Haruto stumbled mid-step.
Another vision slammed into him.
Darkness twisted and churned.
Arkhamis' silhouette towered over him.
"You are close."
Haruto shook violently.
"Close to what?!"
"The one you must kill."
"No— I'm not killing anyone!"
Arkhamis laughed, soft and cruel.
"You will."
Haruto fell to his knees—
—and snapped awake the moment Ren grabbed his arm.
"You good?"
Haruto forced a shaky nod.
"Yeah… just tired."
But the fear didn't leave his eyes.
⸻
Entering the City
The group stepped through the crowded stone gates of a bustling city.
Sataro stopped dead.
"…Nova. What are we doing?"
Nova grinned.
"Going home."
Sataro glowered.
"You brought us into a CITY? A crowded one?! This is suicide."
Nova winked.
"Trust me."
Sataro looked like he wanted to scream.
⸻
The Tavern: The Silver Needle
Nova motioned for the kids to stay outside.
"Don't move. Mira bites."
Haruto blinked.
"…Who's Mira?"
"You'll see."
Nova walked into the tavern.
⸻
Mira — The Sharp-Tongued Assassin Queen
The tavern was quiet and dim, lit with candles that flickered against bottles on the wall.
Behind the bar stood a tall woman with long black hair, piercing eyes, and an expression like she'd rather stab the next person who spoke.
She didn't look up.
"Nova."
Nova smirked.
"Mira."
Mira clicked her tongue.
"…Still alive. Unfortunate."
Nova laughed.
"I missed you too, bitch."
Mira's eyes narrowed, but there was the faintest smirk.
"What do you want?"
"Shelter."
"No."
It came out instantly, stone-cold.
Nova crossed her arms.
"You didn't even listen—"
"I DIDN'T NEED TO."
Mira slammed a glass on the counter.
"Because last time you showed up, my entire guild got dragged into a civil war!"
Nova shrugged.
"They lived."
"BECAUSE I SAVED THEM!" Mira snapped.
Her voice shook the sturdy wooden bar.
Nova leaned in.
"Please."
"No."
⸻
Haruto Sneaks In
Haruto peeked inside.
Mira caught sight of him instantly.
Her expression shattered.
Her jaw dropped.
Her eyes softened so fast it looked physically painful.
"…Oh my god."
Nova smirked.
"Uh-huh."
Mira's voice changed completely — sweet, warm, soft as a cloud.
"Oh honey, come here—!"
Haruto blinked as Mira dashed over, kneeling in front of him like she'd just seen a lost puppy.
"Oh look at your little face. How old are you? Are you eating enough? Come here, sweetie—"
Nova grinned.
"Mira, meet the kids."
Mira stood, hands trembling.
"THEY'RE CHILDREN?!"
Nova snorted.
"Like I said. We need shelter."
Mira turned on her.
"YOU BITCH— YOU KNOW I CAN'T SAY NO TO KIDS!"
Nova beamed proudly.
"I know."
⸻
The Kids Enter
Nova waved outside.
"Guys! It's safe, come in!"
Lira stepped in first, nervous.
Mira gasped dramatically.
"Oh my GOD— an angel—HELLO SWEETHEART!"
Lira smiled shyly.
Ren shuffled in.
Mira squealed.
"He's adorable— I love him— look at that little face—"
Ren muttered, "Bro…"
Nova whispered,
"Told you. She's lethal to adults but soft for kids."
Haruto nodded slowly.
"…She's weird."
Nova laughed.
"You have no idea."
⸻
Sataro Walks In
Finally Sataro entered.
He stared around the tavern suspiciously.
"Nova. I need an explanation."
Mira's entire vibe changed back to icy assassin mode.
She crossed her arms, scowling.
"Who's this tall emo bastard?"
Sataro blinked.
"…What?"
Nova giggled.
"That's Sataro."
"Oh." Mira shrugged.
"Never mind then. Still looks emo."
Sataro exhaled slowly.
"I am NOT emo."
"Sure, sweetheart," Mira said flatly.
Sataro turned to Nova.
"Why are we hiding in a tavern in a city? This is a terrible idea."
Nova stretched.
"Because we're untouchable here."
Mira stepped behind the bar and pulled out a wicked dagger.
"I'm the Guild Master of the Assassin's Guild," she said casually, twirling it.
"Anyone touches these kids— I cut their lungs out through their back."
Lira gasped.
Haruto blinked.
Ren whispered,
"…She's terrifying."
Nova smirked.
"But we're safe."
Sataro stared between them.
"…Fine."