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The light was beginning to peek out from the distant sky. I felt a slight sense of relief as I saw it. I know it doesn't really mean anything, but it was far better than the overwhelming darkness of the night. After saving Alba, the rest of the night passed without incident. The rain had stopped, and she seemed more stable. At some point, she fell asleep. Before that, she wasn't talking and remained trapped in her state of shock. That behavior is frustrating. I have no idea what happened to her, and I suspect that even when she regains her senses, she'll refuse to talk. However, leaving last night's events unanswered doesn't sit well with me.

Maybe I'm overthinking it, but ever since we found her, everything about her has been strange: her reactions, her attitude... If I'm honest, I don't want to stay with her. I feel like, sooner or later, she's going to put us in danger.

But I don't know how to get rid of her.

Maybe the solution is simpler than I imagine: just telling her directly that I don't want her to stay with us.

However, what truly terrifies me is her reaction. I'm sure she was the one who killed all those people last night.

The only way to get rid of her and not be afraid is... to kill her.

For that, I need to catch her off guard. Maybe this is the best moment: one shot to the head, and it would all be over.

However, something about that decision unsettled me.

How will Alex react if I do it?

I shouldn't care. He has to understand that I'm doing this for our own good. Even though Alba hasn't harmed us directly, you don't need to be a genius to see how unstable she is.

What should I do?

I need to make a decision I won't regret later.

I looked at Alba and Alex. Both were still fast asleep.

Alex had fallen asleep holding her, clinging to her as if she were his only refuge.

Why is Alex so close to her? What did that strange letter he gave her say?

To be honest, I searched Alba's body for the letter while she was unconscious, but she didn't have anything on her. That means she must have thrown it away or dropped it somewhere. Curiously, everything that happened to Alba last night occurred after Alex gave her that strange letter.

Is it just a coincidence, or did it actually have something to do with everything that's happened...?

With a sigh, I drew my weapon and aimed at Alba's head from where I stood.

I shouldn't worry so much about my actions. The world isn't what it used to be; everything has changed. This is normal now... There are no right or wrong paths. There are only paths that lead us somewhere.

My fingers began to slowly press the trigger...

"It's for the best," my mind kept repeating. Prevent a disaster before it happens. But even after all these years, I'm still a person with feelings, no matter how much I hate to admit it. Something inside me tells me it's wrong to do this.

I don't understand this feeling. I've never hesitated to kill a mage... So why this uneasiness now? Why this doubt with her?

She doesn't belong in this world.

Maybe this strange feeling has to do with Alex. I think I'm afraid he'll hate me.

With each passing second, my anxiety grew, and though I kept pressing the trigger, my doubts paralyzed me.

Then, just as I was about to shoot, a voice shattered my uncertainty.

Artemis: It seems you're not so different from a wild animal in the forest.

It was Artemis. I never thought I'd say this, but hearing her voice brought me an unexpected sense of relief. For a brief moment, my heart was filled with peace and calm.

I put the weapon away and spoke softly into the air.

Robert: Why are you showing up now?

Artemis: I'm always here, watching you.

Robert: That's not what I meant. I want to know why you decided to appear at this exact moment.

Artemis: I was curious about the actions you were taking. Why do you want to kill her? I thought you were different.

Robert: You have the wrong impression of me. Besides, if you've really been watching me, you should know why I'm doing this.

Artemis: She hasn't harmed you this whole time. I think you're letting paranoia take control.

I wanted to agree with her, but reality isn't that simple... Something deep inside me told me my instincts weren't wrong.

Robert: I think you're ignoring a lot of things by saying that. Even you should know she's unstable.

Artemis: Precisely why you should help her stabilize. Otherwise, why did you save her instead of letting her die?

Her words hit me like a hammer. She had struck an important point. Why did I save her if I'm now considering killing her...? No... I can't let myself be swayed by Artemis's arguments. The circumstances were different when we decided to save her.

Now everything has changed. Her behavior has become strange, her reactions unpredictable, and too many abnormal things have happened since she appeared. I'm not naïve enough to simply help her without thinking about the consequences. My safety will always be my priority.

