Newfear

Nott stops in front of the hospital gate, where a large sign reads "Laros." He teleports directly to a patient room on the second floor.

He gently lays the two bodies on a bed covered with a white sheet, as if it refuses to contain the chaos that has unfolded.

Nurse, shocked and horrified: "Kyaaaaaa! W-What is this?!"

Nott, his voice breaking from the depths of his heart.

Nott: "They are dead. Please… give them a proper burial."

Nott teleports out, leaving the nurse standing there, bewildered, as if unable to comprehend what she just saw.

Nurse: "Huh? Are… are these corpses?!"

Doctor, rushing in, stunned: "What happened here?"

Nurse, her voice trembling: "I don't know! A boy appeared out of nowhere, left these bodies, and vanished!"

Doctor, staring in disbelief at the bodies: "He What!?… are you joking? The window is closed! How did he even get in?!"

Outside, the rain pours heavily, lashing against Nott's blood- and tear-streaked face.

He begins wandering through the empty streets of the city, his footsteps echoing between the towering buildings. Raindrops fall on his face as if trying to wash away the wounds of his soul, but the sorrow still weighs on his heart.

With every step, the cold air sneaks in, brushing against his skin, mirroring the frozen emotions trapped within him in this cruel moment. In his heart, grief and loss intertwine, leaving him directionless, uncertain of where to go or what to do. He keeps walking, determined to search for a new meaning in a world where he has lost everything.

Nott continues his aimless wandering through the damp streets, where raindrops glisten on the wet asphalt, leaving behind an unerasable trace of sorrow. Each step he takes weighs heavier on his heart, as if every inch of the city whispers to him of his loss. Pain storms through his emotions, but he does not falter. Perhaps he is searching for answers to soothe his shattered soul, or maybe he seeks a new purpose in the midst of the pitch-black night.

The cold wind makes his hair whip in all directions as the relentless rain pelts his face, striking him like slaps of defeat. He remembers Elory and Ryan's faces, their laughter that once filled the air, and he feels their hearts still clinging to him, as if they were a part of him.

Nott enters a narrow alley, where the walls seem to close in, watching him, trapping him. His feet land on the soaked pavement, and the weight of his grief overwhelms him until he finds himself drowning in confusion. He surrenders to the tears welling in his eyes.

He collapses onto the ground, trembling in the silence of the alley, as if the very earth beneath him refuses to carry the burden of his pain. His body shivers, swaying between consciousness and unconsciousness, where every thought loses its meaning.

The silence around him is filled only by the sound of his ragged breaths, while the rain intensifies, as if pleading for mercy. With every drop that falls, his awareness begins to fade, until he vanishes into the darkness of the night... where hope slips away, and a cruel stillness engulfs him.

His head falls to the ground, surrendering to exhaustion, as his body sinks into the void, leaving behind a broken world filled with pain.

At that moment, an elderly man and his wife walked down the street under the heavy rain, chased by howling winds.

Old Man: "Dear, look! I've found him."

The elderly woman stops and turns her head, shocked.

Old Woman: "Oh dear heavens! What a poor child! What is he doing out in this freezing rain? We must take him home."

Old Man: "... Alright, I'll carry him."

The old man kneels down gently, lifting Nott into his arms, feeling his weight. He inhales the scent of rain, sensing the urgency of saving this lost boy from a merciless world.

The elderly couple begins heading home, where warm lights peek through the rain-drenched trees. The storm starts to calm as they hurry toward safety.

Inside their home, they place Nott carefully on a bed covered with warm blankets. The place exudes comfort, with soft sunlight seeping through the window.

The next morning, at 10:23 AM.

Nott wakes up to a faint noise, finding himself wrapped in warmth and care. The scent of hot cocoa drifts in from the kitchen, while gentle sunlight filters into the room.

He turns slowly, surprised to see the elderly couple standing beside him with warm smiles.

Old Man: "Good morning, young man."

Nott: "W...where am I?..."

Old Man: "We found you passed out in an alley last night, Are you feeling better now?"

Nott: "I… I'm… fine."

Old Woman: "You don't look fine. Your face tells me you've been through something terrible. I'll prepare some hot cocoa for you."

Nott: "Thank you… I… I'm grateful."

The old woman smiles gently and heads toward the kitchen. While the old man approached him.

