Morning sunlight poured through the tall windows of the Adventurers' Guild, throwing streaks of gold across the long tables and the polished wooden floor. The air buzzed faintly with conversation again — not nearly as tense as the night before, but still cautious. The memory of Mika's fury lingered like smoke in the air.
Kuro followed Mika down the stairs, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The guild was already lively — adventurers swapping stories, missions being posted on the board, laughter filling the corners. It was… almost peaceful.
Almost.
[Well, would you look at that. The kingdom's emotional disaster is awake and ready to socialize. What a f***ing miracle.]
{Elvastia, please. Not today.}
[What? I'm just saying — it's nice to see people not terrified for once. Except, you know, that guy in the corner who just nearly dropped his mug when Mika looked his way. Classic.]
Mika didn't say a word, but his expression said plenty. Cold. Unbothered. Lethal. He walked straight toward the front desk where a few guild officers were waiting, and Kuro followed close behind.
"Morning, Mika. Kuro." The guild master — an older man with a long beard and a scar across his cheek — nodded. "There's someone here to see you."
"Someone?" Kuro asked, tilting his head.
Before the man could answer, a familiar, smooth voice cut through the chatter.
"Well, well. You two don't make it easy to find you, do you?"
Kuro's eyes widened. Standing by the mission board, in crisp academy attire that looked entirely wrong in a place like this, was Lucien. His hazelnut hair caught the morning light, and his clear blue eyes sparkled with calm amusement — the kind that made him look like he already knew everyone's secrets.
"Lucien?" Kuro blurted out. "What are you doing here?"
Lucien smiled, stepping closer with that effortless grace that somehow made him stand out even among a room of warriors. "I had some… academy business to handle with the guild. And when I heard you were here, I thought I'd drop by."
[Oh, great. Prince Charming's back. And here I thought today would be boring. F***ing perfect.]
{He's… here? But why does it feel like Mika's about to—}
Before Kuro could finish that thought, Mika stepped forward, his voice cold enough to make a few adventurers glance their way. "You don't belong here, Lucien."
Lucien's smirk didn't falter. "I'm sure the guild doesn't mind a temporary visitor. Unless you're speaking on their behalf now?"
Mika's jaw tightened, and his hand twitched slightly at his side — a motion so small only Kuro noticed.
[Oh s***, it's happening. The ice prince versus the golden boy. I've got front-row seats to a drama I didn't buy tickets for.]
{Elvastia, stop, this isn't funny—}
[It's hilarious. Look at Lucien, all smug and shiny, and Mika's about to explode. I'd pay good money to watch him try not to punch the guy.]
Lucien turned his attention back to Kuro, his tone softening. "You look better than you did yesterday. I was a bit worried after that… unpleasant class."
Kuro smiled awkwardly. "Ah, thanks. I'm okay now, really."
Mika's glare sharpened. "He doesn't need your concern."
Lucien raised a brow, amused. "Funny, you didn't seem this protective when I was the one fending off insults for him."
The guild hall went quiet for a beat. A few nearby adventurers glanced up from their drinks, sensing the tension but wisely pretending not to listen.
[Oh, this is so good. Someone get me popcorn. F***ing popcorn.]
Mika exhaled sharply, his voice dropping to a low warning. "You're in the wrong place, Lucien."
Lucien chuckled lightly, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "And yet, here I am."
Kuro quickly stepped between them before the air could freeze solid. "Guys! Please. It's okay, really. Lucien just came to visit — right?"
Lucien smiled. "Exactly. I wouldn't dream of causing trouble."
Mika's only reply was a sharp scoff as he turned and walked toward the nearest hallway. The air seemed to loosen slightly as he left, but the chill he carried lingered.
Kuro sighed softly, then turned to Lucien. "You really shouldn't tease him."
Lucien shrugged, smirking. "He makes it too easy."
[Yeah, and one day he's gonna turn you into a human icicle, pretty boy. Keep playing with fire.]
Kuro bit back a laugh, shaking his head as he followed after Mika — though part of him couldn't help noticing the strange pull between the three of them. Mika's quiet fury. Lucien's teasing charm. And himself, caught in the middle.
The guild might have been full of adventurers…But somehow, Kuro felt like the most dangerous battle was happening right here.
WHY HELLO THERE IT IS ME BACK AND ALIVE! Don't remember me...oh...um if you go back down memory lane to the first chapter, I was the one that told you about the world and stuff you know...remember me know...? YES! YAYAYAYAY!!! Well I had to go away for some time and WOW a lot has happened...
hmmmmmm lets see...
Kuro and Mika go to the best school in the world....what the f***...
We got a whole...um...thing inside of Kuros head..
[HEY, I AINT A THING YOU B****]
Did you guys hear anything or was it my imagination...??
[...]
But wow guys Mika is getting real protective these last few days cuz of someone...yeaaa..ehe
And that lore bomb on Kuros past is nothing compared to what worse things he's been through so get ready for when that time comes...
Well, I must go I don't have much time left but I hope you'll see more of me...I hope...
Guess this is goodbye for now BUT THAT B***** THAT CALLLED KURO THOSE YHINGS AND SPITED OUT THOSE INSULTS FROM IS SMELLY MOUTH...WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS..!!!!!
[YEA WHAT A B*****. CAN GO KILL HIMSELF]
Woah too far...
Goodbye witnesses of Kuros and Mikas journey to the #######.