Elias followed the kid through the dark alleyways until they reached a strange, rusted door.
The kid knocked in a specific rhythm, and suddenly—an eye appeared on the door.
A deep voice rumbled from within.
"What's the password?"
The kid crossed his arms. "There is no password."
The voice was silent for a moment before replying—
"Correct."
The door creaked open, revealing a short but sturdy man with a thick beard and sharp eyes. A dwarf.
Elias' eyes widened. "Wait… you're the guy who was sitting behind the market earlier!"
The dwarf smirked. "Yeah, and? You got a problem with that?"
Elias held up his hands. "Nope. Just surprised."
The kid tugged Elias forward. "Come on."
---
Inside the Hideout
Elias stepped inside and immediately noticed—this wasn't just some hideout.
It was a fully operating base.
People moved through the corridors, some counting stacks of stolen goods, others examining weapons, and a few lounging around, chatting.
Elias glanced at The kid. "What is this place?"
Kid grinned. "Welcome to our hideout."
They made their way up a spiral staircase, the air filled with hushed conversations and the clinking of metal.
As they reached the top, Elias whispered, "Where are we going?"
Kid didn't look back. "To our leader."
Elias muttered under his breath. "Of course."
---
Meeting the Boss
At the top floor, a woman with short black hair and piercing red eyes stood at a large wooden desk, speaking to another girl.
"You're saying that guy's attacking us again?" the boss asked, arms crossed.
The girl nodded. "Yeah. He's been hitting our supply runs."
The boss sighed. "Tch. Annoying."
Then, she turned—and her sharp eyes locked onto Elias.
Her gaze narrowed.
"Number Six," she said, "who's that behind you?"
Six grinned. "A new recruit."
Elias froze. "…What?"
He leaned toward Six, whispering harshly, "I did NOT agree to this."
Six whispered back, "Would you rather be dead?"
Elias stopped.
The boss studied him. "Are you sure about this? He doesn't look like he wants to join."
Six waved a hand dismissively. "Nah, he's just shy. He's very diligent and a fast learner."
Elias shot him a glare. "That's NOT true."
The boss smirked. "Alright, let's make it official."
Before Elias could react, she grabbed his hand.
She muttered a chant under her breath, and suddenly—a cross-shaped symbol appeared on his palm before disappearing.
Elias yanked his hand back. "What the hell was that?!"
The boss leaned back in her chair. "Congratulations. You're now a member of the Black Shadow."
Elias' stomach dropped. Black Shadow…?
That was one of the most infamous theft groups in Lunar.
"I don't—" he started, but the boss cut him off.
"Come back tomorrow."
Then, she waved a hand, signaling for them to leave.
Six grabbed Elias' arm and quickly led him out before he could protest.
---
On the Way Back
As they walked through the quiet streets, Elias rubbed his forehead.
"So… your real name is Six?" he asked.
Six shook his head. "Nah, it's just my nickname in the group. My real name is Sean."
Elias sighed. "Figures."
After a moment, he looked at Six. "Alright, I'm heading home now."
But Six grabbed his shoulder.
"You're coming back tomorrow, right?"
Elias raised an eyebrow. "Nope. I only came because my OS was low. I don't want to die in Lunar."
Six's expression turned serious. "You don't have a choice."
Elias frowned. "What?"
Six sighed. "That symbol the boss put on you? It means you're part of Black Shadow now. If you don't show up tomorrow… the boss will put a bounty on your head."
Elias froze.
"…Are you serious?"
Six nodded. "Dead serious."
Elias groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. I'll come tomorrow."
Six grinned. "Good choice."
And with that, Six left, disappearing into the shadows.
Elias stood in front of his aunt's apartment, staring at the door.
What the hell did I just get myself into? I'm