Chapter 25. Visiting an old friend.

Ethan surveyed the bustling street scene, his eyes darting between the myriad of food vendors peddling their wares.

The tantalizing aromas made the choice all the more difficult, each stall a siren call to his grumbling stomach. He was on the hunt for a meal that would satisfy his hunger without straining his modest budget.

After much deliberation, Ethan settled on a simple sandwich for breakfast. Priced at 5E₮ apiece, he purchased two, rationalizing that he needed ample sustenance to fuel him through the day's endeavors. He wouldn't have the chance to eat again until nighttime when he returned from his mission, so filling up now was essential.

With his sandwiches in hand, Ethan also bought a cup of tea for 10E₮, the cost equaling that of both sandwiches combined.

This was no ordinary tea; it was steeped with magical herbs, a brew renowned for its unique properties. The tea promised to soothe the mind while invigorating the body, an ideal elixir for someone facing a long day ahead.

Finding a spot amongst the other patrons, Ethan began to feast on his meal. The sandwiches disappeared quickly, and as he sipped his tea, a serene calm washed over him. The troubles with Ava that had clouded his thoughts seemed to dissolve, leaving him with a newfound clarity and peace.

Ethan stretched languidly, the morning's meal and the magic of the tea working their combined wonders. He turned on his heel and strode back toward the third district, the starting point of his mission.

The Eastern gate of the shelter awaited him, but not before he changed into appropriate attire. He needed a battle suit, something that wouldn't hinder his movements and would offer at least a modicum of defense.

By the time he reached the third district, the clock had crept towards 9 am. The streets teemed with life; not just the youth who had been out earlier, but older residents as well, all contributing to the growing din of the day's activity.

Ethan weaved through the crowd and soon arrived at the abandoned factory that marked his destination. Inside, a few souls lingered, not yet departed to toil for their daily bread.

As he reached into his pocket and retrieved the remaining 10E₮, Ethan approached a particular tent. Abruptly, the flap was thrown back, revealing a young girl whose malnourished frame belied her years. She was the same age as Ava, but her gaunt appearance made her seem much younger.

Nina was her name, a ghost from the past. They had shared the same orphanage home, Nina being Ava's sole companion during those days. Ethan and Ava had lost touch with her after they left, and life had dealt Nina a harsh hand. Since departing the orphanage at twelve, she had called this tent in the abandoned factory her home.

"Ohh, Ethan, you're here?" Nina's voice was tinged with surprise as she caught sight of him.

"Yeah, I came to get dressed, but when I noticed movement in your tent, I thought I'd check in on you," Ethan replied.

Understanding flickered in Nina's eyes as she cast her gaze downward, seemingly reluctant to meet Ethan's steady look.

Ethan found himself at a loss for words, the silence between him and Nina growing heavy. They stood there, the weight of unspoken thoughts hanging between them like a tangible fog.

Eventually, Nina lifted her head, her eyes meeting Ethan's with a hesitance that spoke volumes.

"What about Ava? How is she? It's been so long. I hope she's doing okay," she inquired, her voice laced with genuine concern.

"She's doing just fine," Ethan responded, and as the words left his lips, the silence returned, thick and unyielding. Nina's eyes fell once more to the ground, but not before Ethan caught a fleeting glimpse of the pain, loneliness, and loss that haunted her gaze.

"If you miss her, why won't you visit her, or at least let me tell her about you?" Ethan pressed on, seizing the moment before Nina could avert her eyes completely.

"No, no, no... Not now, not yet. I'll meet her when I'm ready, and when the time is right," Nina replied, her voice trembling with nerves.

"You know she won't judge you if that's what you're worried about. She misses you, too. She's refused to make any other friends since you." Ethan softly insisted, sensing her turmoil.

Hearing this, a pained expression creased Nina's features, and she fell silent.

The insecurity she felt about her current situation was clear; she wasn't ready to face Ava, not like this. With her sixteenth birthday only months away, Nina clung to the hope that the awakening process might change her fortunes. If she was lucky enough to awaken her abilities, then perhaps she could meet her friend with her head held high.

Life had been a struggle for Nina since leaving the orphanage three years ago, the abandoned factory her refuge, and her prison.

A year ago, she'd reconnected with Ethan, who had just failed his awakening—a shock, given his talent. But even as fate seemed to turn against him, he'd reached out to her.

Despite their occasional meetings, Nina had kept her distance from Ava, her insecurities a towering barrier. Ethan had offered her a place with them, an offer she'd declined, unwilling to impose.

Now, Ethan looked at Nina with resignation in his eyes, recognizing the futility of persuasion.

"Here, take this... I hope it helps," he said, extending the 10E₮ he had retrieved from his pocket.

"You know you don't have to," Nina protested, eyeing the proffered money.

"I want to," Ethan insisted.

Reluctantly, Nina accepted the money, knowing Ethan wouldn't take no for an answer, and she was in no position to refuse.

"Thank you. I appreciate it," she whispered, her gratitude genuine.

Ethan simply nodded, and they were once again enveloped in an awkward pause.

"Well, I'm sure you have things to do. I'll get out of your hair," Ethan finally said, breaking the silence.

"Ohh, see you later then," Nina responded quietly as Ethan turned and began to walk away.

From the entrance of her tent, Nina watched Ethan's retreating figure, a sorrowful glint in her eyes. As his form receded into the distance.