Wandering Witch: Penance of a thief

Once upon a time, in the town of Montreval.

A lone bounty hunter stood over the lifeless body of his target, blood pooling at his feet.

He exhaled, wiping his blade against his coat.."I'm sick of killing scum like this..." 

Yet, this was his duty. This was the path he had chosen. 

A flicker of light sliced through the darkness—harsh, blinding.

"Damn it."

"Hands in the air!" a voice barked. 

He turned slightly. The police had him surrounded, their weapons trained on him. 

His hand twitched toward his belt—his last resort. A smoke bomb would buy him time. 

But as his fingers grasped at empty space, realization hit him. "Out of stock, huh?" 

The man bolted forward, dodging every bullet the police fired at him with inhuman reflexes.

With a powerful step against the alley wall, he propelled himself upward, twisting mid-air before landing gracefully behind the officers-like a specter of death.

Without hesitation, his blades flashed. A swift slice cut through the neck of one officer from behind, his gurgled scream fading as he collapsed in agony.

He grabbed two officers by their heads and slammed them together with bone-crushing force, then sent one flying with a brutal kick.

Before the airborne officer could recover, a dagger plunged into the chest of the remaining one, silencing his screams as life drained from his eyes.

Without pause, he lunged at the last officer, his blade piercing the man's back.

The cop lurched forward, gasping his final breath before collapsing.

Silence fell. The streets were painted in crimson, bodies strewn lifeless across the pavement. 

"Time to go."

The man moved, his steps light as he leaped across rooftops, weaving through the shadows until he landed in front of a modest hotel.

His coat was drenched in blood—walking through the front entrance wasn't an option. 

With practiced ease, he pulled out a grappling hook, scaling the building until he reached the balcony of his room.

He slipped inside, unfastening his jacket. 

"Finally."

But just as he was about to hang it up— "Ah! Don't hang it there! The blood will stain the floor!" 

A voice—soft yet firm, familiar yet unexpected. 

He turned. 

A woman sat on the edge of the bed, her amethyst-purple hair catching the dim glow of the bedside lamp, her golden eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

For a brief moment, the world around her felt… warmer, lighter—something he hadn't noticed before. 

"Richie, go take a shower!" she huffed, arms crossed. 

His brows twitched. "Ugh... Until when are you going to call me that? Richard is enough." 

"I've been calling you that for years," she mused, stepping closer, a damp cloth in her hand. "No use complaining now." 

Without waiting for permission, she wiped away the drying blood on his cheek.

Her touch was gentle—too gentle for a night like this. 

Richard exhaled, rubbing his temple before trudging toward the bathroom. "Have you showered, Iris?" 

"Yep," she replied, flopping onto the bed. "I was waiting for you." 

There was something different about the room tonight.

The same dim light, the same scent of cigarette smoke clinging to the air—yet, beneath it all, something else lingered. 

"...Long day at work?" she asked, watching as he unbuttoned his blood-streaked shirt. 

Richard paused for a moment before sighing. "Yeah." 

He disappeared into the bathroom, leaving behind the faint warmth of something. 

Iris lay on the bed, exhaling a quiet sigh. 

The night stretched on, silent and heavy. Rolling onto her side, she leaned against the wall, eyes fluttering shut as if surrendering to a brief nap. 

Meanwhile, Richard finished his shower, steam curling around him as he changed in the bathroom.

When he stepped out, towel-drying his damp hair, his gaze landed on the figure curled up on the bed. 

Asleep. 

He let out a soft sigh. "Geez... just say you're tired, idiot." 

With careful hands, he pulled a blanket over her, ensuring it covered her properly. 

A faint shift. 

Half-asleep, Iris stirred beneath the warmth, a slight smile tugging at her lips.

"Richie... you're so warm..." she murmured, voice barely above a whisper. 

She burrowed deeper into the blanket, long strands of amethyst hair spilling across the pillow.

The peaceful expression on her face—something rare amidst their usual bloodstained nights—made it clear that she had slipped into a deep slumber. 

Richard stood there for a moment, watching her breathe evenly, unaware of the weight of his stare.

His thoughts drifted, pulled back to a time long past. 

Feohtere Academy. Their old classroom. The reckless, headstrong girl who always seemed to be one step ahead of him. 

Then came graduation. And after that... the incident. 

Somewhere along the way, she chose to follow him.

Chose to step into his world of endless running, of blood and shadows. His fingers lightly brushed against the edge of the blanket. 

"...Why did she even come with me...?" 

The words slipped out in a murmur, swallowed by the stillness of the room. 

And yet, deep down, he already knew the answer. 

As Iris slowly woke up, she heard Richard's soft muttering, his voice barely audible over the quiet hum of the night. 

She let out a sleepy groan, stretching slightly before pushing herself up.

Her amethyst hair was an absolute mess, strands sticking up in odd directions. Still half-asleep, she rubbed her eyes. 

"Did you say something, Richie?" she murmured, her voice laced with drowsiness. 

Richard turned, meeting her golden eyes, now hazy with lingering sleep.

He hesitated before asking, "Tell me... aren't you cold?" 

"Hmm?" 

Iris blinked, glancing down at herself—just a simple tank top and shorts. 

"No… because someone put a blanket on me," she answered, her lips curving into a soft smile. A knowing, teasing smile. 

Richard averted his gaze. "I was just worried about you..." he muttered, scratching the back of his neck. 

Iris chuckled, warmth lacing her voice. "You worry too much, Richie." 

Shifting on the bed, she adjusted the blanket around herself, letting it drape over her shoulders as she sat on the edge.

Then, with an amused roll of her eyes, she patted the spot beside her. 

"Come sit next to me, you idiot." 

She patted the spot again, firmer this time, her golden gaze locking onto his. An invitation. A silent demand. 

Richard hesitated, but only for a moment. With a quiet sigh, he stepped forward, finally taking the seat beside her. 

Iris' head rested gently on Richard's shoulder, the soft rhythm of his breathing calming her as she nestled in closer.

"You just wanted to do this, didn't you?" Richard asked, his voice a low murmur.

Iris giggled, the sound soft and affectionate. "You know me too well."

She nuzzled further into his shoulder, finding comfort in his warmth, in the steady presence of him beside her.

Her fingers brushed lightly against his arm, as if reassuring herself that he was really there.

