Chapter 63 — Silver Between Strangers
Blade woke up before sunrise.
He didn't reach for the headset.
Instead, he put on a black coat, gloves, and stepped outside. Snowstar was already awake. Silver banners stretched across streets. Music floated through the air. Vendors were setting up lantern stalls and ice sculptures.
He walked without destination.
Crowds weren't his style, but blending into them was easy.
A group of children ran past him, laughing. A couple argued over which fireworks display would be best tonight. Street performers practiced with silver ribbons that shimmered in the cold air.
Blade kept his hood low.
Thirteen winters.
The city hadn't changed much.
He stopped near a bridge overlooking the frozen river. Silver lanterns from last night rested along the railings, some extinguished, some still glowing faintly.
He didn't know one of them had his name written on it.
Behind him, a familiar voice spoke softly.
"Snowstar always feels heavier during the festival."
He didn't turn.
Not because he recognized it.
Because he recognized the tone.
Liora Han stood a short distance away, speaking to her mother. She wore a pale winter coat, pink hair tucked neatly beneath a white beret.
"This city is colder than Cherryland," her mother added.
"It's beautiful though," Liora said quietly.
Her eyes wandered across the bridge.
And stopped.
A tall figure in a black coat. Silver hair visible under the hood. Standing alone.
Something about the posture.
Calm.
Still.
Unbothered by noise.
Her heartbeat shifted slightly.
No.
It couldn't be.
Millions of people lived in Snowstar.
Blade sensed eyes on him.
He didn't look immediately. Instead, he took a slow sip from the coffee in his hand. Then, casually, he turned slightly.
Their eyes met.
Just for a second.
Liora froze.
It wasn't the game. No visor. No weapons. No glowing HUD.
Just sharp features. Quiet gaze. Silver hair.
Her breath caught.
Blade held her gaze briefly, neutral, unreadable.
Then a group of festival dancers rushed between them, silver ribbons flashing wildly.
When the movement cleared—
Blade had already turned away.
He walked off the bridge and disappeared into the flow of the crowd.
Liora stepped forward instinctively.
"Liora?" her father called.
She stopped.
She didn't chase.
Her hands tightened slightly inside her coat sleeves.
"That… felt familiar," she murmured.
Across the street, Blade adjusted his gloves.
For a moment, something in his chest felt… off rhythm.
He didn't know why.
He didn't look back.
Fireworks cracked in the distance as daylight brightened.
Three different paths were moving inside one city.
The festival had only just begun.