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Autumndusk, Upper North section of Stoneglen, Time: 7:50 AM
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Ace strolled through the bustling streets of the festival, each step a reminder of memories etched into the corners of his mind.
He couldn't help but smile at the recollection of the countless adventures he and Rosco had embarked upon in this very place.
The laughter, the camaraderie, the challenges—they all resided in the nooks and crannies of Stoneglen.
Stopping in front of the public arena, he vividly recalled the thunderous cheers as he and Rosco engaged in heated battles, the crowd's excitement fueling their determination.
Ace's gaze turned wistful as he muttered under his breath, "God, I miss those days, Rosco." The ache of loss tugged at his heartstrings, a silent tribute to a dear friend who was no longer by his side.
He could almost hear Rosco's boisterous laughter echoing through the air, as if they were still together, sharing in the thrill of the festivities. "Man, sucks that no one's accompanying me."
As he continued his solitary journey, his gaze was drawn to a colorful banner that read, 'Read Your Fortune.'
While Ace was usually skeptical of such things, a small spark of curiosity ignited within him. Maybe, just maybe, a glimpse into the unknown could offer a momentary diversion from the ache of nostalgia.
Ace approached the fortune teller's booth, the atmosphere around him charged with curiosity. The fortune teller, an elderly woman with wise eyes and a knowing smile, welcomed him with a nod.
"Welcome, young traveler," she greeted, her voice carrying a melodious tone that seemed to resonate with the mystical surroundings. "Would you like to know what the future holds for you?"
Ace chuckled, a mix of skepticism and amusement playing on his lips. "Sure, why not? Let's see what the stars have to say."
The fortune teller's fingers danced gracefully over a deck of worn cards, and she began to shuffle them with an air of practiced expertise. Her eyes never left Ace's face, as if she was studying him beyond his physical appearance.
As she laid out the cards on the table in a pattern that seemed to hold secrets only she could decipher, she spoke in a measured tone. "You are a guardian, a protector of the realm. Your path is one of challenges and triumphs, of darkness and light."
Ace nodded, intrigued by her words. "That's right. We face our fair share of challenges."
The fortune teller's gaze seemed to pierce through him as if she was glimpsing into his very soul. "But today, young guardian, the cards reveal something different. A familiar face from your past will cross your path once more."
Ace's eyebrows shot up in surprise. The words struck a chord within him, stirring memories he hadn't revisited in a while. "A familiar face? Are you saying I'll meet someone I know?"
The fortune teller's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Destiny weaves its threads in ways we cannot always predict. Keep your eyes open, for this encounter might hold significance."
Ace leaned back slightly, his skepticism giving way to a sense of curiosity he couldn't ignore. "Well, I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for the insight."
The fortune teller nodded, her eyes twinkling with ancient wisdom. "Remember, young guardian, that the future is never set in stone. It is a tapestry of choices, actions, and the unexpected."
As Ace left the booth, his mind buzzed with thoughts. Could the fortune teller's words hold any truth? Or were they simply a clever manipulation of chance?
Regardless, he found himself glancing around the festival with newfound anticipation, wondering if destiny had something in store for him that day.
As Ace continued his meandering through the festival, lost in his thoughts and memories, he suddenly collided with someone, jolting him back to reality.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, sir..." Ace began to apologize, but his words caught in his throat as he looked up. The face that met his gaze was etched into his memory forever.
Standing before him was a figure that exuded strength, a presence that commanded respect without uttering a word.
It was none other than Vermilion, the renowned S-rank guardian known for his stoic demeanor and unswerving resolve.
His attire spoke volumes about his works as a guardian, commanding authority without the need for words.
His hair, a striking blend of smooth black and crimson, added to his distinctive appearance, and his dark skin bore a scattering of scars that hinted at battles won.
The cornerstone of his ensemble was a meticulously tailored black coat that radiated an aura of authority.
Its design echoed the vestments worn by clergy, its length extending to his knees, each sharp line and fold contributing to a clean, structured silhouette. The fabric was of the finest quality, mirroring the strength of his power.
Golden crosses were seamlessly woven into his attire, a testament to his steadfast principles.
An intricate silver cross pin adorned the collar of his coat, its presence subtle yet capturing the light in a mesmerizing dance. Another cross, slightly larger, graced the cuffs of his sleeves, adding a touch of sophistication to his overall ensemble.
Beneath the coat, Vermilion sported a crisp crimson shirt that evoked the stored anger often associated with his loss of a comrade.
The shirt was flawlessly tailored, ensuring a comfortable fit that allowed him unrestricted movement. A simple black tie added a note of formality, enhancing the air of composed presence that surrounded him.
His choice of bottoms consisted of tailored black trousers that seamlessly matched the coat. A sleek black leather belt encircled his waist, adorned with a subtle cross-shaped buckle.
This functional accessory not only held his attire together but also symbolized his unwavering beliefs.
