The apartment corridor was quiet, the soft morning light casting long shadows as Ryker stood in front of a familiar door.
He knocked once.
Moments later, the door opened—and a woman with soft features and gentle eyes stood before him. Her gaze widened the moment she saw him.
"R..Ryker…" Mai Yoshida whispered.
Before he could say a word, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around him.
"Are you back?" she asked, her voice trembling just a bit.
"A-Aunty," Ryker muttered, a little stunned, stiff in her embrace.
She finally let go, giving him a warm, motherly look. "Come inside."
He shook his head gently. "I'm just here to ask… is Sol home?"
Mai's expression softened with a touch of regret. "No… he's at the guild. Left two days ago and hasn't returned yet."
"oh I see…" Ryker said, turning slightly. "Then I'll go—"
"Hey!" she called out just as he stepped away. "You didn't even eat breakfast!"
Ryker glanced over his shoulder, cracking a half smile. "Thanks. I'll come later."
With that, he descended the apartment stairs, hands in pockets, wind brushing his coat.
Outside, the streets were beginning to buzz with life.
"Ahh… the guild, huh?" Ryker muttered to himself, then walked toward it, the weight of his name trailing behind him.
The tall iron gates of the guild stood like a silent monument—polished, firm, and familiar.
Ryker stepped through them without hesitation.
The moment his foot hit the entrance floor, all eyes turned.
Silence fell like snow.
The chatter died. Forks froze midair. A glass clinked onto the counter.
"Is that... Ryker Tensai?"
"He's out?"
"No way…"
A mixture of awe, fear, and uncertainty buzzed under their breath.
Ryker ignored it all.
He walked lazily, hands deep in his coat pockets, black boots echoing with each step. His hair slightly messy from the wind, his eyes calm—but unreadable.
He glanced around. The main hall hadn't changed. The giant quest board still glowed with holograms. Teams sat in groups, maps and weapons spread across tables.
He walked up to the front desk.
Behind it stood a young woman, barely able to breathe.
"Is… Sol Yoshida here?" Ryker asked casually.
"N-No… he's out on a mission," she managed to say, her eyes locked onto him.
Ryker clicked his tongue. "Of course he is."
He turned, scanning the hall once more.
Then his eyes met a familiar one.
A strong-looking guild warrior, seated in the corner with his team, stood up slowly. His jaw tightened. "Ryker Tensai… you got no business coming back here."
Ryker raised a brow. "You going to stop me?"
The man flinched slightly—then sat back down.
Ryker smirked. "Didn't think so."
Without another word, he walked to the upper balcony, past the guild flags. Behind him, whispers surged again.
"He's back…"
"But why?"
"Someone warn the council…"
But Ryker didn't care.
He was home. Or what used to be.
The heavy door creaked open as Ryker stepped into the Guild Leader's Room—a massive space filled with books, relics, and an ancient flag of the first heroes.
Behind the grand desk stood a tall man with sharp eyes and silver streaks in his dark hair—Shidou Shiranui, the current guild leader. His presence alone could crush a lesser man.
"So… you're back," Shidou said, his voice deep and calm, but filled with judgment.
Ryker stood in front of him, unfazed, hands in his pockets.
"I completed the mission," Ryker replied.
Shidou's eyes narrowed. "But did you complete it for the guild… or for yourself?"
Ryker's eyes didn't waver. "It was for me."
Shidou chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "I thought so."
Just then—
BAM.
The side door flew open.
Footsteps echoed in the room—many footsteps.
One by one, they entered.
Sol in his white coat and serious eyes.
Celica, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
Yumi, distant but quietly watching.
Akira, quiet like a shadow.
King, relaxed but ready.
Shin, with a calculating gaze.
Amelia, cold, precise.
Hiroshi, strong and silent.
Saki, frowning as she scanned Ryker.
Arisu, confused but calm.
Mio, nervous but present.
And lastly—Aisa, eyes locked on Ryker like she was trying to read his soul.
They all stood there, facing him, as if summoned to witness something important.
"...Looks like you've gathered quite the audience," Ryker muttered.
Sol stepped forward. "We want answers, Ryker."
"I didn't know I owed you any," Ryker said with a smirk.
Aisa spoke quietly, "Why did you come back?"
Ryker looked at all of them, pausing.
"To remind you…"
He stepped forward slowly.
"I'm not your ally."
"I'm not your friend."
"I'm not your enemy."
"I'm the one who walks ahead—while the rest of you choose to follow or fall."
The room tensed.
Sol stepped forward, anger in his voice.
"Why did you kill them, Ryker?"
Ryker's eyes, half-lidded and calm, didn't flinch.
"Because they were criminals."
A heavy silence followed.
Aisa took a step forward, her voice trembling but clear. "Jasmine told us… you went to prison because you were trying to protect people. Because you wanted to keep them safe. Was that a lie?"
Ryker gave a cold smirk. "I protect who I want. Not the world. Not them."
"Hey!" Sol snapped, fists clenched. "You think you can decide life and death now? If you're so sure, fight me. Right here."
Ryker let out a dry laugh. "Don't act so serious, Sol. You don't have the acting skills for it."
Sol blinked, then scratched his head with a laugh. "Heh… guess you're still the same, huh?"
He turned to the others. "Hey, Ryker, how about we—"
"Enough."
The voice cut through the air like a blade.
Shidou Shiranui slammed his hand on the desk.
"Take this outside. This room is for decisions, not brawls. And Ryker…"
His gaze sharpened.
"…don't forget what you owe."
Ryker turned away lazily. "I never forget. I just stop caring."
He walked toward the door without looking back.
Inside the guild leader's room, the air was thick with tension—but also something else. Relief. Familiarity.
Ryker stood in the center, calm as ever, surrounded by the people who once fought beside him. Sol crossed his arms and smirked, Celica leaned against the wall, and King was already cracking a joke.
"You could've at least said 'I'm back,' you know?" Sol said.
Ryker shrugged. "Didn't feel like it."
Everyone let out a small laugh.
Shin shook his head. "Still the same Ryker. Cold as ice."
"Cold?" Ryker looked at him. "I'm burning with love."
That made even Amelia laugh.
Aisa stood slightly behind them all, just watching.
No words yet.
Just... watching him.
He's here, she thought, her lips curling into a soft, quiet smile. Her fingers curled slightly against her arm. So many things she had rehearsed in her head—what she would say she saw him again. A slap? A scream? A hug? He's really back. Not as a ghost in my memory. Not in a dream. He's here.
Celica glanced at Aisa, then smiled knowingly.
"Hey, Ryker," Aisa finally said, stepping forward.
He turned to her slowly, eyes meeting hers.
Aisa smiled gently. "Welcome back."
Ryker looked at her—silent for a moment—and then gave the faintest nod.
"...Yeah," he said. "I'm home."