Before heading to the vault, Ryo asked to stop by his room to grab a few things for the investigation.
Shahira and Amina led him through the grand palace halls, their footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors. The towering archways, adorned with intricate golden patterns, made Ryo feel like he was walking through a museum of history and wealth.
Ryo let out a sigh. "Man, this palace is huge. I wouldn't be surprised if I get lost just trying to find the bathroom."
Amina chuckled. "Don't worry, Ryo. Just make sure to ask a staff member if you ever lose your way."
After ten minutes of walking—long enough to make Ryo wonder if his room was in another time zone—Shahira finally stopped in front of a set of tall, beautifully carved double doors.
"Here's your room," she said as she pushed them open.
Ryo stepped inside and immediately froze. His eyes widened as he took in the luxurious sight before him.
"Woah… This is like a five-star hotel room!"
The room was breathtaking. A high domed ceiling, covered in golden calligraphy, held a chandelier of hanging crystals that glowed with soft amber light. Silk tapestries decorated the walls, embroidered with golden thread showing deserts, brave warriors, and starry skies.
In the center of the room was a massive king-sized bed, covered in deep sapphire and gold fabrics. The pillows looked soft and inviting, and the carved wooden headboard had geometric patterns with delicate mother-of-pearl inlays. Ryo could already tell — this bed was 900 times more comfortable than the one in his shabby office.
To the side, an open balcony revealed a breathtaking view of Al-Munira. The city stretched out like a dream, with its golden domes, bustling markets, and winding streets glowing under the setting sun. The air was filled with the scent of spices and jasmine, adding to the enchantment of the moment.
Amina grinned. "How do you like it, Ryo?"
Ryo scoffed. "Are you kidding? I might never leave!"
Shahira pointed to a grand wooden desk near the window. "Your bags are over there."
Ryo walked over and placed a hand on the desk, admiring the craftsmanship.
"Man, even the furniture is top-tier. This desk alone is probably worth more than my entire office."
But then, something caught his eye—a tiny, almost imperceptible detail on the desk. Most people would've missed it, but Ryo's sharp detective instincts made him pause. Something was off. He kept his expression neutral and chose not to mention it… not yet.
Turning back to the girls, he put on a casual smile. "Alright, ladies, please wait outside while I get ready."
Shahira raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you just grabbing a few things? Why do we need to leave?"
Ryo chuckled. "I need to change, you know…"
Amina smirked. "Oh? Don't you want two beautiful ladies watching?"
Ryo blinked, momentarily stunned, then facepalmed.
"Shouldn't it be the guy's job to say something like that?" he said, clearly disappointed by Amina's bold comment.
Enjoying his reaction, Amina simply giggled, while Shahira rolled her eyes.
Ryo nudged them both out of the room. "Come on, out you go."
As he shut the door behind them, Shahira sighed. "Amina, leave the teasing to me, will you?" she said, acting like the heroine who unknowingly grew jealous at the sight of another beautiful girl teasing her crush.
Amina giggled. "Relax, I just wanted to see how he'd react. His expressions are too funny!" She leaned towards Shahira with a mischievous grin, rubbing her chin with one arm crossed. "Oh... could it be you're jealous? Well, he was cool when he humiliated Prince Jamil earlier."
Shahira, a bit flustered, looked away. "W...what are you saying?" she asked, like a heroine who totally denies liking her crush, even though it's obvious to everyone watching.
Fifteen minutes later, Ryo stepped out of the room, now wearing his signature gray trench coat.
Shahira and Amina stared for a moment.
"WOOOOW…" they said in unison.
Ryo frowned. "What?"
Shahira smiled. "I guess you really want to look the part of a detective before starting your investigation."
Amina teased. "Or maybe he just wants to impress us by looking cool." She said, thinking Ryo was trying to form a harem by rocking his trench coat like an anime protagonist.
Ryo sighed, adjusting his collar. "I'm not trying to impress anyone… Let's just get going."
Shahira and Amina exchanged knowing looks, grinning as they led him to the elevator.
As they reached the elevator area, a royal guard stood firmly in front of it, blocking their path.