Old Man: "What's your name, boy? Where are you from?"

Nott: "M… My name…?"

He looks around in confusion, as if the words escape his memory.

Nott: "I don't know…"

The old woman's eyes widen in shock, She said from the kitchen opposite them: "You don't know your own name?!"

Old Man: "It seems you've lost your memory. Can you remember where you're from? Or the last place you were?"

Nott struggles to push past the barrier of shock and recall his memories, but every attempt is like chasing a dim light that barely seeps through. He tries to summon the images, but they slip away, as if hidden deep within his mind. A sharp pain stabs through his head, echoing in every corner of his thoughts.

The weight of trauma and sorrow strangles him, intertwining with his fractured mind. He tries to remember the moment before he lost consciousness, but all he finds is a wall of fog surrounding his thoughts. Faint images flicker before him, but the more he reaches for them, the blurrier they become.

Old Man: "Yes... I understand. No need to strain yourself."

It seems you've experienced a traumatic shock that led to memory loss. This type of amnesia is commonly known as 'trauma-induced memory impairment'..."

Suddenly, a distorted memory flashes in Nott's mind, like a blurry image flickering in the darkness of his thoughts.

Nott: "Aahhggh..."

Nott clutches his head, trying to clear his mind.

Old Man: "What's wrong?"

Nott: "I... don't know. My head hurts. I saw a blurry image of something that looked like... a corpse..."

Old Man: "Alright, stop that. You're only making things harder for yourself. It's best to forget what happened."

As Nott remains seated on the bed, his mind clouded with confusion, the sound of clinking dishes reaches his ears. The old woman enters, carrying a cup of cocoa, bringing warmth to the room as she gently hands it to him. Her eyes are filled with compassion, as if trying to plant new hope in his heart.

Old Woman: "This will help. Here, take it."

Nott looks at the cup in his hands, then lifts his gaze toward the old woman's face, where he finds a glimpse of the kindness he had long been deprived of. The warmth in her eyes speaks to his broken soul. His words flow naturally, accompanied by a soft smile.

Nott: "I don't know what cocoa is, but... thank you."

Old Woman, smiling: "Oh, haha... then it's an honor for me that my cocoa is the first you'll ever taste!"

Her eyes shine with joy, as if that moment means the world to her. Nott slowly sips the cocoa, feeling its warmth seep into his body, reviving him and chasing away the coldness of solitude. The rich taste fills his mouth, and a sense of comfort gently spreads through him.

Nott, smiling: "Thank you. It's delicious."

A newfound sense of security settles within him, as if those words mark the beginning of something new.

Old Woman: "I'm so happy to hear that!"

Her face lights up with joy, as if this moment has brightened the entire room, transforming it into a haven of warmth and affection.

Old Woman: "Young man, do you have... a family?"

She asks softly, her voice filled with concern and tenderness. She leans in slightly, as if trying to uncover the truth hidden behind his sorrowful eyes.

Old Man: "He lost all his memories."

His words strike like a bolt of lightning, stealing the breath from the air. The couple exchanges glances filled with worry and uncertainty.

Old Woman: "How unfortunate!... I'm truly sorry, dear."

She steps closer to Nott, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, as if trying to ease the weight of his burden.

Nott: "No, it's alright. There's no need to apologize."

He smiles sincerely, but his eyes still reflect the pain of loss that lingers deep within him.

Old Woman, smiling: "What a kind and sweet boy you are... Would you like to stay here with us until you regain your memories?"

She hopes her offer could be a lifeline for him, a chance to find happiness again. But the old man looked at her in surprise.

Old Man: "Emily! Have you no shame? How can you ask such a selfish thing from a boy like him?!"

His voice rises slightly, filled with concern, and he continues.

Old Man: "It's true that we were never blessed with children, but this boy has a family waiting for him, and he wants to return to them."

Seconds passed, Nott felt a strange warmth from the hot cup in his hands, he looked at them, at those gentle faces. He felt that such a feeling had been familiar to him for a long time, but he had lost it. Then, he decided not to lose it again.

Nott: "I don't mind..."

The words slip from his lips, as if he's trying to convince himself more than anyone else.

Old Man: "Huh...? Do you... do you want to stay with us?"

He looks taken aback, as if the idea stirs something deep within him.

