At the same time Voltra regained his limbs, on the other side of Arcanova, the group had just finished their dinner and were now waiting for dessert. Hanz excused himself and disappeared into the kitchen. After a few minutes, he returned, carrying a chocolate cheesecake. Its glossy surface and rich aroma made everyone's mouths water.
As Hanz placed the dessert on the table, Josh couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "As good as always," he declared, cutting himself a slice. "You really outdid yourself this time. Love your cheesecakes!"
Hanz smiled gratefully as the others chimed in with compliments about his cooking skills.
"Thanks, everyone. I'm glad you enjoy it," he said, taking his seat.
The cheesecake vanished quickly, everyone savoring each bite until only crumbs remained. When dessert was finished, Hanz, with Misa's help, began clearing the table and washing the dishes.
As they worked side by side, Hanz glanced at Misa. "Misa, have you noticed how distant Moros has been lately?"
Misa nodded, her expression clouded with worry. "I have. He's been locking himself in his room for hours, barely talking to anyone. It's not like him."
Hanz dried a plate and placed it on the rack. "He's always been passionate about his work, but this feels different. I don't know what he's working on, but it's clearly eating at him."
Misa sighed, setting a glass down gently. "I've tried asking him, but he just brushes me off or says everything's fine."
Hanz hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Maybe he needs someone to remind him of what's important. You're probably the only one who can get through to him right now."
Misa turned to him, a flicker of determination in her eyes. "You're right. I'll talk to him tonight. Thanks, Hanz."
Hanz gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Good luck. And let me know if you need anything."
Josh stood up, stretching. "We should get going now. Thanks for the meal, Hanz," he said, hoisting Spinell up under his arm like a sack of potatoes.
Spinell waved with his free hand as they headed for the door. "Ciao! And thanks again for the food!"
Sandro left soon after, pausing briefly at the door. He locked eyes with Moros, a smirk playing on his lips. Leaning in, he whispered, "Think about what happened in the laboratory." Then, with a low, sinister chuckle, he disappeared into the night.
In his room, Moros sat hunched over his desk, entirely absorbed in his research. Before him lay a strange fragment of matter he had nicknamed "Doom." The glowing shard seemed to pulse faintly, as though it were alive.
"I know I can understand this soon," Moros muttered to himself, his brown eyes alight with determination. His focus was so intense that he had started neglecting those around him, completely consumed by his work.
Meanwhile, Misa stood outside his door, sighing softly. "I don't know what's happening to him," she murmured. "I guess I'll have to find out myself."
Taking a deep breath, she knocked gently. "Moros? May I come in?"
"Yeah, sure, come in," came his distracted reply.
As Misa entered, Moros quickly slid the Doom fragment into a drawer, hiding it from view. She approached and sat beside him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
"What's going on with you?" she asked, concern evident in her voice. "You've been distant lately. Can you tell me what's wrong?"
Moros turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Nothing, really," he replied after a moment, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Thanks for worrying, but everything's fine." His smile was cold, lacking its usual warmth.
Misa's brow furrowed. She hugged him tighter, her voice soft but firm. "I want to believe you, but please understand—I love you. Not just me, everyone is worried about you. Don't shut us out, Moros."
Her words pierced through Moros's guarded demeanor, and for the first time in days, doubt flickered across his face. He had been ready to push everyone away, to sacrifice everything for his dreams. Yet here she was, the woman he loved, reminding him of what truly mattered.
"I... I know," Moros finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. A genuine smile broke through his facade as he pulled Misa into a tight embrace. "I know you're always by my side."
"Stop, stop! I can't breathe!" Misa squeaked, laughing.
"Sorry," Moros chuckled, loosening his grip.
"By the way," Misa said, brushing a stray tear from her cheek, "how are the preparations for our wedding coming along?"
Moros's smile widened. "Good. Next week, we'll officially be engaged, right?"
Misa grinned mischievously, leaning in to kiss him. "That's right. I can't wait to finally catch you, Mr. Inventor."
As she stood to leave, Misa turned back at the door. "Don't stay up too late, okay?" she teased with a wink before disappearing into the hallway.
Moros leaned back in his chair, staring at the closed door. "What a girl," he murmured, a bright smile on his face. "I'm lucky to have her."
Turning back to his desk, his gaze fell on the locked drawer where the Doom fragment was hidden. For a moment, he hesitated, then pulled it out, holding the mysterious object in his hands. Its faint glow reflected in his eyes.
"Maybe I don't need this after all," he muttered, glancing at a photo of the group on his desk. His eyes lingered on the image of Misa, her smile radiating happiness.
"Yeah," he said with a determined nod. "I really don't need this."
Placing the fragment into a small box, he locked it shut and slid it into the back of the drawer. "Maybe one day," he whispered to himself, "but not today."
With a newfound sense of clarity, Moros stood, stretching. His work could wait—tonight, he would choose to focus on what truly mattered.