– Extra Chapter –

  “So, we agree—you’ll buy clothes for Miyu, something for her measure,” Daryn declares as he hands me a small pouch of coins.

  “What? There’s no way I’m dragging a rat girl to the shopping centers!” I protest, dread settling in my stomach.

  “Buy some cheap clothes for now,” Daryn says, unfazed. “We’ll get her something decent later. I’ve got work to do. Rent isn’t paying itself, right? Or... are you lending me money this time?” He smirks, clearly knowing my answer.

  “N-no, it’s fine! I’ll buy her clothes!” I stammer, my face heating up. Lending money? Like I have any! My savings are already stretched thin.

  “Good. Do it quickly, because you must attend the shop next. Also, here people aren’t used to half-humans. It’s not unheard of, but it’s still... weird for them. If you find a shop that doesn’t welcome her, just move on. The capital has plenty of options.”

  As Daryn speaks, Miyu clambers onto his arm like a squirrel. She nestles there, completely ignoring the concept of personal space, her tail flicking like she owns the place.

  “Miyu, stay with Rika. I’ve got work.”

  Miyu’s large ears droop for a moment before perking up again. “Okay!” she chirps, hopping down obediently.

  Daryn leaves the coins inside a bag and waves goodbye, leaving me alone with her.

  I sigh. “Alright, rat girl—”

  “It’s Miyu!” she shoots back with a pout.

  “Whatever. Let’s go. We’ll buy... uh... panties, socks, shirts, and pants.”

  Miyu tilts her head in confusion. “What is pants?”

  My sigh deepens. From under my robe, I fish out one of my old pairs of pants and a worn shirt. “These are pants. This is a shirt. Put them on, and then we’ll go outside.”

  It’s like teaching a toddler. Miyu stares at the clothes like they’re alien artifacts. “...How do I do that?” she asks after several seconds of awkward silence.

  “Oh, for the love of—give me that!” I growl, stepping forward to help. My hands fumble with the fabric, guiding her arms and legs into place while she giggles like this is some kind of game.

  My cheeks burn. Helping someone dress is far more intimate than I anticipate. “Done,” I mutter, stepping back and wiping my forehead.

  Miyu wriggles around, clearly uncomfortable. “This feels weird...”

  The clothes are slightly tight on her body, pressing against her curves.

  “Not my fault you’re fat,” I snap.

  “Fat? I’m perfectly fit for survival in the wild! Aren’t you the one who’s flat?” she retorts with an innocent tilt of her head.

  That’s the last straw. “Why, you little—!” I lunge at her, aiming to tackle the smugness right out of her, but she darts out of my grasp with alarming speed, scaling the wall like it’s nothing.

  “You’re a rat, not a spider!” I yell, pointing at her as she perches on the ceiling like some kind of mutant.

  Miyu blinks down at me, her tail swishing proudly. “I might have some spider influences!” she calls back, sticking her tongue out.

  I glare up at her, fuming. “Get down here right now, or so help me—”

  The clothes are a little tight, but it’s better than her walking around looking like she just arrived from another world.

  Shopping with this girl is a mess, but at least a skirt and a shirt are enough.

  —-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Walking through the bustling streets of the capital, I can feel the occasional glance from passersby. Some give us odd looks—probably because of Miyu—but most don’t seem to care. She trots beside me, tail swishing happily, oblivious to the attention.

  Still, it gives me a headache. It feels like I’m being watched, like eyes are following me from every corner. The paranoia won’t let go, even under the morning sun. My stomach twists; I feel sick.

  Then my phone buzzes, cutting through the unease. The caller ID makes my chest tighten—Mom.

  I hang up immediately.

  A moment later, it buzzes again. This time, it’s Daryn’s dad. I reluctantly answer.

  “Rika! Your mom’s worried,” comes his deep, familiar voice.

  “I don’t care. I’m not coming back,” I say sharply.

  Suddenly, a different voice cuts through the line—hers. “Running away? Like a peasant? That’s not your style, Rika!” she says, half-joking but clearly aiming to guilt-trip me.

  “Our relationship ended when you decided to have another child,” I shoot back coldly.

  “Oh, come on, Rika,” she sighs, frustration clear in her tone. “You know that’s not the real reason. You could’ve applied for scholarships to enter university! I would’ve helped you with money—or given you my shop! You know I would’ve!”