Nott: "You seem kind, and... I felt an incredible warmth from you. So... would you allow me to live with you?"

Nott's words carry a glimmer of hope, reflecting a deep longing for belonging.

The elderly couple stares at each other in surprise, their expressions shifting between confusion and growing happiness.

Oscar, smiling: "Boy, my name is Oscar, and this is my wife, Emily. But we should be the ones asking you...

Would you truly like to be our grandson and live with us?"

Nott smiled lightly as he looked at Emily's cute face. She was looking at him, placing her hands over her mouth, anticipating his answer.

Nott smiled and said in a low voice while fiddling with the cup handle.

Nott: "Yes, I would be happy to."

His smile widens, as if life is beginning to flow back into him.

Oscar, eyes welling with tears: "What a moment... Do you see this, Emily? We were never given a child, but fate has blessed us with this innocent boy instead."

His eyes glisten with tears of joy as he tightly holds Emily's hand.

Emily, tearing up: "Yes, dear. I've grown old, but I can still be a grandmother."

Her voice is filled with emotion, and she adds,

Emily: "Would it be alright if you called us your grandparents?"

Nott: "Haha, yes, Grandma."

His heart overflows with emotion, as if he has found a new home.

Emily: "Ah... I've finally heard that word."

She moves closer and hugs him tightly, as if shielding him from all the pain in the world.

Oscar: "Me too! Don't leave me out!"

Oscar joins in lovingly, embracing them both.

A wave of emotions flows between Nott, Oscar, and Emily, as they come together in a rare and precious moment. Wrapped in each other's warmth, their souls connect in perfect harmony, emotions ebbing between them like the gentle waves of the sea.

Their eyes shimmer with happiness and love, and in that magical moment, all worries and sorrows fade away. The past and present merge into one, as they share a time of true belonging and joy. Smiles grace their faces, and peace radiates from their hearts, as if this moment embodies the hope they had all been searching for.

At that moment, they knew they had become a family, and a new chapter of their lives began, filled with love and care. In this new world, Nott found himself surrounded by hearts that embraced him, determined to recover his memories and rediscover his life, where anything seemed possible.

Nott, Oscar, and Emily lived each moment to the fullest, in harmony and deep affection. Their small home, adorned with warm colors and blooming flowers by the windows, became a true sanctuary... a place of peace and comfort. The quiet that surrounded them felt like an old friend, accompanying them through every moment, while their laughter and heartfelt conversations filled the air.

As Nott gazed into Emily's kind and gentle face, he felt a wave of gratitude surge through his heart. After losing his family, he had found a new one in these two loving souls. He decided to stay with them, learning from their wisdom and sharing in both their joys and sorrows. They spent hours exchanging stories... Oscar spoke of his youthful adventures, while Emily told tales of her family's past.

Every evening, Nott sat with Oscar in the bright corner of the living room, where sunlight streamed through the window. Oscar read from his old books, sharing the profound thoughts hidden within their pages. These moments became especially precious to Nott, teaching him how to think critically and understand the world around him, broadening his horizons with each chapter.

As the days passed, Nott began helping them with their daily tasks. He assisted with house chores, tended to the small garden Emily had planted, and helped Oscar organize books in the library. These moments strengthened their bond, making Nott feel like he truly belonged.

After several hours.

The kitchen was filled with the warmth of the stove, where Emily stood preparing dinner with graceful movements, surrounded by the scent of the warm soup. In another room, Nott sat on his bed, holding a book in his hands, but he wasn't reading. His eyes were fixed on the page, but his mind wandered in a void he couldn't define. The place felt strange... the people were strangers... even he didn't feel like he fully belonged to himself.

Half an hour passed, and Emily's warm voice echoed as she called them to dinner.

Oscar entered the house, took off his shoes, and walked steadily toward the kitchen, then sat at the table without saying a word. Nott followed him, walking slowly, as if his body was weighed down by something invisible. It wasn't discomfort from the place, but something deeper, something he couldn't understand yet.

Emily smiled as she placed the soup bowls in front of them, then sat with them. They ate in silence... but this silence wasn't comfortable. It was filled with unspoken questions, attempts to understand the other without saying anything.

