It had been four long days since the hard, exhausting training under Asim — but Hina could feel herself improving, little by little. Hopefully.
She stared at herself in the mirror while brushing her teeth, her bracelet resting on the bathroom counter. A baggy black shirt hung loosely off her shoulders. She spat, rinsed, then stared again — hating her dull reflection.
That same empty, lifeless look stared back.
She sighed and turned away.
The smell of cooking drifted from the kitchen. Ivan hummed cheerfully as he worked the stove.
"Take a seat," he said, noticing her. "I'll finish the pancakes in a bit."
Hina sat quietly as Ivan placed a plate in front of her — pancakes drizzled with honey.
"Just like how babushka used to make them," he said proudly.
She ate slowly while Ivan poured a cup of juice and slid it toward her.
"Oh, yeah," he began casually, "there'll be a big meeting today — by the leader of the Shadow Corp."
"Of?" Hina asked, blinking.
Ivan sighed. "By the suddenness of it, I'm guessing a mission. Your first mission, actually." He grinned. "Aren't you excited?"
Hina looked uneasy. "No… not really."
Ivan waved his hand. "Don't worry, it won't be that bad. You'll be fineee." He leaned back. "Oh, and you'll be under Asim's supervision most of the time, since Aiko insisted I tag along with them."
He smirked. "Maybe I have a chance."
Womanizer… Hina rolls her eyes at him.
"What's the mission about?" she asked curiously.
"Eh, not sure. But from what I gathered, it's about finding someone." He leaned forward, his voice lowering. "Someone who escaped from the Shadow Order's prison."
Hina's eyes widened.
"He's smart and strong," Ivan continued. "A dangerous combo. It's like he can predict your next move."
Hina froze, fear flickering in her eyes.
Ivan noticed and waved it off. "Don't worry, you'll be safe."
"How are you so sure?"
"Three reasons." Ivan held up three fingers. "One — you're surrounded by the strongest." He pointed to himself proudly.
"Two — Asim will be with you 24/7, so you won't get eaten by any demons. Think of it as more training."
"Three — we're not on the dangerous side."
"Dangerous side?" Hina asked, confused.
Ivan chuckled. "The search party will be split into two groups. One where they know the target is hiding — that's the dangerous one. The other? A fifty-fifty chance. We'll take that side. You'll get some real training in, maybe face a few little devils."
Hina sighed. "Hopefully I don't get eaten…"
Ivan gave her a soft look. "You'll do great. I know it." He flashed a thumbs up.
Hina smiled faintly, finishing her pancakes.