Location: Echelon Prime, Earth — Time: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
As dusk painted Echelon Prime in soft amber hues, the streets dimmed and the neon veins of the city began to pulse stronger. After helping James reunite with his parents, Hero Xender walked beside them, a silent protector cloaked in humility.
James tugged at his father's sleeve. "Dad, can Hero come to dinner with us? Please? He helped me... and he's so cool."
The parents hesitated. The mother's voice was cautious. "James... he's a Vanguard. I don't think someone like him would—"
"I'd be honored," Hero said, voice calm yet carrying a weight that made them stop in place.
The father blinked. "Y-you would?"
Hero nodded with a small smile. "Good food. Good company. It would be... refreshing."
They led him to a nearby residential dome in District 9, where middle-class families lived in self-sustaining eco-pods. The dinner table was modest—real wood, aged and slightly cracked. A single light floated overhead.
The meal was simple: protein rice, vegetable synths, and real fruit juice. James was ecstatic, asking Hero endless questions about space, aliens, battles, and armor.
"What's the scariest creature you've fought?"
Hero smirked. "Fear isn't in the creature. It's in those who flee before standing. But... there was one from the Xavien Abyss. Large. Many eyes. Too many teeth."
James gasped. "Did you win?!"
Hero simply nodded.
Meanwhile, the parents exchanged glances. They tried to act natural, but their hands trembled slightly.
Unbeknownst to the family, high above in a secure tower, Director Inox stood before a live tactical screen.
"He's still with the civilians," said an agent. "Dinner has begun. No signs of aggression. He's... smiling."
Inox narrowed her eyes. "Don't be fooled. That smile can vanish the moment we overstep. Let him lead. Watch, record. But do not interact."
Back in the home, the mother brought out dessert—a rare treat: almond-paste pastries from Mars. Hero took a bite, closed his eyes briefly.
"Excellent craftsmanship," he said.
The mother smiled, a little more relaxed now. "Thank you... Mr. Hero."
"Just Xender," he corrected softly.
As the dinner neared its end, Hero stood and helped clear the plates. James hugged him tight around the waist. "Will I see you again?"
Hero placed a gentle hand on the boy's head. "Perhaps. Protect your family. Be strong."
He nodded at the parents and stepped out into the night.
Outside, the city's skyline glimmered. But from behind parked transport shuttles, two shadowed figures watched.
"Is that really him?" one whispered. "The Masterchief?"
The other answered, "Confirmed. Orders are to stay hidden. But... if he starts digging, our mission's at risk."
As Hero walked into the neon-dark, he paused. The shadows behind him stood still—not daring to breathe.
He continued walking.
He had sensed them.
But he was giving them one more hour of ignorance.
The hunt would begin at dawn.