Maria's Invitation

Julian's cold breath formed a misty fog around his mouth as he jogged in the cold night air. His muscles tightened and burned with each step, but he didn't mind. He had been running for miles, and it was a good feeling. It made him feel alive.

He slowed to a walk as he approached his apartment building.

"Phew… haa… haa…" 

The familiar entrance appeared as he tried to forget the task at hand. Julian didn't know how to invite Maria to play.

What could he tell her… sure he could learn about her true identity, but what then? 

He climbed into the lift, the warm heating of his apartment lobby quite soothing, but the feeling of sweat made him feel dirty. 

The system notification remained on his mind, but losing a week here would be fatal in his preparations for the first devil's appearance. 

'Solaria… what are your plans?' 

"Damn it, let's just contact her, whatever happens I will resolve it."