As the sun dipped below the skyline of Ethereal, the academy grounds slowly emptied. Students laughed, argued, or walked quietly as transports arrived to take them home—each eager to announce their results, to see familiar faces, to belong somewhere again.
Damon stood still.
He watched families reunite from a distance. Pride. Relief. Joy.
He had none of that waiting for him.
Lira noticed.
"You can come with me," she said suddenly, like it was the most natural thing in the world. "My grandma won't mind."
Damon hesitated. His stomach twisted painfully, reminding him how long it had been since he last ate.
"…Thanks," he said softly.
So he followed her.
Lira's grandmother's house sat at the edge of a quiet district—small, old, and warm. The walls were worn, the roof slightly uneven, but the place felt alive in a way Damon hadn't felt in a long time.
The door creaked open.
An elderly woman stood there, back slightly bent, hair silver and thin, eyes clouded with age—but sharp with kindness. Wrinkles carved her face deeply, telling stories of years lived honestly and without ease.
"Oh?" she said, peering at Damon. "You brought a guest, Lira?"
Lira smiled brightly. "Grandma, this is Damon. He passed the Celestial Academy exam with me."
The old woman's eyes widened. "Passed? Oh my… come in, come in. A successful child shouldn't be left standing outside."
Damon bowed instinctively. "Good evening, ma'am. Thank you for having me and for your help this morning ". It was very clear that she couldn't remember him .
She chuckled. "Such manners. You must be a good boy."
The word boy felt strange to him.
They sat at the small wooden table as food was placed before him—simple, warm, and real. Damon ate slowly at first… then faster. Lira watched, trying not to smile.
Her grandmother noticed too.
"You must have traveled far," the old woman said gently. "Where are your parents, dear?"
The room went quiet.
Lira stiffened slightly.
Damon felt the system stir—but he pushed it down.
He lifted his eyes and spoke calmly.
"I… don't have any."
The old woman's face softened instantly.
"I was in an accident," Damon continued, voice steady, practiced. "A bad one. I was in a coma for a long time. When I woke up… there was no one left."
Lira's eyes widened. "Damon…"
"I don't remember much," he added, lowering his gaze. "Just that I was alone."
It wasn't entirely a lie.
The old woman reached across the table and patted his hand, her skin thin and warm. "You poor child… life can be so cruel."
Damon nodded silently.
[System Note: Emotional Deception — Successful]
🕯️ A Temporary Shelter
"You can stay here tonight," the old woman said firmly. "No arguments. Tomorrow you'll resume at the academy, yes? A boy needs strength."
Lira smiled with relief. "Thank you, Grandma."
Damon hesitated—then bowed again, deeper this time. "I won't forget your kindness."
As night settled in, Damon lay on a simple bed, staring at the ceiling.
Not a lab.
Not a battlefield.
Not alone.
Just a quiet house… and borrowed warmth.
The system whispered softly, almost thoughtfully.
[Temporary Safe Zone Established]
[Rest Recommended]
For the first time since waking up.
Damon slept.