That's what I'd like to tell myself, but reality isn't that simple. Alex is here. I want to protect him. I can't ignore that her presence complicates everything.

She could hurt Alex at any moment, and that's something I can't allow.

Robert: I never thought a priestess of your caliber could be so naïve. It's obvious you've never left that temple of yours.

Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced through my head, as if someone were hammering directly into my skull.

Artemis: Watch your words, animal. My patience with you grows thinner by the day, so you'd better stop provoking me.

Robert: If you intend to kill us, do it already. Your empty threats concern me far less than what's happening right now. And if you can't accept reality, that's not my problem.

Artemis: You're a pathetic excuse for a living being.

Robert: Stop wasting time insulting me and think for a second. It's obvious that girl is hiding something, and it might be related to the person I'm looking for. That makes it even worse, because it means she's deliberately avoided telling us, even after I asked her directly.

The pain began to fade little by little, and Artemis finally fell silent.

I can't help but think how annoying she is. She talks like a teenager who's never faced the realities of the world.

Damn it... All of this is pushing me to my limit. I hate feeling like I have no control over what's happening. It's frustrating not having a clear picture of everything going on around me.

Why do so many things happen around me without me noticing? It's as if I have no control over my own life.

Artemis wasn't helping either with her comments and naïve ideals.

I need to think...

I tried to analyze the situation, but my mind was clouded. The exhaustion from lack of sleep wouldn't let me focus.

Hmm... To stop overthinking it, I decided it wasn't the right time yet. I needed to observe how things unfolded and evaluate her behavior.

For now, the most sensible thing to do would be to take things slowly, one step at a time.

Robert: Uh... Sorry for the way I spoke to you.

Artemis: Well... Now you decide to apologize? You're really one of a kind.

Robert: I'm sorry. It's just that I'm frustrated and stressed with everything happening with Alba. It infuriates me not being able to understand why things happen around me or how they even come to be.

Artemis: I don't think you should obsess over controlling everything around you. It's impossible. I understand that you see the girl as a threat, but... have you considered how she would feel if you abandon or betray her?

Robert: And what if none of that matters to her? What if her actions end up causing an irreparable disaster?

Artemis: If you keep thinking that way, you'll only attract trouble. Your own insecurities will make those things happen.

Robert: This has nothing to do with energy or superstitions. It's simply reality.

Artemis: So, does your "reality" tell you that killing her is the most logical solution?

Robert: My reality tells me that, as things stand, she's a danger. She's hiding something, and I can't ignore it. Besides, this world has been at war for years. I don't know if you remember, That forces me to be more cautious. I can't afford blind trust. Do you understand?

Artemis: Let's make a deal. Help her. If at any point she causes problems or endangers what you care about, I'll give you all my power without restrictions. I'll follow your orders, even if it means stopping her.

Robert: Weren't you already supposed to be giving me all your power?

Artemis: Hmm... What I mean is, when you can access all my power, I'll help you without hesitation. Without me, you'd already be dead a long time ago.

I thought that, in the end, even if Artemis didn't accept it or didn't want to, she would be forced to help me. But at least it seemed better for her to do it willingly rather than out of obligation.

Robert: Fine, I hope I don't regret believing your words, Artemis.

Artemis: Don't worry, I'm always right.

The conversation ended there. Some time passed before Alex started moving, and shortly after, Alba opened her eyes.

Robert: How are you feeling, Alba?

She didn't respond with words, but her eyes met mine, and she nodded softly.

Robert: I'm going to check your wound.

Carefully, he began removing the bandage covering Alba's mouth and cheek, trying not to hurt her.

Robert: Your tongue isn't damaged, though... the wound will leave a significant scar. Try to speak, please.

Even though I asked her to speak, Alba didn't utter a single word.

Robert: Alba, I need you to tell me what happened last night. You almost died at the hands of some strange people yesterday.

Alba looked at me intently. Something was different about her since the previous night; something had changed in her gaze, as if something inside her had shifted.

Despite my insistence, Alba didn't respond.

How annoying. She probably isn't going to speak.

Robert: Let's leave the topic of talking for later. Can you at least keep nodding your head?

