?No… it won’t happen again...?

  The smoke clouded his eyes, but he barely noticed it. Everything felt distant, as if he were inside a dream. In front of him, amidst the rubble and the bodies, a small tremor announced movement under a broken table. From there, he emerged: a boy, covered in dust and blood, with a dark burn crossing most of his cheek—a mark that seemed too cruel to exist on someone so small. His eyes, however, were not on his wound. They were fixed on the body of a white-haired girl, lying among overturned chairs, completely unconscious.

  The boy gritted his teeth. And he ran. He ran through the flames, dodging the fire that blazed around him as best as he could, as if the simple act of moving faster could prevent it from touching him again.

  Everything around was chaos, screams. And the most unsettling thing of all: the sound of the school bell marking the end of the day, mixed with the fire alarm that roared without ceasing.

  Above that noise, a Phoenix—a mythical beast shrouded in golden flames—flew over the destroyed corridors, breathing fire with every flap of its wings. Its presence distracted the legion of mages just enough for the boy to reach one of them fallen next to the cafeteria bar. The mage was nearly dead, but what he carried was what mattered.

  A book, glowing, vibrating. Almost channeled. The boy did not cry. He only breathed fast, his hands trembling as he leaned over the body to take it. When his fingers touched the cover, a burst of energy swept through the entire room, kicking up dust and flashing brilliant blue runes.

  —Stop! —a voice wheezed.

  A mage still conscious, crawling across the floor, raised a trembling hand, but he didn’t stop forming a seal.

  Too late.

  The boy with the scar was already muttering. Syllables that no child of this world should know.

  —…drash’ka norv… hen’tarii… —he stammered, feeling his throat begin to burn from the inside.

  The mage’s pupils dilated. Instinctively, he reached for his pocket as a single bead of sweat ran down his face; he tried to stop what was happening by drawing his firearm.

  —No… not you…!

  A shot exploded in the air. The sound cut through the cafeteria like a straight line; the bullet spun, crossing the smoke in the boy's direction. In that instant, time seemed to stand still for a moment. The blue runes flashed one last time before everything turned into a blur.

  —Seiyi, look what I found!

  His sister's voice sounded as it always did: too loud, too happy… and almost always too problematic. Perhaps, after all, the story really began like this. Not with fire, chaos, or screams… but with her.

  With a resigned sigh that seemed accustomed to these inconveniences, Seiyi walked toward the spot where she was.

  ?Please don't let it be anything weird this time… please…?

  —Can you stop running after everything that shines?… Ugh…

  He stopped when he saw her crouching by the pavement. A girl with white hair and a ponytail, eyes bright as if the whole world were a toy, was leaning toward something she found curious.

  —Miyu… what are you—?

  Then he saw it: a rough tail, covered in scales and of a mossy green tone. It was unmistakable. It wasn’t a lizard, it wasn’t an iguana.

  —A… A DRAGON!?

  Instinct hit him before reason.

  Scritch!

  He scrambled up the nearest tree like a cornered alley cat, eyes wide with panic and breath hitching.

  Miyu, of course, was laughing hysterically. With the agility of someone who knows no fear, she picked up the small dragon in her hands and lifted it toward the tree where Seiyi was still perched.

  —Look, Sei! Isn't it such a pitty thing? —she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

  —PRETTY! It's called PRETTY! —Seiyi’s voice cracked in a high-pitched scream as he struggled to climb one branch higher—. Get it away! I swear I’m never cooking for you again! Never!

  —Alright, alright, little girl… don’t be such a drama queen.

  Miyu gently placed the little dragon back on the pavement. Looking up, she noticed a man a few meters away searching desperately through the bushes. Miyu looked down at the creature; on the animal's neck, a small leather collar with a metal plate shone.

  —“Maxy”… —she read aloud.

  Her eyes widened as she realized the coincidence. Without hesitation, Miyu began waving her arms at the man to catch his attention.

  —Heyyy! —she shouted with all her might—. Is this your pet?! It's incredible! Can I keep him?!

  Seiyi’s hand fell like a hammer directly onto his sister's head, bringing her down from the tree in record time and silencing her with one blow.

  —Idiot! —Seiyi hissed through his teeth—. How are you going to keep an animal that has an owner?!

  —B-But… he was so cute… —she grumbled, rubbing her head.