Then, amid the quiet, Oscar noticed something. His eyes drifted toward the patch covering Nott's eye. He looked at it with curiosity, a growing interest within him, then stopped for a moment and asked in a soft voice:

Oscar: "Hey, boy... I was wondering... what's up with that patch on your eyes?... Can't you remember?"

Nott shivered slightly, as if the question touched a hidden string within him. He slowly raised his hand, his fingers gently brushing the patch, as though trying to feel its reality, understand why it was there. A strange feeling washed over him, as if something was about to be revealed, but he couldn't reach it.

Emily, nervously: "Maybe he has a wound or some illness..."

Then she turned to him, her voice soft and gentle, as if trying to reassure him.

Emily: "It's okay, dear... you can wear it whenever you like."

But Nott wasn't listening. The noise of his thoughts deafened him, drowning him in a whirlpool of questions without answers. His fingers touched the knot at the back of his head, cold and hesitant, as if feeling for something forbidden. He hesitated for a moment, his eyes fixed on the expressions of Oscar and Emily, watching how their concern reflected in their eyes. They looked like they were waiting for an explosion or a truth they feared to face.

Then, slowly... he untied the knot.

A strange feeling crept into him, as if a thin layer of safety was disappearing with every movement, leaving him exposed to something unknown. His breath caught without him realizing it, as if the air had suddenly become heavy.

Then, he removed it.

And in that moment, there was no sound, no movement, nothing but emptiness.

His eyes met theirs, but what he saw wasn't just a casual glance, but a mix of horror and astonishment, as if they had seen a ghost or something that shouldn't exist. Their eyes widened as if they were about to pop out of their sockets, their mouths slightly agape, as if words had betrayed them.

Time didn't just stop... it collapsed in that moment. The strange feeling crawled over Nott's body, the echo of their gazes inside him, like a hammer knocking on a closed memory. His pulse began to race unnaturally, his chest tightened as if he were suffocating, his fingers clenched on the table, as though his body refused to respond to what was happening.

This wasn't just tension, it was something deeper, something rooted inside him for a long time...

Oscar didn't move, not even blinking. His eyes remained fixed on Nott, as if searching for an impossible explanation. Finally, he barely managed to mumble a word, so soft it was barely audible.

Oscar: "...Impossible."

As for Emily, she placed her hand on her chest, as if trying to calm her racing heartbeat. Her eyes trembled for a moment, her breath shallow, as if her body refused to comprehend what it was seeing.

Nott felt discomfort. It wasn't just unease, but a heavy sensation, as if his heart was pounding against the walls of his chest, trying to escape. His pulse raced unnaturally, as if something hidden was chasing him, trying to whisper a truth he hadn't realized yet. His breath became irregular, shallow, and his hand moved to his chest involuntarily, as if trying to stop something from exploding inside him.

Emily, anxiously, approaching him: "Dear, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

Then...

The spoon fell from his hand.

His mind was no longer here. One moment was enough to sweep him far away...

Voices... images... scattered memories, merging like mysterious ghosts rising from the depths of forgetfulness. He was there... in the heart of the city. Tall buildings casting their shadows on him, the air thick with the scent of old rain. He walked beside Emma, wearing dark sunglasses, his hand tightly gripping hers.

Emma, whispering in concern: "Keep your head down... don't draw attention."

Then, suddenly, he bumped into someone. The sunglasses fell to the ground.

In that second, everything changed. The man who was about to shout stopped suddenly. He stared at him as if his soul had frozen, his eyes filled with raw fear. Then... a woman followed. Then another. Then more. Everyone looked at him the same way.

Ethan stood frozen, his body stiff, his eyes fixed on the ground, as if he feared lifting his head. His hand slowly rose, covering his eyes with tension, as if that fragile barrier could protect him from their gazes...

But they didn't disappear.

The passersby kept staring at him, their faces a mix of disbelief and suspicion, their whispers filling the air around him, their voices blending with the noise, yet reaching him clearly... harshly.

"It can't be..."

"Is this real?!..."

"That kid..."

His heart pounded wildly, his breath quickening... it was happening again.

Then, suddenly, he felt a warm hand gripping his tightly. Emma, with a tense face and alert eyes, quickly bent down and picked up his sunglasses from the ground. In a swift motion, before he could grasp what was happening, she placed them on his eyes and adjusted them firmly, then pulled him along without hesitation.

Emma, in a soft but firm voice: "Come on, don't stop."

