Suprise !

Ryan left the hospital, the daylight slightly blinding him after spending days within the austere, white walls. A gentle breeze brushed his face as he paused for a moment to take a deep breath. The fresh air felt good, but something was troubling him. Rayna wasn't there to take him home.

He wondered why. Usually, she was always there for him, especially during moments like this. Perhaps she had been held up at work, he thought. After all, her position within the Protector Association often demanded unexpected overtime. But a small voice inside him couldn't help but worry.

Ryan shrugged, trying to reassure himself, and began walking home. The streets were calm, the atmosphere peaceful, but his mind was racing. He had so many unanswered questions, especially about the strange system that had manifested within him.

He still didn't understand how he had survived that portal. The blurry memories of his fight against the monsters, the fall, and the meteor's light kept resurfacing. But what troubled him even more was the system. A mysterious tool, capable of granting him skills and measuring his strength. Yet, he knew nothing about its origins or how it worked.

"Why doesn't the system explain my skills?" he asked aloud, frustrated. Every time he looked at the descriptions of his new abilities, he only saw names without explanations. "Regeneration, King's Intuition, Scarlet Eye…" He could guess some things, but he needed concrete answers. He wanted to understand what this synchronization mentioned in the system meant. Was it a measure of his connection to the system? An indication of his potential?

Ryan frowned as he walked. He knew he couldn't remain in ignorance any longer. If he wanted to become stronger, he had to fully exploit these skills. That meant he needed to test them in a controlled environment. "A training ground…" he thought. Yes, that was the solution. There were several training grounds for young Protectors in the city. He could go there and experiment safely.

Lost in thought, he finally arrived at the house he shared with his sister. A modest but comfortable home in a quiet neighborhood. He pulled out his keys and unlocked the door, the silence of the house welcoming him.

He entered and placed his bag near the entrance, his thoughts still focused on the system. He had to find a way to activate it intentionally, to better understand his abilities. If he could master these new skills, he could not only protect his sister but also prove to everyone that he was more than just an F-rank.

Ryan headed to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water. He observed the room, each detail reminding him of the moments he had spent here with Rayna. His sister had always been his greatest ally, his unwavering support. He needed to show her that he was now capable of defending himself and protecting her in return.

After drinking, he sat on the couch, pondering what he should do next. "Maybe I should train here first, just to see if I can manifest my skills," he murmured to himself. He closed his eyes and concentrated, trying to connect to the system.

Ding.

A small notification appeared in his mind, confirming the system was active. He visualized the skills one by one, trying to feel their energy, to understand how they worked. But without clear explanations, he still felt lost.

"I really need to find a training ground," he thought with a sigh. He stood up and glanced out the window, observing the quiet streets outside. "Tomorrow, I'll start training seriously. I need to prepare for whatever might come."

With his decision made, he felt slightly at ease. For now, he would rest and wait for his sister's return. But one thing was certain: he was determined never to be a victim again. This system was his chance to change his destiny, and he wasn't going to let it slip away.

Ryan was lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the window. He wondered what the future held for him with this mysterious system. As he pondered, he suddenly heard the front door open.

"Surprise!"

Rayna and Veilhot burst into the room, carrying a large cake and balloons. Ryan, caught off guard, blinked several times before realizing what was happening.

"What the...?" he murmured, slowly rising from the couch.

Rayna burst into laughter, placing the cake on the coffee table in front of him. "Happy birthday, little brother!" she said, her wide smile and sparkling eyes radiating joy.

"You didn't think we'd forget such an important day, did you?" added Veilhot with a wink, holding a gift in his hands.

Ryan was speechless. He had completely forgotten it was his birthday today, lost in thoughts about the portal and the system. "You... you planned all this for me?" he asked, moved.

Rayna nodded, stepping closer to give him a warm hug. "Of course, Ryan. You're my little brother. How could I forget such a special day?"

Veilhot joined the hug, patting Ryan's back with a big smile. "And I wouldn't miss it. We worked hard to surprise you. Now, blow out those candles and make a wish!"

Ryan gently pulled away from their embrace, a genuine smile lighting up his face. He leaned over the cake, where several candles flickered. "Thank you, guys. I'm really touched." He took a deep breath and blew out the candles, met with applause from Rayna and Veilhot.

Rayna sat next to him on the couch, excitement shining in her eyes. "So, what did you wish for?" she teased.

Ryan chuckled softly. "If I tell, it won't come true, right?" he replied with a shrug.

