We all stood in our places, bodies tense, breaths nearly held, waiting for what the boss was about to say.
The silence was heavy… as if even the air itself was anticipating.
But—
Before he could utter a single word, that silence was pierced by a familiar voice, carrying a playful tone we hadn't heard in a long time:
"Wow~… It's been a while since I've seen you guys."
All our heads lifted at once, as if we had moved on instinct.
And there… at the edge of the area, stood that person.
Coal-black hair, sharp eyes as if they could read what lay behind faces, and a smile…
that unforgettable smile.
My eyes widened slightly.
Reagan.
He was back… as if he had never been gone.
Everyone's expressions changed in an instant—surprise, caution, curiosity…
as if his appearance had brought back memories that had yet to fade.
Vesper leaned toward me and whispered in clear confusion:
"Why is everyone so surprised? Who is that?"
I replied in a low voice:
"That's… Reagan. The one who helped save Marcus with us."
My words had barely ended—
When another voice came, just as familiar, but calmer:
"It really has been a while."
We turned again.
And there… stood a man with calm features and a sharp gaze, as if he observed everything without showing much.
Doctor Velor.
The presence of these two together… was not normal.
But before whispers could rise or questions could begin—
The employer spoke firmly:
"You two, be quiet."
As if his words extinguished everything.
Silence returned.
He stepped forward, then looked at all of us and said in a tone that allowed no interruption:
"Now… I'll begin."
Bodies stiffened.
Eyes focused.
Then he said:
"Our next mission… is to head to the capital, Storn."
…
For a moment—
No one moved.
But expressions… changed.
Tyros and Cairo were clearly shocked, as if the name alone was enough to unsettle them.
Luxian… didn't change at all, that usual indifference still on his face.
Knox and Sirion remained calm, as if it were just another detail in a long day.
Calstir… as always, nothing could be read from his expression.
Zairos stood still, though sweat slowly dripped from him.
Marcus… the anxiety was clear in his eyes.
As for Vesper… excitement shone in his gaze, as if this was an adventure he had long been waiting for.
And as for me…I felt nothing new.
Not because it was simple… but because I had already heard this before.
The boss continued, in the same calm tone:
"It may seem sudden… but we'll be heading to Storn in three days. On Thursday."
Just three days…
Then he added:
"You may wonder why… I have business there. In addition, Storn has more missions… and higher pay."
He paused briefly, then continued:
"And we will stay there… for an indefinite period."
That sentence—
Was enough.
The atmosphere froze for real this time.
Tyros raised his voice, unable to hide his shock:
"We'll stay there?!… You mean we're not coming back here?"
The boss answered simply:
"Yes."
Marcus stepped forward and said hesitantly:
"This is very sudden… and we only have three days to prepare."
"That's how it is."
His response was final… as if there was no room for discussion.
Silence returned once more.
But this time… it wasn't the silence of waiting.
It was the silence of thinking.
Everyone's gaze dropped to the ground, each lost in their own thoughts, trying to process the decision… and what it meant to them.
Unlike us.
Me… and Vesper.
Because—
We had already made this decision.
I took a light breath, then broke the silence and said firmly:
"Alright… I'll go."
Some heads lifted toward me.
Then, without hesitation, Vesper said enthusiastically:
"Me too!"
Something began to change.
Knox said calmly:
"Alright… I'll go with you."
Sirion added:
"Same here."
Luxian smiled slightly and said:
"I'm in."
As if the decision had just needed someone to break it—
The others began agreeing… one after another.
Hesitation… then acceptance.
Fear… then resolve.
Until—
Everyone agreed.
I stood among them… looking around.
I never imagined that I would be the one…
The one to break the silence.
The one to push others into making a decision.
A strange feeling crept into my chest.
Something small…But warm.
The employer smiled faintly, as if things had gone exactly as he wanted, then said:
"Then… it's settled. Prepare yourselves well before Thursday."
He paused for a moment, then added:
"Does anyone have any questions?"
A brief silence followed, before Knox stepped forward slightly and asked calmly:
"What are Reagan… and Doctor Velor doing here?"
The employer turned his gaze to him and said simply:
"They'll be going with us to Storn. Reagan… will be additional strength."
Then he gestured lightly toward Velor:
"As for the doctor… he'll be responsible for treating you if any injuries occur."
Reagan smiled confidently and said in a light tone with a hint of humor:
"Yeah… I'll be the strength that saves you when you get yourselves into trouble."
No one commented, but some exchanged silent looks.