  The commotion reached the owner’s ears, and he came jogging over. Upon seeing the pair of siblings, he couldn't help but let out a laugh that relaxed the atmosphere.

  —Hahaha… you two must be new to the neighborhood, right?

  Seiyi bowed nervously in an automatic reflex. In a clumsy attempt to make up for his sister’s nerve, he gently pushed Miyu’s head down so she would bow with him.

  —Y-Yes, please excuse my sister… I can’t stop her when… well, you know —Seiyi stammered.

  Miyu, her face red with embarrassment and still rubbing the bump on her head, kept her gaze low. Mr. Jones watched them in silence for a second that felt eternal, arching an eyebrow.

  —Wow… —the man murmured with a curious smile—. That bowing together thing… You’re not from around here, are you?

  —W-we're just passing through —Seiyi repeated.

  —No worries. Maxy is very friendly with strangers. Right, boy?

  The dragon, a creature with green scales and yellow eyes that were far too large, opened its small fangs. But it didn't emit a majestic roar or anything terrifying. It let out a dry, high-pitched, and pathetic bark: Waff!

  Seiyi’s stomach churned. His face twisted in a grimace of rejection.

  —W-well… —Seiyi swallowed hard, avoiding looking at the "beast"—. Mister…

  —Jones —the man completed, scratching the dragon’s chin.

  —Right, Jones! Then… we’ll be going. FORGIVE MY SISTER, BYE!

  Without waiting for an answer, Seiyi grabbed Miyu’s wrist and tugged at her, dragging her down the street. His feet pounded the pavement with an urgency bordering on panic, wanting to put distance between them and that “thing.”

  —M-Miyu… —Seiyi wheezed when they finally stopped a block away. His lungs burned.

  —Pff… —Miyu let out a giggle, pulling away from her brother’s grip—. That was way too close, wasn't it? The dragon could have flown up and killed us all with its great venomous breath.

  Miyu looked at him out of the corner of her eye, enjoying seeing Seiyi so worked up over an animal that barely reached his ankles.

  They walked the rest of the way in silence, leaving the urban houses behind to enter the student residence zone. The building rose before them, wrapped in the constant noise of televisions and slamming doors. The air there smelled of a thick mix of dampness and cheap fast food.

  Stepping into the elevator, Miyu shot out as soon as the doors opened, while Seiyi moved with much slower steps, feeling the weight of the backpack on his shoulders.

  —Hey, Miyu, don’t fall asleep the moment we go in —Seiyi warned—. We have to call Mom.

  —Was today the day? Ugh… I want to sleep…

  —Always the same with you…

  Seiyi walked straight toward what he thought was their room and dropped his backpack with a sigh of relief, as if he had finally dropped an anchor.

  —Well… finally… —he murmured, reaching for the knob.

  —…That’s not our door —Miyu said flatly.

  —What?

  Miyu pointed her finger at the metal number.

  —We’re 132. That’s 131.

  Seiyi looked at the number, blinked twice… and felt his dignity evaporate in an instant.

  —Oh.

  Miyu walked toward the correct door without even looking at him, as if these kinds of mistakes were the soundtrack of her daily life. Seiyi followed her in silence, swallowing his pride as they entered the room. She dropped her things on the floor with the natural confidence of someone who is always right.

  It was time to prepare for the weekly video call.

  —THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF WIND-BREAKER!

  A loud noise rumbled from the living room. Miyu, as always, had turned on the TV to watch the new episode of the animated series Wind-Breaker.

  —Seiyi, can you bwing the chomputer to the chouch? —she mumbled with her mouth full, chewing an enormous chocolate bar.

  —Hmph… fine, but turn down that garbage show.

  —You wouldn't understand, you ignorant! —she retorted, puffing out her cheeks—. But fine….

  Reluctantly, she lowered the volume while Seiyi set up the computer and prepared to dial their mother.

  Miyu let out a dramatic sigh as Seiyi placed the laptop on the table in front of them. While waiting for the internet signal, Seiyi stared at the TV. The protagonists of Wind-Breaker launched gusts of air with a simple flick of their hands.

  ?Can they really use magic without a channeling object??, Seiyi thought, feeling a sting of doubt. ?Dad did something like that... It’s not strange that Miyu is fascinated by this show. But how did he do it? Isn't magic always a matter of tools? Or does it have to do with that "absorption" he used to talk about sometimes??.

  —Wh—?! —Seiyi almost fell off his chair.