  I hang up before she can say anything more. Her words always feel like knives, each one sharpened with justification. She’ll never admit what I know about her. And no matter who I tell, her influence always has the power to silence any argument I could muster.

  Without hesitation, I block her number.

  When I look around again, panic surges through me. Miyu is gone.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me…” I mutter, scanning the streets.

  The air grows tense. I can feel the crowd pressing in from every direction, as if I have to protect myself from everything—the people, the sky, the ground beneath me. Everything darkens.

  My knees buckle. The sounds attack me—every footstep, every murmur feels like a blade against my ears. Even the slightest brush of a shoulder makes me flinch. I want to scream.

  The memories rush back—the feeling of being trapped, of someone about to touch me, hurt me. I can’t close my eyes; the darkness behind them is worse than anything out here.

  Where is she?

  Then someone taps my shoulder. I let out a startled yelp and spin around.

  “Lucian?!” My jaw nearly drops. Standing before me is my adoptive brother.

  A gentle smile lights up his face. “Long time no see, Rika,” Lucian says, his tone calm and composed as ever.

  He steps closer, his eyes meeting mine. “Are you okay? You were crying, it seems.”

  “Oh—no, no,” I blurt out quickly. Beside him, Miyu stands perfectly content, tail swishing like nothing happened.

  “Lucian, you found the rat girl!” I exclaim in relief, trying to change the subject.

  “Who’s this?” Miyu asks, tilting her head curiously.

  “My adoptive brother,” I reply, then add, “and Daryn’s brother, too.”

  Lucian chuckles softly. “Technically, we’re not related by blood—so those are just titles.”

  He pauses, his expression softening as something distant crosses his eyes.

  “My mom… she didn’t really adopt me out of love,” he says quietly. “She bought me—because of my intelligence. I don’t even know if I should call her my mother, but…” He gives a faint, weary smile. “I guess I’m still grateful. She took me under her wing, even if it was for her own reasons.”

  “Oh, you knew?” I ask, surprised.

  “Yeah, but that’s another topic.” Lucian’s gaze shifts to Miyu, his smile returning. “Anyway, about you… you’ve got a pretty unique taste in pets.”

  “She’s not my pet!” I snap, flustered. “She’s a half-human, Lucian. “

  “I see, Rika. Open mind like always”

  “Right yeah… so tell me—how did you find her? What artifacts or strategy you did to find her among this crowd”

  “She actually came to me and said I smelled familiar,” he replies, amusement flickering in his eyes. “But I never expected to find you here in the capital.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask, wary.

  “Well, I expected someone of your caliber to be in university.”

  So… he doesn’t know I ran away from home. I try not to say anything that could involve him. But his expression—calm, sharp—feels like it’s analyzing every twitch I make, every hesitation, piecing together a puzzle.

  I cough lightly, trying to deflect. “Maybe we can all get coffee with Daryn someday,” I mutter, avoiding his gaze.

  “Sounds nice, but I’ll be busy for the next couple of weeks,” Lucian says. Before I can respond, he adds, “But I’d really love to. Hmm… give me your contact—if I get a day off, I’ll reach out.”

  “Oh? Cool, sure,” I reply awkwardly.

  We exchange our information through our phones. The one he’s using is one of the newest models I remember seeing back at my mom’s house—something only people from the central capital can afford.

  “And what are you doing here?” I ask, curiosity slipping into my voice.

  “Oh, right—you don’t know,” he says casually. “I got a job as an apprentice with the Council of Mages.”

  “Oh, really?” I ask, unable to hide the twinge of envy.

  His words shatter me. My dream—fulfilled by him before I even got close.

  “But what about university?” I manage to ask, my voice trembling slightly.

  “Not needed,” Lucian says with a smile. “They hired me on the spot before I even finished. With three certifications from the capital, I broke the record. My future’s set—a stable job, eight hundred gold coins a day.”

  His voice is calm, kind even—and somehow that makes it sting worse.

  “Thanks for the chat, Lucian,” I say through gritted teeth, grabbing Miyu by the arm. “But I need to buy Miyu some clothes.”

  As I drag her away, Miyu looks up at me, her ears twitching. “It’s Miyu—oh? You remembered?”

  “Shut up before I forget,” I snap, quickening my pace. I just want to get as far from Lucian as possible.

  Then a hand grabs my arm—firm, but gentle.

  “Huh? Lucian?” I turn, and he’s there, looking straight into my eyes.

  “Sorry,” he says softly. “But I have to ask again—are you okay? You look… off. Are you and Daryn eating well? Living somewhere safe?”

