The sun had not yet fully peeked over the horizon, but Zigh's alarm was already blaring at 4:30 AM. He woke instantly, silencing the device with a practiced hand. He glanced at Lian, who was still deeply immersed in sleep, before stretching his limbs and quietly slipping out of the room.
Heading to the kitchen, Zigh poured himself a glass of water, the cool liquid refreshing his senses. "I need to expedite the paperwork for Lian, Ron, and Nox today."
Once the glass was empty, he returned to the bedroom to find Lian sitting on the edge of the mattress, looking dazed. Zigh approached him with a small smile.
"You're up, Lian."
"Am I not allowed to be?" Lian replied.
"It's a good thing. Want to go for a morning jog?"
"Don't you have business to attend to today?"
Zigh glanced at the wall clock. "It's only 5:00 AM. There's time."
"Go ahead without me. I still need rest," Lian muttered.
"How about we look for something to eat while we're out?" Zigh countered.
"You buy it, I'll stay here."
Zigh sighed, crossing his arms. "Lian, you've been cooped up in the house since yesterday. You need at least some light physical activity."
"I hit the punching bag last night," Lian argued.
Zigh ran a hand through his hair. "That wasn't a workout; it was just a test. Come on."
"Are you forcing me?"
Zigh took a breath, softening his tone. "It's not like that. I just want you to stay healthy, that's all."
"I don't even have a change of clothes, let alone a tracksuit."
"Wait here."
Lian blinked, momentarily stunned by Zigh's persistence. Zigh rummaged through his wardrobe and pulled out a white tracksuit with blue stripes that he hadn't worn in years. "It's been a while since I donned this," he mused.
He tossed the clothes to Lian. "Wear this. No more excuses."
With half-lidded eyes and a flat expression, Lian took the outfit. "You really love being pushy, don't you?"
"It's for your own good."
As Lian trudged toward the bathroom, Zigh let out a long exhale. "He's like a lazy child sometimes."
As Zigh changed into his own gear, he noticed Outer sitting on the bed, watching him with an inscrutable gaze. Once ready, Zigh stepped out, with the silent manifestation following close behind.
A few moments later, Lian emerged and joined Zigh in the living room.
"Look at this. It's way too tight," Lian complained, gesturing to the snug fit.
Zigh chuckled. "Yeah, that was from back when I was still active in amateur boxing."
"No wonder it smells a bit musty," Lian remarked.
A vein throbbed at Zigh's temple, though he kept his smile forced. "Darn it, he really knows how to get under my skin."
Lian stared at him for a long beat. "What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing. Just planning our route. I promise we won't go far."
"I don't like going far," Lian reminded him.
Zigh checked his phone—5:15 AM. "Let's move, Lian."
They stepped outside into the crisp morning air. After ensuring the doors were locked, Zigh began a steady, rhythmic pace. Lian followed behind, accompanied by the ever-present shadow of Outer.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the city park, a vibrant area lined with food stalls. Zigh, barely breaking a sweat, turned to wait for his companion. Lian, however, was a different story. He arrived gasping for air, sweat drenching the old tracksuit, hands braced against his trembling knees.
Zigh began to clap playfully. "Congratulations! You made it to the park in spectacular fashion."
Lian looked up, glaring. "You are insufferable."
Zigh patted him on the shoulder. "As a reward, you can pick whatever you want to eat."
Lian stood up straighter, his eyes scanning the rows of stalls. "Ah, there's an omelet place over there," he said spontaneously.
Zigh followed his gaze. "Oh, that stall... alright, destination set. Let's go, Lian!"
They headed to the stall and Zigh ordered two large portions. As the sound of the sizzling pans filled the air, they took their seats.
"So, Lian, what do you think of the food here in Echo? Does it suit your palate?"
Lian tilted his head. "In Syntax, the food is heavy on spices. Here... it's more oriental."
"Does that mean you don't like it?"
"It's not about liking it or not. It's the... sensation."
