The water’s surface shimmered like scattered crystals under the dim light, casting back a delicate reflection of his young face. At times, the gentle current shifted, distorting and blurring his features as if the river itself wished to keep his identity a secret. Tiny droplets slipped from the edge of his face, each carrying the freshness of the flowing river.

His black hair framed his face in soft waves, and his dark eyes mirrored those from a life long past. Eyes that Luca recognized, yet struggled to believe truly belonged to him.

The reflection stared back, haunting and familiar, a silent reminder of the man he once was. He finished washing, then slipped into his clothes, the fabric still cool and slightly damp against his skin.

By four in the afternoon, Luca was already prepared. He was going to work again, even earlier than the day before.

"I will be going," he said softly.

“Take care, Lu,” his sister said in a soft voice.

“See you later, Luca,” Rin added with a grin.

With a turn, Luca walked off, the rhythmic tap of his cane marking his path.

But after a short distance, he slipped down a side path and silently circled back. A few minutes later, he crept across the top of the bridge, hidden in shadow. He crouched low, watching and listening for any movement below.

He couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in his gut. The slums were quiet, but that was never a good sign.

From his vantage point, he could just make out Evelyn. She sat unmoving, her hands resting in her lap, still staring at the place where he had disappeared.

Nearby, Rin tilted her head slightly, noticing the silence.

“What happened to you? Your face is red—are you sick again?” Rin asked.

Evelyn startled slightly and turned her face away.

“N-nothing...” she mumbled.

Rin squinted at her, clearly unconvinced. Her lips curved upward into a teasing grin.

“Heh~ What happened yesterday? Your eyes were all swollen.”

Evelyn stiffened. “It’s… because of the dust,” she replied.

“Hm.... You cried in front of Luca, didn’t you?” Rin teased, her voice bubbling with delight.

“Rin!” Evelyn shouted, lunging forward to pinch her, but Rin laughed and dodged out of reach.

“Pfft! So I was right!” she giggled.

They wrestled a little, half-heartedly. For a moment, laughter floated through the slums, fragile but real. The place felt just a little less grim.

But Luca’s relief evaporated as a man approached slowly, carrying a block of wood. Luca’s eyes sharpened, and then he slowly walked under the bridge, using his cane for support.

The man's grin twisted cruelly as he stopped in front of both of them, who were sitting with their backs against the wall.

“Hand over all your money and food, or face the consequences...”

It was a homeless man who lived nearby, clearly looking for trouble.

The two of them locked eyes on the homeless man, their bodies rigid. Doing their best to stay calm as they tried to handle the situation.

But he slammed the block of wood down in front of them, making both girls flinch.

"Don’t lie to me! I saw that boy bringing back food and money. Where is it? Where did you hide it?!" he shouted.

"Please, we really don’t have anything," Rin added, doing her best to reason with him.

"Tch. Fine, I’ll check for myself. Besides… you’re both quite pretty, I think I’ll have a little fun first."

He laughed menacingly and stepped closer. Rin instinctively shielded Evelyn with her body.

"S-someone help!" Evelyn cried out. But the people nearby turned away. No one in the slums wanted to get involved.

This was the reality of the slums, a place where cruelty could flourish unchecked. They had been careful, but this day had still come.

"Yes! Scream! Go on, scream louder! I’ll enjoy your body while you scream, Hahaha!" he laughed maniacally, reaching for them.

"N-no! Don’t come closer!" Evelyn's voice cracked with fear, her body shaking.

Then, suddenly—

A figure dashed in. The man was caught off guard. In one swift motion, he was grabbed by the collar and slammed to the ground. Before he could react, a knife was drawn and driven into his right shoulder.

Once, twice, three times.

"AAAHHHK!"

He screamed in agony before he shut his voice, staring at the bloodied blade before his eyes.

"Don’t move… or I’ll tear out your eyes," He spoke in a calm voice, his movements precise as he handled the knife.

"P-please spare me!"

"Sister. Rin. Are you alright?" He asked softly, though his gaze never left the man beneath him. His hand, steady as iron, kept the knife close to the man’s face.

"Lu!" Evelyn cried.

"Luca!" Rin echoed.

"Good. Prepare your things. We’re leaving."

"Alright!" Rin nodded quickly.

They hurried to gather their belongings. Luca remained behind, still holding the knife with unwavering precision. The man lay on the ground, drenched in cold sweat.

If he moved, the blade might strike his eye. Luca’s hand was so steady, from the way he handled the knife, it was clear this wasn’t his first time

"Next time you try something, I’ll tear your stomach open," Luca said coldly.

He stood and walked away, leaving the man bleeding and whimpering on the ground. Luca found his sister and Rin nearby.

He’d suspected someone would try something. That’s why he’d laid a trap to test the waters and those around him.

In the slums, surrounded by the hungry, even a scrap of wealth invited danger.

He’d circled back eventually, worry clawing at him. He hated risking his sister and Rin, but his bad leg left him few choices. And if he didn’t make a brutal example, the threats would keep coming. Because in the slums, kindness was a weakness.

It had been a surprise attack. He also designed it to make him look like a cold-blooded killer.

Luca had experience with a scalpel, back when he was a medical student. But that was on cadavers, not people.

Now, after the adrenaline faded, he realized his broken leg was hurt and his hands were trembling. He had never stabbed a living person before.

But… he would, if it meant protecting the ones he loved.

This world didn’t care about morals. Not in the slums. It only cared about strength.

Leaning on his cane, he was limping towards his sister, with his hands still trembling.

"Lu!" Evelyn rushed to his side.

"Are you okay?" Rin asked, her eyes scanning him.

"I’m alright. Thank you for protecting my sister."

"No worries," Rin replied with a smile.

"I’m sorry... I came late," Luca whispered.

"It’s alright, I’m just happy you’re okay," Evelyn answered, her eyes misting over.

"We need a safer place, for now."

"I know a place. There’s a small, abandoned bridge. It’s remote." Rin said.

"That’s fine," he replied.

"Okay, follow me."

They walked until they reached the small bridge. No one was around. The atmosphere was eerie, but in a way, that was comforting.

People were the real danger.

The spot was a bit dirty, but the river beneath it ran clear. They cleaned up the area and laid down their belongings. Luca washed the blood from his hands and clothes, then hid the knife away.

This would be their new shelter at least until he earned enough money to rent a flat.

He didn’t want to go back to work so soon.

What if something happened again?

But they needed money to live. And with his actions, Luca had already sent a clear warning to anyone nearby who might have bad intentions.

That man also wouldn’t dare make another move, not after Luca had stared him down and left him wounded.

And so, just before five, Luca headed off to the Scarlet Veil, carrying the weight of the day on his shoulders.