A training dummy, no more than fifteen meters away, was being hammered by continuous bursts of mana.
"BAM… BAM… BAM…"
His fingers were shaped like guns. Condensed mana gathered at their tips like bullets, flying toward the innocent target.
Not bad, Seran thought, fully immersed in his training. But I can push further.
He called upon his affinity. The mana bullets began to shimmer with a red-silver glow.
He pointed his index finger.
The shot was fired.
The air cracked.
And before even the blink of an eye—
BOOOOM.
"If before it was like shooting a pistol… with my affinity it's like using a machine gun."
Satisfied with the result, he confirmed his progress. Not only could he now alter time within himself—he was beginning to influence the external world as well.
Clenching his fist, he thought:
One day… I might even stop time for the entire world. Go into the past… or the future.
But before that chain of overly ambitious thoughts could spiral further—
"No. Focus on the present… I still have a long way to go."
Regaining discipline, he activated the mana field he had used earlier that morning.
"Only five meters…"
He strained himself.
"This is my current limit… where I can partially control time."
Red and blue glimmers alternated within the dome of energy.
A small insect accidentally entered the field.
Under the red influence, its flight became blindingly fast—but its perception couldn't keep up.
Under the blue influence, its movement slowed to a crawl. If it had been capable of understanding, it would have been nauseated.
Reality itself distorted. It felt like being thrown into a washing machine—mind and body violently desynced from reality.
Seran continued experimenting.
Applications, strategies, discoveries flowed through his mind.
Realizing he had developed a new technique, he began thinking of a name.
"Time Field? Too simple… Chrono Space? No… still not right…"
Meanwhile, the poor insect endured what felt like the worst nausea of its existence.
When training ended, night had already fallen. Seran returned to his apartment.
Silence and exhaustion closed his eyes.
A new dawn arrived. The sun rose as always, illuminating another day, and Seran still lay asleep in bed.
When he finally opened his eyes, disturbed by the first rays of light filtering through the window, a notification lit up his phone.
"Package ready for pickup."
The Presidium was waiting.
After quickly preparing and eating a solid breakfast, he left the house and waited for the taxi.
In the reflective glass of a building, his image appeared: a young man wearing black trousers falling loosely over white shoes, a grey polo shirt framing his torso, and stylish sunglasses resting on his face.
Half an hour later.
After obediently waiting in line like a child waiting for Christmas morning—
"Good morning, Lag."
Mirror stood there.
A beige blazer, a white shirt with a silver necklace resting on her chest, and brown leather boots beneath blue trousers.
As if Chrono Cognition had activated on its own, reality seemed to pause for Seran.
Today… she's really radiant.
But before things could turn awkward—
"Good morning, Mirror" Seran replied, hiding the smile in his eyes behind his sunglasses.
"You're here for this, right?" she said, handing him a modern-looking container sealed with the Ferrum insignia.
"Yes."
His voice carried excitement as he took the reward with both hands.
His fingers trembled slightly under its weight.
Inside were his future swords.
But his focus broke when he heard her murmur—
"Five minutes… and I'm on break."
Her voice was low, but intentional.
Seran froze.
Did I hear that right?
Understanding the opportunity immediately, he spoke.
"If you want… we could grab a coffee at the bar nearby."
His voice was hopeful, but slightly rushed as panic crept in.
"Of course, only if you'd like. I don't want to disturb your break."
His face turned slightly red.
"YES."
Too fast.
Mirror looked down for a moment.
Five minutes later.
Seran had already stored the container inside his ring and was waiting outside the Presidium.
He paced back and forth.
"It's not the first time I've invited a girl for a drink… it's just coffee…"
He scratched the back of his neck.
"I'm here."
A clear, bright voice called him.
Mirror approached.
Her hair bounced lightly with every step. Sunlight hit her magenta eyes, turning them almost violet.
"Good. There's a café just around the corner."
They walked.
"How long do I have to borrow your luck?" Seran asked casually.
"My break ends in fifteen minutes…"
The café was small, modern, yet infused with the spirit of Novaris.
A counter displayed desserts and savory pastries capable of satisfying any taste.
After a short line—
"Good morning, you two. What would you like?" the cashier asked with practiced friendliness.
"Two coffees… and that strawberry brioche," Seran said, noticing Mirror's gaze lingering on it.
Her eyes widened slightly—she noticed he had noticed.
"Would you like table or counter seating?"
"Table, please," Mirror replied.
"Pick any available one. I'll bring your order shortly."
They sat near the glass wall, sunlight pouring gently inside.
Seran removed his sunglasses and tucked them into his collar.
His silver eyes finally met her magenta ones.
He was about to speak when—
"And you didn't order anything besides coffee?" she asked first.
"No. Still full from breakfast" he replied.
Just then, their order arrived.
The waitress served them with mechanical precision before leaving again.
Silence returned.
"So… how is it working for the Presidium?" Seran asked.
"It's good. I like it. It's not even been six months and I'm already close to my first promotion."
"You're the best receptionist there. That's why I always pick your desk" he said lightly.
"Flatterer"
But her ears turned red as she leaned back, sipping her coffee.
"Guess you were lucky to find me."
"You're my lucky charm" Seran replied, adding sugar to his cup.
"I thought you liked bitter coffee."
"Life is bitter enough already."
He tapped the spoon and drank.
"Fair enough" Mirror said, biting her brioche.
Strawberry jam stained her cheek.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked.
Seran pointed at her chin.
"You've got jam here."
She panicked, grabbed a napkin, and wiped it quickly.
But Seran laughed.
"You're still dirty."
Their atmosphere had already become familiar—like they had known each other for years.
After finishing her brioche—
"You're not bad either" Mirror said. "Consistent missions, good client ratings… am I wrong, Lag?"
"No, Mirror. Just discipline… and a bit of you that helps me handle the unexpected."
"Like that bonus from Ferrum?" she asked, remembering their last conversation.
"Yes."
He crossed his arms, recalling the fight with the first T2.
"I'm glad I might be the reason you keep coming back from missions in one piece" she said teasingly.
Seran laughed again.
Minutes passed in easy conversation, teasing, and subtle flirting.
Then Mirror suddenly froze.
"Damn it… I took ten extra minutes on break."
She stood up quickly.
Seran followed.
"I'll pay" she said in a hurry.
"I already did" he replied casually.
"When?"
"Earlier. When I said I went to the bathroom."
"You didn't have to."
"I invited you. I already intruded on your break anyway."
They left quickly, almost running back to the Presidium.
At the entrance—
"Sorry, I have to go back to work… but thank you. I'll wait for you at my desk in the next few days…"
She lowered her gaze, hands behind her back, swaying slightly in place.
"Don't mention it. It was my pleasure."
Seran turned to leave as she stepped inside—
Then a voice stopped her.
"Seran. That's my real name but yuo already know."
She paused at the automatic door, one foot already inside.
She turned her head slightly.
And with a soft, almost hidden smile—
"Selene."