"Hold it," the guard commanded, raising a hand. "Only the royal family and guards are permitted beyond this point."
Shahira stepped forward. "This is the detective assisting with the investigation."
The guard eyed Ryo before turning to Amina. "I see. However, Lady Amina, even though you are the Sultan's trusted attendant, I'm afraid you're not authorized to enter."
Amina sighed dramatically. "I see… Well, I guess this is as far as I go. I'm not royalty, after all."
She crossed her arms and pouted. "Hmph! I really wanted to see your detective skills in action, Ryo."
Ryo chuckled. "Some other time, I guess."
Then Amina's expression brightened mischievously. "I suppose I can just pass the time by watching Jamil's butt get handed to him by the Sultan and Sultana's sandals."
Shahira froze mid-step. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead as childhood memories of her parents' sandal-based discipline flooded back.
Before she could say a word, Amina spun on her heels and dashed off, laughing gleefully. "Alright, see you guys!"
The guard, now satisfied, stepped aside and allowed Ryo and Shahira into the elevator.
Ryo gave the guard a quick glance as he passed, thinking the man looked somewhat familiar.
Then came the elevator. It appeared ordinary—sleek, metallic, with golden engravings of the royal crest. But as it descended, the atmosphere began to shift. The warm lighting dimmed into an eerie glow, and the smooth metal walls gave way to rough, ancient stone, as if they were passing through the layers of time itself.
The ride felt like an eternity.
Ryo groaned. "Man, this is the longest elevator ride of my life…"
Shahira chuckled. "The vault has to be heavily secured. Burying it this deep is only natural."
It took fifteen long minutes before they finally reached the bottom.
As the doors slid open, an ominous sight awaited them.
A vast, grim dungeon stretched before them, its walls lined with torches that flickered weakly, casting unsettling shadows. The air was thick with dampness, carrying the scent of aged stone and something… older.
At the center stood the vault—a towering metal structure reinforced with layers of high-tech security mechanisms. It resembled a bank's vault, but more advanced, more unbreakable. Yet, one thing stood out.
It wasn't closed.
Ryo narrowed his eyes. "Why is it… open?"
Shahira shrugged. "There's no point in locking it anymore. The Celestial Compass is gone."
Ryo glanced at her. "That so?" He then stretched his arms. "Alright, time to get started."
Inside, the vault was practically empty. The only thing left was an ancient pedestal, crafted from what appeared to be sandstone. Unlike the modern technology surrounding it, the pedestal remained unchanged, untouched by time.
On it, a small, old box lay open, its thick chains discarded carelessly on the floor.
Ryo surveyed the scene, moving around the vault. Despite his detective skills, he couldn't find anything. It was as if the culprit had only left a mess, with nothing but chains scattered on the floor.
Then, his sharp eyes caught something else—security cameras mounted in every corner of the vault. He turned to Shahira. "You have footage, right?"
Shahira's expression shifted—hesitation, unease. "That's…" she muttered.
Ryo's brow furrowed. "What's wrong?"
Without a word, Shahira pulled out her smartphone from her robe and played the security feed. The screen showed the vault, pristine and untouched. The box was sealed, the chains intact.
Then, in a blink—
The box was suddenly open. The chains were on the floor. The Celestial Compass… gone.
No movement. No figure. No transition.
It simply changed.
A cold chill slithered down Ryo's spine. The timer on the footage hadn't even glitched. No missing frames. No interruptions.
His fingers tightened into a fist. "This…"
Shahira, visibly unnerved, whispered. "What do you make of it, Ryo?"
Ryo placed a hand on his chin, his mind racing. "…It's like the culprit… is trying to create the perfect crime."
The moment those words left his lips, the temperature in the vault seemed to drop.
From the corner outside the vault, something peeked into view... watching.
A figure—no, a presence.
A shadowy silhouette stood motionless just beyond the entrance, its form barely distinguishable from the surrounding darkness. But its eyes—bloodshot, filled with hatred—were locked onto Ryo.
Staring…
Predatory…
Ryo could feel its stare, a surge of cold terror gripping his chest. His eyes widened in fear, his heartbeat pounding in his ears, each beat echoing like a drum of dread.