"Oh, come on, you can tell us," Veilhot insisted with a mischievous smile. "We won't tell anyone, promise!"

Ryan shook his head, laughing. "No, really, it's a secret." He leaned over to cut the cake, offering a slice to each of them. "But seriously, thank you both. It's the first time in a while I've felt truly happy."

Rayna gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "That's what family is for, Ryan. After everything you've been through lately, you deserve a bit of happiness."

Veilhot nodded. "And we've got your back, man. No matter what happens, we'll never let you down."

They spent the next few minutes eating cake and chatting joyfully, sharing anecdotes and memories. Laughter echoed through the room, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere.

At one point, Veilhot stood up and handed Ryan the gift. "Here, this is for you. Hope you like it."

Ryan took the package with curiosity, tearing the wrapping paper eagerly. Inside, he found a beautiful leather bracelet with a small engraved pendant. "Wow, this is... amazing. Thanks, Veilhot."

Veilhot beamed proudly. "I knew you'd like it. It's a symbol of strength and protection. I thought it suited you perfectly."

Ryan fastened the bracelet around his wrist, looking at it with gratitude. "It's perfect. Thanks again."

Rayna then grabbed a small package she had hidden behind her. "And here's something from me."

Ryan opened the package to reveal an old, beautifully bound book. "A book on the history of the Protectors," Rayna explained. "I know you've always been curious about it, and I think it could help you understand your role better."

Ryan flipped through the first few pages, impressed by the wealth of information. "This is great. Thanks, Rayna. I'll read it carefully."

They continued to chat and laugh, sharing this moment of simple happiness. For Ryan, this birthday wasn't just a celebration of his age but a reminder of the importance of those around him. Despite the challenges ahead, he knew he could count on his sister and his friend. And that gave him the strength to keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles he would face.

As the evening was coming to an end, Veilhot suddenly stood up, a big smile on his face. "Alright, guys, before this night ends, I've got one last surprise for you."

Ryan and Rayna exchanged a curious look. "What are you up to now, Veilhot?" Rayna asked, laughing softly.

Veilhot shrugged and walked over to a corner of the room where he had discreetly placed a small guitar. He picked it up and sat back down in front of Ryan and Rayna. "A little song for our hero of the day," he said with a wink.

Ryan burst out laughing. "You can play the guitar? Since when?"

"Since always," Veilhot replied with a mischievous smile. "Did I never tell you? Well, get ready to be dazzled!"

He quickly tuned the guitar and began playing a soft melody. His voice rose gently, harmonious and comforting. The lyrics were simple yet full of meaning, speaking of courage, friendship, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

He began to sing:

"When the shadows stretch and the light flickers,

You stand tall, facing the unknown.

The wind may blow, the storm may roar,

But your heart remains strong, always listening."

Ryan listened attentively, his eyes shining with emotion. Each word seemed to resonate with his own journey, the trials he had faced, and the strength he had found within himself.

Veilhot continued:

"In the silence of the night, a star shines,

Guiding your path, lighting your destiny.

No matter the challenges, no matter the pain,

Know that you are never alone, you are always loved."

Rayna, tears in her eyes, looked at Veilhot with admiration. His voice and music filled the room with an indescribable warmth. It was as if, through this song, he was expressing everything they had felt these past few days but hadn't been able to say aloud.

Veilhot's voice softened as the song drew to a close:

"So rise up, my friend, fear nothing,

The world is vast, but your heart is strong.

With us by your side, together we will walk,

And through every trial, we will triumph."

The last note of the guitar echoed through the room, leaving a silence filled with emotion. Ryan remained still, his gaze fixed on Veilhot, before murmuring softly, "That was... beautiful. Thank you, Veilhot."

Rayna nodded, wiping away a tear that had rolled down her cheek. "Yes, that was incredible. You really have a hidden talent."

Veilhot set the guitar down with a satisfied smile. "I'm glad you liked it. Sometimes words aren't enough, and music can express what we feel deep inside."

Ryan stood up and walked over to Veilhot to give him a sincere hug. "Thank you, Veilhot. For everything. This day... it means so much to me."

"It's nothing, Ryan," Veilhot replied, patting his back. "You're our friend, and we're here for you, always."

Rayna joined in the hug, and they stayed like that for a moment, enjoying the sincere and deep connection that bound them together. The evening had been perfect, filled with laughter, memories, and silent promises to stay united, no matter what came their way.