"I'm always looking for opportunities to cling to you," she admitted shamelessly, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Richard chuckled softly, glancing down at her. "So, what have you been up to since I left?"

Iris thought for a moment, her fingers tracing small, absent-minded circles on his chest, as though savoring the closeness.

"Not much," she replied in a soft voice, her gaze distant for a moment. "I've been spending time in town, shopping, and..."

Her eyes suddenly brightened, and she leaned in closer, her excitement bubbling to the surface.

"Oh! There's someone I want to introduce to you!"

"Hm? Who?" Richard asked, raising an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Her name is Victorica," Iris began, her tone suddenly animated, "We met at the market."

"She's also a wanderer! We exchanged stories" Iris' eyes sparkled as she leaned in even closer, the warmth of her breath tickling Richard's neck.

"I think you two would get along really well," she added with a mysterious glint in her eyes.

Richard's brows furrowed in thought. "...A wanderer, too, huh?"

Iris squeezed his arm a little tighter, her playful warning carrying an edge of seriousness.

"Don't you dare fall in love with her," she said, her voice teasing but with a hint of something deeper.

"You better watch out, Richie!"

Richard blinked, a slight flush creeping across his cheeks at the intensity of her gaze.

"Y-Yeah!" he stammered, caught off guard by her sudden possessiveness.

Iris smiled, her satisfaction clear as she relaxed against him once again, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder.

"Good. You better stick to me," she murmured, her voice softening.

The next morning, Richard and Iris walked side by side through the bustling streets.

"So, where do you want to take me?" Iris asked, her tone light and playful.

Richard glanced over at her with a half-smile. "I have another job tonight, you know?"

Iris stopped in her tracks, her face immediately pouting. "That's tonight! And it's still early!"

She linked her arm through his and continued walking, a little sulking but still content to be close to him.

As they strolled along, Iris's attention was caught by something in a shop window.

She immediately let go of his arm and stood, wide-eyed, staring at a dress displayed on a mannequin.

"Richie, look at that dress! Isn't it gorgeous?" Her voice was filled with excitement, and she tugged on his arm to get his attention.

Richard glanced at it, unimpressed. "Yeah, sure," he muttered, not particularly moved.

Iris raised an eyebrow, noticing his lack of enthusiasm. "You're not excited at all, are you?"

She pouted a little, lips sticking out. "Can you at least act a little more enthusiastic?"

Richard wasn't one to understand the finer points of fashion, but he didn't want to disappoint her.

He gave the dress a second glance. "Wow... that's... gorgeous...?"

Iris shot him a skeptical look, clearly unconvinced by his half-hearted attempt. "That's the best you can do, huh?"

She crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him. "Come on, Richie, you're supposed to act more excited than that."

"Like 'That dress was made for you! You absolutely have to get it!'" Iris said.

"I'm not someone who often gives sweet words, you know? I'm not good at flirting," he added, scratching his head.

"I know," Iris teased, leaning closer to him with a playful smirk.

"You're just a blunt, no-nonsense guy." She poked him lightly in the chest. "But it won't hurt you to try."

She pointed at the dress again, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Now, say that I look absolutely gorgeous in that dress."

"You will look so beautiful wearing that" a voice suddenly interrupted, sending a chill through the air.

Iris froze for a moment, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected words.

She instinctively gripped Richard's arm tighter, her eyes quickly darting to the source of the voice.

Standing a few feet away was a man with striking green hair and cold black eyes. He stood casually, an unsettling smirk on his face.

Iris blinked, studying the man's appearance for a moment, the unease creeping up her spine.

"Who is this...?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Richard immediately pulled her closer, his posture shifting to one of tension.

"Name yourself," he demanded, his voice sharp and commanding.

The green-haired man raised an eyebrow, unphased. "Oh? Don't be so hostile," he said with a lazy grin, turning his gaze toward Iris.

"Nice to meet you, Senior."

Iris stiffened, feeling a sudden coldness in the air, but she didn't speak, watching him carefully.

The man's smile widened, a sly glint in his eyes. "You can call me Ezekiel," he said, before his smile deepened into something darker.

"But if you want to feel like family..."

He paused, his tone dripping with mock familiarity. "You can call me Zero Three."

Iris and Richard exchanged startled glances. "Zero Three...?" Iris repeated softly, a frown tugging at her lips.

Richard's eyes narrowed, the tension between them thickening.

"What do you want?" he asked coldly, his voice barely above a growl.

Ezekiel—Zero Three—raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin never fading.

"Relax," he said smoothly, turning his back to them as he started to walk away. "I just wanted to say hello to you guys."

He gave a mock salute over his shoulder, his voice dripping with amusement. "See you later, senior and senior's boyfriend!"

Richard's patience snapped. Without a second thought, he threw a knife at Ezekiel's retreating figure, his movements swift and calculated.

In a blur of motion, Zero Three dodged the knife effortlessly, his body weaving to the side as the blade whizzed past him.

Ezekiel spun around in an instant, his gun aimed straight at them.

Before Richard could react, Iris acted fast—she shoved him out of the way just in time.

A deafening gunshot echoed in the room as the bullet shattered the glass behind them.

The shards scattered across the floor, but since they were far enough, neither of them was hit.

"Richie, are you okay?" Iris grunted, getting to her feet.

Her hand instinctively went to his side, checking for any injuries. Iris hurriedly examined him, her heart racing.

"Yes..." Richard's voice was steady, a small sign of reassurance that eased her tension.

A relieved sigh escaped her lips as she realized Richard was unharmed.

"Shooting the glass, huh?" Iris observed aloud, her gaze flicking to the shattered window.

"If you missed, we'd still have to deal with the glass shards." Her eyes narrowed as she pieced together Ezekiel's strategy.

Ezekiel chuckled darkly, his lips curling into a smug grin. "Oh? You can see through my plan, huh?"

He took a casual step forward, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Seems like you're not rusty yet, Senior Zero One."

Iris smirked, crossing her arms. "I'm not made of iron," she retorted coolly.

"But your face, on the other hand, is probably rusting away from that smile of yours."

Ezekiel raised an eyebrow, his grin only widening. "Oh? Your words are as sharp as ever—just like he used to say."

His gaze flickered over to Richard. "But, doesn't your boyfriend's face look worse than mine?"

Iris tilted her head, unfazed. "It's like comparing apples and oranges," she quipped, her voice light and teasing.

