Gangster Hybrid

"Yeah, we did spar, and they spent the night here and left the next day."

He smiled, standing a little straighter.

"And also I turned twenty a month ago. I guess you didn't notice, but as you can see, I've grown a bit taller than before."

(He was 106 cm before—now he stood at 124 cm.)

"Yeah, maybe I still look like a kid, but I'm not as small anymore. Hahaha."

His hair was messy and, a little longer than usual, and he was already dressed in his regular clothes. They looked slightly looser than before, suggesting recent growth.

There wasn't a party like the one when he turned sixteen, but his mom and dad did give him gifts.

"Mom gave me these earrings," he said, gesturing to his ears.

You could see them—silver, moon-shaped pieces. They shimmered faintly in the light.

"They're magical artifacts. When both earrings are worn by two people, they can hear each other's voices, no matter the distance. It's like being able to make a phone call with just one person. It also muffles the wearer's mana, footsteps, and breathing—makes it easier to move undetected."

Now fully dressed, he walked toward the bed. Beside it stood a bedside chest. Raising his hand, he opened the top drawer. Inside lay a black pocket watch.

He picked up the watch and gently closed the drawer. The watch was designed with a fine silver chain and a small engraving of a crow.

"Dad gave me this. It's not a magical artifact," he said as he opened it.

Inside the watch was a small photo of him with his mom and dad, all smiling together.

"But I still like it. Looks really cool."

He turned around and started walking, eyes still on the photo inside the watch.

"Though I still wonder where the picture came from," he mumbled. "Because I don't remember taking a picture."

Reaching the door, he closed the watch and slipped it into his pocket. He pushed the door open.

Outside, Aldric and Lyriana stood beside the doorway. He walked out of the room with both hands tucked into his pockets. Lyriana and Aldric followed closely behind.

His stomach growled loudly.

Damn, I'm so fucking hungry, he thought.

"Hey, Lyriana, have you prepared my food?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder.

"Yes, young master," she replied politely. "Your meal is prepared and waiting for you in the dining room."

"Okay," he said, nodding. Gotta go meet Mom after I finish eating, he thought. And maybe ask her for a haircut. My hair's grown out lately.