Morning broke gently over Orario.
Golden sunlight filtered through the thin cloud layers, bathing every inch of the seventh district's land with soft brilliance.
The buildings that lined both sides of the road were worn by time, their walls weathered and cracked. Yet within their age was an undeniable charm, whispering stories of the past to those who walked beneath their shadows.
On the cobblestone street, Akira and Adi strolled side by side, their pace leisurely as they began the day's patrol mission.
Adi wore a light adventuring outfit today, her one-handed sword bouncing slightly at her waist. Her bright eyes darted around with unfiltered curiosity, and from time to time, she hummed an unfamiliar tune, full of vigor and life.
They kept a casual eye on passers-by while quietly scanning for locations to plant their next surveillance magic circle.
Eventually, they slipped into a narrow, dim alley.
Akira crouched beside a wall, holding a feather pen. With precise movements, he began inscribing glowing runes. Streams of magic flowed from the tip like silken threads, forming complex and intertwined symbols on the wall.
Not far away, Adi stood guard, eyes sharp. Occasionally, she would lean closer, her expression filled with amazement as she watched the intricate magic circle take shape—each line, each glow seeming like something out of a dream.
As the sun climbed higher into the sky, their energy slowly drained, and a familiar rumble echoed from their stomachs.
Naturally, their next stop was the Hostess of Fertility.
The moment they pushed open the door, the enticing aroma of freshly prepared food rushed to greet them like a warm embrace.
Mia's cooking was as magical as ever but what wasn't magical was the way she looked at Akira. Her eyes squinted slightly, her gaze scrutinizing and strangely unreadable.
Akira shifted uncomfortably in his seat and could only mutter helplessly to himself, "It's not what you think, Aunt Mia… Adi and I are just friends, I swear."
By the time the afternoon sun began to laze in the sky, the patrol had wrapped up.
As always, Akira walked Adi home. But just as they said their goodbyes near her residence, a tall, elegant figure appeared in view.
Her features bore a clear resemblance to Adi's—though her expression was more composed, and her presence more refined.
Akira immediately recognized her.
Shakti. Adi's older sister and captain of the Ganesha Familia.
With a soft smile on her lips, Shakti approached. There was something motherly, yet slightly intimidating, about her gaze. She reached out and patted Akira gently on the head, saying, "Thank you for sending Adi back. Be careful on your way."
That gentle yet vaguely probing smile sent a chill down Akira's spine. Not daring to linger, he quickly offered his farewells and made a hasty retreat.
The next day.
Because the Ganesha Familia's base was close to a cafe, Akira arranged to meet Adi there the next morning.
When she arrived, she was hugging a thick copy of "The Tales of Argonaut."
Before Akira could even greet her, she plopped down across from him, eyes sparkling, and launched into a passionate retelling of her favorite heroic tales.
Her voice rose with excitement as she described the valor and ideals of legendary figures. At key moments, she even stood and gestured dramatically—so much that she drew amused glances from nearby tables.
Akira watched her dazedly, unable to shake a strange thought.
This... doesn't feel like an ordinary meetup. Is this... a date?
After that impromptu book club, they resumed patrol, heading into Zone Six: The Trading District.
The area was buzzing with activity. Shops of every kind lined the streets, with hawkers loudly advertising their wares and customers bartering for better deals.
It was a lively chaos, full of color and noise.
Akira attempted to draw a magic circle here, but the constant flow of people and the tight layout of the storefronts made it nearly impossible to find good spots.
In the end, they managed to draw only a few symbols in discreet corners tucked behind buildings.
The rest of the day was spent patrolling at a relaxed pace, observing the city's rhythm and the many types of people that filled its streets.
And then it happened again.
As Akira walked Adi back to her base, Shakti was waiting.
This time, however, she didn't simply thank him—she invited him to stay for dinner at their base.
He was surrounded the moment he stepped in.
The members of the Ganesha Familia, easily identifiable by their elephant-head masks, were relentless with their stares. Their smirks and silent glances were too suggestive for comfort.
Akira endured it with a stiff smile, silently praying for the meal to end quickly.
After all, Adi was known as the "darling" of the Ganesha Familia, and any guy walking beside her was bound to attract attention.
To make matters worse, their deity—Ganesha himself—was even louder than expected.
In the span of one minute, he repeated his infamous line "I am Ganesha!" no less than dozens of times.
By the time Akira returned to the Stardust Garden, night had completely fallen.
The moment he walked in, he was swarmed. Alise and the others surrounded him like wolves, throwing out rapid-fire questions.
"Why are you back so late?"
"Where were you all day?"
Quick on his feet, Akira spun a believable tale about running into Adi during patrol and how she invited him for dinner. He even gave a detailed demonstration of his recent magic circle deployment work.
Fortunately, they bought it.
On the third day.
The sun shone even more brightly.
This time, Akira and Adi made their way to the Fifth District.
Bars and gambling halls lined the streets, and rowdy laughter and shouting could be heard from every direction.
In the center of the area stood a famed spot where adventurers often sparred to test their strength.
This time, they found a hidden spot rather quickly and etched another magic circle.
With the important task done, they slipped into a nearby pub to grab a bite.
The pub was lavishly decorated—crystal chandeliers dangled from the ceiling, casting a dreamy, golden glow.
Akira picked out a secluded corner and began browsing the menu.
Meanwhile, Adi's eyes caught a glimpse of a beautiful glass bottle—bright red honey wine that sparkled like rubies.
Without a second thought, they ordered a glass to share.
When the wine arrived, its fragrance was as alluring as its color. Akira took a sip—sweet, mellow, and smooth.
Not bad.
But Adi?
Barely halfway through the glass, her cheeks were flushed, her eyes glazed over, and her words began to slur. Her steps wobbled like a boat on choppy waters.
Helpless, he crouched down and let her slump onto his back, piggybacking her through the dim streets of Orario.