* I glided on my hoverboard through the city streets, enjoying the view that—at first glance—looked the same as always. Shops were open, children ran on the sidewalks, and the morning air smelled of baked goods from the bakery near the square.
* But there was one thing that was different.
A troop of soldiers in black-and-gray uniforms were busy preparing the stage for the festival. Their movements were measured, fast, and... too perfect.
According to the whispers I heard, they were sent from another island at the Minister's request—"to assist with the construction."
* But the citizens of Sevilla did not welcome them warmly.
I noticed how people avoided eye contact, turning away when the soldiers approached. Not without reason.
* They weren't like humans.
There was no casual chat, no laughter, not even a nod. Just blank stares and mechanical movements like machines driven by command. Their cold demeanor went beyond professionalism—it was something unnatural.
* And the thing that bothered me most...
They made absolutely no sound.
There were no thudding footsteps, no sound of equipment clashing. Only a spine-chilling silence.
* I sped up my hoverboard.
The faster I left that crowd behind, the better.
* I pushed my hoverboard to full speed, leaving the mysterious group of soldiers far behind. The wind hit my face hard, blowing away the shadow of discomfort they left.
* At the next intersection, a red light forced me to stop. While waiting, my mind drifted to my hoverboard. If only I could increase its maximum altitude to five meters, I muttered to myself, I could easily bypass a long traffic jam like this without being stuck in the crowd.
* Suddenly, a familiar voice called my name.
???: "Vettle!"
I turned, and sure enough—there stood Sasha, our former senior classmate who had just completed police training. Her still-new police uniform wrapped neatly around her body, but her warm smile was the same as when she used to help me with physics assignments in the school library.
* I (smiling as I looked at Sasha, who stood stiffly in the middle of the intersection):
Vettle: "Cosplaying as a traffic light, I see?"
Sasha (sighing, wiping the sweat from her forehead):
Sasha: "Well... you're right. This is what it feels like to be a cop in a city that's too peaceful."
(Her eyes gazed far away)
Sasha: "You know... I actually wish something big would happen. Something that could free me from this boring routine."
* I (raising an eyebrow):
Vettle: "Isn't this what everyone wants? A quiet life without conflict?"
Sasha (smiling bitterly while playing with her police baton):
Sasha: "Yeah. I guess... I'm just too bored here."
* I (looking around):
Vettle: "Speaking of which, where are the other officers? I only see you here alone."
Sasha (stumbling over her words):
Sasha: "They... went to help prepare for the city's anniversary event."
(Her voice was flat)
Sasha: "And left me, the intern, here."
* Our gaze was suddenly drawn to the towering memorial monument in the middle of the city park not far from there.
The monument—a black granite pillar with intricate carvings—stood majestically among the flowers. The morning sunlight shone on its smooth surface, making it gleam as if wrapped in gold. Some passersby couldn't help but slow down, staring at it with expressions of deep emotion.
* I (in a low voice):
Vettle: "Still well-maintained, huh..."
Sasha (nodding slowly, her voice suddenly serious):
Sasha: "Every time I see it, I'm always reminded... how precious this peace is."
(The morning breeze blew softly, carrying dry leaves across the monument. For a moment, we stood in comfortable silence.)
* I (low voice, eyes fixed on the monument):
Vettle: "Today is the day Duskville was destroyed."
Sasha (nodding slowly, her fingers tapping the police baton with a silent rhythm):
Sasha: "And two weeks later... this city was born from its ashes."
(The morning breeze carried fallen petals from a pile of fresh wreaths at the base of the monument. An elderly woman had just placed a white floral arrangement, her hands trembling before she finally turned and walked away with a weary step.)
* I watched Sasha, who was still fixated on the monument. Her eyes glistened as she scanned the names etched, starting from Mary Celeste, Antony Cyrus, Elena White, stopping at the very top—where her father's name was carved in gold letters that never faded.
"Max Aiden"
* I (in a softer voice):
Vettle: "Thinking about your father?"
