Beneath the Same Sky, We Meet Again

The sound of fireworks echoed through the night sky. Bursts of colorful lights exploded over the city of Philin, painting the heavens in shimmering shades of gold, red, and blue. Crowds packed the cobblestone streets. Food stalls lined the roads, merchants shouted their offers, and the music of the festival filled the air amidst the cheers of visitors.

It was no wonder. This was a special day. The 1,550th Anniversary Festival of the Milintium Kingdom, an event held only once every few decades. People from all over came to the capital to celebrate, adventurers, merchants, even nobles from distant lands.

Amidst the crowd, a man in a brown cloak walked calmly. His hood was pulled low, hiding most of his face from view. Yet his steps were steady, unlike the many tourists who wandered aimlessly, marveling at the sights.

He wasn’t here for the festival. He was just passing through.

After weaving through the crowd, the man finally stopped in front of a large, imposing building standing tall in the city square.

Adventurer's Guild Headquarters

Inside, the atmosphere was just as lively. Dozens of adventurers gathered in front of the mission board, chatting amongst themselves or lining up at the counters. Some had just returned from missions, others were looking for party members, and some were simply drinking and laughing in the corner.

The man headed straight to one of the counters without hesitation.

"Good night, sir. Could you show me your adventurer identification card?" the receptionist asked with a professional smile.

Without a word, the man pulled out a card and handed it over.

The receptionist’s eyes widened slightly as she read the name. Ikuro Hikaru, A-tier adventurer, skilled in swordsmanship and magic, aged 20.

"All right, confirmed... Oh, welcome back, Mr. Ikuro," she said, her tone becoming a bit more friendly. "How can we assist you today?"

Ikuro glanced at the mission board, his eyes landing on a particular notice. He grabbed it and handed it to her.

"I’ll take this mission."

The receptionist glanced at the notice, then frowned slightly.

"This... is a tier S monster hunting mission, with a reward of one million Siara." Her expression turned a bit hesitant. "Are you sure you want to accept this?"

Ikuro simply nodded.

Without further question, the receptionist stamped the paper and handed it back. "Very well. Your mission is confirmed. Please be careful out there."

Ikuro took back the paper, slipping it into his cloak pocket. "Thank you."

Afterward, he left the building, returning to the still lively festival.

As he made his way toward the city gates, a sudden loud voice rang out.

"All visitors, please clear the way!"

Instinctively, Ikuro turned his head and saw several royal guards opening a path. Shortly after, the royal family’s parade passed by.

An open carriage adorned with the royal emblem moved slowly along the main street. The nobles inside waved to the cheering crowd.

However, Ikuro’s attention wasn’t on the nobles. It was on someone riding a horse beside them.

A young female knight, clad in shining white armor and a deep blue cloak. Her silver hair was tied neatly behind her, and her gaze was sharp, like a finely honed blade. There was no gap in her vigilance; she was a true warrior.

The moment he saw her, Ikuro froze.

"Look! That’s Lady Ephilia I told you about yesterday!" a child nearby exclaimed.

The name made his breath catch. Ephilia Fangelica.

He stared longer, making sure he wasn’t mistaken.
It was her, his old friend.

Memories came rushing back.

Back then, they used to spar at the academy. Train in magic together. Share their dreams.

And now, he saw her standing there, having achieved hers.

Ikuro let out a soft sigh, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"It’s been a long time... huh."

He didn’t wave.
He didn’t call out her name.
He simply watched.

Ephilia was already on her own path.
And Ikuro? he has his own path too.

Without saying a word, he turned and continued toward the city’s outer gates.

The festival carried on behind him, fireworks once again lighting up the night sky.
But deep inside his heart, something felt different.