Chapter 18: Suited for Battle, Bound by Bonds

After returning from his part-time job, Rey took a few minutes to unwind before heading to the bathroom for a hot shower. Once refreshed, he enjoyed a hearty meal and retired to his room, mentally preparing for the day ahead.

"Alright, I'm all set for tomorrow's rumble," Rey declared, his eyes scanning the freshly delivered items laid out before him.

"You should try on the outfit now," Aiden suggested, voice firm. "Better to make adjustments now than regret it later."

"Okay," Rey replied, slipping into the gear. He started with the tight black combat suit, added the sleek mask, and then draped the cape over his shoulders, its hood reminiscent of a tactical raincoat. Finally, he unsheathed the thin, deadly blade and posed in front of the mirror like a futuristic secret agent.

"So? How do I look?" he asked, spinning slowly.

Aiden observed him. "A bit too long in the sleeves and hem, but nothing that’ll hinder movement. A little more growth and it'll fit you perfectly."

Rey nodded.

"But does the mask feel off? Any tightness or trouble breathing?" Aiden questioned, stepping closer to examine the mask.

"Nope. But..." Rey's expression turned serious. "There's one big issue with all of this."

Aiden’s brows furrowed. "What is it? Does it hurt? Any restrictions?"

"It’s

hot

—like oven-hot. I’m slowly roasting inside this thing," Rey deadpanned, flashing a mischievous grin.

Aiden facepalmed. "Set it aside, boy. Tell me honestly—are you really ready for this?"

"Yeah. Don’t worry," Rey said, thumping his chest with confidence.

"Good. Then rest. Tomorrow's going to be wild. And remember—

don’t

let your mom find out, or you’re dead meat," Aiden warned before vanishing as always.

“Good night,” Rey muttered, stowing away the gear carefully before slipping into bed.

Elsewhere in the apartment, Evan sat at his desk, examining a wristband with a small retractable blade built into its side.

"Let’s do a final check," he murmured. Securing the band around his wrist, he activated it, watching the sharp blade click into place with satisfying precision. With a swift swing, he tested it against a rope—it sliced cleanly.

“Good. It’s ready,” he whispered. He laid out a simple long-sleeved shirt and jeans for the next day—perfect for hiding the blade.

“Oh, right...” he added, retrieving a folded document. It was the official ownership paper for his apartment.

"I should give this to Mr. Jason before I leave. If what

they

said is true, I might not be coming back."

{‘They’ refers to the Ten Thrones.}

Wanting someone trustworthy to use the space, Evan made up his mind. He quietly descended from the fourth floor to the first and knocked on a familiar door.

“Who is it at this hour?” came an old man’s grumble.

The door opened. “Evan? Thought it was some prank again. What’s up so late, kid?”

Before Evan could answer, Jason’s wife Rossy appeared and ushered him inside.

“You’re just in time—come, sit and eat,” she insisted, leading him to the dining table.

“Thank you, Aunty, but I’m full. I actually came to give Uncle Jason something,” Evan said politely.

“Nonsense. You probably ate canned food again. How many times do I have to tell you our home is always open for meals?” she scolded gently. “Now eat, or I won’t speak to you again.”

“Alright, alright... but first, Uncle, please take this.” Evan handed over the paper.

Jason squinted at it. “Wait, this is... Evan, are you moving out? Why? Are you in trouble? Is someone after you?”

“No, no, it’s nothing like that,” Evan lied smoothly. “I got a call from my parents. They want to take me back to the Jade Turtle Kingdom. The flight’s tomorrow. I probably won’t be back.”

Jason’s expression darkened. “Evan... are you sure they’re your real parents? Could be someone shady.”

“I verified everything. We’re meeting tomorrow before the flight,” Evan said, maintaining the story.

Jason sighed deeply. “Alright. But I still want to meet them. I want to ask why they suddenly came back for you after all this time.”

“Uncle...” Evan hesitated.

“Let’s eat first,” Rossy interrupted, trying to lift the heavy mood.

“Yes, Aunty,” Evan nodded and quietly joined the meal. After finishing, he rose to leave.

“Evan, wait.” Rossy walked over and held his arm.

“Before you go tomorrow, please come by and see us. Okay? And remember... this is still your home. You’re always welcome.”

Evan gave a small nod. “I will.”

As he turned and walked into the night, he rubbed his eyes.

{A/N: You know right?}

Behind the closed door, Rossy looked at Jason, who was still at the table.

“Can’t you even say goodbye?” she asked, softly.

“I don’t like being interrupted while I eat,” he muttered.

“Don’t lie. You care about him. I remember when he came here at fourteen, silent and broken after that accident. You were the one who helped him move forward. But now... you’re acting like he’s just another tenant.”

Jason stood up slowly. “What can I do? Stop him from seeing his real parents? Everything that arrives must one day depart. Think of it like wind—passing through.”

Rossy sighed and finished cleaning up before joining him in bed, her thoughts filled with bittersweet memories.

A/N:

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