The sunset painted warm hues across Novara's skyline as the last rays slipped behind the old buildings, leaving long shadows across the silent streets.
In the same narrow alley Milo had passed through moments earlier while chasing Mira, a man with striking green hair walked forward with calm, measured steps.
Milo stood firm in the alley, his brown eyes steady and focused. His slightly long brown hair moved gently with the evening breeze, and his dark robe brushed the ground softly.
Before him lay Lucas, unconscious on the cracked pavement. Milo watched him silently.
Around them, several boys stood facing Milo, some holding sticks, others gripping stones. Fear and defiance mixed in their expressions.
One stepped forward, his voice shaking but determined.
"Stay away from our brother, intruder."
Milo glanced at them briefly.
They all flinched and stepped back.
He sighed slowly, lowering his head as if releasing a heavy weight.
Then he lifted Lucas onto his shoulder.
The boys shouted anxiously.
"Hey! Where are you taking our brother?"
Milo paused and gently placed Lucas against the wall.
He lightly slapped his face.
"Hey, you… wake up."
Lucas slowly opened his eyes, bruised and pale from the fight. His gray eyes blinked as he recognized Milo.
"It's you!"
He tried to stand, but Milo pushed him back down slightly.
"Damn it, can you stop acting like this and just let me talk for once? I'm not here to hurt any of you. And I'm not an intruder we live in the same city!"
Lucas sneered.
"As if you didn't just hurt me moments ago, you damn"
He stopped when he noticed Milo's serious expression.
"Alright. Speak. I'm listening."
"My name is Milo. I'm from the middle class here in Novara, so I live in the city center.
Anyway, that girl with you stole my necklace yesterday the one I was wearing. When I found her, I chased after her to get it back. But then you appeared out of nowhere, and you thought I was trying to hurt her, so you didn't even want to listen to me."
Lucas frowned.
"The necklace? So she lied to me and stole it. She told me she found it. But what does that necklace mean to you that you're so determined to get it back?"
Milo smiled faintly.
"It's a gift. A gift from my mother she gave it to me when I was a child."
The boys watched quietly, surprised the fight had turned into a conversation.
Suddenly Mira ran toward them, breathing heavily.
She stopped in front of Milo and held out her hands.
Inside them was the necklace.
"Here… this is your necklace... I know you came to take it back. I'm sorry for stealing it."
Milo smiled gently and placed his hand on her head.
"It's alright. But promise me this time don't steal again, okay? You could get hurt because of it."
Lucas spoke up.
"You're right after all you weren't lying about your necklace being stolen."
He stood and brushed the dust from his clothes, then turned toward Mira.
Without warning, he knocked her lightly on the head.
"You stupid girl, didn't I tell you not to steal from people? Why don't you listen? Look at the mess you've caused us."
Mira held her head, wincing slightly.
Milo said calmly.
"Don't worry, she's still young."
He touched the necklace hanging from his neck, memories flashing through his mind.
After a moment, Lucas sighed and looked back at the children behind him.
"That's enough. It's getting late."
He glanced at them.
"You should head back to the orphanage… Lisa's probably really worried by now."
The boys exchanged looks but eventually nodded.
Mira lowered her head.
"I'm sorry, Lucas…"
He replied with the tone of an older brother.
"We'll talk later. Just… go back now."
Lucas then looked back at Milo, hesitation in his expression.
Slowly, he extended his hand.
"I... I'm sorry for what happened."
Milo shook his hand and smiled.
"No worries. It was just a misunderstanding."
Lucas laughed lightly.
"It's rare to meet someone like you, especially here in the city center."
Milo raised an eyebrow.
"Hmmm… why is that?"
Lucas shrugged.
"I work as a waiter in the city. People there can be real jerks, but I deal with them anyway."
Milo replied thoughtfully.
"That's really strange. Very strange."
For a brief moment silence settled between them.
Lucas then said with a small smile.
"I'm Lucas. By the way, you never told me your name."
"I'm Milo."
Lucas nodded.
"So, Milo, what do you think about visiting the orphanage? Everyone there would welcome you, especially Lisa. It could be a way to make up for what happened. What's your answer?"
Milo looked slightly embarrassed.
"That's... that's very kind of you."
Soon after, Milo arrived at the orphanage with Lucas.
The place was simple but warm. Children sat around wooden tables eating modest meals, chatting and laughing despite the humble food.
Lisa, a woman in her forties, moved among them with gentle care. When Milo entered, she welcomed him with a warm smile and a sincere embrace.
The orphanage felt less like a shelter and more like a family.
Later that night, Milo walked alone through the poorer districts of Novara. The narrow streets were lined with worn buildings, and some people slept on the ground wrapped in thin blankets.
A few taverns still glowed with light, laughter spilling into the cool night air.
Suddenly Milo's phone rang.
He answered with a smile.
"Hey, sis."
His sister Melina replied quickly.
"What's taking you so long? I thought something happened to you."
Milo chuckled.
"It's a funny story, Melina."
Then his eyes caught a figure standing ahead in the dim light.
"I'll talk to you when I get back."
He ended the call.
At home, Melina stared at her phone with an annoyed expression.
"What an idiot..."
Back in the street, Milo stood still, watching the mysterious figure.
The stranger slowly pulled back his hood.
Long green hair fell past his chin, framing sharp green eyes and a sly smile.
He stepped forward calmly and raised his hand.
A large scythe formed in his grip as if made from pure energy.
The weapon glowed faintly as a terrifying green aura burst around him.
Milo's eyes widened.
"This is definitely... I'm sure it's a legendary weapon!"
The man stepped closer, holding the glowing scythe.
Milo remained where he stood, muscles tense and ready.
The cold night wind passed through the silent alley as if the entire city was holding its breath before the coming storm.