Sasha (giving a bitter smile, not wiping away the pooling tears):
Sasha: "Yeah... you're right."
* I (staring at the row of names):
Vettle: "Max Aiden. The officer known as a hero. Solved dozens of cases, saved hundreds of lives... His name is etched not just on this stone, but in the memory of everyone he ever helped."
(The distant sound of a car horn broke the silence. Sasha took a deep breath.)
* Sasha (her voice trembling slightly):
Sasha: "Even when the explosion happened... when everyone was running to save themselves... he went the opposite way. To save the children trapped in the school near the center of the blast."
* I (looking at her):
Vettle: "Are you sad?"
Sasha (suddenly smiling widely, tears finally flowing):
Sasha: "No. I'm proud." (Her hands clenched tightly by her sides) "Having a father like him... who could carve his name not just on this stone, but in the hearts of many... That's why I'm standing here now."
(She adjusted her police hat, standing straighter.)
* Sasha (with steely determination):
Sasha: "I will become an officer who can save many lives, just like him."
* I (nodding slowly, my hoverboard starting to hum):
Vettle: "He must already be proud of you, Sasha."
(In the distance, the city bell began to ring, commemorating the day of mourning. Everyone around stopped and stood in meaningful silence, amidst the fragrant flowers and the names that would never be forgotten.)
* I reached out, adjusting Sasha's police hat that was tilted slightly forward. With a subtle movement, I brushed the dust from the brim while secretly helping to conceal the tear that still clung to the tip of her eyelash.
* I (smiling warmly):
Vettle: "He must be proud to see you. Now, show him that you won't just be like him..."
(patting Sasha's shoulder gently)
Vettle: "...but one day, you'll surpass him."
* Sasha (sighing, then giving a small smile):
Sasha: "Well... you're right. I'll show that I can and will!"
* I (in a firm but supportive tone):
Vettle: "Good! Now, stand straight..."
(giving a hand signal)
Vettle: "...wipe your tears, and show the world you're ready!"
* Sasha (immediately standing at attention, giving a police salute):
Sasha: "Yes, sir!"
We both burst into laughter. I felt relieved to see a genuine smile return to her face, replacing the sadness from moments before.
* I (nodding contentedly):
Vettle: "Now, that's the spirit!"
Just at that moment, the traffic light turned green. With a quick motion, I activated my waiting hoverboard.
Vettle: "Well then, I'm off!" I called out, waving my hand.
Sasha waved back, shouting:
Sasha: "Be careful on the road, don't speed!"
* With a smile still on my face, I sped away from the intersection, continuing my journey amidst the bustling city, already lively with festival preparations. Sasha's laughter still echoed in my ears—a sign that even behind bitter memories, new hope can always grow.
* But suddenly the world changed in an instant.
A little girl—tiny, in torn, ragged clothes—suddenly ran into the middle of the street. Her eyes were wide with terror, her lips trembling, but no sound came out. As if trapped in a mute nightmare.
* Behind her, a bus sped quickly. The driver—who had been engrossed in his phone screen—was startled, his eyes bulging as he realized the danger. He slammed on the brakes.
SCREEEECH—!
The deafening sound of tires screeching was followed by the panicked screams of the surrounding people.
* Sasha: "HEY! WATCH OUT—!"
Without thinking, I set my hoverboard to maximum speed. The engine roared, propelling me like an arrow released from a bow. My hand stretched out—almost touching her small arm—
But it was too late.
* WHOOSH.
The world was thrown. I managed to reach her, gripping the small body tightly in my arms before—
* DARKNESS.
* When my eyes opened again, all I saw were vague shadows amidst licking flames. Thick smoke filled the air, burning my throat.
*
* Then, a voice spoke:
???: "Don't worry, civilian. You're safe."
* Sunlight was blinding, piercing my still-dizzy vision. And when I could finally focus—
*
A figure in a deep red mask stood before me.