In the split second that Ezekiel let his guard down, a knife flashed through the air, slashing across his cheek.

His eyes widened in surprise as the blade barely missed his skin.

"You talk too much," Richard's voice rang out, his tone cold and deliberate.

"You're too noisy and annoying." He grinned as he retrieved the knife from where it had embedded itself in the wall.

"Thanks for catching him off guard, Iris."

"No problem, my darling," Iris responded, her smile warm, though her eyes were still focused on the retreating Ezekiel.

"You two are quite the duo," Ezekiel said with a grin, his words dripping with amusement.

In the blink of an eye, he vanished, leaving behind only a faint trace of his presence.

Richard's eyes narrowed. "Teleportation gem, huh...?" He muttered under his breath, irritation clear in his voice.

Iris's expression shifted, becoming resolute. "Tonight, we'll hunt him down," she declared, her voice steady and filled with determination.

Richard nodded, his gaze hardening as he met her eyes. "Yes, of course," he agreed, his tone unwavering.

That night, Richard and Iris sat side by side on the rooftop, the quiet of the night enveloping them.

The only sounds were the distant hum of the city below and the soft rustle of the wind.

"Have you found him yet?" Richard asked, his voice low and steady.

Iris's eyes scanned the dark horizon, her sharp gaze sweeping over the empty streets and rooftops.

"No, not yet," she replied, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. She sighed, letting her gaze drift again.

"I don't even know why we're waiting. He's not the type to show himself at night."

"What's he after anyway?"

Richard turned his head toward her, his gaze lingering on Iris for a moment.

Her shoulder-length hair fluttered gently in the breeze, the soft strands catching the moonlight in a way that made her look almost ethereal.

For a split second, he forgot to breathe, mesmerized by the sight. Before he could gather himself, Iris's eyes locked with his.

"Why? Are you fascinated?" she teased, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Flustered, Richard immediately turned his head away, his face flushing slightly.

"W-Who cares?" he muttered, his voice coming out more defensive than he intended.

Iris chuckled softly, a warm, teasing sound that made Richard's heart skip a beat.

"Tsundere..." she murmured, her smile widening. She leaned back slightly, crossing her arms behind her head.

"I don't mind if you want to keep staring," she said with a sly grin, "but we do have an important task to finish, don't we?"

Richard cleared his throat, trying to shake off the lingering warmth in his chest.

"Hmph... whatever you want," he replied, his tone trying, but failing, to sound indifferent.

Iris smiled, the playful glint in her eyes never fading. "After this," she began, her voice lighter, "how about we have some fun?"

Richard glanced at her again, his lips twitching slightly. "Fine..."

Iris chuckled, her attention shifting to the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Am I not disturbing you?"

"No, don't hesitate, Witchie," Iris called out, turning toward the newcomer.

Richard followed her gaze, his expression quickly morphing into confusion.

A woman with ashen hair, wearing a witch's outfit, stood before them. "Huh?"

"Oh? Is this the Richie you told me about, Iris?" the woman asked, eyeing Richard curiously.

Richard shot an irritated glare at Iris for calling him that ridiculous nickname, his annoyance clear.

Iris, however, couldn't help but laugh softly at his reaction. "Yes, he's Richie," she said with a mischievous grin.

"Please," Richard muttered, voice tight, "call me Richard."

"Are you Victorica?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation in a more serious direction.

Victorica nodded, and before Richard could say another word, Iris bounced up from her seat and ran over to her.

"Thanks for coming, Witchie!"

"I owe you one, remember?" Victorica replied with a wink.

"So, what can I help you with?" she added, her tone casual.

Richard blinked, clearly confused. "Wait, you asked her to help us? Aren't we enough on our own?"

Iris shot him a sidelong glance, her expression playful. "Richie... don't you remember?"

"When we fought Zero Two, we needed help from our friends, too."

"Don't you remember Aldric getting badly injured last time?" she added, raising an eyebrow.

Richard's face darkened as the memory of that incident resurfaced. "...Riiight..."

Iris let out a long sigh. "Forgive him, okay? He's a cold and stiff person."

Victorica shrugged, a grin tugging at her lips. "Oh, it's not a problem. But the fact that you're dating him means he must have a good side, right?"

Richard's face immediately turned bright red. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Iris simply smiled, leaning in toward Victorica. "Yes, you're right."

"Come on, stop teasing me and explain already!" Richard demanded, his patience wearing thin.

Iris and Victorica exchanged a glance, then both burst into laughter. Richard sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead.

"You're both impossible," he muttered.

Iris began recounting the events from this morning, but there were a few details she intentionally left out.

"Is that so? From your story, he sounds like a smart guy," Victorica remarked, her eyes twinkling with interest.

Iris grinned and tugged on Victorica's arm. "Don't worry, Witchie, I'll pay you. Richie just got his salary today, you know?"

Richard had, indeed, just received payment from the target he took down yesterday, though he didn't mention how messy the job had been.

"So, did you accept it?" Richard asked, stepping closer to the two women.

Victorica flashed a smile and nodded. "Sure, I'm in."

Just as she said that, Iris's expression grew serious. "...There he is," she said, her voice low.

Both Richard and Victorica quickly followed her gaze, seeing Ezekiel casually strolling into a building.

"So that's him?" Victorica asked, squinting.

"Yes, that's him..." Iris confirmed with a solemn nod.

Without wasting a moment, Iris pulled out her broomstick, mounting it with practiced ease.

She turned to Richard with a sweet smile. "Get on, Richie."

Richard blinked, momentarily stunned by the way she said it, but climbed onto the broomstick without protest.

Victorica, not to be left behind, summoned her own broomstick and hopped on.

"So, what's the plan?" Victorica asked, gliding alongside them.

They approached an old, abandoned house. "Why did he go in there?" Victorica asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's too quiet," Richard said, his voice laced with suspicion. "This could be a trap..."

"Oh, don't be so paranoid," Iris teased, though her eyes still scanned the area. "But, I'm kind of hoping for some excitement, honestly."

"Right... because nothing says 'fun' like walking into a potential trap," Richard replied sarcastically.

Iris suddenly latched onto Richard's arm, her voice dripping with sweetness.

"Aah~ I'm scared, darling. Don't go too far, okay?" She clung to him, clearly teasing.

