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.