"What would you like to eat, Mister?" a beautiful maid asked, holding out a menu.
Across from her sat a young boy, his eyes dark and heavy from sleepless nights.
"A cup of black tea," Shin said, his gaze fixed on the clock hanging on the wall.
What does that man want to talk about? He rubbed his temple, trying to piece together reasons. Moments later, the maid returned with a steaming cup placed neatly on a small platter.
"Thanks," he murmured, lifting it with both hands. The warmth eased his nerves, if only a little.
"My first love, Oh, if you never existed, what would I do?" he mumbled, taking another sip. His eyes flicked back to the clock. "Still plenty of time… Then let's gather some details."
***
"I think Miss Mary meant this place," Shin scoffed.
Before him stood a large building centered around a quiet fountain, flowers blooming in neat rows around it. The building wasn't tall, but it stretched wide, its sturdy wooden walls engraved with holy scripture.
"Too shiny for a library," he sighed, stepping inside.
The sight made him freeze. "What is this…?"
Rows upon rows, shelves upon shelves — a mountain of books, breathing with the smell of aged paper. To Shin, who loved books, it was nothing less than heaven.
He drifted through the vast library, eyes darting between books. Then, at last—
"There you are," he whisper, His hand closed around the book he'd been searching for.
***
"May I sit here?" Shin asked in a calm tone.
A girl sitting on the bench nearly jumped, her ears red as she scooted aside.
"Y-yes!"
Waah, so handsome… her heart screamed.
"I would've liked to read alone, but it looks like all the seats are taken," Shin muttered as he opened the book.
The title read: Metal Mahyer: Collective Journal.
"I should learn as much as I can about this power… So, if something happens today, I would be ready."
***
The sun was about to fall, Shin hurried through the streets, his legs heavy from running.
"I got too carried away with the book," he sighed, "but it was worth it."
"Oh, Shin!" a familiar voice called out. Turning, he saw John jogging toward him, waving.
"John?, that means you too got selected," Shin said calmly.
"Of course," John grinned, raising his hand for a high-five. Shin only blinked at the gesture and turned away.
"No fun," John muttered with a pout.
The two walked together until they reached the office. As they stepped inside, a cold, measured voice greeted them.
"Welcome." Rei was waiting for them, his presence as always sharp as a blade.
"It's our pleasure to be here," both boys said, bowing their heads in respect.
Shin glanced sideways, spotting three other familiar faces from the exam already gathered.
"So only that many made it through," he thought.
From the far door, Sebel entered, carrying five sets of crisp, pure-red uniforms in it. Behind him came a woman dressed in the same, her soft blue eyes and long hair brushing against her waist. She stepped forward gracefully, handing out the suits one by one.
"Congratulations," an old man declared from the podium, his voice echoing through the hall.
"From this day, you are officers of our great kingdom. His Highness entrusts us to bring prosperity, and to end corruption wherever it festers."
Shin stifled a yawn. Boring. His eyes felt heavier with every word of the speech.
After the long fifteen minutes of introduction, each recruit was presented with a ring. Shin turned it in his hand, his gaze narrowing.
"So this is the index ring," he thought. "It shows the compatible element with the user, just as the journals described."
Beside him, John was nearly bursting with excitement. "It's cool, isn't it?!" he shouted, showing off his ring like a prize.
"Hmm." Shin's expression remained unreadable, his focus lingering on the ring's design.
Once their duties and schedules were explained, the gathering dissolved. The rookies began filing out, their red uniforms bright against the morning sun.
John lingered at Shin's side, still grinning. "Looks like we'll be seeing a lot of each other from now on." He waved, as always.
Shin, as always, did not wave back.
***
Shin pulled a small slip of paper from his pocket, an address scribbled across it.
"So… the third building from here," he murmured. His leather boots echoed softly against the hard concrete street as he walked.
From his coat, he took out the pocket watch he'd bought that morning. "It's time," he breathed. His eyes shifted to a modest house with a slanted roof. On the second floor, an iron-grilled balcony jutted out, lined with small pots of climbing flowers.
He stepped forward and reached the door, its handle a ring of blackened iron. He lifted it slightly before letting it fall with a clang against the metal plate, the sound ringing like a gentle bell.
"Quite the fancy doorbell," he thought.
Moments later, the door creaked open. A woman stood there, apron tied neatly over her simple dress. Her eyes light, soft with warmth, studied him.
"What can I help you with?" she asked kindly.
"I'm here to meet Mr. Rei Limer," Shin said, his voice steady, though tinged with nervousness.
Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "Oh, you must be Shin, right?"
Shin blinked.
"He told me a young, handsome man would be coming today," she continued, stepping aside to welcome him in.
Without another word, Shin entered. The living room was plain but comfortable, moonlight pooling across a worn rug. A portrait hung on the wall — the woman herself, standing beside Rei.
"She must be his wife," Shin thought, studying it briefly before sitting down.
Before not too long, footsteps descended the stairs. Rei appeared, his hair damp as if coming fresh from a shower.
Shin stood at once.
"No need to be so formal," Rei said with that same calm, disarming tone. "This is my home not office."
Shin's eyes narrowed. "What is it you want to talk about?" He asked without hesitation.
Instead of answering, Rei turned slightly. "Margaret, could you bring us some tea?" Then, glancing back at Shin: "You like tea, don't you?"
"Y-yes," Shin nodded, caught off guard.
Rei finally sat down across from him, his expression unreadable. His voice dropped, low and deliberate.
"I only want to ask you one thing."
Shin's gaze locked onto him, his body tense.
"Who are You?!"