Ron and Locki sat in the quiet café.
"So, Ron… what are your plans?" Locki asked, sipping his drink.
"I… I don't know," Ron replied, staring at the table.
Locki leaned forward slightly. "Can you tell me about yourself? What's the last thing you remember?"
Ron hesitated, then spoke slowly. "I just remember falling asleep… like any other night. When I opened my eyes, everything was dark. I heard water… strange sounds… voices… and then I woke up here."
Locki studied him carefully. "So… you don't remember anything before that?"
Ron simply nodded.
"…Thank you," Ron suddenly said.
Locki turned toward him. "For what?"
"For accepting me," Ron replied.
Locki's expression softened, but Ron looked down again.
"I have nothing… I'm useless," Ron muttered.
Locki immediately stood up and placed a firm hand on Ron's shoulder.
"Don't say that," Locki said seriously. "Life isn't a straight road. There are good days, bad days — all part of walking the path of life."
Ron's eyes widened slightly.
"I was once like you," Locki continued. "Lost. Empty. But someone pushed me forward… and that made me who I am today. When I look at you, I see myself."
He gave Ron a small smile.
"From now on, think of me as your brother. Finian too. We're family — no formalities."
Ron smiled faintly. Locki smiled back.
"Finish eating. Then you're coming with me," Locki said.
Ron nodded.
Soon, the food arrived.
Ron stared at the unfamiliar dishes. The rich aroma made his mouth water.
"Eat as much as you want," Locki said casually while eating.
Ron began to eat — and didn't stop.
Before long, the plates were completely empty.
"Wow… you really can eat," Locki laughed.
Ron chuckled in embarrassment.
They stood up, Locki paid the bill, and both walked out of the café.
They got into the car, and it sped through the city.
As they drove, Ron looked out the window — children playing, parents walking together, elderly people sitting peacefully, street food vendors bustling with life.
A small smile formed on his face.
"What are you smiling about?" Locki asked.
"This place… it feels peaceful. Too peaceful," Ron said in a quiet, mysterious tone.
Locki glanced at him. "You're right. It is peaceful… and yet dangerous."
Ron looked at him, intrigued.
Locki just smiled.
Soon, they arrived at a gym.
Locki parked the car, and they stepped out.
Ron read the sign aloud. "Taekwondo Gym."
"What is Taekwondo?" Ron asked.
"A martial art," Locki replied.
"…What's a martial art?"
"A fighting style," Locki said, then added, "This one mainly focuses on leg techniques."
Ron nodded slowly.
They walked inside. Children were training intensely under the instructor's guidance.
Locki spoke with the trainer. The trainer took out his phone, made a call, and handed it to Locki. After a short conversation, Locki hung up.
Outside, the sun was setting. Darkness slowly crept across the sky.
"What happened?" Ron asked.
"Let's go. I'll explain on the way," Locki said.
They got back into the car and drove toward Finian Mountain.
"Ron… are you free right now?" Locki asked.
"I have nothing to do," Ron replied honestly.
"Then you should start training," Locki said.
"…Training? For what?"
"I want you to join me — and help me on missions."
Ron hesitated for a moment.
"You don't have to if you don't want to," Locki added. "You could work with Finian instead."
"No," Ron said firmly. "I'm not forcing myself. I'll work with you."
Locki smiled.
Soon, they reached the mountain. It was completely dark.
Ron went to his room and lay down.
But he couldn't sleep immediately.
What if I wake up somewhere else again? he thought.
Eventually, exhaustion overtook him.
The next morning, Ron freshened up and came to the dining room.
Finian, Locki, and Liora were already seated at the table.
Finian was talking — but stopped when he saw Ron.
"RON, MY MAN!" Finian shouted, jumping up and rushing toward him. He grabbed Ron and pulled him to the table.
"Did you sleep well?" Finian asked.
Ron nodded.
Finian draped an arm over his shoulder. "I knew it."
"Then why ask?" Ron replied.
Finian grinned. "Just wanted confirmation. Anyway — did you see our town?"
"It was peaceful… and creepy," Ron said.
Everyone at the table looked at him in silence.
"…Did I say something wrong?" Ron asked.
Finian laughed. "My man… you're sharp."
Ron simply nodded.
Locki spoke up. "Ron, we need to go somewhere after breakfast."
"Where?" Finian asked.
"To Shiba's," Locki replied.
"Why?"
"So he can train Ron. Shiba is a martial arts legend."
Finian shrugged. "If you say so. Ron — come visit us, okay?"
"Okay," Ron said.
"I'll miss you! It's only been a few days, but still!" Finian added dramatically.
Ron and Locki stood up to leave.
"RON, DON'T GOOOO!" Finian suddenly yelled, sprinting toward him.
BAM!
Liora slammed a pan into his face.
Finian collapsed onto the floor.
"Ouch…"
Later, Ron and Locki stood in front of a massive gate surrounded by towering walls.
The gate slowly opened.
"Go in, Ron," Locki said. "I'll be back when your training is complete."
Ron extended his hand. "Thank you… for everything."
Locki shook it firmly. "See you soon."
Ron turned and walked inside.
The gate slammed shut behind him — and then vanished.
Surrounded by trees, Ron walked forward until he saw a small cottage. An old man sat in a chair outside, seemingly asleep.
"Excuse me… have you seen Mr. Shiba?" Ron asked politely.
The old man slowly turned his head.
"I am Shiba."
"Oh — I'm Ron. Locki already informed you about me," Ron said.
But the old man was already asleep again.
Is this really the legendary Shiba? Ron thought.
He sighed.
Suddenly —
BAM!
Shiba leaped up, grabbed Ron by the shirt, and slammed him to the ground.
"That's for letting your guard down," Shiba said coldly.
"And yes — Locki told me about you. You'll be staying here… and I'll teach you how this world truly works."
Ron stood up, slightly shaken, and nodded.
"Yes, sir."
Shiba's eyes narrowed. "Once you start… there is no going back. Are you ready, kid?"
Ron nodded without hesitation.
Shiba smiled.
"Welcome to Los Rico."
Seven years later…
The gate opened again.
Ron stepped out, exhaling deeply.
Finally… my training is complete.
"You've changed."
Ron turned toward the voice.
A familiar figure leaned casually against a motorcycle.
"…Locki?"
Locki smiled, walked forward, and hugged him.
"You're not the same Ron I knew."
"You've changed too," Ron replied.
"Let's sit somewhere," Locki said.
Ron nodded.
Locki mounted his bike. "Come on."
Ron smirked. "Let me show you something."
He walked back through the gate — and returned with a sleek motorcycle of his own.
He sat on it confidently.
"Let's go."
Locki grinned and started his engine.
The two friends sped toward the café where it all began —
James's Café.