Richard rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. "You really have no shame, huh? Victorica is right here, you know?"

Victorica, however, didn't seem fazed at all. "Ah, It's fine, don't mind me," she said, waving her hand dismissively.

"You guys are such a loving couple."

Iris couldn't help but blush at Victorica's comment, but it didn't stop her from continuing to cling to Richard's arm.

"I pray your relationship lasts until marriage!" Victorica added enthusiastically, giving them both an encouraging smile.

Iris shot a playful look at Richard, still refusing to let go. "Oh, darling~ Don't be so cold," she cooed, with a teasing tone.

Richard let out an exaggerated sigh, his patience thinning. "Focus on the job," he reminded, his tone flat.

With a grumble, Richard led the way into the house, his footsteps echoing in the silence. The place was empty—eerily so.

Victorica and Iris followed closely behind. They inspected the entire house, but found no signs of life.

"This is... strange," Victorica murmured, furrowing her brow.

"What? Did he just move in or something?" Iris asked, raising an eyebrow.

Richard hissed sharply. "Shh..."

Iris and Victorica instantly fell silent, eyes fixed on Richard as they tried to hear what he had.

The silence was oppressive, hanging thick in the air. "Did you hear that?" Richard asked, his voice low.

The three of them strained their ears, trying to catch any sound that could break the stillness. But there was nothing.

Then, without warning, the floor beneath them gave way, opening wide with a loud creak.

All three of them tumbled down into the darkness below. "Tch!" Richard clicked his tongue, already suspecting this outcome.

Iris reached out her hand without hesitation, her voice calm yet urgent. "Richie!"

Richard grasped her hand firmly, quickly pulling out her flying broomstick and securing it with a practiced motion.

"Are you two alright?" Victorica's voice rang out, already perched on her own broomstick, her expression focused.

"There are no traps in this house... the house itself is the trap," Victorica said, her tone matter-of-fact.

"Victorica, can you check what's down there?" Iris asked, her voice steady.

Victorica gave a small nod, her wand flicking as she conjured a soft light that illuminated the darkness ahead.

They descended carefully, the air growing cooler as they made their way deeper into the underground space.

As they reached the bottom, Richard couldn't help but murmur, "Underground, huh..."

The chamber stretched out before them, its shadows thick with the weight of age.

The only sounds that filled the silence were the faint echoes of dripping water from somewhere further down.

Victorica looked around, her eyes scanning the room.

"This place feels... ominous. I wonder what kind of things are stored here," she mused aloud.

Suddenly, a lantern on the wall flickered to life, casting a steady glow over the chamber.

The dimness faded, revealing the true scale of the room. Their eyes widened as they took in the sight before them.

The large room was cluttered with a mix of antique furniture, ancient tomes, and what appeared to be various relics.

It felt like they had stumbled upon something long forgotten, an untouched hoard of history.

"This... this is a real treasure trove," Victorica whispered, a hint of awe in her voice.

Before anyone could respond, a voice, smooth and calm, cut through the silence behind them. "Of course, because I'm a collector of things."

They turned to face Ezekiel, who stood there with a sly grin stretching across his face. "WELCOME!"

Richard's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing in fury as he saw the man who had nearly killed Iris earlier that morning.

Victorica, unfazed, studied Ezekiel with a cool, calculating gaze. "Eze—" Iris started, but Richard was quick to cut her off.

"Hey, tell me, why are you targeting us? From the way you're acting, it looks like you want to kill us," Richard spat, his voice laced with anger.

"But wouldn't Valth be pissed if you killed Iris?" He added, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Of course... Mr. Valth would be angry..." Ezekiel replied with a mockingly thoughtful nod.

"But his anger is nothing compared to mine when it comes to you two..."

His gaze turned to Iris, a wicked glint in his eyes. "Especially you, Zero One!" He sneered.

Iris didn't even flinch. She stepped forward, her expression calm but unwavering.

"He seems to have a personal grudge against you," Victorica murmured, her voice quiet but intrigued.

Iris smirked, her eyes flashing with unspoken confidence.

"What have I done to him? I don't owe him anything, do I?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, clearly unbothered by the situation.

She glanced at Richard, her voice light. "Hey, Richie, do you owe him food?"

"Of course not," Richard replied with a deadpan expression, his annoyance still evident.

Ezekiel's face twisted in fury as he clenched his fists. "Agh! Damn whore..." he snarled, clearly irritated by Iris' casual demeanor.

"Have you forgotten what you did to Savina?! To Zero Two?!" He was shaking with rage now.

"You killed her! I can't forgive that!"

Iris crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing into a cold, dismissive glare.

"Cry about it," she said, her voice sharp and biting.

Ezekiel drew his dual pistols, unleashing a storm of bullets toward the three of them. 

Richard darted right, Victorica veered left, while Iris charged straight into the incoming gunfire. 

With lightning-fast reflexes, she twisted and dodged every bullet aimed at her, closing the distance in an instant.

Now, she was right in front of Ezekiel—dangerously close. 

She launched a fierce kick straight to his chin. The impact sent him airborne, but Ezekiel wasn't about to be cornered so easily. 

Still mid-air, he aimed downward and fired, hoping to land a hit on Iris—but she was already a step ahead, dodging effortlessly. 

From his right, a web-like trap shot toward him—Richard's attack, meant to ensnare him. 

Ezekiel's pistol roared again, shredding the net before it could reach him. He flipped in the air and landed safely. 

But the moment his feet touched the ground, his body froze.

The floor beneath him shimmered—Victorica's magic. Anyone who stepped on it was rendered immobile. 

"Next time, watch your step, okay?" Victorica smirked, giving him a playful wink—mocking him, of course.

"Be careful, he's not an idiot," Iris warned, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the area.

Victorica raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "I'm curious... why do you seem to understand this man so well?"

Iris hesitated for a moment before replying. "I hate to admit it... but we're kind of like classmate." Her tone was a mix of reluctant honesty and mild annoyance.

Before Victorica could respond, a bullet whizzed past them, striking a large vase nearby.

The vase shattered, and a swarm of insects crawled out from inside, scuttling toward the trio.

"AH!" Iris shrieked, her eyes wide in panic.

She immediately jumped toward Richard, who instinctively caught her and lifted her in his arms.

"Insects! They're everywhere!" Iris yelled, her fear palpable as she clung to him.

