The following day, the morning sun shone down on Serion City. The sound of heavy equipment and construction vehicles filled the air around the military hospital. In Nox's ward, the medical team was conducting a final checkup. "If Major Nox remains stable until noon, you can go home this evening," the doctor said after removing the IV from Nox's arm.
"Thank you, Doctor," Nox replied, pressing a hand over the small puncture wound.
"That's great news, Nox," Ron said, patting him on the shoulder.
"We'll leave you to rest," the doctor added, nodding to them as the medical team stepped out.
Nox got out of bed and walked over to the window. "You've been avoiding it since I woke up. What really happened to your hand?"
Ron went silent, his grip tightening around his bandaged palm.
"Ah... never mind. Tell me when you're ready." Nox turned to face him, his expression growing serious. "What exactly happened while I was out?"
Ron met Nox's eyes, his voice hoarse and hesitant. "This wound... I did it to myself." He touched the bandage. "It had nothing to do with Leuliang directly. He wasn't the reason."
Nox's eyes widened, then softened as he watched Ron touch the bandage on his palm. He stayed silent, giving Ron the space to continue.
"General Bhairin came by while you were unconscious," Ron said, dropping his hand. "He told me I was being relieved of my duties as an investigator."
"Were you angry? Did you lash out at something?" Nox asked, crossing his arms.
"No, it wasn't that... I just felt so helpless. I took it out on myself in the heat of the moment." Ron's head hung low. "I've let you down as an older brother, haven't I?"
Nox walked over and patted Ron on the shoulder. "Do you remember, Ron, when I was a teenager, I caused a lot of trouble for Mom, Dad, and you?"
He let his hand drop. "I was sixteen, you were eighteen, just starting at the academy. I was still in puberty—impulsive, angry, and constantly on the verge of violence."
Nox's eyes grew misty. "You steered me toward something better: boxing. We were equals, but you always had my back." A faint smile touched Nox's lips. "You didn't just give me advice; you supported me. You even convinced Mom and Dad when I decided to go pro. You watched my diet, stood in my corner... you were even my cutman."
A tear finally escaped. "You're still my role model, Ron. I won't give up on you, and I won't be disappointed when you stumble. We're brothers—even if I'm just the adopted one."
Ron's eyes shimmered. "Yes. Thank you, Nox."
Nox rolled his shoulders to break the heavy mood. "So… isn't it time you showed me who this Leuliang really is?"
"Yes," Ron replied, his gaze now sharp with determination rather than grief. "I'll take you for a walk. We can see the devastation outside."
"Okay. What are we waiting for, Ron?" He moved a little stiffly, but the fire in his eyes was unmistakable. "Let's go then," Nox said, walking enthusiastically out of the room.
"Yeah." Ron followed beside him.
Ron led Nox toward the main door. Nox glanced out the window and froze. His eyes widened when he saw a gaping hole in the military hospital's perimeter wall. "Ron... was that hole made by Leuliang?"
"Yes." Ron looked at the hole. Once, it had been nothing but loss and noise in his head. Now, the chaos had settled. He traced the wreckage with his eyes, not as a grave, but as a beginning—one that pointed straight to Leuliang Esculenta.
Nox punched his right fist hard into his left palm. "It looks like our opponent this time is quite extraordinary, Lieutenant Colonel Ron Eosvile," he said, a sharp, enthusiastic gaze in his eyes and a faint smile playing across his face.
Ron sighed. "This isn't a boxing ring, Major Nox Eosvile."
They stared at each other for a moment before breaking into a chuckle.
***
In the meantime, at the Serion City military base, a calm, quiet atmosphere filled Bhairin's office, with sunlight filtering through the cracks in the window blinds. He sat at his desk, a stack of files looming before him.
"I must report on Leuliang immediately and cover up the incident at the military hospital to prevent public panic," Bhairin said, tapping his index finger rhythmically on the table.
On his monitor, the name "Leuliang Esculenta" faded into nothingness. Bhairin's eyes locked onto the empty space where the words had been.
"Nothingness," he muttered, the word heavy with meaning.
Bhairin had an idea. "If I can control Leuliang... then Syntax itself will fall in line."
"But how?" Bhairin folded his arms, staring intently at the screen. His phone vibrated. The message was from the Head of the Serion City Military Hospital: "Major Nox Eosvile has regained consciousness and is ready for reassignment."
"Ah, the Eosvile brothers. Perhaps they could be my pawns," Bhairin smirked, returning to his report.
***
Meanwhile, in Ipsix, the morning was draped in dark clouds, threatening rain at any moment. Within the garden, Serenity moved in a long-sleeved ivory dress with a hood that draped over her flowing hair. She wandered through the rows of white lilies until she reached the edge of a lotus pond.
Staring down at the blossoms, Serenity whispered, "I wish I could be like this white lotus."
The sound of footsteps approached from behind. A young man with white hair and amethyst eyes drew near. "Miss Serenity, Master Avalon is looking for you."
Serenity turned slowly. "I see... thank you for telling me, Vashil."
Vashil bowed his head, resting his right hand over his chest. "It is my duty."
"I will be there soon," Serenity replied, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"Allow me to escort you, Miss Serenity." Vashil stepped back, maintaining a respectful distance of three paces behind her.
As they made their way back through the lilies, they encountered Honest and Ashil—Vashil's twin.
"Good morning, Brother," Serenity greeted softly.
"Morning," Honest replied.
Ashil bowed just as his brother had, hand to his chest. "Good morning, Miss Serenity."
"Good morning," Serenity replied, stepping closer to her brother. "What's wrong, Brother?"
"Nothing." Honest met her gaze at last, his expression unreadable.
"It's rare for Brother to respond so curtly," Serenity said, taking his hand in hers.
Sensing the private moment, Ashil and Vashil exchanged a look and retreated about ten meters, giving them space.
"What is weighing on your mind?" Serenity asked softly.
Honest slowly pulled his hand away. He looked into her eyes and asked, "Isn't your burden heavier than mine?"
"I'm not a skilled problem solver like you, but I can be a good listener to your concerns," Serenity insisted, reaching out to hold his hands once more.
His jaw tightened. "Enough." He withdrew his hands again. "Father is waiting." He glanced toward the twins. "Both of you, escort Serenity," Honest ordered.
Ashil and Vashil approached immediately, stopping three steps from her. "Miss, we'll escort you."
"Okay... one thing you need to know," Serenity said, looking up at the overcast sky. "You're not alone; I'm always here for you."
She walked away, leaving Honest behind as the twins followed.
Eventually, the sound of their footsteps faded into silence. Honest remained standing alone amidst the white lilies. The first raindrops began to fall, growing heavy as they washed over his cheeks.
"Oh rain, carry this sadness and loneliness away with you," he whispered. Yet, even the rain could not wash away his lies and mistakes.
***
At the same time, Ashil and Vashil had escorted Serenity to Avalon's office. Serenity entered, and Avalon was waiting for her with a wide smile.
"My daughter, the Esculenta Code has begun. What do you think?"
Serenity smiled back, her anger hidden behind clenched fists. "Isn't it wonderful?"
As the words left her lips, time in Ipsix seemed to stutter, slowing to a near-halt for one heart-stopping second.
To be continued...