He didn't need to think... he only had to walk.

Voices... voices echoing in his head, as if coming from the walls of the place, distant sounds but familiar to him. He knew them more than he wanted to.

Then... he returned to the present.

His breath was still heavy, his gaze still directed at the ground, his chest rising and falling as if he had just come up for air. But when he raised his head, he saw something unexpected...

A kind smile.

Emily's face was radiant, despite the concern that still lingered in her eyes, yet it was filled with a warmth he hadn't known in a long time. She extended her hand to him, her fingers gently touching his hand. The warmth of her touch was like a faint light in the darkness, sending a warmth that pierced through his stillness.

Emily, gently, in a voice like the whisper of the wind: "It's okay, dear... there's no need to fear."

And as if her words were the key...

His pulse gradually slowed. His tension began to recede, as if a wave of calmness began to wash over him. Yet, within him, a question remained unanswered... why? Why wasn't there fear? Why weren't those the same gazes he had grown used to seeing?

Oscar, who had remained silent the whole time, looked at him for a moment, then said in a steady voice, though not without a hint of warning:

Oscar: "Don't remove that patch in front of anyone, boy... some might try to exploit you. Whoever gave it to you knew exactly what they were doing."

His words were filled with a truth he couldn't yet understand, but they weren't harsh. They weren't a threat... but an acknowledgment of a mysterious truth he hadn't grasped yet.

But what Nott didn't expect...

Was what Oscar said next.

Oscar, with a slight smile, almost hesitant but sincere: "But... you can be yourself with us whenever you like. We'll be happy about that, really."

His words hit a place he didn't realize was empty. He froze for a moment, as if his mind was testing the truth of the sentence, trying to believe it. Something inside him relaxed, a sensation he hadn't known in a long time quietly seeping into him. The place wasn't just a room... it wasn't just a house... it was something else... A refuge.

He paused for a moment, feeling something he hadn't felt in a long time... comfort. Something like warmth, as if this place wasn't just a home, but a refuge.

Nott tied the patch around his eye again, as if it had become a part of him now, but he didn't feel suffocated as he had before.

Emily poured a cup of water and handed it to him carefully.

Emily: "Here, drink this, and then continue your meal... the soup helps you relax."

Nott took the cup, and then, as he started sipping from it, Oscar suddenly asked in a playful tone:

Oscar: "Emily, have you picked a name for this handsome boy yet?"

Nott almost choked on the water. He looked at Oscar in shock, then at Emily, who was trying to hide her smile, though the excitement was clear in her eyes.

Nott: "W... what?!"

Oscar, looked at him and said with a slight smile: "You don't want to stay nameless forever, do you?"

He hesitated for a moment, but found himself staring at Emily, who gently extended her hand to him.

Emily: "Does that bother you, my dear? If you're not comfortable, it's okay."

Nott felt something strange in his heart, then, in a soft voice, he said.

Nott: "No... I really hope so..."

Emily smiled brightly, while Oscar looked at her and spoke calmly, as if diving into old memories:

Oscar: "She always wanted to name our son..."

Tears gathered lightly in Emily's eyes, but she quickly wiped them away, trying to hide the weight of the moment behind a small smile.

Then, in a soft, emotional voice, she whispered.

Emily: "…Does the name Arthur suit you?"

At that moment, it was as if time had suddenly stopped. Nott felt a sudden grip in his heart, as though something invisible had pressed against him. Everything around him began to fade, and the sound turned into a distant echo in his mind. The voice wasn't clear at first, but it sounded like his own, a feminine voice calling him... calling him by a another name scattered in his mind as if it had been waiting for this moment his whole life.

He closed his eyes for a moment, and his gaze wandered into the emptiness. His heart was beating unnaturally. Then, he returned to himself, sensing the warmth of Emily's hand resting on his, trying to ease his tension. That touch pulled him back to reality.

Emily: "Are you okay?! Didn't you like the name? If so, you can choose the name you prefer."

He took a deep breath to calm himself, and his breathing was heavy, but he held it together. Then, he responded in a soft voice, but one filled with the emotion that was gradually overwhelming him.

Arthur: "No... it's... beautiful. I liked it. Thank you so much."

Emily smiled brightly, as if a new light had dawned on her face. When she saw his tension easing, she let out a short laugh full of relief.