Ezekiel's mocking laughter rang out from across the room.

"Ahahahah! I knew you were scared!" He grinned, though his legs were visibly shaking as the swarm of insects inched closer to him.

"Victorica, please," Richard turned to her urgently.

With a quick flick of her wand, Victorica collected the insects with her magic and trapped them back inside another vase, sealing them away.

"Huff... Thank goodness..." Iris exhaled, visibly relieved, her grip loosening on Richard.

"So, can you come down now?" Richard asked, his tone a bit exasperated.

Iris pouted, wrapping her arms around Richard's neck. "Come on! Don't be like that!"

Before she could enjoy her playful moment, Richard swiftly tossed her back to the ground.

"Ouch! Ah! What a rude guy!" Iris grumbled, rubbing her back as she sat up, clearly irritated.

Victorica stifled a laugh at their antics. "Ah! You two..."

Iris and Richard froze, hearing the unmistakable sound of footsteps.

They turned to find that Ezekiel had managed to slip away during the chaos.

A bottle lay on the ground, its contents spilling out. "Looks like he used some kind of potion to free himself," Richard muttered, his frustration growing.

"Okay, let's get out of here," Richard said, his voice steady as he turned to leave.

But as they made their way toward the exit, they saw that the floor, which had once opened wide, had now closed again.

"Great..." Richard sighed, rolling his eyes.

Iris, though still a little shaken, couldn't help but smile at his grumbling. "You're getting better at this whole 'patience' thing, Richie," she teased.

Victorica followed them, her eyes scanning the now-closed floor.

"Let's just hope we don't get stuck down here any longer..."

The three of them flew up into the air, only to realize that what they had thought was a floor or ceiling was actually a massive door.

It loomed over them, imposing and locked tight.

"Richie, can you break it down?" Iris asked, her voice laced with impatience.

Richard gave her a flat look. "Nope." He didn't even bother to elaborate; the question was too obvious to answer seriously.

Victorica, however, wasn't as bothered by the locked door.

With a casual flick of her wand, she conjured a burst of fire that tore through the door, shattering it into pieces, and even sending splinters all the way up to the roof.

The flames flickered in the dim light as Victorica, unperturbed, shielded herself from the falling debris.

"Oh my, maybe I overdid it a bit?" she remarked with a nonchalant smile, her tone teasing, as the final remnants of the door crumbled away.

Richard couldn't help but whisper under his breath, "She's a great woman, isn't she…"

"And quite scary at the same time..." Iris added, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"Let's go," Victorica said, her voice confident. She was already floating toward the now-broken door.

Iris and Richard exchanged a glance before following her, leaving the house behind as they soared out into the night sky.

Flying over the city, they began to scan the streets, searching for any sign of Ezekiel.

The house they had destroyed was clearly no longer safe for him, and there was no way he would still be hiding there.

"I'll avenge Lord Valth," Victorica muttered, her expression hardening. "I'm sure he's furious about Zero Two's death."

"Yeah... he must be enraged," Richard agreed, his tone flat.

As they circled the city, their eyes finally caught sight of Ezekiel standing atop a tall tower, his figure silhouetted against the skyline.

"You're really loyal to him, huh?" Iris remarked dryly, narrowing her eyes.

Ezekiel turned his head, a smug grin on his face. "He probably doesn't care about Savina, you know?" Iris added with a cold smile.

"Nonsense!" Ezekiel shouted back, his voice dripping with anger. "A traitor like you should just keep quiet!"

The tension between them hung thick in the air as they hovered, preparing for the inevitable confrontation.

Ezekiel spun his dual pistols in his hands before pulling the triggers, unleashing a hail of bullets toward the three of them. 

But against opponents who rode flying brooms? That was nothing.

They weaved through the air effortlessly, dodging each shot as if it were mere child's play. 

Then—whoosh! 

Richard kicked off his broom and landed hard on a rooftop.

The impact sent tiles shattering beneath him, but he didn't spare them a second glance.

His focus was locked onto the tower where Ezekiel stood. 

He bolted forward. 

Noticing the movement, Ezekiel clicked his tongue and leaped down from the tower, closing the distance in an instant. 

Bang! A shot rang out. 

Richard's dagger moved before his mind could register it, meeting the bullet midair.

Ting!

The steel blade shattered on impact, but that was fine. He had more. 

Without breaking stride, Richard surged forward, twisting his body and launching a fierce kick straight toward Ezekiel's cheek—! 

But Ezekiel bent backward in an almost unnatural motion, dodging by a hair's breadth. 

Tsk. 

Richard's right foot touched the ground, but before he even finished landing, his left leg was already swinging up in a follow-up kick, aiming for Ezekiel's head. 

Yet—he dodged again, retreating with fluid movements, raising his pistols— 

BANG! BANG! BANG! 

A relentless barrage of bullets tore through the air. 

Richard clicked his tongue and leaped, twisting midair.

A flick of his wrist, and his second dagger was already in his grasp—clang clang clang! Each bullet that dared come his way was deflected in a shower of sparks. 

Then—

Click. 

The sound of an empty magazine. 

In that instant, Richard moved. 

Like a shadow, he closed the distance in a blink, his icy gaze locked onto his prey. 

Before Ezekiel could react—BAM! 

A merciless fist slammed into his gut. 

The force sent Ezekiel flying, his body crashing hard against the ground, rolling into the distance. 

Ezekiel drank a potion that made him recover from the wounds he received. "Only one left.."

As Ezekiel ran towards Richard, roots chased him from behind, it was Victorica's magic.

With the roots Victorica protected Richard and let him rest for a while.

Ezekiel came down from the roof and when he turned around there was already a net blocking his way.

The road had become an arena, in front of Ezekiel, Iris stood staring at him sharply.

"I've wanted to fight you for a long time, Zero one..." Ezekiel said, "Killing you is enough to satisfy me"

"Iris!" Richard called out.

"It's okay, Richie, let me fight him" Iris replied, "You guys just watch.."

Victorica and Richard watched from above. They closed the distance between each other—just enough for Ezekiel to strike first. 

With lightning-fast reflexes, he drove a kick straight into Iris's stomach.

The impact forced her back slightly, but Ezekiel wasn't done.

His fist shot toward her face, followed by a heavy strike to the chest, and then another vicious blow from the side. 

Iris barely managed to block the side attack, but—CRACK!—his punch still landed clean on her face. 

