A Call from Max

The ringing of Sam's phone broke the silence of his small apartment. Surprised by the unexpected call, he reached for the device and saw Max's name flashing on the screen. Curiosity piqued, he quickly answered the call.

"Hey, Sam! It's Max," came the cheerful voice on the other end. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

Sam smiled, relieved to hear a friendly voice. "No, not at all. It's good to hear from you, Max. What's up?"

There was a brief pause before Max continued, his tone more serious now. "Listen, Sam, I know your secret."

Sam's heart skipped a beat, and he tensed up. How could Max possibly know about his bone manipulation abilities? Had he somehow discovered his hidden identity?

"I've seen what you can do, Sam," Max continued, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and determination. "During our encounter in the forest, I witnessed your bone manipulation powers. And I must say, they're impressive."

Sam's mind raced, trying to come up with a response. He had never intended to reveal his powers to anyone, let alone someone like Max, who had his own set of extraordinary abilities.

"I understand if you're surprised or even wary," Max added, sensing Sam's unease. "But I see this as an opportunity for both of us. I have a proposal for you."

Sam hesitated, unsure of what Max could possibly offer. But there was an undeniable curiosity within him, a desire to explore the extent of his powers and find someone who understood his journey.

"Go on," Sam finally replied, his voice cautious yet intrigued.

Max's tone became more persuasive. "There's an important party coming up in Arcadia, a city known for its extravagant events. It's an exclusive gathering, and attendees must meet certain criteria, including a minimum age requirement. However, with your bone manipulation powers, you possess a unique skill set that could prove invaluable. I want you to be my bodyguard and companion for the event."

Sam's eyes widened in surprise. The idea of attending a high-profile party as a bodyguard was certainly unexpected, but it also held a certain allure. It would allow him to embrace his abilities, explore the depths of his powers, and perhaps even uncover more about his true identity.

"What's in it for me?" Sam asked cautiously, unable to fully trust Max's intentions.

Max's voice turned persuasive. "Sam, think about it. Arcadia is a city where power and influence collide. By accompanying me as my bodyguard, you'll have the chance to witness the inner workings of this world, gain access to valuable resources, and earn a substantial sum of money. It's an opportunity for both of us to grow, to unlock our true potential."

Sam's mind swirled with conflicting thoughts. The allure of power, wealth, and the chance to delve deeper into his abilities was difficult to resist. But he couldn't ignore the risks involved, nor the fact that his true identity would be exposed to someone outside of his small circle.

As Sam considered Max's proposal, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Perhaps it's time you socialized with people your age, Sam," Light, the divine crow, whispered in his mind. "While I provide guidance and companionship, it is important for you to interact with others who can offer different perspectives and experiences."

Sam nodded inwardly, realizing the truth in Light's words. He had spent so much time alone, honing his powers and navigating the shadows, that he had forgotten the value of human connection.

With newfound determination, Sam replied to Max, "Alright, Max. I'm in.

Max's voice brimmed with satisfaction. "Excellent! You won't regret this decision, Sam. Together, we'll unlock the secrets of our powers and forge a path to greatness."

As they ended the call, Sam couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.