Location: Quezon City, Philippines
Date: Year 4, Post-Outbreak
Setting: VBN News Studio — Nationwide Special: Four Years Later
The set was silent, but the atmosphere was electric.
Studio lights bathed the stage in polished warmth. Cameras rolled. Crew members stood motionless as the red light blinked on. In the center of it all sat Khalil Reyes, composed and impossibly calm, dressed in a tailored black coat with a silver pin shaped like a gust of wind — TALA's insignia.
Across from him, veteran anchor Marianne Alonzo smiled for the nation.
"Good evening, Pilipinas," she began. "Tonight, we mark four years since the first Gate opened above our skies. We look back with grief, resilience, and pride — and to help us reflect, we are joined by one of the Philippines' most prominent Hunters. S-Class. A founding member of TALA. Mr. Khalil Reyes."
Applause from the small audience at the back of the studio filled the moment.
Khalil offered a simple nod. "Thank you for having me."
ON RECORD
"You were one of the first Awakened" Marianne began. "You've survived five S-Class Gates, led dozens of missions, and become one of the core figures of the post-Gate era. Looking back now, how do you remember that first day?"
"The sky cracked," Khalil said, his voice calm and clear. "And everything we understood about the world changed. I didn't feel fear then — not the usual kind. It was something deeper. A call."
"A call?"
He glanced slightly to the side. "Like the world needed an answer. And I just happened to be there to give one."
"That answer being the wind?"
"I didn't choose it. It chose me."
------
The interview went on — a review of battles fought, cities saved, and his longstanding membership in TALA. They danced around the nature of his magic. Officially, he was still listed as a Wind Mage. But analysts across the world had noted the sheer scale, range, and sentience of his abilities.
Something wasn't ordinary.
And everyone knew it.
But Marianne didn't press too hard. Instead, her tone lightened.
"Let's talk about something less official, if you don't mind."
Khalil's brow lifted slightly. "Go ahead."
"The public sees you as something between a celebrity and a myth. You're rarely photographed outside of missions. Your social media is practically blank. Who is Khalil Reyes off-duty?"
He gave a small smile. "Someone who enjoys silence. Books. Coffee. And not being chased by cameras."
Laughter from the audience.
"So you're more introvert than idol?"
"Something like that," he replied. "Peace is rare these days. I try to hold onto what little I find."
"Any special someone?"
There it was. Predictable — but always asked.
Khalil didn't blink. "No one at the moment."
"Not even among your fellow Awakened?" she teased. "Rumors link you to a few guildmates from time to time."
"I've learned not to chase things that move too fast," he said evenly. "Wind is already hard enough to hold."
Another ripple of laughter — but it also shut the subject down with grace. Smooth. Deflective. Controlled.
Marianne moved on.
"Four years into this new world… with stronger Gates, bolder monsters, and shifting international alliances… do you feel we're closer to peace?"
Khalil turned serious.
"No," he said. "But I feel we're becoming stronger. Every Gate we close is proof we can survive this. That humanity is adapting. That we're not just reacting anymore — we're learning."
"And what's next for you?"
He paused. "The wind is restless. I think… change is coming."