NABC Chapter 40 – New and Old Faces
Chapter 40 – New and Old Faces
Chapter 40: Chapter 40 – New and Old FacesChapter 40 – New and Old Faces
The air was heavy with anticipation that morning, far more than usual. The transport station, typically brimming with commuters moving from one corridor to another, had transformed into something else entirely—something bordering on ceremonial.
The crowds were no longer in motion. Instead, they were gathered in thick clusters outside the station gates, whispering, pointing, and waiting. A cordon of knights in elegant dark uniforms stood like statues around the perimeter, their imposing presence discouraging anyone from drawing too close.
Today was different.
Today marked the departure of the latest batch of Knight candidates—a moment that held weight far beyond its surface. For many, this was history in the making. Reporters, citizens, and curious onlookers all came for the same reason: to catch a glimpse of those chosen few who would soon leave Earth behind.
"Psst, when are they coming?" someone whispered from the crowd, craning their neck to peer through the knights.
"Soon, I think. I heard they’re departing in a few minutes," another replied, unable to contain their excitement.
"I wonder how many made it this year," someone else mused aloud.
"Who cares? We’ve got an S-Talent this time," another voice cut in with pride. "Even if we don’t produce another Knight for a hundred years, we’ll still be the talk of the realms because of that."
"I checked the Di-Net yesterday... Those bastards couldn’t believe their eyes, haha!"
Laughter and murmurs followed.
Then a sudden shout broke the low chatter. "Oh! Look—someone’s coming!"
Heads turned in unison.
Down the cleared path that led through the crowd and to the station gates, a solitary figure walked at a steady pace. A large bag hung from his back. His silver hair gleamed under the rising sun, and his red eyes stared forward with a cold, unwavering intensity.
"He’s one of them! One of the candidates!"
Excited cheers erupted.
"He looks kinda scrawny. I expected them to be more... intimidating."
"Don’t judge by appearances," another countered. "He got accepted, didn’t he? That means he’s stronger than anyone here."
Speculation surged through the crowd like wildfire—questions about his appearance, his strength, his story. To some, he looked strange. To others, he was fascinating. Either way, he was the center of attention.
Zane kept walking, expression neutral but jaw clenched slightly.
’Seriously... Why the hell is this being treated like a parade?’ he thought bitterly, resisting the urge to glare at the onlookers. The attention wasn’t new to him, not anymore. But that didn’t mean he had to like it.
As he neared the gates, two of the uniformed guards stepped forward, blocking his path. Their gazes were sharp,
That face. That arrogant posture. That blond hair.
It was Emilio.
Their eyes locked.
A beat passed.
Zane’s jaw tensed as a whisper escaped his lips. "No way..."
Emilio froze mid-step, his expression slack with shock. Then his face twisted.
"...Why the hell is this bastard here?" he muttered.