The Holder of Light

"This is K.A.I.," Archer said as he lowered the boy with one hand.

"He's not a homunculus like the guards or servants here in Wastu. He's… something else. An android."

The moment he was released, the boy named K.A.I. stomped his foot on the floor in frustration, then shot a sharp glare at Nari.

"I was just about to start making dinner! Now all the ingredients are a mess! Do you think rainbow soup is easy to make?! It takes three hours! THREE!"

Nari raised her hand, trying to defend herself.

"I just wanted to help lift the pot… but it was hot…"

"THAT'S BECAUSE YOU'RE A-N-N-O-Y-I-N-G!" K.A.I. shouted, his eyes wide with fury, then turned around and stormed off toward the kitchen, still muttering about carrots, mushrooms, and someone named "Chef Tulip," whoever that was.

Meanwhile, Aiden looked oddly pleased.

"Heh... you're not so bad, you round elemental creature," he remarked to the still-stunned Nari.

"At least you got the kid mad. I've been dying to see his angry face."

Zayyan furrowed his brows.

"Since when have you ever said that?"

Aiden simply shrugged.

"I said it in my heart."

He grinned smugly, chuckling like he'd just won the lottery.

The earlier chaos finally settled, and Archer returned to his seat, his gaze serious as he looked at Arion.

"We have to locate the person chosen by Nate as soon as possible. But there's a major problem…"

Arion straightened up, listening closely. Archer pointed directly at him.

"You."

"Huh?"

"Your current appearance is too clean. Too tidy. Your face is easily recognizable—especially after the prison incident and... the station's destruction," Archer explained.

"City security has been tightened. Morning is not an option—too many people, too many patrols."

Zayyan chimed in.

"So the only safe time to enter the city is... night."

"Exactly," Archer confirmed.

"When most of the citizens are asleep and only guards roam the streets. Even then, it's risky. But if we want to find the one chosen by Nate, we have no choice."

Arion glanced out the window.

The sky was turning a deep purple-orange. Nightfall was near.

And with it...

their true mission was about to begin.