After a pause during which she observed me carefully, she finally did.

From that moment on, Alba limited herself to listening and nodding, without saying a single word.

I was about to place a small bandage to cover the wound on her cheek without covering her entire mouth. However, Alba had already re-bandaged her mouth on her own...

I guess if she's not going to speak, it doesn't matter if she does that.

It was strange not being able to talk with either of my two companions. On top of that, I couldn't talk to Artemis without being labeled a lunatic.

Why, if she's inside me, can't I just talk to her mentally?

Questions like that keep me up at night sometimes.

Even though the subject annoyed me, I decided to keep moving forward. There wasn't much left to reach the abandoned capital; we'd probably arrive in the late afternoon or evening.

After getting some food with Alba and Alex's help, we prepared to leave.

By the way, before departing, I managed to slip away with the excuse of needing to take care of something personal and went to check the area where Alba had killed that strange group. I discovered some rather disturbing things, but I decided not to mention anything for now.

After that, we set off toward the shelter.

The journey was surprisingly quiet, with no incidents, which I considered a miracle and a blessing. Time seemed to be on our side, and finally, after so many hardships, we were nearing the capital. Although we were still in a rural area surrounded by forests, I could see the city in the distance. We came across several abandoned houses, overgrown with weeds, showing the effects of time. The rain had returned as well.

I wanted to keep moving forward since the shelter was within sight, but I thought it would be better to spend the night before making contact with the shelter staff. We had managed to arrive as I had predicted-though a bit later-but at least the rain had only just started, so it wouldn't be a major problem.

We decided to sleep in one of the houses nestled in the wilderness.

I told Alba about the place where we would spend the night, and she simply nodded.

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Since I had gone a day without sleep, I asked Alba to keep watch. She nodded without hesitation. Deep down, I hoped she didn't plan to kill me while I slept.

The night passed without incident. Upon waking, I went outside to check the situation. In the distance, I could still make out the remnants of the abandoned capital.

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It had stopped raining, and the sun was beginning to set.

At last, we had arrived. The journey had been incredibly long, and now I could finally meet other humans... But wait, Alba isn't a normal human. I need to find a way to hide her true identity.

If they see her peculiar features, they'll kill her-and me too.

Distrust is an unavoidable rule in the shelter, sadly.

It had been a good idea to decide to spend the night before making contact with the shelter.

An idea occurred to me, simple but possibly effective. I don't know if it will work, but I'm willing to try.

My plan was to find a cap for Alba. That way, if she removes her hood, her ears won't be visible. As for her tail... I can only pray that luck will help me hide it well.

Obviously, she always keeps it hidden, but you never know.

They shouldn't suspect anything. In this war, we've never encountered demi-humans-at least not during my time in service. If they captured a demi-human while I was away, that would be the worst possible outcome.

Since they might recognize her features.

The mages I killed and captured weren't demi-humans, and now I understand why-they're discriminated against. At least that's what the concentration camp made clear to me.

As we approached the city, I searched several houses with the group to find a cap and some useful supplies.

It wasn't hard to find what I was looking for.

I feel a bit guilty about the idea of trying to sneak Alba and the boy into the shelter. I mean, they're not from this world. Wouldn't that be like inviting the enemy into your home? One mistake, and everything will be a disaster. We'd be exterminated.

There's still time to get rid of her.

The boy will be easier to hide.

In reality, her presence is only bringing me misfortune. Now that I think about it, if they discover her, they'll brand me a traitor and kill me.

I approached Alba, removed her hood, and, after a brief moment of hesitation, placed the cap on her head.

I'm aware of the promise I made to Artemisa... But...

I think the best thing to do is tell her to go her own way.

We left the house we had been scavenging in.

Robert: Alba, I think it's best if...

Unknown: Don't move!

A group was pointing their weapons at us.

I see, they're guards.

Unknown: Identify yourselves!

Robert: Former Lieutenant Colonel Robert Blake.

Unknown voice: Lieutenant Robert? I haven't heard of you...

Unknown 2: Relax, I know him. It's been a while, "Former Lieutenant Robert."

