Endi's consciousness rose from the depths of darkness.
The bandages wrapped around his head and torso creaked, and the plasters on his right cheek and jaw throbbed with pain—like the scars carved upon a warrior fresh from battle.
"Damn it…!"
The pain of Cain's blow returned in a flash, forcing a cry from his lips, like thunder splitting the silence.
"You're awake?"
Cain's voice filled the room. He sat in a chair, legs crossed, staring at Endi.
His eyes glimmered like lights swaying in the depths of the sea—cold, yet faintly warm.
When Endi looked around, he found himself in a spacious, clean room.
On the table rested two steak bowls, fragrant with garlic and onion. The thick slabs of meat evoked a feast fit for warriors.
"I managed to win them over. They'll take us to Mildonia as long as we behave here."
Cain's words rolled in calm waves, like the sea after a storm.
Endi's gaze shifted to the table, his heart briefly stolen by the savory aroma.
"The girl boss brought it earlier. Let's eat before it gets cold. She even patched you up—so make sure you thank her later."
Endi stared at Cain in a daze, then slowly climbed out of bed.
With a solemn face, he stood before Cain and bowed deeply.
"I'm sorry, Cain!"
The voice burst forth like a clear stream welling from the bottom of his heart. Caught off guard by the apology, Cain stiffened.
"I shouldn't have swung at you! People have different thoughts and values. I shouldn't have judged you by my petty standards, let alone resort to violence. I was wrong! Please forgive me!"
Endi's words pierced Cain's heart.
You still have that strength I lack. Even with your memory gone, it hasn't changed.
Cain muttered inwardly, tasting a flicker of shame at the difference between them.
"…Raise your head, Endi. I was wrong too, saying things I shouldn't have. I'll watch my words from now on."
The two clasped hands in reconciliation and dove into the steak bowls.
The scent of meat filled the room, like a brief respite before battle.
"Still, Cain, you're strong! As far as I remember, this is the first time I've ever lost in a one-on-one!"
Endi spoke excitedly, chewing steak, eyes shining like a boy carrying stars.
"No—you're far stronger."
Cain's words were grave, echoing like a voice from the depths of a lake.
Endi laughed and teased, "C'mon, you're no good at false modesty!"
At that moment, Jessica strode into the room, orange ponytail swaying, her firm gaze locking onto them.
"You look lively. You must be Endi, right? We're almost at Mildonia."
"What, she's the boss Cain mentioned…?"
Endi's doubtful eyes lingered.
A girl their age, a mafia officer—it sounded like a fairytale too absurd to believe.
"I'm not the boss. But I am ranked third in the organization." Jessica puffed her chest proudly.
But Endi's face darkened.
"Why'd you become a mafioso? Aren't mafiosi supposed to be bad people?"
"Debating good and evil won't ever yield an answer. Some people can only survive in that kind of world. Judge with your own eyes."
Her words danced like blades in the wind.
Endi nodded honestly. "Yeah, I will!"
His straightforward reply rattled Jessica, like a ship caught in an unexpected swell.
"By the way… are you heading to Mildonia to find that girl—Lamia?"
"That's right! You know something?"
"Don't. If you value your life, stay away. That place crawls with the blood-hungry phantoms of old Doal. And the Reaper, too…"
"The Reaper? What's that?"
Endi's eyes gleamed like a child facing unknown adventure.
But Cain cut in, wary.
"Hold on. Jessica, how do you know about this Lamia? You're just smugglers dealing weapons while poaching, right? You've got nothing to do with her."
"I'm the number three of the biggest mafia in the Nakatahm Kingdom. Knowing that much is only natural."
"Number three, sneaking around poaching, huh…"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Their glares clashed, sparks in the air. The tension sharpened, and Endi rushed to mediate.
"Hey now, stop it. Cain, she's giving us a ride—you don't need to talk like that. Jessica, thanks for patching me up and for this delicious food!"
At Endi's heartfelt gratitude, Jessica's expression softened slightly. Cain, too, eased.
"…You're right. Sorry for doubting you. We won't interfere with your dealings."
"Feel free to wreck them if you want. There are plenty more gold mines out there."
Her words glinted like treasures sunk beneath the sea.
Unable to bear the awkward air, Endi turned to the window.
There, looming in the dark, a massive rock formation seized his gaze and shook his heart.
"What's that—rock?"
"Oh? So we've arrived earlier than expected. That land ringed by the rock fortress—that's Mildonia. Since fate's brought us together, I can't fight for you, but at least I can tell you the weak spots in the guard—"
Before she finished, Endi vaulted out the window—like a bird driven by destiny.
"So this is Mildonia! I'm coming, Lamia!"
His cry split the night sea. Scaling the cliffs, he looked every bit a hero chasing stars.
Jessica stood speechless, as Cain leapt out after him.
"Wait, Endi! Don't charge in blindly!"
Cain's shout echoed against the cliff, like a cry chasing destiny.
"Jessica! We've arrived! …Huh? Where are those two?"
One mafioso burst into the room, stunned by their absence.
"No idea. I've never met idiots like them. Now—prepare for landing."
Jessica's voice blew through the room like a wind mingling exasperation with curiosity.