The five of them now sat around a round wooden table at a small fried rice restaurant, steam rising from their plates. Easton, Aron and Lucy ate with visible delight, shoveling spoonfuls of rice into their mouths without a care in the world. Shina, in contrast, ate with calm, almost elegant movements—though occasionally glanced at Canis.
Canis, however, merely stared at his plate, arms crossed loosely. After a moment of silence, he muttered, "Fried rice is usually eaten at night. It's strange to have it in the late morning like this."
Lucy chuckled softly, resting her chin on her hand. "That all depends on habit. There's nothing wrong with doing something outside the usual rhythm. Who knows? Maybe there's something we're missing because we're too bound by what we think is 'normal.'"
Canis looked at her for a beat, then down at his food again. "You might have a point," he said with a slight nod. Then, without another word, he picked up his spoon and took his first bite.
The table fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the clinking of spoons and the occasional quiet laugh from Easton and Aron. For a moment, the weight of the world outside faded—just five people sharing a meal, each with their own past, their own reasons, and yet somehow... still together.
As the meal continued, Lucy suddenly spoke up—with her mouth still full of food.
"Mmhp... you know, you three should just move to the capital," she mumbled, grains of rice escaping the corner of her lips.
Canis frowned. "Lucy, how many times do I have to tell you? Don't talk with your mouth full."
She waved him off with her spoon, completely ignoring the reprimand. "Living in the capital is great! There's so much to see, so much to do. You'd all love it."
Canis shook his head. "I can't leave the guild building behind."
"I like the coast," Easton added between bites. "Waking up to the sea breeze every morning? That's not something I'm giving up."
Aron looked up, chewing thoughtfully. "My house is in the perfect place... and I'm not ready to leave it behind."
Lucy puffed her cheeks in exaggerated disappointment. "Aww, you're all no fun."
Shina finally chimed in, cool and firm. "Stop trying to force people to move where you want, Lucy."
"I'm not forcing anyone!" Lucy protested, pointing her chopsticks in defense. "And seriously—why am I getting scolded all the time today? First by Canis, now by you. I'm the oldest here, you know. Are you two my parents or something?"
She raised her voice in mock outrage, though her tone stayed playful. Canis only smiled at her childish antics. Shina sighed and rubbed her temple, already regretting getting involved.
In the midst of their casual conversation, the atmosphere suddenly shifted.
Easton and Shina froze.
Easton turned pale, his hand tightening around his spoon. "Canis," he said, voice tense, "stop talking. Now."
Canis paused mid-sentence, glancing at Easton. "What is it?"
"I just felt a massive surge of energy. Big. Sudden. It's... close. Very close."
Canis's expression sharpened. "Where exactly?"
"Here," Easton whispered. "Right here."
Shina was already on her feet. Without hesitation, she raised her gloved hand, thick frost swirling around it, and pointed it toward Canis—no, behind him.
Canis's eyes widened. "Shina? You basta—"
"Behind you!!" she snapped.
He turned slowly.
Just three meters away, a man stood. Cloaked in deep blood-red robes, wearing a pale, expressionless mask. The air around him was heavy, suffocating. No confirmation was needed—he was unmistakably a Bloodminer.
And not just any member. His presence exuded an ancient, crushing pressure.
The oldest, and possibly the strongest.
He smiled beneath the mask and greeted them with chilling calm.
"Enjoying yourselves, are you?"
{Chapter 29 end}