She staggered back. 

Ezekiel didn't give her a second to recover. He leaped forward, aiming to smash his fist down on her again—but this time, Iris raised her arms just in time, absorbing the hit. 

The assault didn't stop. Blow after blow rained down mercilessly, forcing Iris on the defensive.

She gritted her teeth, trying to endure. 

Then— 

A sharp, unexpected kick struck her ankle. Damn! She lost balance—her knee buckled, forcing her down. 

Ezekiel seized the opening. 

He jumped—and WHAM!—his foot crashed into Iris's face. The force sent her flying, skidding across the ground. 

For a second, she lay still. Then— 

Rustle.

Iris pushed herself up, shaking off the pain. 

Ezekiel lunged at her again, foot poised to strike—but this time, she was ready. Her hands shot up, catching his leg mid-swing. 

His eyes widened. 

Iris twisted sharply, throwing him off balance. 

Ezekiel growled and retaliated, launching a punch toward her face. She ducked, barely dodging in time. 

Frustrated, Ezekiel unleashed a rapid barrage of punches, each one faster than the last.

But Iris held firm—blocking, dodging, weaving through the storm of fists. 

Then—SNAP!

She caught his wrist. 

Before Ezekiel could react, Iris shifted her weight, gripping him tight—then, with a powerful heave— 

BOOM! 

She slammed him into the ground with bone-crushing force. 

A pained yell tore from Ezekiel's throat as the impact sent shockwaves through his body. Dust rose around them. 

Iris exhaled sharply, standing over him. "That should slow him down."

Ezekiel pushed himself back to his feet. 

For a brief moment, they kept their distance, locking eyes—silent, calculating, waiting for the next move. 

Then—Ezekiel charged. 

He lunged forward, fist flying straight toward Iris. But she caught it just in time, stopping the impact.

Without missing a beat, she countered with a punch of her own—only for Ezekiel to block it just as easily. 

Blow after blow followed, their fists colliding in rapid succession, knuckles clashing, forearms meeting in a furious exchange. Neither could break through the other's defense. 

Iris suddenly pulled back. 

She planted her feet, took a sharp breath—then launched herself into the air. 

Her leg swung down like an axe, aiming straight for Ezekiel's head. 

But he was ready. 

His arms crossed into an X, bracing for impact. THWACK! Her kick crashed into his forearms, forcing him to slide back a step. 

Iris didn't stop there. 

Using the momentum, she twisted mid-air, executing a flawless backflip.

The sheer force of it sent Ezekiel skidding backward as well. 

He stumbled, momentarily off balance. 

And in that instant—Iris was already moving. 

She dashed forward at full speed, closing the distance in a heartbeat—then SLAM! She tackled him with full force, sending both of them crashing to the ground. 

They tumbled, rolling across the dirt in a chaotic blur of limbs—until Ezekiel gritted his teeth, shifted his weight, and threw Iris off to the side. 

Both of them hit the ground—but within seconds, they were back on their feet. 

On the rooftop, Richard and Victorica watched the fight unfold, tension thick in the air. 

"Aren't you going to help her, Richard?" Victorica asked. 

"No," Richard replied calmly. "Like she said, let her handle it herself." 

He took a deep breath, eyes fixed on the battle below. "I believe in her… Iris can do this." 

Then, without thinking, he added, "Because she's my girl" 

Silence. 

"...Ah." His mind caught up with his mouth. "Did I just say that out loud..?"

Victorica's eyes lit up. "Iris! Richard believes in you because you're his girl! Keep going!" 

Iris grinned, her confidence surging. "Really? Then I'll make you proud, my darling!" 

Richard groaned, covering his face in embarrassment. "...Why did I say that…" 

Victorica patted his shoulder. "Oh, come on. She looks happier and more fired up because of it."

Iris exploded forward. Her feet barely touched the ground as she closed the distance in a blur, her fist already cocked back. 

Ezekiel's eyes narrowed. He stepped in, twisting his body—WHAM! Their fists met midair, the impact sending a shockwave through their arms. 

Neither relented. 

Iris spun, launching a roundhouse kick. Ezekiel ducked—only for Iris to shift her weight and bring her other leg down in a brutal axe kick. 

THWACK!

Ezekiel barely crossed his arms in time to block it, his knees buckling under the force. But instead of retreating, he grabbed her leg— 

And yanked her off balance. 

Iris twisted midair, landing hard on her palms, then flipping backward to regain her footing. 

But Ezekiel was already there. 

His fist crashed into her ribs. A sharp pain exploded through her side, but Iris gritted her teeth, twisting into the blow to lessen the damage. 

Then—her counterattack. 

She slammed her forehead into Ezekiel's face. The sudden headbutt sent him stumbling back, his vision shaking.

But before he could recover—BAM! A spinning backfist connected with his jaw. 

The world tilted for a second. 

Ezekiel spat blood. Then he grinned. 

"Not bad." 

Iris smirked. "There's more where that came from." With a burst of speed, she lunged forward again.

Ezekiel wiped the blood from his lips, his breath ragged but his grin unwavering. "Not bad…" 

Iris flicked her wrists, shaking off the lingering pain. "There's more where that came from." 

Without hesitation, she surged forward. 

Ezekiel braced himself, but she was fast. Too fast. 

Her fist came in low—a feint. He moved to block, but—BAM!—her knee crashed into his ribs instead.

His breath hitched, pain blooming through his side. 

She didn't stop. 

A sharp elbow strike slammed into his collarbone, forcing him to stagger back. 

He tried to counter, swinging a desperate punch—but she was already gone. 

Whoosh!

Iris ducked low, spun behind him, and drove her palm into the back of his knee.

His leg buckled, forcing him onto one knee. "Damn it…!"

Ezekiel gritted his teeth, trying to push himself up—But Iris was already midair. 

With a fierce battle cry, she twisted, bringing her heel down—CRACK!—a devastating axe kick smashed into his shoulder. 

Ezekiel hit the ground hard. Dust scattered around him. 

His body refused to move. His vision blurred. Iris stood above him, breathing heavily, her eyes blazing with determination. "It's over, Ezekiel." 

He tried to rise, but his limbs betrayed him. The pain, the exhaustion—it was too much. 

For the first time, Ezekiel felt it. 

Defeat.

