Birds fluttered freely across the sky.
The soft golden light of the rising sun gently painted the entire city.
A calm, refreshing fragrance of morning filled the air, soothing the mind.
People were getting ready to leave for work.
Shopkeepers opened their stores, calling out to customers—
"Fresh fish from Numalical City! Only 5 cents!"
"Teddy bears! Just 50 cents!"
Children walked to school with their parents.
"Mom… Dad… hurry! Look over here!"
"Wait, don't run!"
The sound of carriage horses echoed through the streets—
"Tham…"
"Tham…"
Inside his room, Sota was still asleep.
"Knock…"
No response.
After a moment—
"Knock… knock… knock…"
Sota's eyes snapped open.
He quickly sat upright.
A voice came from outside—
"Sota… are you awake?"
Yawning, he scratched his head and walked to the door.
Opening it, he found Medusa standing there, already prepared.
"I'll be waiting downstairs. Get ready and come quickly," Medusa said.
Then he turned and left.
Sota watched him go… then quietly closed the door.
A little later, Medusa stood at the hotel entrance, waiting.
"How long is he going to take…?" he muttered.
Suddenly, Sota came running toward him.
"I'm ready… let's go," he said, slightly out of breath.
Medusa studied him silently.
Why is he acting like this…? Did something happen?
But he said nothing and started walking.
Sota followed behind.
"I'm hungry… can we eat something before we go?"
Medusa lightly grabbed his hand.
"Alright."
Sota smiled immediately.
They entered a crowded street.
"How much is this?"
"90 cents."
"I need to go to the hostel."
"Alright, sir."
Police patrols passed occasionally.
Moving through the crowd, they stopped in front of a restaurant.
Sota took a deep breath.
"Wow… it's so crowded."
"It's even busier than yesterday…"
Medusa said nothing and walked inside.
Sota followed.
Inside, the restaurant was calm and quiet.
Soft sunlight filtered through the windows, accompanied by a cool breeze.
A faint cherry blossom-like fragrance filled the air.
Only a few people were seated.
The only sounds were clinking dishes and the footsteps of waiters.
They sat at a table.
"Order whatever you want," Medusa said softly.
Sota's face lit up.
"Really…?"
Medusa nodded.
Sota quickly picked up the menu and started reading.
Medusa watched him.
Did last night really have no effect on him…?
Maybe it didn't work…
Sota lowered the menu.
"Medusa… where do you get your money from?"
"I've never seen you working… but we've spent a lot."
We? Medusa thought.
I haven't spent anything on myself…
He exhaled quietly.
"I take hunting missions from the Adventure Organization. That's how I earn money."
"I see…" Sota nodded.
Sota looked back at the menu.
I should order something cheap… for now, he thought.
He called the waiter.
"Two black leaf teas… some bread… and one cup of soup."
The waiter noted it down and left.
Medusa wanted to say something, but stopped himself.
Not now… let him eat first.
A few moments later, the food arrived.
Sota quickly reached for the bread—
But suddenly… his hand began to tremble.
His mind filled with images—
The starving child from last night…
The fear… the helplessness…
His body froze.
The bread slipped from his hand.
Sota suddenly screamed—
"No… that child…!"
"Why… why can't I forget…?!"
His heartbeat raced uncontrollably.
His breathing became heavy.
Medusa immediately moved to him and placed a hand on his head.
A faint blue light emerged from his hand.
Slowly, Sota's trembling eased.
His heartbeat steadied.
His breathing calmed.
The entire restaurant fell silent.
People stared at them.
Medusa glanced around coldly.
Without saying anything, he placed money on the table, lifted Sota onto his shoulder, picked up his bag, and walked out.
Whispers spread among the people—
"What happened to him?"
"Where is he taking that boy?"
"Will he be okay…?"
What happened all of a sudden…?
Is this the effect of last night…?
Medusa thought silently.