He hadn't turned around yet. But he knew.
Something was watching him.
His hands grew cold and trembled, his breath turning shallow as the air around him felt wrong—like the shadows themselves had weight, pressing down on him.
Slowly—painfully slowly—he turned his head.
Nothing.
Outside the vault's entrance was empty.
Ryo's breath hitched, his body stiff.
Then—
"Ryo!!" Shahira's voice snapped him back.
He blinked, his heartbeat still racing. "Oh, uh… what is it, Sha?"
She looked at him, concerned. "I called your name so many times. Your eyes… they looked terrified. Are you okay?"
Ryo swallowed hard. He glanced back at the entrance. Empty.
"…Yeah," he muttered. "I'm fine."
But he wasn't, because deep in his gut, he knew they were not alone.
Then, his stomach growled loudly.
Ryo chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. "Oh… uh… sorry about that, hahaha."
Shahira giggled. "I suppose it is dinner time. Let's leave the dungeon for today and continue the investigation tomorrow. I'll inform the maids to prepare a feast."
Ryo nodded, but his expression remained tense.
Shahira noticed. The way his shoulders were still stiff, the way his eyes flickered with unease. He was still thinking about it.
She placed a gentle hand on his arm. "It's been a long day. Let's eat and get some rest."
Ryo inhaled deeply, exhaling through his nose before looking at her. Then, after a brief pause, he spoke. "…Sha, how about we go out and eat together?" he asked, completely unaware of how his words might sound, acting like a typical dense protagonist.
Shahira blinked.
Then, her expression changed.
Her cheeks turned slightly pink. She parted her lips in shock, then dramatically clutched her chest.
"Oh my gosh, Ryo…" she gasped.
Ryo frowned, confused. "What?"
Then, with the absolute smuggest grin he had ever seen, Shahira leaned toward him and cheerfully said.
"I DIDN'T THINK YOU'D ASK ME OUT ON A DINNER DATE!!!" she said, full of hope and misunderstanding Ryo.
Ryo, taken aback and shaking his head, immediately flustered. "N-n-no, that wasn't my intention!"
But Shahira then wrapped both of her arms around his left arm like an excited girlfriend, tugging him toward the elevator.
"Oh, you're so bold! Come on, I know a nice place!"
"H-Hey! Don't be so forceful!" Ryo protested, his face burning as she practically dragged him inside.
Just before they stepped in, Ryo glanced back—his detective instincts nagging at him.
The presence.
That thing he felt earlier… Was it still watching?
His sharp eyes scanned the dungeon entrance. The dim torches flickered, casting long, eerie shadows. The silence was suffocating.
Nothing.
Still… unease twisted in his gut.
Now inside the elevator, the doors slid shut with a soft click, and the machinery hummed as they began the long ascent.
But just as the doors sealed—
Something shifted in the darkness.
A shadowy figure materialized in front of the elevator, its form barely human, its eyes filled with intense malice and anger.
It didn't move.
It just watched.
As the elevator carried Ryo and Shahira away, the figure lingered… waiting.
Reaching the top, Ryo and Shahira stepped out of the grand palace, and an awe-inspiring sight unfolded before them.
The city of Al-Munira glowed beneath the night sky, a breathtaking blend of ancient beauty and modern brilliance.
The golden domes shimmered under the moonlight, their intricate carvings and towering structures casting elegant silhouettes against the stars.
The winding streets were lit by lanterns and neon signs, their warm glow reflecting off the sandstone buildings. The desert breeze carried the sounds of the city's night owls.
Ryo could see the marketplace in the distance, its colorful canopies creating a beautiful patchwork under the streetlights.
Shahira smiled, tilting her head, noticing Ryo's stunned expression. "Like what you see?"
Ryo could only utter one word. "Wooooaaaah…"
Still holding his arm, Shahira eagerly pulled him forward, leading him into the heart of the market district.
As they walked, the atmosphere around them became even more enchanting.
The marketplace was full of life, mixing old and new styles together. Traditional Arabian buildings stood next to modern shops, making a beautiful contrast.