A man emerged from the back of the group. He removed his mask, and I could see his face.

Robert: It's been a while, David. I suppose age catches up with everyone. At least now you have more presence.

David: It's hard to take those words seriously coming from an old fossil like you.

David approached, and we shook hands before giving each other a big hug.

David: I thought you were dead all this time.

Robert: I've been hiding on the other side of the city.

David: Eric told me recently that you were still alive and heading this way. By the way, who are your companions? Did you have a child?

What a dilemma... I'm torn about getting rid of her, and David asks me that. Should I keep up the act? I see... David's giving me a hand here. With him around, it'd be easy to get through without the guards noticing. But... I don't know... Damn, what do I do?

Robert: Well...

Suddenly, Alba approached with the boy holding her hand, both of them greeting David with a gesture. What were those two doing?

David: Nice to meet you, I'm David, a friend of Robert. Can't you speak?

Alba loosened her bandage, revealing the large wound on her cheek caused by the knife that had gone through it.

David: Oh, I see. I hope you recover soon. And the boy, can't he speak either?

Robert: No, he has an autism-related condition that prevents him from speaking, but he's very smart.

What the hell? Why am I playing along with these two?

Artemisa: You should stop worrying about unnecessary things and just accept the situation.

It's not just about accepting the situation; the real issue is whether I'll regret this later.

David: Well, we can keep talking inside the shelter, guys.

David then approaches me to talk more privately.

David: I suppose, since you've been away for years, you're a bit out of the loop, Robert.

Robert: Did I miss something?

David: After the initiation of the Doctor's project, we achieved significant advances in various types of weaponry, as you might already know.

Robert: I think I remember the prototype for anti-magic bullets.

David: Exactly, but that was just the beginning. Later, they developed melee weapons and different kinds of anti-magic uniforms. Plus, thanks to that, they started creating devices to detect mages' mana, which will make the base even safer.

Robert: I see. That'll be a big help. I wish they'd developed those devices back when they sent us on missions.

David: Fighting mages the way we did was insane in itself. The fact that we're still alive only proves what we're capable of.

Robert: Is the new generation of soldiers better than ours?

David: Hmm, I couldn't say for sure. They're proficient with the new devices but rely on them quite a bit. I don't think that's a bad thing; after all, they're tools. But if we're talking about physical abilities, we might still be superior. Although, the Doctor had already started developing some sort of exoskeletal armor to compensate for that deficiency while continuing to train their bodies.

Robert: I see, soon we'll be able to counterattack.

Artemisa: Robert...

It struck me as odd that Artemisa was speaking to me again, but unfortunately, I couldn't respond to her; if I did, I'd sound crazy.

Why can't I communicate with her mentally? If there's any logic in this world, I should be able to, right?

Artemisa: Robert, there's a problem... If what that human said is true, then those devices will activate, because you now have mana in your body.

I paused for a moment.

I had completely forgotten about that detail Artemisa had mentioned.

Robert: David, does the entrance we're going through have devices to detect mana?

David: Yes, are there any issues?

I took David aside and briefly explained my situation.

David: I see... So, the only thing left for me to do is eliminate you...

David quickly drew his gun and aimed it at my head.

I looked at him with an expression of boredom.

David: You know, at least you could react a little... But what you're telling me is really dangerous. If they find out you have mana, they'll capture you, subject you to experiments, and torture you to get you to reveal how you got it.

Robert: Can you do something about it?

David: Hmm... Eric didn't tell me you were this troublesome... Let's see... I know another route, but once you enter, you should know there are already several devices that can detect mana. You can't stay here for more than a day if you want to survive, Robert.

Robert: I understand. By the way, won't your team complain?

David: Not for now. It's best if you get in and out as quickly as possible. It gives me a headache having to explain everything to them.

We began walking around the old city. After a while, we reached a destroyed house; only half of the roof was still standing.

David explained to me that there were different teams assigned all over the city. Since he knew where I was going to arrive, thanks to my brother, he volunteered to monitor that area. However, we had to be cautious with the other teams since they weren't so friendly.

They couldn't keep the entire city under surveillance yet due to a lack of personnel, which made the surveillance inefficient.