  “Yeah, why do you ask?”

  “Just a hunch,” he replies, his brow creasing slightly. “You don’t seem like you’re doing too well.”

  I force a small smile. “I’m glad you worry, but I’m fine.”

  With that, I pull my arm free and wave as I walk off.

  Lucian’s nice and all, but he’s not someone I can trust easily. We only talked a few times when we were kids. Back then, I used to think he was like a machine—cold, logical, always analyzing. He’s changed since then, sure… but to me, he still feels like a stranger.

  Miyu hums beside me, tail flicking as we head toward the clothing shops.

  —--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  In the night, I see Daryn entering the room, later than usual.

  “Good evening, girls.”

  Miyu immediately runs over and climbs on top of Daryn, showing off her new clothes.

  “Daryn, do you think this suits me?”

  “Yes…” Daryn blushes.

  “Now, now, Daryn. I have to tell you something.”

  “What is it?”

  “This evening, I saw Lucian.”

  “Cool. So… how’s he doing?”

  “Well, you won’t believe it, but he’s now working in the Council of Mages.”

  “Oh… I see.”

  “You don’t remember what I told you about the Council of Mages, do you?”

  “Huh… No. I’ve been busy working, peeling myself off the coal—it’s like the coal and I are becoming one. I don’t have much time for other things. Like today, we had a meeting about someone interested in making diamonds from carbon. There was a presentation in another place. The pay seems high enough, but I really don’t tolerate high temperatures.”

  I palm my face. “If we’re ever going to the high nobility, we must know about this stuff, not about coal” I grunt, moving my knuckles upward.

  “But enough about that. Today wasn’t so bad,” I said, tossing him a scroll.

  “What’s this?”

  “It’s from the shop — a summoning scroll. It can call for help, creatures in particular. In this case, Miyu. I can see how useful she can be, not just as an assistant. You should rely on her more. It needs to be replenished with magic energy, and since you don’t seem to understand how, I’ll handle it for now, so relax. But remember — it only works once per day. So don’t be shy; call her if you need her.”

  —--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  24

  Gathering all my savings, I calculated that I might finally be able to pay off my debts.

  Good news for me—now I can focus on saving on the adventurer’s permit.

  It’s so exciting, I can’t help but shiver.

  “So I will have some 80 silver coins left huh… I better buy the tea bags, we have none and fruits, with this we can survive the two weeks.” I mutter to myself, then immediately.

  “But the good news is that Finally! I’ve got enough to quit this boring job!" I declare with enthusiasm, my chest puffed out with pride.

  "Huh? Use your brain for once," Rika retorts, crossing her arms as she leans against the doorway. Her piercing gaze pins me to the spot. "Why would you throw away a stable income just to scrape by as a low-tier adventurer?"

  "You don’t get it! Adventurers can make a fortune! With guild missions and big payouts, you can climb out of poverty in no time!" I argue, feeling my dream swell inside me.

  "Only the capable ones do," she counters with a sigh, like she’s tired of having this conversation. "Have you looked in the mirror lately? You’re still breathing only because Miyu bailed you out of the cave last time. Otherwise, you'd be six feet under by now."

  Her words sting, like a slap to the face. They echo in my head, and I can’t deny their weight. She’s not wrong—but still, I can’t give up. Not on this.

  "If money’s what you’re after, you’re already making it with this job of yours," Rika adds, her voice softening slightly, though there’s still that edge of practicality in it.

  "It's barely paying enough, but that is not the main point” I say, clenching my fists.

  "Then what is it? What do you want, why focus on becoming an adventure if it is not for money?" she asks, her tone probing.

  That question hangs in the air, heavy and suffocating. I open my mouth to reply, but no words come out. I can’t tell her the simple straight answer, the wish it is, but.

  What do I want?

  The truth is, I’ve never really thought about it—not seriously now. Sure, I’ve got ideas, and a wish is tempting, but picking just one? That’s a whole different challenge. Is it wealth? I could find other ways to earn that.

  Maybe it’s… women? My gaze flickers to Miyu, who’s humming softly in the corner, her tail swaying. She’s adorable, sure, but a rat girl doesn’t exactly count as a love interest.

  “Women.”

  Rika’s eye twitched. “Every single time I feel even a sliver of admiration for you, you ruin it with some dumb answer like that.”

