VI. A New Horizon

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Levi meticulously scrubbed the corners of the new place they had relocated to, his movements swift and precise. He was meticulous when it came to cleanliness, a trait that served as both a blessing and a source of mild irritation for Roku.

As Levi furiously cleaned every nook and cranny, Roku ambled in, a mysterious parcel cradled in his arms.

"Levi, loosen up a bit. Not every spot needs to shine brighter than gold," Roku jested, a playful glint in his eyes. Levi's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing at Roku's nonchalant demeanor.

"And you? Where did you wander off to?" Roku placed the package on a nearby table and flashed a mischievous smile.

"Oh, nothing much. Just got us a little something." Levi arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.

"What's that supposed to be?" "These," Roku replied, unveiling the package to reveal two sets of ODM (Omni-Directional Mobility) gears, the intricate mechanisms gleaming in the dim light. Levi's eyes widened with a mix of awe and suspicion.

"Where in the world did you get these? Those are guards' gears!" Roku shrugged casually.

"Bought 'em."

"Bought them? You mean stole them, right?" Levi retorted, his tone tinged with incredulity.

"Well, let's say they fell into my possession," Roku replied, unfazed by Levi's skepticism.

"Come on, don't tell me you're not excited to try these out."

Despite his reservations, Levi couldn't help but feel a spark of interest. The idea of maneuvering through the city like the guards, albeit illegally, held an undeniable allure.

Reluctantly, he agreed. They ascended to the rooftop, adjusting the gear with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Roku took the lead, effortlessly activating the gear's thrusters. He soared into the open air with a natural grace, navigating the skyline with practiced ease. Levi hesitated for a moment before activating his gear, the thrusters propelling him into the air. His movements were hesitant at first, the unfamiliar weight and mechanics requiring adjustment.

However, the thrill of flight soon overtook his uncertainty as he began to grasp the basics.

"Look at you, Levi! Getting the hang of it, aren't you?" Roku called out, gliding effortlessly above. Levi, now more comfortable with the gear, nodded determinedly, a glimmer of accomplishment in his eyes.

Their joyous exploration was abruptly interrupted by the sight of approaching guards, alerted by the unauthorized use of the ODM gears. Roku smirked at Levi.

"Race you to the safe zone!" Levi shot Roku a skeptical look.

"Are you insane? We'll get caught!" Roku's mischievous grin widened.

"C'mon, where's your sense of adventure?" Without waiting for a response, Roku bolted, the ODM gears propelling him across the skyline. Levi hesitated for a moment before taking off, the thrill of the chase replacing his apprehension.

The guards, in hot pursuit, trailed behind as Roku and Levi deftly maneuvered through the cityscape.

Roku, being a natural, effortlessly led the way, while Levi, a bit slower, gradually adapted, picking up speed with every passing moment. As they zigzagged through narrow alleys and darted between buildings, the guards struggled to keep pace.

Roku and Levi, fueled by the exhilaration of their escape, managed to outwit their pursuers, leaving the guards far behind. Finally coming to a stop at a secluded spot, Roku doubled over, laughing breathlessly.

"That... was... amazing!" Levi, slightly out of breath but sporting a wide grin, nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, it was something," Levi replied,

Roku clapped Levi on the shoulder. "Remember, though, these aren't toys. We've got limited gas, so let's use 'em only when necessary."

Levi nodded, acknowledging Roku's words. The adrenaline still coursing through their veins, they made their way back to their new place, exhilarated by their flight and eager for a more adventurous story

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End of the Chapter