The savory aroma of the cooking eggs wafted toward them, making Lian's mouth water. "That smell... what is it?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Zigh replied.
A waiter arrived with two steaming plates. "Enjoy your meal," the server said before departing.
Lian's eyes widened at the portion size. "The aroma of fresh eggs is so strong. And the size... are you sure this is right?"
"Don't talk so much, or it'll get cold. Eat up."
Lian grunted and took his first bite. "Oh... this tastes like the omelets back at my old construction project site."
Zigh began eating as well. "Really? I think it's just average."
"It reminds me of the days spent hauling bricks and cement," Lian murmured.
Zigh sighed. "Your memories really don't go past your workplace, do they?"
They finished their meal in silence, leaving nothing but empty plates.
"Alright, energy replenished. Let's head back and burn those calories off," Zigh announced.
Lian clicked his tongue.
"Don't give me that face," Zigh laughed as he stood up. "I'll buy some snacks for the road and for the house."
"You love bribery, don't you?"
"Move it, before the sun gets too high."
"Whatever."
They strolled through the park, Zigh picking up various sweet and savory snacks along with two pieces of toast. He handed the bag to Lian. "Hold this."
"I'm still full."
"Just hold it."
"You really enjoy eating, don't you?" Lian observed.
"Is that so?"
"Since the moment we met, you've done nothing but take me out to eat."
"Well," Zigh smiled, "it's better than eating nothing but air, right?"
"If you say so."
They walked back at a leisurely pace, with Lian eventually giving in and munching on the toast. By the time they reached home, the bread was gone. Zigh checked his phone: 6:50 AM.
"Time flies. Lian, wait in the living room." Zigh set the snacks on the table and hurried to his room.
As Lian watched him go, Outer whispered, "Lian, that Eosvile is about to set his plan in motion."
Lian smiled. "Keep an eye on him, Outer."
Outer chuckled. "With pleasure."
Zigh returned shortly with a set of clean clothes. "I'm showering first," he said, handing the clothes to Lian.
"Okay."
While Zigh was in the bathroom, Lian sat on the sofa, clutching the fabric. "Outer, after we've helped Zigh, how will I ever find Serenity?"
Outer remained silent.
Lian looked at the manifestation. "Never mind. We'll find a way together."
"Lian..."
Zigh emerged a few minutes later, his hair damp and a towel draped over his shoulders, now dressed in his full official uniform.
"You're going to work?"
Zigh nodded. "Stay home, Lian. Don't open the door for strangers. Eat the snacks I bought, and if you need anything, call me immediately. Understood?"
"Yeah. I'm not exactly itching to meet people anyway."
"Good. I'm going to finalize your documents and those for your two bodyguards."
Lian exhaled. "Them too..."
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"Remember, Lian, do not open the door—"
"Yes, I get it!" Lian interrupted, taking the towel from Zigh's shoulder. "Go take your shower."
Lian clicked his tongue and headed for the bathroom. Zigh watched him go, shaking his head.
"His moods... whatever. I need to hurry."
He headed to the garage and cranked the engine of his sports car. While it warmed up, he opened the gates, pulled the car out, and carefully locked up behind him. He sped off toward the Civil Registry Office, driving well above the average speed limit.
An hour later, he arrived. After checking his hair and uniform in the mirror, Zigh stepped into the building and approached the reception desk.
"Good morning, sir. "
"Morning. Tell Asley that Zigh Eosvile is here to see the Head of the Civil Registry."
The receptionist's eyes widened slightly. "Ah, one moment. I'll inform Sir Asley immediately."
Zigh nodded.
"Sir Zigh, please wait in the meeting room to your left."
"Thank you."
The receptionist quickly patched through to the office. "Sir Asley, you have an important guest."
"Who is it?"
"Sir Zigh Eosvile."
"Tell him to wait."
"I already have, sir. He is in the ground floor meeting room."
"Ok."
Asley hung up the phone with a smirk. "Zigh... it's been a long time since you paid me a visit."
To be continued...