  Admiration? That word caught me off guard. I never thought Rika felt that way—though, to be fair, I am her older brother. It makes sense she'd look up to me sometimes… right?

  Her face turned red, and before I could stop myself, I teased, “Aww, what cutie.”

  I reached out to tug her cheek, but I barely got close before her palm connected with my face in a sharp slap.

  “I have a name, Rika, not ‘cutie,’” she snapped, glaring at me.

  I raised my hands in surrender. “Understood. No more cutie.”

  “Daryn!” Miyu’s cheerful voice chimed in, breaking the tension. She darted to my side, her tail swishing as she looked at me with concern. “Are you okay?”

  “Don’t worry about him, Miyu,” Rika interjected, crossing her arms. “Perverts like him belong on the floor licking toes.”

  “Hey!” I protested, rubbing my cheek. Before I could defend myself further, the sound of a bell rang from the front door.

  “I’ll get it!” Miyu called out. Moments later, she returned with a bulky package in her arms. She beamed, her excitement contagious. “Here you go, Daryn!”

  I tore the package open to reveal my latest purchase. “Ah, my new magnetic boots!”

  “Yup!” Miyu nodded enthusiastically. “And they’re even better than the ones on the market!”

  Before I could admire them further, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

  24- The bulldozer exam

  During the morning, my phone buzzed.

  “Hey, Tenque! What’s up?” I asked casually.

  “Slimmy, you can take the day off tomorrow.”

  For a moment, I thought my ears were playing tricks on me. Tenque—the same man who almost got me killed—was telling me to take a break. I froze, his voice repeating my name through the phone until my thoughts snapped back into place.

  “What? Why?”

  “We need the bulldozers elsewhere and my bosses are getting me through my neck. So make sure to use the time to study. Understand?”

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  “Do you have bosses?”

  “Focus!”

  “Yes, sir!”

  “Then what are you waiting for? Hang up already.”

  I ended the call, still confused. Last time, Tenque and the others pitched in some gold coins—maybe the beating I gave him earned me a bit of respect. But my brief confidence faded as reality sank in.

  The call reminded me of the bulldozer exam coming up in a month, so I spent the entire morning and afternoon preparing.

  —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  In the morning before she went to the shop, when Rika stepped into the room to claim her breakfast, I almost didn’t recognize her. Rika usually wore plain clothes, but this time… she looked like someone out of an old fairy tale.

  Her cloak was deep blue, trimmed with bright embroidered patterns — little shapes that looked like runes or flowers glowing faintly under the tavern light. The clasp near her neck was made of bronze, shaped like twin spirals crossing each other. Beneath the cloak, she wore a green tunic bound with leather straps and a wide belt carrying pouches and trinkets that clinked softly when she moved.

  There were small buttons with strange symbols, a shard of blue crystal hanging near her waist, and even her hair had a touch of charm — a small star-shaped clip catching the light every time she turned.

  She smiles at me. “What? Does it really look good on me?”

  I hesitate, still taking it all in.

  “…It’s unusual,” I finally say, then give a faint smile. “But not bad. It suits you.”

  Going to work in the morning usually doesn’t let me see her focused on her shop clothes. It’s kind of funny seeing her dressed differently for once.

  She blushes slightly. “Well, get used to it. I need to focus and blend my wavelength with the peasants’ wavelengths.”

  “What?”

  “Nothing. Just… prepare breakfast,” she says firmly.

  “Miyu, help!” Miyu nods to my command and holds the table steady.

  We share a single tea bag among the three of us, pour it into our cups, and split the bread evenly.

  “This is not my idea of a proper day off.”

  “I know, it sucks, right…” Rika says.

  “Yeah, but you insisted on more foldable beds, a shelf for stuff, and… oh yeah, a sofa.”

  “Don’t forget a real table instead of empty boxes.”

  “Yeah… the table.”

  “Daryn… I’m still hungry…” Miyu interrupts.

  “Miyu… why don’t you work and contribute something? You’re always saying you’re hungry without giving a cent.”

  She hugs me and squeezes, tickling me with her touch.

  “Don’t yell at me, Daryn!”

  What a way to manipulate me—using her body like that.

  “So, ready for the bulldozer test?” Rika asks, sipping her tea.

  “I think so. Tenque’s going to teach me the physical part with a rented bulldozer.”

  “You better be. We’re so close to reaching the next level in the aristocracy.”

  Her eyes drift to my stack of books. “What’s that on top?”

