The Akarius evening sky glowed in golden amber, while the silhouette of the Amiratul Hukm Tower rose proudly at the city's heart. Its glass-and-steel surface reflected the fading sunlight, turning the building into a beacon of administration, political intrigue, and burdensome secrets few could ever grasp.
Kaito stepped into the lobby. His shoes clicked softly against the slick marble floor, crystal chandeliers scattering light above his head. Some Abseris guards stood at attention with formality, while others lounged casually, sipping from canned drinks.
❝Their lives look so carefree… meanwhile, out there, the rumors about living weapons are already giving me a pounding headache…❞ Kaito thought with a weary sigh.
He walked toward the elevator, but just before pressing the button, the doors slid open. Out stepped Natasya.
"Hi, Teacher!" she greeted cheerfully, eyes sparkling as always.
Kaito gave a half-hearted wave. "Hey. Where are you coming from?"
Natasya chuckled, patting the folder in her hand. "I just got back from the training hall after delivering some rounds of ammo. But later—you'll definitely be proud of me, Teacher. Just wait and see."
She threw him a playful wink before striding past. A faint floral fragrance lingered in the air.
Kaito glanced back at her briefly, then sighed.
❝Proud? I'm more afraid this girl will cause some disaster that'll double my stress. Every time I hear words like that, something ends up exploding—and sometimes literally.❞
He entered the elevator at last, pressing the button for the upper floors. Soft instrumental music filled the cabin, though instead of calming him, it only heightened his unease.
Moments later, Kaito stood before his own door. He twisted the knob, exhaling lightly as he stepped in.
"I'm home—"
"SURPRISE!"
A shrill voice rang out—followed immediately by a BANG!
A small black pistol was pointed straight at his chest and fired without hesitation.
Kaito's instincts snapped tight. A hexagonal blue light burst into existence before him, forming a holographic shield. The bullet ricocheted harmlessly, clattering to the ground without leaving a scratch.
"EEEHHH!?" Kaito nearly stumbled backward, his face pale. "WHAT THE HELL!?"
Standing triumphantly at the doorway was Miraka, still pointing the pistol and grinning ear to ear.
"Did I scare you, Daddy!? Hehehe!"
Kaito smacked his forehead hard. "MIRAKA! Put that pistol down! That is NOT a toy! That's dangerous!"
Miraka pouted, lowering the weapon reluctantly.
"Huh!? Not a toy? But I thought it was just like… a cooler version of a water gun…"
Kaito rushed forward, snatching the pistol from her grip. He weighed it in his hand, frowning.
❝This isn't a replica. It's real—the weight, the mechanism… Who the hell gave a child something like this!?❞
He fixed Miraka with a sharp glare. "Where did you get this pistol?"
Miraka scratched her cheek, face innocent. "From Sis Natasya! And… she also taught me how to shoot it."
Kaito froze. His smile stiffened, a vein bulging at his temple.
❝Natasya… you've gone too far. You said I'd be proud of you—THIS is what you meant!? Proud because my daughter nearly shot me the moment I walked in!? Thank God for that shield that appeared out of nowhere…❞
Miraka looked at him with hopeful eyes. "Well? Daddy, was I cool? Are you impressed with me?"
Kaito shut his eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply. Memories pierced his mind—himself as a boy, swallowed by a military uniform far too large, shouting at soldiers with a voice that rang with youthful conviction:
"Remember, our lives exist only for war. There is nothing else!"
He shook his head sharply, banishing the vision, and looked back at Miraka.
"Yes… I'm impressed. But don't ever do this again. Not to me, not to anyone—not even your mother. Understood?"
Miraka lifted her hand in a playful salute, her bright smile returning.
"Yes, Daddy! Aye, aye, Major Flying Teacher!"
"Don't call me that…" Kaito muttered, smacking his forehead once more.
With a long sigh, he set the pistol on the table and turned back to Miraka. "Alright, before you stress me into old age… what do you want for dinner?"
