—Target neutralized! —exclaimed one of the agents, lowering his runic weapon—. I’ve never taken down one that big. Do you think they come from Loryenna?

  —Are you really asking that? Look at these perverts… —his partner snorted, pointing at the unconscious cyclops—. It’s clear that in their land, shame doesn't exist. Most of them are naked.

  Around them, the addicts who still possessed a shred of consciousness could only scream and plead for mercy. Their eyes, still dilated by the ecstasy of the Fairy Dust, glowed with an artificial light as they blurted out nonsensical phrases.

  —We just wanted to keep… dreaming! —shrieked the Haydran, scratching his arms in desperation—. Let us dream in peace!

  —Shut your mouths! —an agent shouted at him, pushing him off the sidewalk—. Where are so many of you coming from at this hour? That dust isn't cheap or easy to get.

  —It’s free! They give it all away! —the Haydran replied, collapsing to the ground and trying to lick the remains of silver powder from the cracks in the pavement—. It’s a gift from the gods! It has to be!

  The other agent, ignoring the addict’s delusions, pulled out his runic communicator to report to central. His voice was monotonic, the voice of someone who does this job ten times a day.

  —All clear here. We’re leaving the Cyclops on the ground for a while until the pick-up truck arrives; hope it doesn't bother you —he shouted toward the civilians who were beginning to peek through their windows, drawn by the scandal.

  Seiyi, meanwhile, turned completely pale. A cold sweat ran down the back of his neck as helplessness hit his chest with the force of a dragon. The image of himself, trembling on the ground while his sister was lifted like a doll, repeated in his mind.

  ?I… I am useless…?, he thought, clenching his fists until his nails dug into his palms.

  —T-thank you! —Miyu’s voice suddenly broke, shattering into violent sobs—. Really… I just… wanted to helppp— Miyu’s voice cracked until it dissolved into weeping. Tears flowed in cascades, soaking the pavement.

  Seiyi, with a petrified expression and trembling lips, wrapped his arms around his sister. He held her with desperate clumsiness, fearing that if she fell apart, he would too.

  —I… I’m sorry… —Seiyi managed to stammer.

  —Sniff… you’re sorry? —Miyu pulled back slightly, looking at him with swollen eyes—. What are you talking about, stupid? I was the one who took the shortcut… It’s my fault! I won’t do it again… I swear.

  The F.O.W. agents exchanged a look of discomfort. One of them scratched the back of his neck, clearly overwhelmed by the childish drama.

  —Hey… what do we do with them?

  —Too much drama for my taste —the other replied, but then his eyes stopped on the shield embroidered on Seiyi’s shirt—. Wait. Look at his uniform—it’s from Veridion.

  The agent’s tone changed subtly. Veridion wasn't just any school; it was the place where the elite was formed.

  —Ah, I see what you mean —his partner nodded, putting away the communicator—. Hey, kids. I see you study at Veridion. How about we drop you off at the nearest stop?

  —That’s it. It’s not safe to be around here at these hours. Types like those are everywhere lately. Next time, stick to the path designated by the F.O.W., understood?

  Seiyi took a deep breath. The air burned in his lungs, but he managed to reply in a low, still-muted voice:

  —S… sure… thanks for everything.

  —We have to take him to a hospital! —Miyu interrupted, wiping her tears with dirty hands—. He was gravely injured! That guy was horrible!

  One of the agents, who was stowing his weapon with great calm, looked at him out of the corner of his eye.

  —We could just leave you lying there if that’s what you prefer, kid —the agent replied with a voice devoid of emotion.

  —It wasn't that big of a deal… —Seiyi managed to say, gritting his teeth while rubbing his stomach. The sting was deep, but he didn't want to look weak in front of his heroes—. Maybe with the house ointment it’ll go away.

  Instinctively, Seiyi bowed deeply, bending his body with a respect that seemed out of place.

  —And what does that mean? —asked the other agent, stopping with his hand on the patrol car door—. You’re not from around here, are you?

  —Oh… s-sorry —Seiyi straightened up quickly, feeling the heat rise to his face—. It’s a habit.

  —Well, less manners and more hurry. Get in the car. Another patrol will handle the rest of these junkies. Let’s go!

  —Sniff… sniff… thank you! Thank you so much! —Miyu stammered as she followed the agents.