  “Oh, that’s… just a book I grabbed while shopping. The library had a sale, so I picked up something on circuits, technical stuff.” I glance at the ceiling, inspired. “If something electric fails, we’ll have to pay for repairs—and that’ll cost a lot. It’s better if I learn.”

  Then I frown, thinking of the downside. “Though… that does mean less time playing video games.” I shake my head multiple times. “But… it’s necessary.”

  She spits out her tea. Spurting all on my face. Gross.

  “What did you just say? Did you just say you’ll study instead of playing video games?”

  “Yeah… it’s better if we change the topic…. So, how’s the shop doing?”

  “Well… it could be worse. At least people come by, though they don’t really value gems.”

  I sigh. “Let’s have Miyu work with you.”

  “What? You’re crazy! Who else will do the chores?”

  “Right… just part-time then. Besides, she can…” I rub my forehead with a finger, “…enchant the customers with her… feminine appeal.”

  “You’re—disgusting.” Rika closes her eyes. “But I admit it’s not a bad idea. Miyu, from tomorrow, you’ll be helping.”

  “Yup!” Miyu threw her arms up and hugged Rika, who tried to push her away. It was a hilarious spectacle.

  —-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  The morning air is thick with dust and diesel. Rows of worn-down machines line the training grounds like sleeping beasts, their yellow hides scratched and faded from years of use. I stand among dozens of applicants — men and women, some older, some younger — each clutching their registration sheets, trying not to look nervous.

  A whistle blows, slicing through the chatter.

  “Alright, form lines! Written test first, operation after!” barks the instructor — a broad man with a scar running from his ear to his jaw. His voice carries a weight that shuts everyone up in seconds. “No cheating, no whispering, no excuses. You fail one part, you’re out. Got it?”

  A murmur of “Yes, sir!” spreads through the crowd.

  I tighten my grip on the pencil. My palms are sweaty, heartbeat annoyingly loud. I’ve stayed up three nights in a row reviewing the manual — memorizing lever functions, safety procedures, fuel ratios, terrain classifications. Tenque had laughed at me for it.

  “You’re acting like this is the royal exam,” he said, tossing me a water bottle.

  “It might as well be,” I told him. “But what happens if I fail?”

  “Oh, nothing special — just the company will beat you up,” he said with a grin.

  Now, sitting at a folding desk under a thin metal roof, I stare at the exam paper. The smell of ink and dust fills my nose.

  The questions aren’t hard — they’re cruelly simple.

  ‘What’s the proper blade angle for leveling uneven ground?’

  ‘Describe the three-point safety inspection before ignition.’

  ‘If the engine temperature rises beyond safe levels, what’s the immediate action?’

  I write carefully, forcing my hand not to shake. Every tick of the clock hits like a hammer.

  When I finish, I don’t feel relief — just a pause before the next battle.

  “Alright!” the instructor shouts. “Operation test begins in groups of five. First batch, mount up!”

  The others shuffle toward the machines, boots crunching gravel. I’m in the third batch. I watch as one stalls before even moving, another gouges the dirt too deep, earning a sharp reprimand.

  “Number twelve! Daryn Vex!”

  My turn. I step forward, heart pounding. The bulldozer looms before me like an old war beast — paint peeling, metal dented, seat cracked. I climb up, take a breath, and adjust the seat the way Tenque showed me.

  “Don’t fight the machine,” his voice echoes in my head. “Feel it. Like dancing with a heavy partner — pull too hard, and it’ll step on you.”

  I check the clutch, the gear, the gauges. Then I turn the key.

  The engine roars awake, coughing out black smoke like a dragon clearing its throat.

  “Task!” the instructor shouts over the noise. “Flatten the marked area. No deep cuts, no missed patches. Time limit: ten minutes!”

  I nod and ease the blade forward. Vibrations crawl up my arms as the handles jerk. I find the rhythm — slow, steady, firm. Dust rises around me, golden in the morning sun.

  I keep my focus tight — eyes flicking from ground to markers, listening to the hum of the machine. At one point, the bulldozer jolts as it hits a buried stone; my heart jumps, but I correct, adjust the blade, and keep going.

  From where the instructor stands, I probably look calm — methodical. Not the fastest, not the flashiest. But steady.

  When I finally park and raise the blade, the timer beeps.

  “Done, sir.”

  The instructor gives a curt nod, scribbling something on his clipboard. “No stalling, good recovery mid-task… decent form. Next!”