The cobblestone streets were packed with food stalls, spice sellers, and artisans selling handmade rugs, detailed jewelry, and glowing lanterns.
The air was filled with delicious smells—like kebabs cooking on grills, the sweet scent of fresh baklava, and the warm, spicy smell of cardamom from hot Arabic coffee.
Street performers played beautiful music on the oud, mixing with the sounds of people talking and teacups clinking.
Ryo spun around, taking in the vibrant scene. "Damn… now this is truly the Arabian Nights."
Shahira grinned with her eyes closed, clearly pleased by what he said.
As they approached their dinner date restaurant, Shahira pointed and said…
"Here's a good spot to eat. Let's sit here"
She led him to a traditional restaurant between two market stalls. The entrance had hanging brass lanterns and beautiful calligraphy. The outside looked cozy, with plush Persian rugs and silk cushions in shades of crimson and gold.
Shahira chose a seat in the outdoor area.
Ryo blinked in confusion, unfamiliar with the culture."Uh... where are the tables and chairs?"
Shahira giggled. "These thick cushions are the chairs, silly. And the carpet? It acts like a table. We're eating the traditional way!"
Before Ryo could respond, a small girl, no older than ten, approached them with a bright smile.
Little girl, holding a pen and a notepad, said. "Yes, may I take your order?"
Shahira effortlessly listed off several dishes in her language, her words flowing smoothly. Ryo, however, sat there blinking, trying to make sense of what he just heard.
His face shifted into a look of complete confusion.
Shahira, noticing, burst into laughter. "That was adorable. You look so lost!"
Ryo, sitting across her, arms crossed, deadpanned. "Riiiiiiight..."
After about fifteen minutes, the food arrived—and Ryo was left speechless.
The food in front of him looked like artwork—a fragrant plate of golden biryani topped with crispy onions, warm pita bread fresh from the oven, creamy hummus with olive oil drizzled on top, and crispy falafel balls neatly placed on a silver tray. A chilled glass of mango lassi glowed softly in the candlelight, looking incredibly tempting.
The little waitress placed the last dish down and bowed. "Here's your order! Biryani, falafel, pita bread, hummus, mango lassi, and water!"
Ryo stared, mouth slightly agape, as the delicious aroma hit him all at once. His stomach growled again.
Shahira smiled. "It's a mix of Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine. You're in for a treat."
Ryo, still stunned by the sight of the gorgeous dishes, swallowed hard.
"…Yeah… itadakimasu—thanks for the food.
As they finished their meal, a comfortable silence settled between them, the soft night breeze brushing past. The lively hum of the marketplace had slowed down slightly.
Ryo leaned back against the plush cushions, stretching his arms.
"Man… that was the best meal I've had in my entire life. You really know how to pick a good spot, Sha. And this view? Perfect."
Shahira smiled, pleased. "My parents always told me that hospitality is everything. It's a tradition to give guests the best experience possible."
Ryo tilted his head, curious. "You know, I expected you to get way more attention while we were walking through this marketplace. You're the princess, after all. I thought people would start swarming you like crazy."
Shahira chuckled. "Father made sure that wouldn't happen. He told everyone in the kingdom to treat the royal family casually. No excessive bowing, no constant formalities. It's to avoid unnecessary headaches. This way, my family can move around freely, just like any other citizen—unless we're hosting an event or making an official announcement."
Then her gaze drifted away, scanning the marketplace streets, the softly lit windows of buildings, and the distant golden domes shimmering under the moonlight.
Her home.
Her kingdom.
Ryo noticed the change in her expression—something distant, almost sad.
"Something on your mind, Sha?" he asked.
She exhaled, a small, thoughtful smile forming.
"It's just… I love this place. I grew up here, running through these streets as a child, sneaking off with Amina to eat at street vendors, laughing with my family during get-togethers."
"Every part of this city holds a memory for me."
Ryo watched her carefully. He could hear the emotion in her voice—the deep sense of responsibility she felt.
"Do the locals know about the compass disappearing?" he asked.
Shahira shook her head. "No. My father wants this matter kept secret. He doesn't want his people to worry. Life in Al-Munira should go on as normal, without fear."