  The siblings got into the vehicle. With every passing minute, Seiyi thought more and more about what could have happened if it hadn't been for them.

  —Sniff… I was so scared! —Miyu repeated, clinging to the seat.

  The agent in the passenger seat let out a weary sigh and began searching his pocket.

  —Take this, kid. Stop crying, you’re making my head explode —he said, reaching his hand back.

  Miyu took the treat with still-trembling hands.

  —Ch… chocolate? —she murmured, taking a bite that stained her cheeks—. Th-thanks.

  Noticing his brother’s silence, Miyu looked at him firmly, though he remained with his gaze lost on the street passing at high speed. Trying to ease the tension, she turned to the agents.

  —So… what will happen to those guys?

  —The vagrants? —the driver replied without taking his eyes off the road.

  —Yes! I saw you didn't hurt them… where are you taking them?

  The agent let out a dry, almost contemptuous chuckle.

  —Well, mostly we try to "relocate" them to less busy areas. There are too many of them to process everyone, so we just drop them in remote spots where they don’t bother the average citizen.

  —Oh… —Miyu frowned—. And when will they wake up? I guess those are tranquilizer darts.

  —Something like that. The weapons project "Instant Sleep" runes. They drop like rags on the first impact. The effect lasts about twelve hours if you hit them in the neck; in other parts of the body, the system takes longer to absorb it.

  Miyu stayed quiet for a moment, processing the coldness of the answer.

  —But… if that’s the case, will that Cyclops stay on the ground for twelve hours? Just like that?

  —That’s how it works. The runes come from the Advanced Book of Sleep, but it’s not always exact because...

  —Shut your trap! —the other agent interrupted, noticing the expression of horror starting to form on Miyu’s face—. Don’t bore the kids with logistics.

  —But… what if it gets really cold? —Miyu insisted, her voice small—. They could... die?

  —Let’s see what’s on the radio! —the agent turned up the volume abruptly, flooding the patrol car with loud music that cut off any attempt at moral debate.

  Miyu sank into her seat, feeling that the chocolate didn't taste so sweet anymore. She turned to her brother, who was still a shadow in the corner.

  —Sei… did you hear? Is that what the people who work there do? —she asked, frightened.

  —I don't know if I’ll manage to be like that… —Seiyi stammered. His words were barely a whisper.

  —Like that? I wouldn't want you to be that mean to people…

  —No! I don't know if I’ll even manage to get into the F.O.W…

  —Eh? But… we’ll be the best! Right?

  Seiyi clenched his fists.

  —I couldn't do anything, Miyu. If they hadn't intervened, I don't know what would have happened. I want to be better… but I don't know how.

  —Don't despair! —Miyu tried to cheer him up, forcing a smile—. We’re young. In the future, we’ll go to university, they’ll train us, and we’ll be just like them. It just takes time.

  —Maybe it’s easy for you —Seiyi replied bitterly—. But me… I couldn't even jump over a damn bridge under construction with this cheap ring. If that’s the level required, I’m not up to it. I never will be.

  Miyu fell silent. Seeing Seiyi’s hopelessness hurt her more than the scare in the alley.

  —Then we’ll ask the orcs on the bus more! —she exclaimed with a new spark—. They must know something.

  —Heh… the orcs who never tell us anything?

  —Besides! —Miyu gave his shoulder a little nudge—. You’re getting too far ahead of yourself. If you don't get stronger by then, I’ll train you! We’ll do everything together, remember?

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  Seiyi let out a sad laugh.

  —If I had a chance to be better, I’d truly take it. I want to be like them…

  Miyu looked at the agents through the rearview mirror. She heard their laughter, their total lack of empathy for the beings they had just abandoned to their fate on the street. She couldn't help but think that even though they were "heroes," there was something deeply broken in them.

  ?Do I… really want to be like that??, she wondered, though she didn't dare say it out loud.

  Suddenly, Seiyi’s body took its toll. The adrenaline, that shield that had kept him upright, evaporated instantly. First was a slight tremor in his hands. Then, a burning in his abdomen. His skin began to ache with every touch. Exhaustion fell over him like a block of cement.

  ?AGH… everything hurts… it’s hard to breathe…?, he thought, gritting his teeth to keep from groaning.