  I climb down, my legs trembling from both nerves and vibration. Sitting on a rock nearby, I stare at my hands — still shaking slightly, oil-stained, but steadying.

  Hours drag on. The sun climbs higher. When the instructor finally calls everyone back, exhaustion clings to the crowd.

  “All results will be posted this evening during the ceremony. Don’t wander too far!”

  I kill time walking around the training grounds, breathing in the familiar scent of grease and hot metal. Some applicants practice lever motions in the air; others mutter to themselves, pacing in circles. Everyone here just wants a better paycheck — not glory.

  When evening comes, the crowd gathers around the results board. The instructor clears his throat.

  “Congratulations to those who passed. You’re now certified bulldozer operators under the Worker’s Guild.”

  Names echo through the lot — until I hear it:

  “Number twelve, Daryn Vex.”

  For a second, the world goes quiet. Then I laugh softly — not out of pride, just disbelief.

  I did it.

  No cheers, no applause. But something bright burns in my chest anyway.

  By the time I leave the grounds, the sky has turned orange. The road home is long, but my steps feel lighter.

  The hum of the bulldozer still lingers in my bones, steady as a heartbeat.

  The last time Looking through the mail, I spotted the electricity bill — higher than last month. Figures. Rika’s been sleeping with the lights making a weight on my bills. A few extra hours each night, sometimes the whole night if I forget to turn them off. It’s been a month like this.

  She still works mornings to afternoons, even though the night shift would bring in more customers. I don’t mention it. Psychologists aren’t cheap, and I still remember what Lars said — it can get worse or get better, but it’s not up to you.

  At first, I thought taking the bulldozer exam would just add another weight on my back. But now, looking at that bill, I’m glad I did. The raise coming would surely fix all problems.

  Walking through the streets I see a figure standing blocking my path with a hat, then

  “Long time no see, Daryn,” he grins.

  At first I can’t recognize the man in front of me.

  He’s wearing a detective-style outfit—light brown trench coat, matching hat, dark glasses.

  He’s a little taller than me, his hair tinted somewhere between green and purple.

  His clothes look menacing, but his expression is far from it.

  “Uh… who are you?”

  He removes his hat with a dramatic pose, clearly expecting recognition.

  That only makes it worse.

  “No clue, dude. I’m kinda in a hurry.”

  “It’s me—Lucian.”

  Rika told me the others found Lucian.

  The chances of running into him were high…

  But meeting him now, at this specific moment, feels suspicious.

  I try to keep my expression neutral, but I can’t help wondering how shocked I look.

  A mirror would help.

  I force myself to stand straight—best posture, best face.

  Why would Lucian want to see me?

  He’s a genius—one wrong word and he’ll shred me with logic alone.

  We were never enemies, but we were never close either.

  Better keep it simple.

  “Lucian, huh? So… how’s everything going?”

  “Really good. Honestly, never been better.” He pauses.

  “Wait—didn’t Rika tell you about the other day?”

  “Yes, yes she did.”

  The air turns awkward, too still. Even in the short pauses I feel like Lucian is just weird.

  “Good. I guess I don’t have to explain everything again.”

  “Again?”

  “Yeah. Because I’m young, people think I did something shady to earn my position.

  So I have to repeat my whole life story every time.

  I thought I’d have to tell you, too.”

  “Oh. No, don’t worry—Rika told me everything.

  …So, what are you doing here?”

  “Oh—right, right.”

  He spins his pen, playful.

  “I said everything was fine, but there’s one small thing bothering me.

  Can you guess what it is?”

  “People put you on a pedestal and expect perfection, so you’re scared of failing?

  Even Mom and Dad?”

  He laughs.

  Not a snort—a full laugh.

  He wipes a tear from the corner of his eye with a handkerchief.

  “No, no. Like I said—I’m doing great.

  It’s something else.”

  “So… if you came to me, that means I can help, right?”

  “Well, yes. But actually, it’s something that can help both of you, Daryn.”

  “Meaning?”

  “I want Rika to live with me.”

  His words hit me like a slap.

  “Daryn… last time I saw her, she wasn’t well.

  She looked like she had a fever.”

  “But the fever goes away after a few days.”

  I try to hide it the fact with a lie at least to him not notice it further

  Because the courage in my eyes is fading.

  Because I know she’s not simply sick.

  He crosses his arms.

  “You and I both know it’s not just a fever.

  Otherwise she’d still be at home.

  And there’s more than one reason someone’s head gets hot.

