?"
Milo replied simply:
"Because… he doesn't like his job."
Herax understood Milo's words.
"Oh… that makes sense."
Milo paused for a moment, as if stuck in another dilemma.
"But since he's working right now… I don't know how I'll find him."
Herax looked at Milo.
"You mean… you don't know where he works?"
Milo replied,
"He works as a waiter in our area… but I don't know where exactly."
Herax frowned slightly, a hint of annoyance crossing his face at the word waiter.
"A waiter… huh. I just remembered a waiter I argued with recently. Damn, he was annoying."
Milo tried to ease Herax a bit.
"Don't worry, this waiter… he's actually a really kind person."
He paused for a moment, thinking.
"I think I'll go visit the orphanage where he used to live… that should make it easier to find him."
Herax grinned.
"So… let's head to the orphanage!"
Milo looked at him, a small smile forming.
"You really make everything easy to do."
He pulled his phone out of his pocket.
"First, I'll tell Celestine about the proposal."
Herax peeked at Milo's phone.
"Oh… you have her number too! I'm really proud of you."
Milo shot him a slightly annoyed look.
"I told you before… don't look at me like that!"
After a few minutes, Milo looked at Herax, a hint of hopelessness in his eyes.
"She's not answering… she's really busy with work!"
Herax crossed his arms, thinking for a moment.
"So… what's the plan now?"
Milo nodded firmly.
"We'll improvise… and carry out the plan without telling her anything."
Herax raised his hand to the sky.
"Let's go!"
He shouted so loudly that everyone around turned to look at him for a moment.
Milo stepped back slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed by this impulsive behavior.
Milo and Herax walked side by side along the orderly streets of the middle-class district. The sun cast long shadows across the clean sidewalks, and the occasional breeze carried the faint scent of flowers and baked bread from nearby homes.
Milo and Herax walked through the gate separating the middle-class district from the poorer area.
Ahead of them, the large Novara gate, the one leading outside the city, was still under repair. The damage from the Numbers' previous attack was clearly visible.
Hirax frowned. "They still haven't finished fixing it…"
They continued down the narrow streets of the poor district. The faint smell of smoke and dust hung in the air.
Children played quietly on the sidewalks, while some people rested under thin blankets outside their homes.
Milo and Herax approached the orphanage, its old building standing out among the scattered trees. The surrounding wooden fence was slightly worn, but the main gates remained firmly closed.
The sounds of children came from inside their laughter and chatter filling the yard, giving the place a lively feel despite its simple structure.
Near the orphanage, a young man sat on a small wooden crate, his hand resting on his chin as he looked downward, pale and seemingly lost in thought. This was Lucas, the person Milo intended to speak with about the proposal, waiting silently as Milo and Hirax drew closer.
Milo whispered to Hirax:
"Here it is… looks like Lucas is here after all."
Milo called softly:
"Lucas!" and stepped closer to the crate he was sitting on.
Hirax remained standing behind him, not moving a single step.
Lucas lifted his head, light brown hair falling slightly over his pale face, his gray eyes gleaming faintly.
"Oh… it's you, boy…" he said quietly.
But when he turned his gaze toward Hirax, his expression instantly changed. His eyes became sharp and full of anger, as if a silent challenge was exchanged between them.
Hirax mirrored the same stern look, standing still but clearly tense.
Milo paused for a moment, looking between them, noticing the unspoken clash in their gazes. His face reflected deep surprise.