Ryo took a sip of his mango lassi, letting her words sink in. He stared at her for a moment, taking in her quiet determination.
This wasn't just about solving a crime.
This was about protecting her home.
A slow, confident smile spread across his face. "I promise I'll give it my all in this case, princess."
Shahira smiled, closing her eyes for a moment before looking at him again.
"Thank you, Detective."
Ryo leaned forward slightly, a grin forming on his lips as his eyes closed, his expression bright.
"Shall we then?"
Shahira blinked, tilting her head. "Shall we what?"
Ryo simply put a finger to his lips, a silent gesture to hush her.
She raised an eyebrow, still confused. "Ryo, what are you—?"
Without a word, Ryo subtly pointed to his right ear, then gestured toward hers. His sharp eyes locked onto her earring, his expression unreadable. Then, he motioned for her to remove it.
Shahira frowned but hesitated. Something about his body language felt off—tense, calculating.
Still, she carefully removed the earring and placed it in his palm.
And then—without warning—Ryo did the unexpected.
His fingers skillfully pried something loose from the delicate jewelry. A tiny device, almost unnoticeable to the untrained eye, detached from the earring.
Shahira's eyes slowly widened in shock.
A bug.
Before she could even react, Ryo rolled the small device between his fingers, his expression shifting from amused to deadly serious.
With a knowing smirk, he repeated. "Shall we then…"
Then—CRACK! Followed by a BZZT!
With nothing but his fingers, he crushed the device, sparks of electricity flickering for a brief second before the bug was rendered useless.
The playful glint in his eyes vanished. His tone dropped into something cold and sharp.
"…Get to the bottom of this."
Shahira's hands trembled as she stared at the broken device in Ryo's palm. A cold chill crept down her spine, her body reacting before her mind could even process the gravity of the situation.
Her lips parted, her voice barely a whisper. "What… what's going on? Could it be…?"
Ryo leaned back, crossing his arms with a smirk.
"You did mention you were looking forward to seeing my investigation skills in action."
But Shahira wasn't amused. Her breath quickened, her heart pounded, and her fingers gripped the edge of the cushion beneath her. The realization of what just happened — of who might be listening — sent her into a quiet panic.
Ryo's smirk faded. He could see it—the color draining from her face, the way her body tensed like a cornered animal.
"Sha," his voice softened, though his eyes remained sharp. "I need you to calm down. Drink some water first, take a deep breath."
She didn't respond at first, but he gently handed her the glass. With a shaky grip, she brought it to her lips. The cool water slid down her throat as she forced herself to inhale… then exhale.
She knew.
She knew.
She was being watched.
Tracked.
And she eavesdropped.
The palace's royal staff, the thick stone walls of her palace—none of it mattered. Whoever did this had already infiltrated her life without anyone noticing.
Ryo's gaze remained locked onto her, studying every shift in her expression. Then, with a chilling certainty, he dropped the final bombshell.
"The person tracking us…" He let the words linger, drawing out the tension like a blade slowly unsheathing.
Shahira's heart pounded.
Ryo completed the bombshell. "…is most likely the thief who stole the Celestial Compass."
The world around her seemed to tilt. The distant sounds of the marketplace—chatter, laughter, the sizzling of street food—faded into nothing but a dull hum.
For the first time, the reality of the situation truly hit her.
This wasn't just about the stolen artifact.
This was personal.
They weren't dealing with an ordinary thief.
They were being hunted.
Ryo sighed. "Sorry for the scary reveal, Sha, but I have to report everything I've found."
Shahira swallowed hard, nodding hesitantly. "Go on…"
Ryo's eyes sharpened as he began.
"It all started when you and Amina showed me to my room. The moment I saw my bags on the desk, I noticed something—a faint flicker of light. Most people wouldn't think twice about it, but for me, it was a red flag."
Shahira's breath caught in her throat.
Ryo raised a finger. "It was a bug. A listening device." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "Someone's been eavesdropping."
Shahira's fingers curled into her sleeves.