  She almost fainted that day.”

  I have no reply.

  “Let me guess—you didn’t take her to a doctor.

  Why?

  Money?”

  My mouth refuses to open.

  I want to answer, but the truth in his words seals my throat.

  He’s right—even if I don’t want to admit it.

  Lucian reaches into his coat, pulls out a piece of paper, and scribbles something.

  Then he hands it to me.

  “A check,” he says. “Five thousand gold.”

  My body trembles.

  That amount…

  I could erase most of my debt—maybe all of it.

  But a check like this only means one thing.

  “Are you trying to buy me?”

  He shakes his head, almost disappointed.

  Then rests his hand on his chin.

  “I guess I need to be blunt.”

  He looks straight into my eyes.

  “It seems you’re drowning in debt.”

  “I can pay it…”

  “ You do? perhaps but I bet you don’t have enough to pay for Rika’s healthcare. Daryn, I’m offering a solution: she can live with me. I have resources. I can hire a doctor, no matter what she needs—optometrist, psychologist, whatever. I can cover it. And I don’t want to see you collapse under the weight of this, so the check is for you—to help your situation.”

  “Then why not take me with her?”

  Lucian raises an eyebrow, almost amused.

  “Even if you came, I couldn’t guarantee you a job. You never finished high school. Rika did—and me as her connection, her future is practically secured.”

  He lifts a finger.

  “And besides, you just passed your Bulldozer license, didn’t you? Your path is already set.

  If you and Rika continue living together, expenses will crush you both—and her condition could get worse.”

  “…How—”

  “How do I know?”

  He grins, small but sharp.

  “At my job, I multitask. Sometimes I’m in the office, sometimes with the knights, sometimes playing detective. Getting your files wasn’t difficult.”

  “Fine you prove your point, but is not my-”

  “Decisition ?”

  “Can you stop that?” i look annoyed “ is not my decision is rika”

  “As the older brother you must think about her”

  “I am not her brother.”

  That’s the only solution I thought of, the only argument I have, the only thing I can respond to.

  “Really? So you are telling you just brought a teenage to live with you that is on the run”

  “No, her mother gave me permission”

  “I have mom’s phone number, lets ask her”

  That killed my argument.

  “Daryn stops with this game, we both know what's right at this moment. Accept the money, pay whatever's troubling you, and earn the money you well deserve, like aren’t you sick to eat just enough?”

  “Is like you are spying me, getting all my info”

  “I don’t need to spy to know that if you don’t accept, you’ll have financial problems. Don’t think I don’t know you’re feeding two more mouths instead of one. That rat girl isn’t paying a cent, I bet.”

  “I—”

  “Oh, you want her to remain a shopkeeper forever? Do you really think she’ll, by some miracle, ascend into aristocracy—the life she dreams of? This isn’t just about her health anymore, is it? It’s about her future.”

  “I can’t do it, she is doing fine”

  My legs run at full speed.

  “I didn’t have that conversation…”

  My mindset declares and I listen. But something is sure, what happened to her that day is leaving scars, I might not stop it, but from now on I might become stronger to never let that happen to her again.

  When I step inside the house, the first thing I see isn’t celebration — it’s Rika crouched in front of our tiny stove, glaring at a pan like it personally offended her.

  “You’re late,” she mutters without looking up.

  I grin, closing the door behind me. “I passed.”

  She freezes mid-stir and turns slowly, her eyes narrowing. “You— what?”

  “I passed the bulldozer exam.”

  Before she can say anything, Miyu gasps so loud she nearly drops her teacup. “He did it!? Daryn passed! I told Rika you could do it! I told her you’re super strong!”

  “Strong?” I chuckle. “I was driving a machine, not slaying a dragon.”

  Rika exhales through her nose, smirking slightly. “Well, look at you, Mr. Professional. Don’t think this means you can quit your job yet.”

  “Didn’t plan to,” I say, still smiling. “But I’ll take a ‘congratulations,’ thank you very much.”

  Rika rolls her eyes. “Fine. Congratulations, you idiot.”

  “Thank you, it’s nice to be appreciated—”

  “Oh, shut up.”

  Miyu darts back to the stove. “Rika, can we celebrate now? Please? I’ve been staring at that golden crispy thing for hours!”

  I blink. “Golden crispy… wait, is that—?”

  “Chicken,” Rika says flatly, lifting the pan. “Bought it from the vendor near the market with the last of our coins. So don’t get too excited.”

