The moment Zuno stepped out of his house, his feet met the rough street below, the warmth of the ground seeping faintly through his shoes. Above him, the bright sun hung high in the sky, its light exposing his pale skin to the open world without mercy.
Today was his last day in Pavee.
The thought settled quietly in his mind, heavier than he expected.
If he was going to leave, then at the very least… he wanted to enjoy what little time he had left.
With the small amount of money he still carried, Zuno decided to visit his favorite shop—one of the few places in the city that didn't feel completely suffocating—and buy his favorite sweets. It wouldn't be much. Probably just one. But that was enough.
After walking for a while, weaving through the familiar streets, Zuno finally spotted it.
The bakery stood modestly between two worn buildings, small but well-kept. Its stone walls were sturdy, almost comforting in their structure, and delicate flowers rested along the window, adding a rare touch of life to the otherwise dull surroundings. A small wooden awning extended over the entrance, offering shade from the sun.
To Zuno… it felt like peace.
His hand slipped into his pocket, gripping the coins and notes he had left as if to reassure himself they were still there. Then, without hesitation, he stepped inside.
A soft chime echoed as the door opened.
"Hi Zuno, it's been a while since you stopped by. Did something happen?"
The voice was gentle, light—but laced with concern.
Zuno turned his head slightly, already knowing who it belonged to.
Zoey Unfrier stood behind the counter, her bright red hair catching the light streaming through the window. Her eyes—clear and vibrant, almost sapphire-like—watched him closely. She wasn't tall, barely reaching five foot two, but there was an energy about her that filled the room more than her height ever could.
She looked genuinely worried.
Zuno gave a small, dismissive shrug as he approached the counter, trying not to make it a big deal.
Before he could answer, another voice cut in.
"Come on, Zoey, it's rude to pry into people's business—especially a customer we haven't seen in months!"
An older man stepped out from the back of the bakery, wiping his hands as he moved forward.
William Unfrier.
The owner. Zoey's father.
Zuno couldn't help but let out a short chuckle at the timing. Zoey's face flushed red almost instantly, her embarrassment obvious.
"No, it's fine. Really." Zuno said, still faintly amused.
He slipped his hand into his pocket, feeling around for a moment before pulling out his last copper Ziann. He placed it gently on the counter.
"The usual, please."
William gave a small nod and a warm smile before turning and heading back into the kitchen.
With him gone, Zoey wasted no time picking up where she left off.
"So," she said, leaning forward slightly, "why'd you disappear on us? Our most valued customer just vanishes like that?"
Zuno exhaled quietly.
He didn't want to answer.
But he knew Zoey well enough to understand that ignoring her wouldn't work. She'd just keep asking.
After a brief pause, he sighed.
"I've been busy," he said at first, keeping it vague. Then, after a second, he added, "And… I got drafted for combat."
That was enough.
He didn't need to say anything else.
Zoey's expression shifted immediately, her energy dropping as the meaning sank in.
"That's… a shame…"
The voice came from behind.
Zuno glanced toward the kitchen entrance, where William had returned. His face carried something heavier than surprise—something deeper.
Grief.
Zuno looked back at Zoey.
She wore the same expression.
The air grew heavier, the warmth of the shop fading into something quieter, more fragile. Zuno's gaze dropped to the wooden counter beneath him, unsure of what to say—if there even was anything to say.
Then…
A familiar scent reached him.
Sweet. Warm. Comforting.
Zuno looked up just as William placed two of his favorite pastries in front of him.
"I only ordered one, I—"
"It's on the house," William cut in before he could finish. His tone was firm, but not harsh. "Just come back to us someday so we can make you more."
Zuno paused.
Then gave a small nod.
Without another word, he picked up one of the pastries and took a bite. The taste spread instantly—soft, sweet, familiar. For a moment, everything else faded.
He ate quickly, but not carelessly, savoring each bite like it might actually be his last.
When he finished, his eyes flicked toward the clock mounted on the wall.
11:30.
His stomach dropped.
"Shit… I'm gonna be late."
Zuno pushed the now-empty plate forward, quickly standing from his seat.
"Thanks—for everything."
The words came out rushed, but genuine.
He gave them a quick wave before turning and heading for the door.
The bell chimed again as he stepped outside.
Behind him, William rested a hand on Zoey's shoulder.
"He'll be alright," he said quietly. "He's a strong kid."
Zoey didn't respond.
Her eyes stayed fixed on the door long after it had closed.
Zuno moved quickly through the streets, his pace uneven but urgent. He bumped into a few people along the way, muttering quick apologies without stopping. His focus stayed forward.
The main hall.
He couldn't be late.
Eventually, it came into view.
The building towered over everything around it, massive and imposing. Dark stone walls stretched upward, supported by thick pillars at the front. It didn't just stand there—it loomed.
A line of people had already formed outside, roughly fifty or so, all waiting to be processed. At the front, several officials stood with clipboards, checking names and sending people inside… or turning them away.
Zuno slowed slightly as he approached, slipping quietly into the back of the line.
He watched as a few people were dismissed instead of allowed entry.
'Lucky bastards…'
The thought came bitterly.
After a few minutes, the line moved forward enough that it was finally his turn.
The man in front of him barely looked interested. His eyes dropped to the clipboard, then rose to Zuno.
There was a pause.
Then back to the clipboard.
Zuno felt a flicker of annoyance.
The same reaction again.
"Zuno Kucax, correct?"
The man's tone was impatient, his pencil tapping lightly against the board.
Zuno nodded.
"Yeah."
The questioning lasted a few minutes—nothing complicated, just routine checks—but it felt longer under the man's sharp gaze. Eventually, he marked something down and stepped aside.
"Go on."
That was it.
Zuno stepped past him and entered the hall.
The interior was… impressive.
Far more than he expected.
The walls were lined with portraits—figures from Pavee's past, leaders and figures of importance, all immortalized in paint. At the far end of the hall stood a raised stage, and the space itself was already filled with people.
All eyes were directed forward.
Zuno followed their gaze.
And immediately recognized one of the figures standing there.
Xavier.
He stood at the center of the stage, his posture as rigid as before. Behind him were several others—men and women dressed in uniform, each carrying rifles.
That alone was unusual.
Weapons like that weren't commonly seen anymore.
Zuno's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in Xavier's appearance. His uniform was different now—more refined. On the collar rested a black pin shaped like a soldier ant. The others behind him wore silver ones.
A clear distinction.
Authority.
Xavier remained still for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the crowd gathered before him.
Then, slowly—
He cleared his throat.
The room fell silent.
He was about to speak.