"Hey, Cyrus."
Hide turned.
Chronos stepped forward with a familiar smirk. Fidel and Helm stood just behind him.
"Let's head back to the hideout," Chronos said casually.
Before Hide could respond, Fidel grabbed him and hoisted him over his shoulder.
"Oi—!"
Hide struggled, but Fidel held firm.
"Stop squirming. We just want a word. Didn't expect to find you here," Fidel said flatly.
After a few moments, Hide stopped resisting. They weren't attacking him.
Just… recruiting.
At the hideout, Fidel dropped him into a chair.
Chronos sat across from him, arms crossed.
"Cyrus," Chronos began, "why are you here?"
"Escort mission."
"What kind?"
"The Prince's fiancée."
Chronos gave an impressed whistle. "That's no small task. Glad you survived."
He leaned forward.
"I need your help. We're infiltrating an underworld crime gang. Not our usual job, but we took it."
Hide's eyes narrowed slightly.
"I told them we'd be selling two people," Chronos continued. "You… and Kyoko."
"So you were looking for me."
"Exactly. Kyoko tracked you with her ability. So—are you in?"
Hide thought quietly.
Chronos wouldn't ask unless he needed him.
"Alright," Hide said. "What do I get?"
"A quarter of the cut," Chronos replied instantly. "We infiltrate, gather intel, then destroy them from inside. Jack isn't thrilled about this mission. You're better suited for it."
He tossed Hide a bundle of torn clothes.
Kyoko had already changed.
"Be careful," Chronos added. "If they suspect anything, we're dead."
Hide grabbed the clothes and headed to the bathroom.
When he returned—dressed like a battered captive—even Helm let out a short laugh.
"Convincing," Helm muttered.
Chronos nodded. "You two—act confused. Clueless. Don't overdo it."
"Wait," Hide said. "Let me send a letter."
Chronos raised a brow. "To who?"
"My guildmate. She's in Rexes. If I vanish, she'll worry."
Chronos waved a hand. "Make it quick."
Hide scribbled a short note to Charlotte, explaining he'd be gone a few days for work. He tied it to a small bird and sent it off into the night.
Back at the hideout, shackles were fastened around his wrists. A rope was tied around his neck.
Chronos grabbed the rope.
Kyoko walked slightly ahead, already in character.
They made their way through dim streets until reaching a rarely traveled alleyway.
The moment Hide stepped into it—
Memories stirred.
Cold stone.Chains.Voices.
He forced them down.
Not now.
Two men emerged from the shadows.
A third followed.
The boss.
"You must be Kinos," the boss said.
"That's right," Chronos replied coolly.
"Where's our prize?"
"Let's see the money first."
One of the men opened a sash—gold gleamed under torchlight.
Chronos gave a subtle signal.
Fidel dragged Hide and Kyoko forward. Both were forced to their knees, bags over their heads.
The boss stepped closer.
The bag was yanked off Kyoko first.
He studied her carefully.
"Where'd you get the girl?"
"From Lona," Chronos replied. "During the fiend invasion. Knocked her out while she was escaping."
The boss grinned and wrapped a hand around her neck.
Kyoko struggled convincingly.
"Name?"
"Sasha," she muttered weakly.
The bag was pulled from Hide next.
"And where did you caught this one?"
"Drogen," Chronos answered smoothly. "Rookie soldier. Caught him on break. Drugged his food. Name's Alex."
The boss looked Hide up and down.
"Long way from home, boy," he sneered. "But you'll be useful."
He turned away.
"Pay them."
Gold exchanged hands.
"Bag them again."
Rough cloth covered Hide's vision once more. He felt himself being pulled forward.
As they were dragged deeper into the shadows, Hide's breathing steadied.
The plan was in motion.
The infiltration had begun.
And somewhere within this underworld—
The Zodiacs waited.