  His mother’s voice exploded from the laptop speakers. On the screen, the woman waved with an energy that suggested she hadn't seen them in years.

  —Oh, heslo, Mommy —Miyu greeted, chewing loudly.

  —Oh, my sweetheart! What are you eating, love? Is everything okay? How is your brother treating you?

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  —Yeeeah… nothing interesting. Can I come homsh yet? —Miyu asked.

  —No, daughter, it’s for your own good. Remember you must study to be better than all of us. You are our pride, the light of this family!

  Seiyi, who was right next to the camera, sighed silently.

  ?Uh... I’m also here, you know??.

  —Thansh, Mommy, but you don’t have to tell me every singshle day —Miyu smiled, revealing teeth completely stained brown. She looked like a malnourished hamster that had finally found food.

  Seiyi looked down at the keyboard.

  ?Every day? I wish I could get even a bit of that…?.

  —Oh, yes, Seiyi —his mother’s voice changed. It lost its sweetness and gained a military firmness—. Remember that tomorrow is the semester change. If you get expelled, it’s over. I won’t pay for such an expensive exchange program again just for you to get into trouble, boy. Understood?

  Seiyi raised a finger, like a defense lawyer who knows he’s lost the case before starting.

  —Huh? But Miyu is the one who always—

  Miyu interrupted him, raising a hand full of crumbs and throwing him a look of pure malice.

  —Yes, Mommy! I’ll make sure Seiyi doesn’t cause trouble, like last time!

  —B-but… you son of a—!

  —Thank you, Miyu! I knew I could trust you! —the mother exclaimed, radiant.

  Seiyi slumped against the backrest. He felt like he’d been stabbed with a plastic spoon: it didn't kill him, but it hurt his pride.

  ?It’s impossible to win against them... you just can’t…?.

  —Oh, yeah! —Miyu added with feigned innocence—. My brother wants to ask you something, he almost forgot.

  ?Why do they keep talking as if I’m not here??, he thought, recovering his composure.

  —Oh, sure. What’s up, Seiyi? —the mother asked in a flat tone.

  Seiyi puffed out his chest, searching for courage.

  —O-oh… sorry to bother you, Mom, but… do you think you could?… I don't know… there are some new burgers downtown… —he murmured, scratching the back of his neck, hating how desperate he sounded.

  —No. I gave you the exact budget for the month. Manage yourself better.

  —Shit… —he whispered, shrinking back. But then, his brain clicked. He looked at Miyu. The Deal.

  He whispered urgently in her ear:

  ?Pss… remember what we agreed. The burgers?.

  Miyu’s eyes sparkled. It was the glint of a demon who had just collected a debt.

  —Mommyyy~. I also want to go try those burgers… Would you give me money? Pwease…

  —Burgers? Why, of course, my girl! I’ll send the transfer in a moment. Seiyi! You’d better use that money to take her and look after her well.

  Seiyi clenched his fist under the table. He had won. It was a dirty, humiliating victory dependent on his sister, but it was a victory nonetheless.

  ?Perfect... everything according to plan?.

  However, when he turned his head to celebrate the success of the "heist," he met a wall of silence. Miyu was sound asleep on the couch. Her mouth was open, a bit of chocolate remained on her lip, and she had the rhythmic breathing of someone in a deep coma.

  ?How…? How can she fall asleep in three seconds?!?.

  —Give… give me a second, Ma.

  Seiyi stood up. With a patience born of years of practice, he picked up the chocolate wrappers scattered across the sofa. Then, he took a blanket and covered his sister carefully, making sure she wouldn't get cold. As he turned off the TV, the screen's reflection showed his own tired face.

  ?Almost forgot… Should I ask her again??.

  Seiyi hesitated, confused, without getting a clear answer. He sat back down on the couch and resumed the call with his mother.

  —I’m back… Miyu fell asleep, as usual. I guess there’s not much more to say… though I barely spoke. I don't know… do you want to ask me something?

  —Seiyi… tell me, what is it that you truly want?

  —I… ah… yes. The usual. I want to ask again.

  The mother sighed. Her eyes showed a weariness that weighed more than words.

  —Seiyi, you know I can’t answer you. I can’t.

  —Why? Every day I notice your lie more! Why won’t you just tell the truth for once?

  —You’re very smart, son. I knew you’d notice sooner or later. But I swear… your father had his reasons for keeping it quiet.