  Miyu’s eyes light up like she’s staring at treasure. “It smells so weird! Like… like not raw?”

  “That’s because it’s cooked,” Rika replies, deadpan.

  “Cooked?” Miyu pokes the fried chicken with a fork. “So… it’s dead, but warm?”

  I nearly choke laughing. “You’ve never eaten cooked meat before?”

  “In the caves, we only ate what we caught!” she says proudly. “Worms, bugs, sometimes lizards. Fresh and wriggly! Like we rats are omnivores so… everything is on menu”

  “Disgusting,” Rika mutters.

  “But juicy!” Miyu beams.

  “That reminds” I pass a bag of cheese to miyu.

  “What is this?” she tilts her head in confusion

  “Is cheese, rats eat it”

  “Idiot, that is only myth.”

  “Oh wow…” I scratch my head

  “No way… Don’t tell me you spent the money for our tea in a stupid cheese!”.

  —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  We pour our tea — one bag stretched across three chipped cups — and split the single fried chicken leg like it’s a royal feast. I take the smallest piece, of course.

  Miyu bites hers first, her eyes going wide. “Wha— it’s… crunchy!”

  “Congratulations, Miyu,” Rika says with a small smirk. “You’ve just discovered civilization.”

  “It’s so good!” Miyu’s tail is wagging so hard I can feel the breeze. “It’s like the chicken became happy before dying!”

  That one kills me. I burst out laughing, nearly spilling my tea. “That’s one way to look at it.”

  Rika sighs but laughs too. “Great. Now I’ll think of bulldozers and happy chickens every time you go to work.”

  We sit there, the three of us, in our tiny, half-lit room — tired, broke, and sharing lukewarm tea and a single piece of chicken. It’s ridiculous, really. But for once, no one’s complaining.

  “Now that we’ve eaten, Miyu…”

  She freezes, eyes wide, clearly caught off guard.

  “Yes, Daryn?”

  “I’m… excited. Tonight, I want to take this chance to get stronger. To really push myself—keep my rhythm steady, you know?”

  The moon hangs low over the hills, stars scattered like shards of crystal across the sky. A soft, otherworldly glow surrounds the grassy slope we stand on, as if the world itself is watching us.

  “What are we doing here, Daryn?”

  “Well… to stay in shape, and… to train. I think you deserve it too. Don’t you want to get stronger?”

  “I… don’t know. I’m fine with food. Do you?”

  “I want to feel the strength in my body. But more than that… I want to fight. So, fight me.”

  Memories of my last match with Colt flash through me. I lost because I’m not an adventurer—not yet. But that doesn’t mean I’ll stay behind while others pass me by.

  Miyu grins mischievously and suddenly launches a flying kick at me.

  “Wait, Miyu!” I barely duck under her strike, feeling the rush of wind as her foot passes just above my head.

  Her attacks come fast and playful, almost dancing through the air, and I realize the hill itself seems to respond—grass bending, stars reflecting off the soft dew, as if the world wants us to push harder.

  Our level difference is two—she’s level 7, I’m level 5—and with her monstrous genetics, her strength alone is intimidating. Her speed isn’t something I can underestimate either.

  Before I can react, she’s behind me, and a sharp kick hits my back.

  “Daryn? Are you okay?” she asks, dropping to her knees to check on me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you that much… I’ll contain my force.”

  I laugh, brushing dirt off myself. “No problem. Besides, this is just the beginning.”

  I activate my magnetic boots, feeling the pull of the earth beneath me stabilize my stance. “I only need to survive ten minutes,” I mutter, and direct myself toward her.

  We exchange a glance—grins, determination, and a hint of playful challenge—and silently agree: three times a week, we’ll push each other like this, testing limits in this strange world we’re carving out for ourselves.

  this is the way I thought for the powers and skills

  Average Beginning Powers

  Basic abilities that most individuals possess at their early levels. These are the foundation of all combat and utility skills, such as Magic Shield, Fireball, or Water Pool.

  Advanced Powers

  The evolved form of basic powers. These abilities typically emerge after a skill has undergone at least three evolutions. Advanced Powers show significant specialization and destructive capability compared to their initial forms. So basically when their skill evolve at least three times

  Final Powers

  The ultimate stage of any skill — a power that reaches its full potential, often unlocked around level 90 or higher. These abilities are extremely rare and can shift the balance of entire wars. So basically when skill reach their max state.