The employer looked back at everyone and said:
"Any other questions?"
This time—
No one answered.
As if everyone had already realized that the decision was final.
The employer nodded slightly, then said:
"You may leave."
And with that… the meeting ended.
Everyone began to disperse, one after another, each lost in their own thoughts, carrying with them a decision that would change the course of their coming days.
I turned as well and began walking toward the inn.
I hadn't taken more than a few steps when I heard footsteps behind me.
It was Vesper.
He said as he caught up:
"So… that's why you decided not to resign."
I answered simply:
"Yeah."
He walked beside me for a moment, then said with clear curiosity:
"But… how did you know?"
I glanced ahead and said:
"I went to tell him I wanted to resign… and he told me we're going to Storn, so there's no need."
Vesper's eyes widened slightly, then he said with barely hidden excitement:
"That's amazing! This sounds really exciting… I wonder what kind of adventures are waiting for us there?"
I smiled lightly and said calmly:
"Don't get too excited… not everything waiting for us will be fun."
He laughed softly, but the excitement didn't leave his eyes.
We kept talking as we walked—simple words… but carrying within them the beginning of a new phase.
Until we reached the inn.
We entered, and the place was the same… quiet, warm, familiar.
I sat at the table and began eating in light silence.
Liana sat beside me, while Vesper sat across from me, still looking like he was thinking about the upcoming adventure.
In the background, Aunt Melissa stood at the sink, washing dishes quietly, the sound of water filling the space.
Liana suddenly broke the silence and said excitedly:
"So… we're going to a new place!"
I looked at her and said with a small smile:
"Yeah… somewhere better than here."
Her smile widened:
"I'm excited!"
I chuckled softly, as her genuine joy spread into the atmosphere around us.
As we ate, I explained to Aunt Melissa what had happened at work.
She listened quietly, then said after I finished:
"So… that's what happened."
She paused briefly, then added with a mix of concern and determination:
"We're leaving on Thursday?"
"Yeah."
I answered shortly.
She let out a soft sigh, then said:
"Then… I need to find a buyer for the inn as soon as possible."
For a moment, I didn't know what to say.
But I didn't want to leave her alone with that worry.
So I said, trying to reassure her:
"Don't worry… I'm sure you'll find a buyer before Thursday."
She looked at me, and a small smile formed on her face… but it was enough.
A smile of gratitude… and perhaps a bit of hope.
After finishing my meal, I stood quietly and headed to my room.
I closed the door behind me, then threw myself onto the bed without thinking.
The ceiling… was the first thing my eyes landed on.
The day had passed quickly…But what happened in it—
Was not simple.
Storn…
The employer …
Reagan… velor…
And my goal.
I breathed slowly.
"What does the employer want there?"
A question I had no answer to.
But there was another question… more important.
"Will I find my family there?"
If Storn is my first destination…Then what if I find nothing?
Will I keep searching?
Where… and how?
I sighed again and closed my eyes.
"This… is complicated."
A brief silence.
Then I whispered to myself:
"It doesn't matter…I'll think about it later."
Fatigue was stronger than thought.
And slowly…I gave in to sleep.
…
And so—
The days passed.
One after another.
Quickly… as if they were running away.
Until the awaited day came.
Thursday.
The day when…We would leave everything behind.
…
But—
Before the journey begins… let me go back one day.
[Wednesday]
I was sitting at the table, eating quietly, while my mind was focused on one thing.
I looked at Aunt Melissa, hesitated for a moment… then asked:
"So… did you find a buyer?"
She paused.
That brief silence…Was enough to tell me everything.
That's not good…
My chest tightened slightly, and my thoughts began to race.
What are we going to do now? Will we be delayed? Will I have to change the plan?
I slowly lifted my gaze toward Vesper, trying to ask for help with my eyes.
He looked at me… then shook his head, waving his fingers randomly as if saying:
"Don't look at me… I have no idea."
I narrowed my eyes at him and gestured quickly:
"And is that thing on your shoulders just for decoration?!"
But before I could actually start forming desperate plans to fix the situation—
Suddenly—
Aunt Melissa said in a voice full of joy:
"I found a buyer!"
I froze for a moment…
Then—
Vesper and I both exhaled at the same time, as if a heavy weight had been lifted off our chests.
"Really?" I said quickly, before adding, "And how much are you selling the inn for?"
She smiled and said confidently:
"Ten thousand dollars."
I nodded slowly.
A reasonable amount… actually a good one, for an inn like this.
And so—
That day passed.