The creation of mana-detection devices is a blessing for them.

David: It's this way.

We moved through the rubble for about 30 minutes until we reached what seemed like a cave.

However, there was an impressive light ahead. I couldn't see clearly, but when we exited the cave, I found myself facing the metropolis. I hadn't seen it in many years. Apparently, it had expanded even further. It was incredible.

David: Alright, for now, the best thing is for you three to change your robes for these robes.

David threw me some robes from the city.

David: It's better if you wear clothes from inside here.

Robert: Don't you guys wear the wizard robes like before? These look pretty old.

David: We do, but outside the city. Inside, we don't, to avoid infiltrations. And if someone were to infiltrate, almost the entire city has mana-detection devices, so it wouldn't be easy to get in without being detected. Well, not the entire city, but most of it, since the discovery of these devices is recent.

I see.

David: Anyway, let's go. Eric is waiting for us.

We walked through incredibly specific paths, carefully avoiding the devices and guards. To be honest, it would be impossible to pass without David knowing the exact locations of where the devices are and where they aren't. However, as he himself says, once the entire city has these devices, no mage will be able to enter without being detected.

We reached a somewhat rundown house and entered.

David: It's impressive how this house still looks the same on the outside.

Eric: I'm starting to think it was a mistake to give you one of my best whiskies.

Robert: I see you haven't lost your taste for alcohol.

Eric: Robert? Bro, how are you?

Eric quickly stood up and gave me a tight hug.

Eric: Look at you, what's happened? You're older than ever.

Robert: I highly doubt you can say that being the older one of the two.

Eric: Personally, I think David looks older than both of us.

David: I'm younger than both of you!

Eric: Anyway, come in, I need to talk to both of you. Then I'll ask who's with you, Robert.

I asked Alba and Alex to stay and wait in the chairs.

David told his team they could continue their work, and he would take care of the rest.

Robert: By the way, why are your men so obedient?

David: They all owe me a favor.

Eric: How scary...

I quickly gathered with Eric and David in a room.

Eric: It took you a while to get here, Robert.

Robert: We had some setbacks on the way here.

Eric: I noticed that. Look, I know this might seem rushed, but I'll get straight to the point: Michael is alive.

What?

Robert: Eric, if you made me come here to tell me this joke, I'll cut ties with you.

Eric: I'd surprise myself if I did that, to be honest.

Robert: Why are you telling me this?

Eric: About six weeks ago, an exploration team went toward a disturbance detected to the northwest of the city. The reports said that two mages were fighting, but then they disappeared due to a strong explosion that damaged much of the area. The strange thing is that they didn't find their bodies, although they managed to take some photos before they vanished in the middle of the explosion.

Eric showed me the photos... Impossible... The image showed a fairly mature young man with the same features as Michael...

Robert: Eric, it could just be a mage with a face similar to Michael's.

Eric: That's what I thought at first, but look closely at the photo.

I looked at the photo more carefully.

Robert: I see... I had forgotten.

The man in the photo was wearing a necklace that my wife gave to Michael on his last birthday. I had made that necklace for Erika on our last anniversary... Erika gave it to our son...

Could it be a coincidence? To be honest, I don't think so. It would be impossible for someone else to have that necklace unless it's my son. I looked at the photo a bit more carefully; it's not very clear, but if everything is correct, it should be him.

Assuming that's the case, I don't know how he's alive, and I don't know why he can use magic. I guess if I manage to find him, I can ask him.

Robert: I'll go look for him.

Eric: I like your attitude, but before you go, at least share a little with me. It's been years since I've seen you.

Robert: Didn't they say we should leave the city as quickly as possible?

Eric: You certainly need to leave quickly, but it doesn't necessarily have to be right now; you can do it later, in a few hours. I want to drink a little with you.

Robert: You really never change.

David: Well, I think I've already fulfilled my purpose here.

Eric: Where are you going? You should join us for a drink too.

David: I thought your brotherly reunion required more privacy.

Eric: You're like a brother now, come with us.

David and I sighed at the same time.

Robert: I'll be back in a bit.

