Joseph walked through the city streets in a daze.
The world looked exactly the same as it always had—cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, people going about their daily business. The afternoon sun was warm on his face. Children played in a nearby park. A street vendor called out, advertising fresh bread.
Everything was normal.
But nothing would ever be normal again.
Three worlds. Magic. Mana. My parents were from other realms.
Joseph's mind struggled to process everything he'd just learned. Every piece of his understanding about reality had been shattered and rearranged into something completely different.
He thought about Johan and Jennifer.
Joseph reached the iron gate of Jardin Paisible and slowed his steps. A man stood outside, dressed in the crisp blue uniform of a postman, waiting patiently for someone to open it.
"Is this Jardin Paisible?" the postman asked, then his eyes widened in recognition. "Oh! Joseph."
Before Joseph could reply, a figure emerged from the bushes.
RUSTLE.
"You…" Johan narrowed his eyes. "Since when did you start working as a postman?"
"Not for very long," the man replied casually. "It's just a part-time job."
This so-called postman was Eloise Josephine, twenty-five years old, very clearly disguised—and very clearly lying. Johan's childhood friend and Jennifer's lover. He is also their neighbour.
Johan folded his arms. "Why are you lying?"
Joseph frowned. "Brother, why do you hide in the bushes?"
Johan shrugged lightly. "To surprise you."
Eloise froze. Sweat rolled down his temple. After a moment, he sighed in defeat.
"I read every letter sent to Jennifer. So I dress as a postman and take all his letters from the post office."
Joseph blinked. Johan rubbed his forehead. "Listen," Johan said flatly, "no man would ever dare propose to her because of you. Not even someone with suicidal courage."
Then Johan softened. "By the way… sorry about Emma's behaviour yesterday. Is your hand okay?"
"Almost broke," Eloise replied with attitude. "But I'm fine."
Johan smirked. "Aha! What kind of postman are you? You didn't even receive your invitation. I sent you a letter of invitation."
"You invited me!" Eloise protested. "I worked all day wearing this stupid uniform!"
Joseph finally spoke, his voice hollow.
"What's happening today?"
"Just come with me," Johan said gently, guiding him inside.
"I'll go change," Eloise shouted, running toward the house.
"Change your uniform, honest postman!" Johan laughed.
"Shut up!" Eloise yelled back.
The entrance hall was glowing—decorations everywhere, lights warm and festive. Yet Joseph stood silently, his thoughts still trapped in the hospital corridors from earlier that day.
Johan studied him. "You're always emotionless during exciting moments. It's your birthday. Did something happen at school?"
Joseph lowered his eyes.
"Nothing. I just… lost them."
At that moment, Jennifer arrived with flowers.
"Happy birthday, Joseph."
CREAK.
She opened the hall doors.
Children, neighbours, friends—everyone waited inside, smiling, clapping, cheering his name.
CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP!
Applause erupted. Cheers filled the air.
But Joseph didn't smile.
Jennifer noticed immediately. "Joseph? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, but I'm just tired," he whispered. "Can I go to my room?"
"Of course," Jennifer said, worry filling her voice.
Joseph walked away without another word.
Jennifer stood frozen. Johan stepped beside her.
"He'll be fine. That happens when someone grows up without parents."
A guest stood and spoke loudly, "But you raised him with more love than most real parents ever could."
Applause filled the hall.
Jennifer smiled faintly and returned to the celebration, though the unease never left her heart.
Late at night, Johan entered Joseph's room carrying a cake.
"You're the only person alive whose birthday is celebrated by others while he sleeps," Johan joked. "Be alive! Be alive!"
Jennifer followed him inside.
Joseph suddenly sat up.
"I need to tell you something."
He told them everything—Anni's suicide attempt, the strange note, and Dr. Arthur revealing the World of Souls and their true identities.
Jennifer collapsed onto the bed, burying her face in her hands.
Johan turned toward the window, his voice cold and steady.
"This is exactly what Arthur wanted. He knew this situation would force me to act. If he had asked me directly, I would've refused."
Jennifer stood and hugged Joseph tightly.
"We won't let anything happen to you."
Johan placed a hand on Joseph's shoulder.
"Sleep now. We will never use our powers again. And we will never speak of this."
They left the room quietly.
Jennifer sat on the floor outside and asked, "Does he know everything?"
"No," Johan replied. "He knows our identities—but not his own. This world always drags us back. If even Oneiros can act this foolishly, imagine the others. To maintain balance… I have to go."
Jennifer stood, her eyes burning.
"Letting go to save others—that's how you'll die. Without me, you're a soldier without a weapon. Don't risk your life."
Johan smiled softly.
"Okay. I'll be careful."
Jennifer saw it then—the excitement hidden behind his calm.
"What?" she asked.
"We're walking our parents' path," Johan said.
Jennifer inhaled deeply.
The lobby of St. Jude's Hospital was silent.
ZZZ… ZZZ…
The night receptionist, a young man with spectacles, dozed fitfully at his desk, his head nodding over a ledger.
An atmosphere entered first—a wave of cold, oppressive pressure that washed over the room and jolted the receptionist awake.
GASP!
He looked up, adjusting his glasses.
Four men walked in.
The receptionist jolted awake as an overwhelming presence filled the room.
Mr. Jones, the Mayor, entered—dressed in black court attire, three bodyguards following like shadows.
"Oh, Mr. Mayor!" the receptionist stammered. "Do you need help? We have excellent doctors—"
"No," Mr. Jones interrupted, his voice cold. "My daughter is admitted here."
"Please tell me her room number and name—"
"I can find her myself."
Mr. Jones walked away.
The receptionist sighed in relief.
Then one bodyguard turned back.
He stared with terrifying eyes.
"I just need one favour," he whispered. "Die..."
A dark sphere of energy formed in his palm. Then he threw it in the receptionist's face.
The receptionist screamed as his body seized. His eyes turned white. Against his will, he grabbed a pen and stabbed it into his own eye. Then he slammed his head against the desk again and again.
THUD. THUD. THUD.
Blood sprayed everywhere.
Drops landed on the bodyguard's face.
Smiling, he licked the blood slowly.
Jevier of Oneiros.