5 years ago
[POV Solarion]
Drizzles tapped against the small office window. The sky was as gloomy as his heart. Five years had passed, yet the memories remained vivid.
Scattered reports lay on the desk. His fingers trembled as he read the name on the top sheet.
"Luce Maddox."
He shut his eyes, forcing away the haunting echoes of the past.
You failed to protect her.
You killed her sister.
Why are you still alive?
His heart pounded violently. His breath hitched. He clutched his chest, the pain pressing down like a boulder. It wasn't the first time he had suffered an attack like this. By now, he was used to it.
Knock! Knock!
The door creaked open. Akira stepped in, worry evident on his face.
"Solarion, I know you're not well. You need to pull yourself together."
He said nothing.
"We found someone for you."
---
[In the Organization Leader's Office]
"Why would I need an assistant? I'm not some BATMAN FROM AMERICA, Tuan Vaelora."
The organization leader let out a sigh.
"I know you're suffering because of my sister's orders five years ago. But you can't keep living like this. The world still needs you, Solarion."
He scoffed bitterly. "Without Luce? I don't want this. Just let me work in an office like a normal person."
"Please, Solarion... I'm begging you."
"Sorry, Akira. I'm not interested."
"Just this once, okay?" Akira pleaded, making a pitiful face.
Suddenly, another voice cut in.
"Are you seriously refusing this kid? He scored a perfect 100% on the test."
Solarion frowned and turned around.
And for a moment, the world stopped.
A teenage boy stood there with a cocky grin. His wavy black hair, his confident eyes—
He... looked just like Nana.
"Ehh... no way I failed without an interview?" The boy grinned. "This agency is totally 'judge a book by its cover'—what a scam."
Solarion's voice wavered. "What's your name?"
"Leo Maddox, from Auronia Star Academy!"
Maddox?!
Solarion's heart clenched.
His eyes darted toward Erin, who stood at the side, wearing a faint smile.
"Erin... where have you been all this time?"
Erin merely shrugged. "That's a secret."
---
[POV Leo]
Leo blinked in confusion at their reactions.
"Uh, excuse me, sir... ma'am? Why does my last name shock you so much? Did my family turn into criminals or something?! If so, I swear, I have no connection!"
Erin chuckled.
"You remind me of an old friend... and I like your family name."
Leo mumbled to himself, "What's with old people these days? Getting all worked up over surnames…"
---
Leo scratched the back of his head. "So... when do I start?"
Solarion gave a small smile. "Tomorrow. Come early, okay, little Leo?"
Leo gave a playful salute. "Yes, sir! I'll be off then!"
He dashed out with excitement.
"Take care, kid!" Erin waved with a grin.
"Be careful," Solarion added softly.
The door closed. Silence filled the room once more.
Solarion let out a deep sigh, rubbing his temples.
"Congrats on your new assistant, Sooolaaaarioooon!" Erin teased.
Solarion shot her a look. "Yeah, yeah. Where did you even find him?"
---
Solarion exhaled, glancing at Erin.
"Where did you find that kid?"
"The Blackjack recruitment room. He scored a perfect 100, while the other candidates barely reached 93%."
Solarion let out a chuckle. "Crazy. How did you even get him?"
"Oh, I bribed him with a limited-edition guitar from Xico."
"What?! You just gave him that?! What about you?"
Erin shrugged. "Someone important to me is gone now. So, what's the point in keeping it? Besides, I wanted to help my bestie."
Solarion fell silent.
"Don't get all moody now. You'll ruin the vibe. Let's fight, one-on-one!"
He raised an eyebrow. "You wanna fight me, Erin?"
"Yeah, I'm sure! Let's go!!"
---
To Be Continued.