  —Hey, everything okay, Mr. "F.O.W."? —Miyu said, somewhere between amusement and worry at seeing him like that.

  —Gh… I think… the adrenaline is gone. Everything hurts, Miyu —he groaned, clutching his side—. I need to… lie down for a bit.

  Seiyi rested his head against the cold window. That sensation was the only thing keeping him conscious while he listened, like a distant dream, to the conversation of the agents at the wheel.

  —Pff… do you have any idea why all of this is happening? —asked the driver.

  —The Fairy Dust? No idea. But cases have multiplied tenfold this month. It’s a plague.

  —I just do what I’m told, friend —the other replied with indifference—. If they tell me to kill, I kill. If they tell me to move junkies, I move them. If I keep delivering, I rise in rank. And that means…

  —More money! —the driver exclaimed.

  —More money! —they repeated in unison, high-fiving with a smile as the patrol car drove away from the cleanup.

  Seiyi blinked, his head still full of what had occurred. As hard as he tried, he couldn't concentrate on what they were saying, as the music made his mind fill with static.

  —Ha… still, to be sent on a mission just for this… and right here in California. I’m sure something big is going to happen here. My instinct never fails.

  —Stop talking nonsense, just be the janitor —the driver snorted—. The most we can hope for is a promotion. And for that, we need these kids to speak well of us, right, little ones?

  Seiyi, somewhat dazed, took a second to realize they were addressing him.

  —M-me?

  —You, who else is it going to be? —Miyu replied, giving him a playful elbow.

  —I suppose… I won’t mind speaking well of our heroes —Seiyi replied, regaining his fanboy glow.

  —That’s enough for us. And speaking of which… we’ve arrived.

  As he set foot on solid ground, Seiyi let out a sigh that seemed to empty his lungs. Although a few minutes ago he felt like the world was falling in on him, seeing his sister’s now calmer face reminded him why they were there.

  —Hey… I’m sorry —Seiyi said, breaking the ice as they walked toward the stop.

  —You’re sorry? —Miyu tossed her chocolate wrapper into a trash can with perfect aim—. You couldn't do anything against that Haydran, Sei. It’s not your fault you’re so dumb.

  —No, idiot, I’m talking about before. You’re right: I can be better. I just have to believe a bit more and stop being so negative, maybe —Seiyi replied, dropping onto a nearby bench with a moan.

  —I told you: you overthink too much —Miyu shrugged—. Besides, that ring isn't even made for those tricks, you know that yourself.

  —Yeah… but then, how did you jump so high?

  —No idea. A lot of air came out of the ring, I closed my eyes, and that was it.

  —You have so little idea of what you’re doing… —Seiyi murmured with a mix of envy and exhaustion, while rubbing his stomach where he still felt the shadow of the cyclops's kick.

  Right in front of them, a long-distance bus stopped with a roar of compressed air. On its side, a massive advertising poster caught their eye:

  PROBLEMS OUT OF THE ORDINARY? CALL THE F.O.W.!

  In the image, an agent in a tactical and suspiciously tight-fitting uniform smiled at the camera with a heroic pose. She was too perfect, too "Hollywood" to be real.

  ?Maybe there’s still time… but if I ever get in there, will I be able to meet girls like that??, Seiyi thought. Heat rushed to his cheeks as he fantasized, not noticing that Miyu was watching him with an expression of absolute judgment.

  —Sei… if that’s your real reason, then I won’t train you —Miyu blurted out, giving him a sharp tap on the elbow.

  —What? No! Besides, I wouldn't let a kid like you give me lessons when I can achieve it on my own.

  —A moment ago you were negative… Does seeing women make you regain your faith? —Miyu asked, arching an eyebrow.

  —No! I mean… it was just a slump!

  Both boarded the bus, looking for their spot by the window. As soon as they sat down, Miyu settled in and immediately pointed toward the aisle with a mischievous smile.

  —Seeeeiyiii! Look who arrived…

  Two orcs in suits walked with firm steps down the aisle, followed by a couple of tiny fairies in uniform, carrying briefcases. The argument was inevitable:

  —Five dollars?! You’re charging me full fare for not having a badge? —shrieked one of the fairies.

  —Rules are rules, miss. No badge, no “fairy” discount.

  —I’m a goddamn fairy! Look at me! —she screamed, flapping her shimmering wings with fury—. What more proof do you want?! I could fly to my destination if I wanted to!