"No, no. I should be the one apologizing, Ace." Vermilion's voice cut through the moment, a calm and measured tone that resonated with his composed persona.
"Holy shit, it's you..." It was then that Ace realized the truth in the fortune teller's words—he had indeed crossed paths with a familiar face.
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Autumndusk, Upper North section of Stoneglen, Time: 8:50 AM
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Ace and Vermilion found a moment of respite on a weathered wooden bench, each clutching treats in their hands as they settled in for a long-overdue catch-up.
The air hummed with a deep-seated camaraderie, an unspoken understanding that their paths had converged once more.
Vermilion's eyes danced with curiosity as he leaned back slightly, his intention to unravel the layers of Ace's recent experiences evident.
"So, Ace, how's life been treating you?" Vermilion's inquiry rang with genuine interest, interwoven with a playful undertone.
"Finally coming out of your shell, huh?" he quipped, a teasing glint in his eye, eager to hear the story that had unfolded since their last encounter.
Ace's laughter rumbled softly, a brief moment of nostalgia gracing his expression as he recollected his journey. "Well, let's just say I was more forcefully dragged out of my shell," he responded with a wry grin.
"Guess you've heard about that whole Koras ordeal, right?" The memory of his clash with Koras was etched in his mind, marking a pivotal moment in his life. He couldn't help but acknowledge that, were he to cross paths with Sugar again, gratitude might be in order.
His eyes brightened as he continued, "But there's a silver lining—I've awakened my Reborn form." As he spoke, a majestic wing gracefully unfurled from his back, a testament to his growth and newfound strength.
Vermilion's slow, appreciative applause resonated with genuine pride and camaraderie. "Impressive, Ace. You're getting the hang of this whole destiny thing," he remarked, his tone laced with admiration. While he lingered momentarily on Ace's achievements, he soon segued into his own story.
A playful spark ignited in Vermilion's eyes as he leaned in, his voice conspiratorial. "Now, if you're up for a tale, I've got one to entertain you with," he teased. "After those incidents, I found myself demoted to B-Rank—apparently, upsetting the royals isn't a career enhancer." A wistful expression flitted across his features as his gaze drifted skyward.
Ace's brow furrowed slightly, an empathetic concern flickering in his eyes. He was all too aware that his actions had inadvertently impacted Vermilion's path.
"I'm sorry, Vermilion. If I hadn't entered the picture, maybe you wouldn't have been caught up in all of this," he admitted, the weight of his sincerity plain to see.
Vermilion's gaze held a blend of understanding and sincerity. "Ace, my friend, listen," he began gently, his voice carrying the weight of shared experience. "Helping you escape was the right choice.
You and Rosco saved my life that day." Unspoken gratitude lingered beneath his words, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that had forged amid adversity.
Ace's gratitude radiated through his eyes as he nodded, warmth suffusing him. "And you saved us too, more than words can express," he acknowledged, his voice brimming with the depth of his emotions.
Vermilion's expression shifted, a touch of solemnity entering his gaze. "Yes, but it came at a cost," he admitted, a trace of sorrow lacing his words. "Especially for him," he added, his gaze cast downward in remembrance of the loyal Rosco, the one who hadn't made it out.
Ace's heart ached, empathy coursing through him. He shared that in Vermilion's loss, the weight of the past is still poignant despite the passage of time. "I'm sorry that my actions led to pain for you and Rosco," Ace said, his remorse genuine.
Vermilion's hand lifted gently to stop him. "Don't apologize, Ace. I made my choice willingly and stand by it," he reassured a steely determination in his voice.
His expression softened the somber airlifting. "I managed to climb back up the ranks and become an S Rank Guardian again. I'm stronger now than ever."
A relieved smile graced Ace's lips. "I'm genuinely glad to hear that," he said, a note of relief coloring his tone. "But I have news too—Koras is searching for you."
Vermilion's eyebrows arched in surprise. "Koras? That's unexpected. Is he alive?" Ace nodded, his expression filled with certainty as Vermilion's eyes welled with emotion.
As a gesture of gratitude for Ace and his friends' intervention, Vermilion's eyes gleamed with sincerity. "Ace, as a token of my appreciation, I'd like to offer you a permanent VIP seat at the public fighting arena."
Ace's eyes widened in astonishment. "Wow, that's incredibly generous, Vermilion. I'm truly honored."
Vermilion's tone softened, a genuine warmth emanating from him. "You deserve it, Ace. And speaking of the arena, would you be interested in attending the arena together?"
A spark of excitement ignited in Ace's eyes. "Absolutely! I've already talked to James about the invitation. He's excited to see how you and I will react to his fight in the arena."
Vermilion nodded, his agreement marked by a pleased smile. "Then it's settled. I look forward to sharing this experience with both of you." At that moment, both of them were always in the west as they were going to the Colosseum together.
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