  —A heart attack? Ma! Nobody dies of a heart attack at that age, especially not him. Dad was healthier than all of us. I just want to know what happened… because it was just out of nowhere…

  —Listen to me… when the time comes, you’ll know. Not before. You have to trust me a little more.

  —You ask too much of me… and I can’t even talk about it with Miyu. The subject scares her.

  Looking at his deeply sleeping sister, Seiyi let out a small smile.

  —She… she always says she wants to go home. How everything was before we left. That wish only pushes her further away. She doesn't even go out with her new friends anymore… she just… sleeps… I don't understand why, if this was her dream too, wasn't it?

  The mother looked down, helpless from a distance.

  —Seiyi… I trust you more than anyone. Stay by her side, always. And… if things ever get better, I know it will be because of you. Protect her. Do it for me, okay?

  —Heh… sure, whatever it takes. Just… tell her to stop spending her money on stupid thi—

  The call cut off at that instant. Seiyi, confused, thought she had hung up, but then realized the battery had run out. With a sigh, he looked at his sister once more.

  ?Whatever it takes… I promise?.

  A flashing light illuminated Seiyi’s entire room, tearing him from sleep.

  ?Hmph… is it morning already? I don’t want to…?.

  With heavy eyes, he felt around the table until he found his phone. He could barely distinguish the numbers on the screen.

  ?Sev… seven in the morning. No rush…?.

  Even so, he ended up getting up reluctantly. He changed his clothes, washed his face—all with the automatic routine he did every day. After a while, he was ready to go. However, as he nibbled on a treat Miyu had left forgotten on the table, a sting of doubt hit him.

  ?I get why she likes this junk so much… but I wouldn't make it past the third one. Wait…?.

  (Click!) His brain fully turned on. He looked toward the hallway in silence. He heard nothing. No TV on, no rustle of wrappers, no constant laughter.

  —DAMN IT! Why isn't Miyu making any noise?!

  He ran to his sister's room and threw the door open. Miyu was exactly as he had left her last night: buried under the sheets, in a sleep so deep it looked like a coma.

  —WHY ARE YOU STILL ASLEEP?! —he yelled, shaking her by the shoulders.

  Nothing. Miyu was an inert mass.

  ?It’s eight… we missed the bus! The next one takes forever. I have no choice?.

  Resigned, he picked her up. Miyu weighed as much as a sack of potatoes, but Seiyi moved with a doctor’s precision. In a moment of desperation, he washed her face, brushed her teeth, and combed her hair while she continued to snore softly.

  When he finished, he looked at her in his arms, desperate. He couldn't run to school with her on his back. Then, he remembered the "emergency code." He leaned into her ear and whispered:

  —Miyu, remember the promise? Today is a special day…

  —Hmph…? —she mumbled, twitching her nose.

  —We have money to buy the new Wind Breaker burger.

  —Hmph?! HMPH!!

  Miyu jumped from his arms as if the bed were on fire. In a flash, she finished dressing, grabbed her backpack, and stood by the door with an electrified smile.

  —Let’s go, Sei! Not a second to lose!

  ?It worked… but now the problem is I won’t be able to keep up with her?, Seiyi thought, already feeling the exhaustion before starting.

  The two siblings shot out of the residence. Miyu moved as if the air itself were pushing her, dodging students and crossing corridors at full speed. Seiyi, on the other hand, could barely follow her, panting as the crowd slowed him down at every step.

  Miyu ran lightly, waving to other students as if the whole world were her toy. Seiyi, meanwhile, was forced into a jog; his legs burned and his breath came in short gasps. An automatic street sweeper grazed his foot and nearly knocked him down, triggering muffled laughter around him.

  As they left the residence gate, Seiyi saw her. Miyu was already heading toward an unpaved shortcut—a bridge of wooden planks half-constructed that still smelled of fresh paint. The structure creaked with every gust of wind.

  ?Is she going to cross there? That path is still under construction! She could get hurt!?

  —Sei, trust me! —she shouted from a distance—. They say this route is faster!

  —But… that’s the way to the avenue! Last time I saw some weird people who—

  —Trust me!

  —N-no…

  With a great leap, Miyu jumped onto the wooden bridge under construction. Every step she took made the floor creak—unstable and dangerous. Then she noticed the plank beneath her feet was about to give way; bracing herself, she pointed her hand toward the ground, channeling runes through the ring she wore.