  —Then do it.

  The high-pitched voice didn't match the insult at all, which made Miyu cover her mouth to keep from laughing. The fairy, frustrated, pulled out a bill that was almost the size of her own torso. Meanwhile, the orcs looked for a seat, and the only available spot was right behind the two siblings. Seiyi and Miyu exchanged a bright look, as if stars were lighting up their eyes.

  —Same as always, right? —one of the orcs murmured to his companion.

  —Hmph…

  As soon as the orcs settled into their seats, the siblings leaned forward, their eyes shining as if they were about to witness a show.

  —Hello, Mr. Orcs! Let’s continue the conversation… you already know what I’m talking about, right? Hehe… —Seiyi said, pulling a wrinkled notebook and a pencil ready to take notes out of his backpack.

  One of the orcs, a broad-shouldered fellow with dark green skin and a twisted tusk that gave him a perpetually grumpy look, replied with annoyance:

  —Hey… you know perfectly well I can't say what you want to kn—

  Before he could finish, Miyu launched the offensive:

  —Orcs! How can we get stronger? What does it mean to absorb a book? Oh, wait, I have more questions! —she said, while rummaging through her backpack for another paper and pencil.

  The first one’s companion, thinner and with old scars on his jaw, sighed with resignation.

  —Kids… how many times do we have to say it?

  —How can it be illegal to say something like that? —Seiyi interrupted, leaning over the back of his seat—. Tell us! We won’t tell anyone. We hear about that “book absorption” everywhere, but nobody wants to explain what it means! Please…

  The orc with the twisted tusk raised his arm, showing a metal bracelet with a split lightning bolt in the center—the FOW symbol.

  —I’m sorry… but we can't risk it. This bracelet means “freedom.” If we talk too much, they take it from us… and they send us back to ALBA. Believe me, you don't want to know what that means.

  ?It’s true… all the magical beings who work here wear one. If they do something improper… they lose their normal lives?, Seiyi thought.

  He summoned his courage and asked again, though his voice came out somewhat shaky:

  —W… well, Mr. Orc, then… could you give us information on something that helps us? I th-think you guys are cool, we want to learn more! For example… tell us about that orc… the one they called “Anayr.”

  The two orcs exchanged a bitter look. As if the mere name exhausted them.

  —What more do you want to know about that scoundrel? —growled the one with the scars, clenching the briefcase against his knees—. You should have learned that in school!

  —We want to be just as powerful! —Miyu intervened, her eyes shining—. They say that orc was the strongest in all of history, but nobody explains how he achieved it. We’re going to be heroes, Mr. Orc!

  —It’s pronounced "heroes," Miyu… —Seiyi murmured, putting his hand to his face.

  —Oh, sorry…

  The orc with the twisted tusk opened his briefcase with resignation and pulled out a worn notebook. Apparently, he was already used to having to explain the same thing over and over.

  —Fine… but if you don't pay attention, I’m not saying anything else, understood?

  —Yes! —they both shouted in unison, with the same excitement as if they were about to hear an epic tale.

  —Let’s see… —the orc said, flipping through his notes—. Surely you know that the Runic War began with the betrayal of the orc “Anayr.” Although “Loryenna” is divided into four regions, the war never left ALBA; even magical beings like…

  The orc cut himself off seeing that Seiyi was looking bored out the window and that Miyu had fallen completely asleep with the pencil still in her hand.

  —Again!? Are you pulling my leg!? —he shouted, indignant.

  Seiyi, without even looking, replied with a yawn:

  —Mr. Orc… if I wanted to hear history, I’d read my school homework. Just tell us how we can get strong, like those in the F.O.W.!

  —Then train, you damn humans! —the orc growled, slamming the notebook shut and turning away, offended.

  Seiyi slumped in his seat, arms crossed.

  ?Pff… I know they know something. They come from the Realm of Fables, but they never want to tell us… how boring?, he thought, with a grimace of frustration.

  Giving up, Seiyi could only wait for their stop to arrive. To kill time, he rested his forehead against the glass and let his gaze wander through the city streets. One stop before reaching the school, they got off the bus as usual, heading to the nearest store to the school to buy some snacks for the day.

  —Do you think they have that Spanish rice pudding the man talked about today? —Miyu asked, licking her lips after her nap.