Ezekiel's body was suddenly ensnared by the thick, twisting roots of Victorica's magic, rendering him immobile.

The vines dug deep into the stone beneath him, making escape impossible.

Victorica and Richard approached Iris, their eyes flicking momentarily to the captive Ezekiel, who struggled against the roots.

"Congratulations," Victorica said, her voice calm, yet laced with a hint of amusement.

Iris kept her gaze fixed on Ezekiel, her expression one of cold fury.

"You two..." She paused, her voice lowering to a dangerous level. "You can go ahead. I want to have a chat with him."

Richard, ever perceptive, immediately understood her intent.

He gave a small nod of approval before turning to Victorica. "Are you free?" he asked, his tone serious.

Victorica arched an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"There's something I want to talk to you about," Richard added, his expression unreadable.

She tilted her head slightly, still unsure of what Richard had in mind, but after a brief moment of hesitation, she nodded.

"Alright," she replied.

With that, Richard and Victorica turned away, walking toward the distance as Iris remained behind, her eyes locked on Ezekiel.

"Are you really okay with your boyfriend going out with another woman?" Ezekiel sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Iris gave him a confident smile, her eyes sharp and unbothered.

"Well, I'm one hundred percent sure Richard wouldn't cheat on me." Her tone was unwavering, as though she was stating a fact rather than an assumption.

Ezekiel's eyes narrowed. "So, was it Fa—Valth who sent you here?" he asked, trying to provoke her.

Iris tilted her head slightly, raising an eyebrow at his slip-up.

"No, I came here of my own free will to take revenge on you." His words stung, but she hid her annoyance behind a mask of calm.

"You killed Zero Two... I considered her like my own sister, you know that?!" Ezekiel's voice wavered with anger, the emotion barely contained.

Iris shrugged nonchalantly. "How the hell should I know? We just met for the first time." Her response was cold, almost dismissive, as if she couldn't be bothered by his vendetta.

Ezekiel clenched his fists, his glare intense. "And, how are the conditions in the organization?" she asked, her tone shifting slightly to one of curiosity.

"Why should I tell you?" Ezekiel snapped back, his face twisted with frustration.

Iris let out a soft, almost playful laugh. "I could spare your life, you know." The words were accompanied by a wide, confident grin, a challenge hanging in the air.

Ezekiel scoffed, shaking his head. "Oh, come on, we Valth students wouldn't do something like sparing someone's life."

"You're the one who should know that best, right?" Iris shot back, her gaze steady, unflinching.

Ezekiel's glare deepened.

"Yes, you are right," Iris said, nodding in acknowledgment as she turned her attention to the knife lying nearby.

Her fingers traced the blade from a distance, recognizing it immediately. It was Richard's knife. He'd left it for her.

A small, appreciative smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

"...He... really understands, huh?" Iris muttered to herself, her voice softer, almost affectionate.

"Best boyfriend in the world." She chuckled softly, her heart swelling with a mix of pride and affection.

Elsewhere, Richard and Victorica sat on a bench in the garden, the faint rustling of leaves filling the silence between them.

Victorica glanced at him. "So, what did you want to talk about, Richard?"

Richard sighed deeply, his gaze distant. "I... don't want Iris close to me anymore."

Victorica's eyes widened in surprise, her hand instinctively tightening around the edge of the bench. "What?"

Richard rubbed his temples as if trying to sort through his thoughts.

"I'm just... confused. I don't want to hurt her, but it feels like every time I let her in, I only drag her deeper into things she shouldn't be involved in."

Victorica fell silent for a moment, processing his words. Slowly, she nodded, understanding the weight of his dilemma.

"So that's how it is?" she said softly.

Richard met her gaze, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "Yeah... what do you think?"

Victorica leaned back against the bench, crossing her arms thoughtfully.

"If you explain it properly to Iris, I'm sure she'll understand."

Richard stared at the ground, the doubt still clear in his posture. "She might hate me... and not want to interact with me again."

"Hey, be confident," Victorica encouraged, her tone a mix of serious and lighthearted.

"I highly doubt that. Iris is... very attached to you."

Richard blinked, still uncertain. "But what if she—"

Victorica interrupted him, a confident smile playing on her lips. "It would take more than that to stop her from trying to get your attention."

"Sure, she might sulk for a bit, but once she's over the feeling of betrayal, she'll come running back to you."

Richard stared at her, his mind racing. He'd been so hesitant, so unsure.

Had he really been overthinking it?

A slow realization settled in, and he could feel the weight of his own self-doubt begin to lift.

He hadn't been confident enough.

"Thanks, Witchie," Richard muttered, the words coming out with genuine gratitude.

Victorica blinked in surprise at the nickname. "You do know what that means, right? 'Witchie'... as in Witch plus Cutie?"

"Huh?" Richard froze, his brain buffering. Then it hit him.

"Oh no. Oh no no no. I didn't mean to call you that!" He panicked.

"It just slipped out! I've heard Iris say it like, a thousand times and—ugh, I was caught in the moment!"

"I swear, I wasn't flirting!" he added, turning red with embarrassment.

Victorica let out a soft chuckle. "It's fine. I get it."

"Please," Richard leaned in a bit, his voice dropping to a whisper, "don't tell Iris. She'll murder me if she finds out I called another woman… cute."

"Got it?" he asked, voice filled with dread.

"No promises," Victorica smirked.

"Hey—!"

Before he could protest further, she turned to him with a teasing smile. "Still, glad I could help, Richie."

Richard stared at her for a moment, then grinned. "You and Iris... you're the same kind of evil."

Richard stood up, determination flickering in his gaze as he looked towards the path leading out of the garden.

"I'm going to find her and set things right."

"Good luck," Victorica said, her voice warm. "Go and make things right with Iris. You can do it."

Richard nodded, feeling something in him shift, something that had been missing for far too long.

He straightened his posture, his doubts fading away. "Alright," he said, and with that, he turned to leave, more confident than before.

Victorica watched him go, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Richard walked toward the bell tower, his steps echoing lightly through the night air.

There, standing just beneath the towering structure, was Iris, her silhouette outlined by the soft glow of the moon.

"Iris," Richard called out, his voice firm but calm.

Iris looked up, clearly surprised. "Richie? How? Have you talked to Victorica?"

Richard nodded in affirmation, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

He glanced at her with a strange mix of resolve and hesitance. "And what about Ezekiel?"