Ryo, arms crossed. "I had to act normal, pretend I didn't see it. That's why I asked you both to leave under the excuse of changing clothes. But in reality, I needed time to search the room properly."
His jaw tightened. "What I found was worse than I expected."
Shahira leaned forward. "Worse…?"
"There were multiple bugs. Hidden under the chairs, beneath the bed, in the desk, even in the shower. Whoever planted them wanted to monitor everything—every word, every movement."
Shahira's hands trembled slightly.
Ryo shook his head. "I didn't say anything back then because I didn't know who we were dealing with. If I had reacted or confronted it too soon, we could've been in danger—cornered before we even had a chance to act."
He took a deep breath. "And then at the vault… I felt it again."
Shahira's body stiffened.
Ryo's voice lowered. "That presence… Watching us. Waiting. And when I turned around—nothing was there. But I know something was."
Shahira exhaled shakily.
Ryo continued. "That's why I asked you to have dinner out here, in an open space. It's the safest place to tell you the truth without the risk of being ambushed."
Silence hung between them. The weight of Ryo's words pressed down on Shahira like a heavy storm.
"This isn't just about the Celestial Compass," Ryo said, his voice low and serious. His gaze locked onto hers. "They aren't just after the artifact, Sha."
His eyes darkened. "They're after us."
Shahira's voice wavered. "But why are they after us?
Ryo's expression hardened. "Because they need answers."
Shahira's brows furrowed.
Ryo continued. "They managed to steal the compass, but there's something stopping them from using it. My guess? They don't know how to activate it. That's why they're watching us, listening in, waiting to see if we have the answers they're missing."
Shahira clenched her fists. "But how does that explain what happened at the vault? The cameras caught nothing. No movement, no figure, just—an instant disappearance."
Ryo exhaled sharply. "Your father mentioned something important. Malakar… he was said to wield dark magic, such as illusions and curses."
Shahira stiffened at the name.
Ryo continued. "If the thief is connected to Malakar, that explains everything."
He leaned forward, voice low and serious.
"Think about it. The impossible disappearance. The untouched security cameras. The chilling presence I felt. It all points to illusion magic. They could've tricked the cameras, manipulated the recordings, made it seem like nothing happened — when in reality, they were right there, stealing it in plain sight."
Shahira felt her stomach turn. "Then… this person, the thief… they're part of Malakar's group?"
Ryo nodded. "Probably… The Ravens."
Shahira inhaled sharply. The name alone carried weight—whispers of a long-forgotten darkness.
Ryo continued, his tone grave. "I overheard some of the palace guards gossiping while your father went on with his history lesson. Dark magic — illusions and curses — is taboo here. Illegal. That means whoever did this is using magic that's been outlawed — magic most people are too afraid to even speak about."
Shahira's hands trembled. "So… that's how they bypassed the royal guards. That's how they stole the compass."
Ryo nodded. "And now? They're watching. Waiting. Trying to find a way to make it work."
A cold shiver ran down Shahira's spine.
Ryo's expression darkened.
"And if we don't stop them soon… they will figure it out."
"The culprit could be anyone in the palace."
Shahira's breath hitched.
Ryo slowly closed his eyes. "A close friend... a trusted attendant... a maid... a royal guard." He opened them again, meeting her gaze. "Even family."
Shahira shook her head, her voice trembling. "No... no, that's impossible."
Ryo leaned back, arms crossed, and tilted his head. "Is it? The vault was sealed tight. The security was flawless. No outsider should've been able to pull this off." He narrowed his eyes. "Which means the thief could be anyone within the palace."
Shahira's mind raced. "But who? Who would betray us like this?"
Ryo exhaled, shaking his head. "That's what we need to find out." His voice was low, almost a whisper. "And we need to do it before they make their next move."
After they finished talking, the little waitress girl's parents called out to her from the doorway.
"We're heading out to buy some groceries for a bit," her mother said. "Lock up when you're done cleaning, alright, Layla?"
The girl nodded obediently. "Okay, Mama."
With that, the parents disappeared into the lively marketplace, leaving the girl alone to close up shop. She turned back to Ryo and Shahira, the last two customers remaining, and gave them a polite smile.