  Before her eyes, arcane symbols glowed and floated in the air, changing shape in seconds until they stabilized in a perfect pattern. Confident, she released a gust of wind that lifted her off the ground.

  —Elemental magic… Wind Jump! —she shouted with all her might.

  The wind roared loudly, kicking up dust and leaves everywhere. Her feet left the ground and, with total ease, she landed safely on the main street. Miyu laughed, unaware of the scare she had given half the neighborhood.

  Seiyi froze.

  ?Wind Jump?! Did she just copy that from the TV? How the hell did she generate so much wind?!?

  —HAHA! Did you see that? —Miyu said, with a ear-to-ear grin—. I have no idea what I just did, but… I’m a genius!

  Seiyi’s knees were shaking. He knew he couldn't stay behind, but his relationship with magic was... different. He raised his hand and pointed at the ground with his fingers, concentrating.

  ?Basic elemental magic… come on, Seiyi, you can’t fail at something like this. Imagine the runes… let it flow through your body…?

  His ring sparked with a weak and erratic bluish light. The runes he formed were unstable, almost trembling. He took a step into the void.

  —Hey! Want some advice? —Miyu shouted from the other side, seeing him paralyzed.

  —N-no! I got it! —he stammered, gritting his teeth—. It was my idea to buy this ring! But the guy at the shop said I can't… do spells like this… it’s not… very safe…

  —It’s not that hard! I could do it! —she retorted, puffing out her chest with pride.

  ?Of course you could… you have more talent than the rest, lucky girl…? Seiyi thought, grumbling to himself.

  —Here I go!

  He took a leap.

  The ring flashed for an instant before releasing a small gust of air. It wasn't powerful, but it was enough to propel him forward. With a muffled cry and arms flailing in the air, Seiyi reached the edge of the plank and, with one last desperate effort, climbed up to safety. He stayed motionless, panting, while Miyu watched him with her arms crossed.

  —Done? —she asked, raising an eyebrow.

  He was still on the ground, shaking like a leaf.

  —Is this even possible with this ring?… —he murmured, still pale.

  —I don't know! Let’s keep going! —she said, smiling triumphantly.

  Still excited, Miyu ran down the stairs of the construction and shot toward the main avenue.

  —W-wait! —Seiyi shouted, stuttering as he stood up and ran after her.

  They took the usual route. A huge advertising billboard projected in front of them.

  —Seiyi! —Miyu yelled without stopping—. That’s where we’re going after class, don’t forget!

  Out of the corner of his eye, Seiyi caught the ad: it promoted the new Wind Breaker burger, accompanied by the image of Spectre, the third Mythic Guardian of Mysticorps, wrapped in LGBT pride flags.

  LIKE A GHOST! TRY SPECTRE'S MYSTERIOUS NEW DRINK

  ?Yeah… sure. I hope drinking that doesn’t turn me into him. I still don't understand how… two men… No, don't get distracted. Questions for later, focus now?.

  The street changed suddenly. The air became heavy, loaded with a strange smell, like metal and sweet smoke. Seiyi tensed. He knew what was coming: that block was famous for the homeless people who asked for money in unusual ways. Looking to the sides, his stomach churned.

  Dozens of people lay on the ground, many without clothes, with dilated eyes and empty laughs, as if living in a shared trance. Fairy dust. The drug everyone was talking about.

  ?This was empty a few days ago… these guys just keep appearing. Isn't the F.O.W. here? There are magical beings here as well…?

  A Haydran with trembling wings descended clumsily in front of them. His eyes were completely dilated, and his voice shook as he extended a hand toward Miyu.

  —Just one dinar… please… just a little…

  Miyu, quick, did a flip and passed under him, wobbling from the acrobatics.

  —I’m sorry, I don’t have anything! —she replied, without losing her nervous smile.

  Seiyi didn't have the same luck. Another man, with a euphoric gaze and fingers stained with that shimmering powder, grabbed his arm forcefully.

  —You! That uniform… Veridion, right? You must have something, kid.

  —No! Leave me alone! —Seiyi struggled, pulling his arm—. Someone, help me!

  Miyu tried to move back, but two other subjects, equally affected, clumsily blocked her way. Their movements were slow, almost mechanical, but their eyes glowed with dangerous energy.