  —Didn't that dessert come from Asia? —Seiyi replied, entering the store while the air conditioning greeted him.

  —I don't know… the man at the store says it’s from Spain —she replied, scanning the shelves.

  —That man also says his sushi comes from Mexico, Miyu. Don't trust him —Seiyi stated, placing some drinks on the counter.

  Miyu frowned, looking for the owner behind the register.

  —Mister this, mister that… but where is he? I don't see my rice pudding.

  Seiyi noticed the owner’s absence and addressed the cashier, a young girl who looked like she wanted to be anywhere else in the world.

  —Excuse me… where is the owner?

  —He went out a moment ago to "resolve a problem" at the back door —she replied, without taking her eyes off her phone.

  —I won’t leave without my dessert! —Miyu exclaimed with that stubbornness only she possessed.

  —Come on then… we’ll find the man and leave.

  Before Seiyi could push the back door, shouts loaded with rage stopped them.

  —If you set foot here again, I swear I’ll call the F.O.W.!

  Seiyi opened the door cautiously. In the alley, the store owner brandished a broom like a spear against a figure huddled on the ground. It was an Elf. His appearance was deplorable: destroyed clothes, an ear pierced by what looked like an old slave mark, and a tin of sardines squeezed against his chest.

  —Oh, Seiyi, Miyu… —the owner said, panting—. This guy has been trying to steal sardines for three days. I caught him, but I can't let him go without teaching him a lesson.

  —He’s just hungry… —Miyu whispered. Her eyes moistened seeing how defenseless he was.

  Seiyi analyzed the Elf. There was no trace of the F.O.W. registration bracelet on his wrist. He was an "Illegal magical being."

  —He doesn't have the bracelet… —Seiyi murmured, feeling a knot in his throat.

  —Sir! —Miyu shouted, taking a step forward—. If you don't stop hitting him, I swear I’ll…!

  Seiyi covered her mouth before she could finish the threat. They didn't need more trouble.

  —Sir, can you wait a second? —Seiyi asked with a calmness that surprised the owner.

  Seiyi dragged his sister back inside. He took the same brand of sardines from the shelf and put it on the counter next to another identical tin.

  —Let go of me! That man has no heart! —Miyu protested.

  —It’s not good to steal either, Miyu. But there are smarter ways to resolve it.

  He paid for the two tins and returned to the alley. The owner was still there, guarding the Elf who was shaking like a leaf. Seiyi crouched in front of the creature and handed him the new tin.

  —I already paid for both tins —Seiyi replied, looking the owner in the eye—. He shouldn't steal, but you shouldn't be so mean.

  —Mean? I’m just defending my business, kid.

  —Yes, but if he has the dignity to steal only what he needs not to die, you should have the dignity not to use a broom against someone who can't defend themselves, don't you think?

  The Elf looked up. His eyes shone as he recognized something in the siblings that the rest of the city lacked. In a whisper that only they could process, he uttered two words in an ancient dialect:

  —Vel-Thel! Vel-Thel!

  —You’re welcome… —Seiyi replied. The Elf stood up and ran away with tears in his eyes.

  —Seiyi… did you understand what he said? —the owner asked, confused.

  —No… I just guessed —Seiyi lied.

  At that precise moment, Seiyi turned his head toward his sister; without needing to say a single word, they shared a small, complicit smile, nodding almost in unison.

  They walked in silence, moving away from the store while Miyu stuck her tongue out at the building in one last act of rebellion.

  —Still want your rice pudding? —Seiyi joked to break the ice.

  —I’m never buying anything there again! —she snorted.

  —Being a good person costs nothing. I don't understand why people are like that.

  —Maybe they didn't have parents as good as ours —Miyu replied with a sad smile.

  But before they could move further, Seiyi clutched his abdomen. A piercing pain shot through his body as if an invisible spear had struck him. He fell to his knees, sweat breaking out on his forehead instantly.

  —Sei! What happened? —Miyu asked, alarmed, leaning down by his side.

  —No… nothing… —he wheezed, trying to smile—. I just… need to rest… a bit.

  —Come on… don't exaggerate —Miyu tried to joke.

  —You didn't get hit! —he replied between groans.

  In front of them, over the main entrance, glowed the massive letters carved in white stone:

  VERIDION