Iris smirked, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her face. "I've finished him off," she said, almost nonchalantly. "Thanks for the knife."

Before Richard could respond, Iris casually tossed the knife in his direction.

Instinctively, he caught it, his grip firm.

"Don't throw it," he muttered, a hint of annoyance in his tone as he quickly tucked the weapon away.

The moment hung in the air for a second before Richard took a step closer to her.

"There's something I want to talk to you about, Iris."

Iris tilted her head slightly, intrigued yet still relaxed. "Hm? What's wrong?"

The two of them stood side by side, the full moon above them casting a soft glow on the quiet world around them.

Richard's expression grew serious, his words deliberate. "I want us to separate."

Iris blinked, the words hitting her like a cold gust of wind.

She took a small step back, her heart racing as she processed what he had just said. "What do you mean...?"

Her voice faltered, still grappling with the shock. "We... broke up?"

Richard's gaze softened, and he immediately shook his head. "No! We're still in a relationship," he quickly corrected.

"But... we need to take care of our own lives and personal affairs."

"Think of it like... a bit of space, but we'll still be together."

Iris was silent for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in.

"Why?! If the two of us were together, all the problems would be solved quickly, right?!" she snapped, her voice sharp like a whip.

Richard's eyes flashed with something deep—something raw.

"Because I care about you!" he shot back, his voice rising, though his words carried more than anger; they were tinged with fear, with vulnerability.

Iris took a step forward, her posture aggressive, but her heart was hammering in her chest.

"When I saw you overwhelmed during your fight with Ezekiel," he began, but his voice faltered, just for a moment.

"I feel like my heart is not ready to feel the loss..."

"You don't believe me?!" Iris's voice cracked with disappointment, a deep pain settling in her chest.

Richard's hands balled into fists at his sides. "I really believe it but I always feel restless, you know?!" He took a step closer.

Their faces inches apart, his breath ragged and uneven. "I can't stop thinking about it!" he spat, frustration boiling over.

Iris's chest tightened, her own breath quickening as she tried to make sense of his words.

But Richard couldn't hold it back anymore. His voice broke the silence like a crashing wave.

"Because..." he started, his voice thick with something deeper than he was ready to admit.

"I love you, Iris."

The words hit her like a bolt of lightning. Iris stood frozen, her heart slamming in her chest as if it were trying to break free from its cage.

She stared at him, her mouth slightly open, her mind racing. This was the first time Richard had said those words.

She couldn't breathe, couldn't think straight.

The confession echoed in her head, over and over, each word digging deeper, each syllable more chaotic than the last.

"You..." Iris whispered, her voice barely a tremor in the heavy night.

Her heart pounded louder than the chaotic storm brewing around them.

Richard took a deep breath, his heart heavy but his voice steady.

"That's why," he began softly, his gaze gentle but unwavering.

"Please, don't get too close to me, not while I'm still tangled in this criminal world."

Iris looked at him, her expression a mix of confusion and concern. Richard's words were heavy, but his intentions were clear.

"I don't want you to get hurt," he continued, his voice quiet yet firm.

"Not even a little, physically or mentally."

She opened her mouth to say something, but he held up a hand, cutting her off gently.

"I know how strong you are," he said, his gaze softening as he looked into her eyes.

"Physically and mentally, I know you're capable of handling so much... but when I see you hurt..."

His voice trailed off, but his eyes spoke the truth of his feelings—he couldn't bear the thought of her in pain.

A silence lingered between them, thick with unspoken emotions.

"You once said you wanted to be a lawyer, right?" he asked, his voice warm with the memory.

"Follow that dream. Be the lawyer you've always wanted to be—a great one."

He paused, allowing the words to settle, before continuing with a quiet conviction that sent a soft shiver down her spine. "And when the time comes..."

Richard slowly moved closer, his eyes filled with affection and something deeper, something more permanent.

He took a slow breath, trying to calm the racing of his heart. With a small but determined smile, he knelt before her, surprising Iris.

A small ring box appeared in his hand, and when it opened, a stunning ring gleamed under the moonlight.

"Will you marry me someday?"

He asked, his voice low but full of hope, vulnerability, and all the love he had for her.

Iris stared at the ring, the world around her quieting in that moment.

Her breath caught in her throat as her heart beat faster than ever before.

She never expected this, never dreamed it could happen like this.

She felt overwhelmed with emotion, a warm flush creeping up her neck, and her eyes began to fill with tears.

"Yes... I will," she whispered, her voice trembling with happiness.

Richard's heart soared at her words. With a smile that could light up the world.

He took the ring from the box and gently slid it onto her ring finger, his touch tender.

As though sealing their future in that one simple act.

From that moment, they were no longer just two people caught in a whirlwind of chaos—they were something more, something solid and real.

They were officially engaged.

The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the gates where Iris and Richard stood.

The day had been filled with moments of peace, laughter, and quiet joy, knowing that it would be a while before they could share such time together again.

The weight of the separation was heavy, but the hope of future reunions kept their hearts steady.

"Take care of yourself, okay, Iris?" Richard said, his voice tinged with both care and finality.

"You too, darling," Iris replied, her words soft but filled with affection.

Richard couldn't help but smile at the term of endearment, though he was still getting used to hearing it.

He nodded, a quiet chuckle escaping him as he adjusted to the weight of it.

Iris stepped closer, her movements slow but deliberate.

Without warning, she kissed him, her lips soft and warm against his.

Richard, taken by surprise, hesitated for only a moment before returning the kiss, as if this one moment could hold everything they both felt.

Time seemed to stop as they shared the kiss, savoring the connection, the bond they had formed, unspoken but undeniable.

When they finally parted, they both lingered, the world around them feeling still and quiet.

Richard cleared his throat, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "Alright... Until we meet again."

Iris nodded, her eyes filled with a quiet promise. "Until we meet again."

Without another word, they turned away, each walking in opposite directions.

The weight of their separate paths settling into the space between them.

Richard's journey would take him into the shadows of the criminal underworld, where he would fight for justice as a bounty hunter.

Iris would step into the light, starting her career as a lawyer, fighting for what was right in the courtrooms.

Their goals were different, their paths divergent, but deep down, they knew one thing: no matter where life took them, no matter the distance or time that passed, their paths would cross again.

They didn't know when.

They didn't know where.

But they would meet again.