"Sorry, but we're closing now," Layla said sweetly.
Ryo stretched his arms, then nodded. "Alright, kid."
He was about to stand up, but his focus remained locked on Shahira. She sat there motionless, eyes unfocused, her mind a swirling storm of dark thoughts.
The weight of the revelation had drained all the strength from her body, leaving her visibly shaken.
Ryo stood up and offered his right hand to her. "Come on, Sha. I'll help you up."
Shahira barely reacted. Slowly, she lifted her trembling fingers to take his—
THUD.
A heavy sound, deep and sudden.
Then another.
THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD.
Five large sacks of flour crashed from above, hitting the ground with force. The impact split them open, releasing an explosion of fine white dust into the air.
In an instant, the entire restaurant was consumed in a choking fog of flour.
Shahira coughed violently, covering her nose and mouth with her palm. "W-What's happening?!"
Ryo clenched his jaw, shielding his eyes as the thick powder swirled around them like an unnatural blizzard. His vision blurred. Every breath was heavy, thick with flour.
Then—
A flicker of light.
Red.
Bright.
Falling.
Like a single ember descending from the heavens.
Ryo's heartbeat stopped for a fraction of a second.
Then—
He turned his head.
And saw it.
A dark figure stood just beyond the veil of flour, barely illuminated by the market's dim lanterns. Cloaked in black from head to toe, its presence felt suffocating, like a void opening in the middle of reality.
It didn't move, only watched, and then, slowly, a smile began to spread beneath its hood.
Sinister.
Mocking.
Its lips curled, forming words without sound.
Ryo's eyes sharpened, instinctively reading them.
"Die."
His breath caught.
The ember. The flour dust.
A DUST EXPLOSION.
His body reacted faster than his mind.
He lunged at Shahira, grabbing her by the wrist. "SHA, GET OUT OF HERE!"
Before she could even process his voice, he spun with his hand still on her wrist and hurled her out of the flour cloud and onto the marketplace streets with all his strength. She barely had time to gasp before her body hit the pavement, rolling to a stop as she coughed violently.
But Ryo wasn't done.
His eyes darted back—saw the little waitress girl.
She stood in the middle of the storm, rubbing her eyes, coughing.
His eyes widened in shock. "Sh*t!"
He sprinted toward her.
The ember burned brighter.
Everything slowed.
The world moved in fractions of a second, every detail burned into his mind. The tiny, flickering red ember, drifting downward like a silent executioner. The little girl, completely unaware of her impending doom. The suffocating cloud of flour, a coffin waiting to ignite.
Ryo gritted his teeth. "FASTER, DAMN IT!"
He reached her.
Scooped her up into his arms.
Then—
BOOOOOM!!!
Hell was unleashed.
A monstrous explosion tore through the restaurant, a blinding inferno of fire and force. The blast erupted with deafening fury, a shockwave powerful enough to rattle the very streets. The sheer force of it sent debris flying in every direction, flames roaring like a beast set loose upon the world.
The marketplace was instantly thrown into chaos. Glass windows shattered. Cushions from the outdoor seating area, along with tables and chairs inside the restaurant and anything nearby, were obliterated. The ground itself seemed to shake from the sheer power of the explosion.
Shahira barely had time to lift her head before the shockwave hit her.
WHAM!
She was thrown backward, rolling across the pavement like a ragdoll, her ears ringing, her body stinging from the impact.
For a brief moment, all was silence.
There was nothing but the distant hum of fire, the dull ringing in her ears, and the taste of smoke in her mouth.
Then, she gasped.
Her vision spun as she pushed herself up, hands trembling. Her eyes darted toward the restaurant…
…Or what was left of it.
The once-vibrant eatery had been reduced to charred rubble and raging fire. The wooden structure had collapsed, its remains twisted and blackened. Flames consumed everything, reaching hungrily for the sky.
And Ryo—
Ryo was nowhere.
Shahira's breathing hitched, her hands clenched into fists so tight they trembled.
Her heart pounded, faster, harder, louder.
Then, her face twisted with raw terror as she let out a desperate, bloodcurdling scream.
"RYOOOOOOOO!!!"