The words felt as though they carried a weight that he hadn't fully realized, but they were like a warm breeze brushing his heart, making him feel warmth despite the darkness of the moments before.

At that moment, Oscar smiled faintly, as if everything had become clearer to him. He let out a light laugh full of relief, then added in a playful tone, but one full of meaning.

Oscar: "Arthur... I think this name suits you more than anything else."

And at that moment, time seemed to return, as if everything had passed with an unexpected calmness. Time had passed, but in that moment, he felt as though he was suspended between the past and the present, between tension and tranquility.

But, more importantly... he finally felt that something new was being born within him, something that transcended those moments filled with fear and doubt. Something like hope... or perhaps, a new beginning.

But after two months and four days, things began to change.

While Arthur lived in his newfound happiness, the police and the guards of the Stanvilla family were tirelessly searching for him. They spread notices, patrolled the streets, but Arthur was far from all of it.

One sunny day, Arthur enjoyed a small picnic with his family in a beautiful riverside garden. The vibrant colors of the flowers blended with their laughter, while the shimmering water reflected the golden sunlight, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and serenity. Emily had prepared a basket full of sandwiches and snacks, while Oscar shared stories from his youth. Children ran around them, adding a touch of life and warmth to the scene.

But in the middle of the city, within a narrow alley, there was a man and a girl dressed in strange black clothing.

Raymar – In the heart of the city, inside a narrow, dark alley

They were speaking quietly, but their voices carried a hint of anxiety, as if they were sharing a heavy secret.

Man: Oi, Ram...

Ram, She sighs as she fiddles with her purse: What is it, Albert? Don't tell me you want to use the device again.

Albert: "Yes! I'm exhausted... we've been searching for him for two months!!"

Ram: "The device has already been used six times by the administration! And we have used it twice!

There are only two attempts left, so we won't waste them."

Albert: "We used it in the outskirts of the city! But now we're in the city center, so we might find him quickly!"

Ram: "I agreed to use it there because no one would hear us, but here, we'll cause a huge commotion.

Just wait... if we can't find him, we'll use it."

As they exchanged words, Albert's eyes caught sight of a group of police officers standing at the doorstep of a nearby house.

Albert: "Damn it, I'm going to ask the police over there."

Ram: "Stop, you idiot!!"

Albert: "Ugh, what now?"

Ram: "Do you really want to ask that officer about the boy we're searching for? What if he asks who we are?"

Albert: "Damn it, he won't. And even if he does, we'll say we're his siblings looking for him. He won't ask anything else if he doesn't know him."

Ram: "Hmm… sighs… Fine, just don't say too much!"

Albert and Ram approached the police, their hearts pounding with anxiety.

Albert: "Excuse me, officer."

Officer: "Yes?"

Albert: "We're looking for our younger brother he's lost. Can you help us?"

Officer: "I'm not available for this right now. Go to the station and file a report there."

Albert: "You bas-!!"

Ram, feeling tense, grabbed Albert before he could say another word, pulling him away to avoid trouble.

Ram: "Oh, alright, officer! Sorry for the trouble. We'll be going now."

The two walked away from the police, but fear was quickly replaced by growing concern.

Ram, in a low voice: "You fool,

you almost caused a huge scene if I hadn't stopped you!"

Albert, whispering angrily: "That damn officer… I'll beat him up if I see him again."

The captain of the Stanvilla Guard stepped out of the house where the officer had been standing at the doorstep. His sharp eyes scanned everything, even the details of the two strangers' clothing.

Officer 1, speaking quietly: "Did you find anything, Captain?"

The Guard Captain, in a suspicious tone, spoke while watching Ram and Albert from a distance.

Guard Captain:" No… hmm? Who are they?"

Officer 1, replying indifferently: "Oh, don't worry about them.

They said their younger brother was missing. I told them to go to the station and file a report there."

The Guard Captain sensed something odd about them. His eyes scrutinized their clothing.

Guard Captain, whispering to himself: "Their clothes… they look strange, not from around here…"

Wait! Did you say they were looking for their younger brother?

Officer 1: "Yes, sir."

The Captain's expression shifted, as if a dangerous thought had struck him. He suddenly ran toward Ram and Albert, his voice filled with urgency.