  —Please, don't come closer —she said, raising her hands—. We don't want trouble!

  One of the men let out a hollow laugh.

  —Trouble… we don't have trouble here…

  The Haydran holding Seiyi pulled harder, as if trying to maintain his balance by leaning on him. His breathing was ragged, and his mind seemed elsewhere.

  —Just… a little more… I’ll get my glory back…

  ?Damn it! My magic isn't responding… the ring isn't reacting…?

  Panic seized Seiyi. He looked at his sister, surrounded, searching for a gap between the staggering men.

  —Hey, stop! She’s just a kid! —he shouted with all his might.

  Miyu, trying desperately to calm the situation with her particular logic, forced a smile, though her hands were shaking.

  —Look… maybe you aren't at your best, but I know you’re good people! You must have suffered a lot… it’s obvious you love each other, you're even… touching each other down there… —she swallowed, forcing a smile—. Maybe it’s part of your culture and I respect it, but I’m asking you to…

  She didn't finish. Seiyi, with the desperation of the moment, turned suddenly and sank his teeth into the arm of the Haydran holding him. The being screamed with a cracked, shrill voice.

  —AGH! You damn animal!

  The reflex was instantaneous. Seiyi tried to run, but the Haydran landed a punch directly in his stomach. It was a dry blow, loaded with the rage of withdrawal. The air escaped his lungs and he fell to the ground with a moan, curled up, unable to breathe.

  Miyu saw her brother fall and her body reacted purely on instinct. She pointed her ring at the men. The metal emitted a bluish flash, vibrating with a concentrated energy that made the air move.

  —Hey! L-leave him! —she shouted, trying to make her voice sound firm.

  But among the murmurs and nervous laughter of the group, a larger shadow emerged. A cyclops nearly two meters tall pushed through the bodies, dragging bare feet over the filthy ground. His single eye shone with euphoria, and a smile crossed his face.

  —Little girl… —he said with a raspy, amused voice—. What are you going to do with that? They sell that ring in any shop.

  He took two more steps, leaning in until his breath brushed her face.

  —Don't be so cranky. We'll let you go… after this guy apologizes.

  Seiyi tried to get up, wheezing. He leaned on one knee, hand over his stomach.

  —M-Miyu… —he whispered, barely audible.

  The Haydran, still furious, stepped forward and kicked him in the same spot where he had hit him before. The sound of the impact echoed through the area. His breath escaped his mouth, along with a trail of saliva. He fell to the ground with a dry groan.

  —I said ENOUGH! —Miyu screamed, her voice breaking with fear and rage.

  The ring lit up again. Blue runes appeared around her arm, spinning with a wind that began to lift dust and leaves from the ground. The wind's energy concentrated, vibrating with force.

  But before she could release the spell, a huge hand grabbed her face, covering her mouth and nose. The cyclops lifted her with a single movement, leaving her suspended in the air like a doll.

  —HGBHH! S-Sei! GHMHH!

  —What did we ever do to you? —the cyclops growled—. We just want to be in peace.

  Panic coursed through Seiyi’s body. Every part of his being screamed that he had to move, do something, anything. His vision blurred, his breathing became irregular.

  ?No… I can’t… I have to do something!?

  He pushed the ground with his hands, trembling, trying to stand up despite the pain in his abdomen. The Haydran put a foot on his head, pushing him toward the ground. The dust scraped his face.

  Even so, he screamed with all his might, his voice tearing at his throat.

  —STOOOOOOP! SHE’S A CHILD! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU?!

  For an instant, everything stopped. Even the addicts looked at him, confused by the raw sound of his scream. And then it was heard. A dry, sharp whistle, cutting through the air.

  Thwip!

  A dart embedded itself in the cyclops's neck. The giant blinked, bewildered, then growled and fell like a tree, kicking up a cloud of dust as he hit the ground. Miyu was released, rolling onto the pavement with a groan. The Haydran who was holding Seiyi stumbled back, pupils dilated. From the other end of the alley, uniformed figures emerged through the smoke.

  They wore dark blue suits with the F.O.W. emblem engraved on the chest, and weapons that projected a hopeful glow. Drones floated above them, casting beams of light that swept the ground. The addicts began to retreat, covering their eyes, tripping over each other. As they were escorted out of the alley, Seiyi looked back. The blue lights illuminated the scene, and in the middle of it all, the F.O.W. emblem shone unbreakable.