What To Do?

Later that evening, as the city settled into a restless quiet, Terran found himself alone atop a quiet rooftop, gazing out at Mokomo’s sprawling lights and busy streets. His mind drifted, and a strange sense of time pressed against him, how long it had been since the Graduation Commemorative Match?

It felt like ages ago, like a distant memory that belonged to someone else. Yet, when I thought about it closely, it hadn’t even been a full year. The days blurred together, filled with battles, revelations, and new responsibilities, almost like he’d lived a lifetime in that short span.

Enuma appeared beside him, silent at first, then spoke softly. “Time has a strange way of twisting itself, doesn’t it? That match… it feels like it was ages ago, yet it wasn’t even a year. For some, it’s a turning point. For others, just a fleeting moment.”

I looked at him, brow furrowed. “How do people see me now? The son of the hero? I mean, I know I’ve changed, but… do they see me differently?”

Enuma’s gaze was distant. “Many look at you differently now. Some see a symbol—someone to aspire to, or perhaps someone to fear. But remember what I told you about the Imperial Capital. Most of the spectators who watched your match with Reval probably haven’t changed their opinions. They didn’t witness what truly happened—the struggles, the growth, the doubts. They only saw the victory.”

I nodded softly, digesting the words. The weight of expectation still pressed down on him, but part of him wondered about the truth of his own journey, how much of it was seen, and how much remained hidden.

My thoughts drifted again, this time to my interactions with Uriko and Vin. I wondered how long I'd spent with them lately. Vin is utterly infatuated with me, her eyes shining whenever they crossed paths. She was proud, fierce, and unwavering in her admiration. Always using her nickname "honey" when talking to me.

Princess Uriko was more reserved, but her quiet glances and subtle touches hinted at something deeper. Both of the princess made it clear she has the need for him. She looks to me for strength or reassurance.

Yet, I found myself caught in a strange stalemate. Uncertain of what I truly wanted from them, or even if I deserved more. I cared for both, but my own doubts and fears kept me from making any firm decision. Was I really ready to accept their feelings? Did I want to? Or was I just afraid of what that might mean for my own path?

I tilted my head back, watching the stars slowly emerge in the night sky. The questions swirled in my mind, about time, about my reputation, about love—and I wondered if I’d ever find the answers he sought. For now, all he could do was move forward, uncertain but determined to forge his own way.

Later that evening, as the city’s lights flickered against the darkened sky, Uriko approached me quietly on the rooftop. The air between them was comfortable, a rare moment of peace amid the chaos. She took a step closer, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

“Terran,” she said softly, “I was thinking… since things are calming down a bit, why don’t we go shopping tomorrow? Mokomo has some interesting markets and shops. It’ll be good to get your mind off everything for a while.”

I blinked, caught off guard but amused by her enthusiasm. “Shopping? You mean, just… wandering around the city?”

She nodded eagerly. “Exactly! I want to show you some of the local crafts, maybe pick up a few things. Besides, it’s a good excuse to spend time together.”

A small, genuine smile crossed my face. “Alright. I’d like that.”

The next day, Uriko and Terran set out into Mokomo’s bustling streets. The city was alive with vibrant stalls, colorful banners, and the sounds of merchants shouting their deals. Uriko led him through winding alleyways, introducing me to artisans and traders, haggling over trinkets and rare finds. I found myself swept up in her excitement, laughing and chatting as they explored.

Meanwhile, Reval watched from a distance, his expression tinged with sadness. He saw them—Uriko and Terran, laughing and joking like a couple, their closeness undeniable. Reval’s heart ached with a quiet, bitter understanding. He knew, deep down, that his feelings for Uriko would never be reciprocated. She was captivated by Terran, and he was left standing in the shadows, quietly accepting his place.

Reval’s gaze lingered on the pair, a faint, wistful smile touching his lips. He understood that love—true love—sometimes had to be left unspoken, left behind. As he watched them disappear into the crowd, he simply turned away, carrying the silent burden of his unfulfilled hopes.

In the midst of the lively city, beneath the bright sun and vibrant streets, the unspoken truths lingered—each person’s path unfolding in its own time, shaped by hopes, regrets, and the quiet strength to move forward.

As the next day came and settled with a high sun over Mokomo, Sadie returned to the city’s makeshift command center, her face grim and determined. Sadie’s expression was hard as she stepped into the room, flanked by her team. She carried a set of documents and a grim look that immediately caught my eyes. Vin was there and also noticing the expression.

Uriko gave a greeting as the meeting began as the results have been reviewed from the information gotten out of Kestral. Not wasting any platitudes, Sadie got right into it.

Sadie’s eyes narrowed as she laid the interrogation reports on the table, the weight of the findings clear in her voice. “There’s too much to ignore. The demons have made numerous transactions with a certain government official in the Imperial City—one connected to the former hero party, Eldrin the Great Hunter. The links to the hidden demon are too strong; we can’t dismiss it.”

She looked directly at Terran, her tone firm but steady. “I’m ordering you to investigate this. Find out what Eldrin’s really involved in. Follow the trail, no matter where it leads.”

Terran hesitated, his brow furrowing. “I don’t work for you,” he said quietly, eyes flickering with uncertainty. “I’ve got my own path now. I can’t just—”

Sadie cut him off, her voice calm but resolute. “It’s not about work. It’s about duty. About doing what’s right. It’s time for you to go home, Terran. To find your place outside of these conflicts, outside of the chaos we’re caught in. I’ll meet you there. You want to become someone; this is going to be huge step forward.”

He looked away, a mixture of frustration and understanding crossing his face. The weight of her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. As she turned to leave, her voice echoed softly behind her, "I hope my gut is wrong, but looks like the demon is not the puppet master." 

 Still, he knew he couldn’t ignore it, especially with the links to Eldrin who was a friend of his father. One of the anointed great heroes of the Imperial City.

Terran looked at him, surprised but understanding. “You sure? I wish you luck, Reval. When you come back… I want to see you stronger. I’ll be waiting for that.”

Now, they headed back to the Imperial City, each carrying their own hopes and fears, determined to uncover the truth—and to forge their own futures, whatever they might hold.