Guard Captain, shouting: "Stop right there!"

Ram and Albert froze, turning back to see the Guard Captain approaching them with firm steps.

Albert, annoyed: "What now?"

Guard Captain: "You're searching for your brother, correct?"

Ram, hesitantly: "Oh… yes, sir. Can you help us?"

The Captain remained suspicious, his eyes shifting between them with tension.

Guard Captain: "Can I see a picture of him?"

Ram felt things were taking a bad turn, but she had no choice but to go along with it. She pulled out a picture of Nott from her pocket and handed it to him. The Guard Captain stared at the photo for a few seconds before his eyes widened in horror.

Guard Captain, stammering: "Th… Th… This!!"

In an instant, the Guard Captain aimed his weapon at Ram, and the rest of the guards pointed their guns at Albert, tension thick in the air.

Albert, shouting angrily:" Oi, oi, oi, are you kidding us?! What the hell is going on here?!"

Guard Captain, sharply: "Is this boy really your brother?!"

Ram, panicking: "H-huh? Why? What's the problem?"

Guard Captain, yelling: "Answer me! Do you know this boy?!"

Without another word, Ram and Albert vanished in the blink of an eye, as if they were ghosts.

Guard Captain, looking around in confusion: "Hah?! Where did they go?!!"

The police raised their weapons towards Ram and Albert, their faces tense and eyes filled with suspicion. In that moment, Ram had only one option left. She quickly glanced at Albert, then, with a swift and calculated motion, reached into the pocket of her right bag and carefully took out a small black box.

The seconds stretched on like hours, the sounds of approaching footsteps and heavy breaths mingling with the silence that began to dominate the area. Ram knew time was running out, so she didn't waste another moment. She pressed the button on the box and then threw it into the air suddenly. In an instant, the box exploded. The sound of the explosion was deafening, followed by a thick cloud of black smoke that engulfed the entire area, completely obscuring visibility. Everything around them turned into darkness, and the air was filled with dense fog, making it impossible to distinguish between friend and foe.

The sounds of the police ranged from hesitation to confusion, but with the smoke's density, chaos ensued among everyone.

The captain of the guard advanced quickly, surveying the area and looking around in desperation, but he couldn't find them.

Suddenly, he looked up and saw them scaling the walls, running across the rooftops.

Guard Captain, shouting into his radio: "Attention, all units! We've found the suspects! Search the area immediately! And you, guards... chase them down! Don't let them escape!!"

Guards, shouting together: "Understood, sir!"

As Ram and Albert continued their escape, running over the rooftops, tension between them escalated.

Albert, shouting as he ran: "Damn it! Why are they chasing us?!"

Ram, panting heavily: "This is all your fault, you idiot! I don't even know why your name is Albert... it doesn't suit you at all!"

Albert, yelling: "Shut up! No time for that now! What the hell did that idiot boy do to make them hunt him down like this?!"

Ram, thinking aloud: "The boss said he wasn't an ordinary boy. Maybe he got himself into trouble and caused a mess."

Albert was panting, his steps growing heavier with each jump, his face drenched in sweat. He looked around in a panic as the guards closed in from behind, their voices echoing through the alleys like a relentless pursuit.

Albert, breathless and confused: "Damn it… what do we do now?"

Ram was running lightly, her breathing steady despite the dire situation. Her sharp eyes scanned every direction, searching for a way out. Suddenly, she turned quickly, her eyes lighting up when she spotted what she had been looking for.

A towering building loomed over the city, standing like a fortress against the dark clouds.

Ram, pointing: :Look! There, that skyscraper in the city center. Let's head there… we'll climb to the top and use the device."

She quickly glanced at Albert, a mischievous grin forming on her lips.

Ram: "We've already caused a commotion anyway."

Albert stopped for a moment, processing the idea, then a small grin spread across his exhausted face. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he said.

Albert: "Finally… a good idea from you."

The two of them dashed toward the towering building, the wind brushing against their faces, the sounds behind them growing closer, but they didn't look back.

They moved like shadows, gliding between the rooftops, their jumps precise and calculated.

Scaling the walls as if they were part of the city itself, their footsteps barely making a sound against the rough surfaces, while the guards panted behind them, unable to keep up. Ram led the way confidently, and Albert followed without hesitation, both ready for the next step in this dangerous escape.