Zarn stood in the middle of his room, scrolling through a holographic inventory screen projected from his smartwatch. A small, sleek black ring rested on his finger—his personal storage ring, capable of holding far more than its unassuming appearance suggested.

  With a flick of his wrist, items materialized and disappeared into the ring's space. Spare clothes, a multitool, some rations, and a few data chips loaded with whatever scraps of knowledge he had collected over the years. He wasn't the sentimental type, but it was good to have the essentials.

  Mico lounged on the bed, watching lazily as Zarn packed with minimal effort. His large paws dangled off the edge, tail flicking idly.

  "You're really going, huh?"

  "Obviously," Zarn muttered, swiping away the inventory screen. As he moved, a slight tremor ran through his fingers, subtle but noticeable. He quickly clenched his hand into a fist, masking the weakness.

  Mico's ears flicked. "Still weak, I see."

  Zarn clicked his tongue. "I'm always weak, remember? Nothing new."

  "Uh-huh. But you were pretty strong earlier. How's that work? Uh? Uh?"

  Zarn smirked, flexing his fingers before slipping his hands into his pockets. "I barely used my power for a minute, Mico. There won't be any backlash. Relax, you worry too much."

  He shifted his weight slightly, rolling his shoulders. "Plus, I wasn't even close to going all out. I should be more than fine."

  Mico hummed, skeptical. "If you say so."

  Zarn turned toward the door, but as he stepped forward, his knee suddenly buckled. He caught himself with a light grip on the doorframe, barely hesitating before pushing forward as if nothing had happened.

  Mico's eyes narrowed. "Yeah. Totally fine."

  Zarn shot him a glare. "I told you, it's just habit."

  Mico sighed dramatically, standing up and stretching. "Well, if you collapse and die, don't expect me to drag your corpse all the way to the Rudrugs."

  Zarn scoffed, pushing open the door. "I'd haunt you."

  "Joke's on you. I'd make a great ghost pet owner."

  Zarn chuckled, stepping out into the city for what might be the last time.

  ---

  Zarn and Mico walked side by side toward the slum's exit. The familiar scent of damp concrete and engine smoke hung in the air, mingling with the distant murmur of the city beyond.

  Just as they were about to step out, a figure approached.

  Zarn's sharp eyes immediately recognized the scarred face—it was the same man who had once tried to kidnap him, mistaking him for an easy payday.

  Now, the man walked with measured steps, head slightly lowered. Not just in submission, but also in caution. The respect in his stance was evident, but even more so was the fear etched in his movements.

  Stopping just a step away, the man held out a platinum card.

  "The boss says, if you ever need anything, you can always call." His voice was steady, but there was an unspoken urgency beneath it. After delivering the message, he turned and spun on his heels.

  Zarn accepted the card, flipping it between his fingers as he examined the sleek, polished surface. "Quite fancy," he muttered.

  Beside him, Mico let out a low chuckle. "Hehe, the blue-haired lady has fallen for you."

  Zarn scoffed. "That's not how life works, Mico."

  "Oh? Then explain her giving you her number."

  "Nevermind, you right Mico, you are right." Zarn gave in early, he knew he couldn't win an argument with Mico. Or rather Mico would never accept a lose, even if it taped itself to his hands.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  Mico puffed up with satisfaction, his tail flicking smugly.

  With that, the two finally stepped out of the slums, boarding a cab bound for the airport.

  As they sped down the highway, Zarn's gaze remained fixed on the towering skyline of Drenda, its neon lights gleaming against the fading daylight. Sleek skyscrapers stretched toward the heavens, their surfaces shimmering with digital displays and holographic billboards. The city pulsed with life, vehicles weaving seamlessly through the air and streets below.

  "They say this city is just average by world standards," Zarn mused, more to himself than anyone else. "The city I'm heading to, though… one of the greatest in the world. To be way above this—just how massive must it be?"

  "I bet there are lots of women over there." Mico chimed in.

  "I am starting to notice, you are developing pevert tendencies."

  "Probably, puberty."

  "Yep, a perfectly reasonable explanation."

  ---

  The cab pulled up to the main terminal, slowing to a stop amidst the steady flow of travelers. Through the window, Zarn took in the sheer scale of the airport. Towering structures of glass and steel stretched across the horizon, their surfaces shimmering under the glow of countless holographic billboards. The air was alive with the hum of floating drones, guiding people to their terminals, while security bots patrolled with mechanical precision.

  As Zarn and Mico stepped out of the cab, a few passersby stole glances their way. Some merely flicked their eyes over them in mild curiosity, while others whispered among themselves.

  "Woah, look at that beast... I have never seen or heard of such a beast before."

  "It is quite beautiful too... Who is that kid though... probably a great power heir."

  "Wait… that kid—his looks are special too. His hair is so gorgeous."

  Zarn ignored the murmurs, used to the occasional attention. His appearance had always drawn eyes, even among the more eccentric citizens of Drenda.

  His long, tri-colored hair—black, blue and white—stood out even in a city filled with genetic modifications and fashion statements. He had dyed it brown but since he was moving, he decided, new environment, new look and washed the dye off.

  His slim and small build, combined with his sharp, almost delicate features, made him look younger than his actual seventeen years of age.

  Mico, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed, stretching lazily as if he owned the place. His deep blue mane flickered with faint traces of flame, catching the light as he padded forward.

  "Why are people always staring?" Mico grumbled, his tail flicking in mild annoyance.

  Zarn smirked. "They're probably wondering how a beast like you ended up with someone like me."

  Mico huffed. "You mean how someone like you got a beast as amazing as me."

  Zarn chuckled, walking toward the private terminal. "Yeah, let's go with that."

  Passing through the various clearance, they moved past the main terminal, where the crowd thinned out, and soon, the sight of a sleek private jet came into view.

  The state-of-the-art jet awaited them on the tarmac, its polished exterior gleaming under the runway lights. Isaac stood nearby, speaking with a few attendants.

  "Took you long enough," he said as they approached. "All set?"

  Zarn glanced at Mico, who yawned. "Yeah. Let's get this over with."

  Isaac chuckled and gestured toward the jet. "Then step aboard. We have much to discuss."

  I only agreed to this whole thing so Mico could see more beast to fight, I don't want him cooped up anymore. Zarn thought to himself as he walked towards the jet. And maybe I won't be cooped up too.