I told Alba and Alex that. I obviously warned them not to leave under any circumstances, and Alba understood.

We started walking toward a bar that David and Eric knew.

As we walked, I could see part of the city we had reached.

It didn't look bad, but then we took a few alleyways and went down some stairs for about 10 or 15 minutes, before entering a very different area.

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The streets were full of people, and the shops were buzzing with activity. Some offered food, others drinks, but everything was covered by an air of neglect. Cleanliness and hygiene didn't seem to be priorities in this part of the city.

I had always found it interesting that there was a zone like this beneath an underground city. It felt as though we were still living on the surface.

Despite the war, the old customs remained intact. People still gathered to pass the time, seeking a spark of normalcy amid the chaos.

I looked around, nostalgic. This was what I remembered from my old home.

Robert: This place still looks as abandoned as ever.

I commented, crossing my arms as I watched the hustle and bustle.

David: They haven't paid attention to this area.

David replied, adjusting his jacket as he surveyed the surroundings.

David: But once they finish installing the remaining detection devices, they'll probably clean it up. For now, it's just like you see it.

Eric, always pragmatic, added:

Eric: That, and you know the people above don't really like this part of the city.

Robert: It's impressive that social strata still exist.

I murmured, a mix of disbelief and resignation in my voice.

Eric let out a light laugh, laden with irony.

Eric: Maybe it's part of our nature. Since the beginning of time, we've always had some kind of hierarchy.

While they spoke to me, I couldn't help but feel disconnected. This place had changed... but at the same time, it was still the same.

As we walked through the streets, David and Eric guided me with precision, avoiding any places with mana detectors. Although some had already been installed in certain areas, for the most part, this part of the city remained unmonitored.

Finally, we reached a bar. Outside, a group of people chatted animatedly, others drank, and some simply passed by. Inside, the atmosphere was just as lively: laughter, music, and conversations mingled in the air, heavy with tobacco and liquor.

David led the way, taking us to a corner behind the bar where there was a door. We entered, and there awaited a secluded table, as if it had been specially reserved for us. We sat down.

Without wasting any time, we ordered some beers.

We took off the hoods we had been using to keep ourselves anonymous. We didn't want to attract unwanted attention or raise suspicions.

Eric: So?

Eric broke the silence, resting his elbows on the table and looking at me expectantly.

Eric: I'm expecting a good story from you, Robert.

Robert: Am I your gossip source now?

I replied with an ironic smile.

Eric: I'm sure your gossip is better than anything around here.

He responded with a hearty laugh.

David leaned forward, his eyes shining with curiosity.

David: I also want to know what's been going on with you these years... and, of course, details about the trip.

I sighed, feeling the weight of their gazes.

Robert: Well...

Maybe letting it all out for once isn't such a bad idea.

I took a long sip of my beer, letting the bitter liquid calm my anxiety. I began recounting my journey, although inside, I hesitated about mentioning Samantha. I knew it sounded completely insane... even to me. Should I really tell them every detail?

"Well, they're my brother and my old friend," I thought. "I'll trust this will go well."

With every word, I unraveled the events: the decisions I made, the risks I took, and the things that happened along the way. I didn't leave anything important out.

When I finished, both of them exchanged looks, and the silence that followed was so heavy that I almost preferred they didn't say anything.

Eric broke the tension with a question I wasn't expecting:

Eric: So you fell in love with a being from another world?

Robert: Hey, I never said I fell in love with anyone.

I replied, a little more defensive than I intended.

David raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms.

David: But you went into a concentration camp just to save her sister, then you searched for her all the way to a non-human camp, and on top of that, you lost her sister... I don't think she's exactly going to be happy if she meets you. But what I'm saying is, no one with a shred of sense would do what you did for a mage.

Robert: I thought helping her would be good. She could give us information about beings from another world.

I said, trying to sound reasonable.

Eric let out a dry laugh, leaning on the table.

Eric: Yeah... That reason isn't bad, practically speaking. But are you telling me that your only motivation to care and go after that "person" was for the good of the world? Because, if I remember correctly, your reason for leaving in the first place was that you had lost all hope in this world.