Miraka hopped excitedly, her eyes sparkling.
"Ramen! Spicy broth ramen!"
Kaito groaned again, staring up at the ceiling.
❝God… this child really is half little angel, half little demon. And now I've got to make spicy ramen on top of everything else…❞
---
Elizabeth Stage, Akarius — 20:45 PM
The theater stage was dim, lit only by a chandelier scattering golden light across the wide hall. Velvet-red curtains draped elegantly, giving the room the refined aura typical of Elizabeth Academy. Plush seats lined the rows neatly.
Mag lounged casually in the front row, legs crossed as he toyed with his shark-tail. Anwar busied himself polishing his glasses for the umpteenth time. Nearby, Duv stood with hands in his pockets, wearing his trademark subtle smile.
"Huh… maybe Hana's not coming," Anwar sighed, slipping off his glasses with a scowl.
Mag turned lazily, smirking. "Hm, I doubt it. We should think positive. Maybe Hana's just late because… she fell asleep."
"What!? Late because she fell asleep? You can't be serious!" Anwar snapped. "Look at the time, Mag! It's already night!" He shoved his wristwatch toward him.
Mag only shrugged. "So what? If she fell asleep, what's wrong with that? It just means Hana's human too—not some angel of punctuality."
❝Typical Mag, always treating problems lightly. As if he's never taken anything seriously in his life.❞ Anwar thought with a huff.
Duv's smile grew as he watched them bicker. "You two… quarreling over trivial things. Relax a little. This isn't a race. If Hana's late, we'll just welcome her warmly when she arrives."
❝Noisy as they are, this feels like a strange little family. Honestly… it's kind of nice.❞ Duv mused, glancing at the empty seats.
And indeed, light footsteps echoed closer. From the entrance appeared a silver-haired girl, her long locks shimmering like silk under the chandelier's glow. Gentle brown eyes turned toward them, and in her slender hands, she carried an M14 rifle as though it were part of her own body.
"Hana!" Mag leapt up, waving. "You showed up after all!"
"Yo, welcome," Anwar raised an eyebrow, though relief softened his tone.
"Hi, Hana." Duv stepped forward with a warm smile. "Glad you came."
Hana gave a shy smile. "Sorry… I'm late." She bowed slightly, then added softly, "I had a lot of schoolwork earlier."
"Oh, so that's the reason…" Anwar crossed his arms, chuckling. "Looks like Mag was wrong—it wasn't because you fell asleep."
Duv walked toward her. "Never mind that. What matters is you found this theater and can see the stage in person. Even if you missed the performance, you're not entirely late."
Hana gazed at the stage, awe shining in her eyes. "Yes… this stage is beautiful. I… feel unworthy to be here."
"You belong here," Anwar replied, straightening his tie. "So, what now? More rehearsal… or are we done?"
"Hm…" Mag let out a loud yawn. "I say no. I'm exhausted. If we rehearse again, I'll probably fall asleep for real—on stage."
❝Lazy bum…❞ Anwar thought, glaring at him.
Duv turned to Hana, his eyes glinting slightly. "In that case, how about I show you around backstage? There are some rooms you might find interesting."
Hana looked startled. "I-I… sure, that's fine."
Anwar immediately pointed at Duv, half-shouting. "Hey, Duv! Don't you dare try anything funny with Hana! I don't want a baby being made behind the stage!"
Duv laughed lightly, waving a hand. "Relax. I'm not that easily tempted."
Anwar exhaled heavily, collapsing back into his seat. "Hhh… this better just be a tour. Otherwise, I'll play watchdog."
Mag raised a brow and nudged Anwar. "Why are you so worked up about Hana, huh?"
Anwar smirked. "Because… she's my junior. And juniors should be protected. Right, Mag?"
❝Hmm… sometimes Anwar can be surprisingly wise. Not just a chronic complainer.❞ Mag thought, allowing a small grin.