His words hit with precision.

Eric: David might buy that argument... But I know you, Robert. I know why you really abandoned us. So it doesn't make sense that you're looking for that person if you didn't feel something for her.

Eric stared at me intensely, his tone growing more serious.

Eric: You need to realize that what you're feeling is dangerous. Even if she cooperates, it's still a huge risk. One mistake, and we're doomed.

I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of his reasoning.

I see... So that's it. Eric was right. But why do I feel something for her? It doesn't make sense.

Eric: Ignoring that part, I have to admit, you surprise me. Aside from Erika, I never thought you'd fall in love again in your life.

His words hit a forgotten corner of my soul. Erika... She will always be the only woman I ever loved. So why...?

David: Who's Erika?

Eric: Robert's wife. She passed away before the war started. I still have a photo of her in our family album in case you ever want to see it; I took it from our house before everything fell apart.

Does he still keep photos?

Eric: Anyway, it was a good story, all things considered. But it's time to go; you need to prepare for the night departure.

We stood up and started leaving the bar.

As we crossed the door, Eric's words still echoed in my mind, planting doubts I couldn't ignore.

That's when I bumped into someone. It was another hooded figure, and we both almost lost our balance. Before I could apologize, an unexpected breeze slipped between us, barely lifting our hoods. It was only for an instant, but enough to glimpse something: I saw a lock of brown hair.

Something inside me froze, but when I saw her hair, I snapped out of my illusion. For a moment, I thought it was her.

I was about to keep walking when that person murmured an apology in a low voice. It was an insignificant word, but the tone and cadence were unmistakable. It was her.

My heart raced, and a whirlwind of emotions took over me. Even though her face was still covered and her hair was a different color, a subtle scent reached me. It was a mixture of herbs, a fragrance I always associated with her.

God... I felt like my heart was going to burst from how hard it was pounding.

Why was she here? Could it be a bad trick from the beers?

With my chest tight, I decided to take the risk. I whispered her name, my voice barely trembling.

The figure stopped dead in her tracks. Slowly, she turned on her heels, and just as she was about to remove her hood...

The echo of a gunshot pierced the air.

The sound of the shot froze us all. Instinctively, we looked in the direction it came from.

A man had executed a woman with a clean shot to the head.

Shock barely began to spread through the place when that man, along with others strategically positioned, pulled out assault rifles and aimed at the crowd.

Eric: Run!

Chaos erupted in seconds. Gunshots surrounded us, forcing us to crouch and retreat into the bar as best as we could. Outside, the screams quickly drowned out by the roar of gunfire.

The shooting didn't stop.

Eric: David, do you have your weapon?!

Eric, along with several other bar patrons, started shooting from the windows. The atmosphere was thick with tension, with terror.

What the hell is going on?

One by one, some of the patrons fell under the enemy fire, even though we were inside the bar, taking cover.

Suddenly, the bartender pulled out weapons from under the counter and began tossing them to those who didn't have one. I grabbed an old rifle and joined the fight, shooting as best as I could. Beside me, the hooded person I had bumped into earlier looked at the rifle I had taken with a mix of surprise and confusion-seemingly unsure how to use it.

It was then that I noticed something strange: our bullets weren't doing any damage to the attackers. They hit them but didn't kill them... Then I noticed, amidst the chaos, that the bullets were bouncing off what appeared to be invisible shields.

Shit.

Robert: David, they're mages!

David: Damn it... James, the special ammo!

The bartender nodded, pulling out boxes of anti-magic rounds from beneath the counter.

When we reloaded with those rounds, everything changed. The bullets pierced the attackers' shields, and we began to gain ground. The confusion on their faces was evident.

But their response didn't take long. Three of them began to concentrate their energy, forming a massive fireball that illuminated the place with an ominous orange light.

Out of nowhere, mana detection alarms began blaring throughout the place.

Robert: Shit! Move, we need to get out of here!

There was no time. The fireball shot directly toward the bar where we were.

Before I could move, I felt a weight on top of me. The hooded figure jumped toward me, covering me with her body.

Then, everything vanished in the deafening roar I had never heard before...