Chapter 1 - Something Irreplaceable

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I peeked through the gap of a broken wood panel and signaled Fran to continue. He crept up to a man, deftly fished a wallet from his pocket, but accidentally let it fall, hitting the man on the back of the head. The man turned, fists already clenched, ready for a fight, and before we knew it, a scuffle broke out. We sprinted off, laughing as we weaved through the wooden platforms that connected our rundown city.

"It's official. We're the worst thieves ever," Fran chuckled between breaths, and I nodded, still grinning.

“Come on, everyone's probably waiting for us,” I said, leading the way through the maze of bridges and wooden planks that made up our home. It wasn’t much—a city dangling over an endless pit, but it was all we had.As we ran, Fran grew quiet, and I could tell something was on his mind.

“You ever wonder what it’s like up there? In the real city?” he asked suddenly, his voice tinged with longing.I glanced at him sideways.

“Well… you’re about to find out, aren’t you? You’re leaving soon.” My smile wavered as I said it, trying to mask the sadness creeping into my chest. Fran looked away, biting his lip.

“I have to,” he finally said, his voice quieter now. “You know that, right? This is something I can’t run from.”I nodded, though a part of me wanted to argue. Most people ignored the enlistment notices. They just kept their heads down, trying to survive another day.

“Most people don’t go, you know. The war… it’ll go on with or without us. We just have to make sure we’re safe. There’s no one left to look after us but us.” I kicked a loose stone over the edge and watched it disappear into the void below.

“This dump might be forgotten by everyone else, but we’re still here. Living like there’s no war at all.”Fran didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled out a small pistol from his pocket and aimed it at a nearby Void egg that had been slowly corrupting the city, its dark tendrils creeping across the wooden planks. He fired, shattering the egg in a flash of dark energy.

“We could’ve made more if we cleaned those things up,” I said, sitting down next to him. “People pay good money to get rid of them.”Fran sighed and leaned back against the railing, staring out over the expanse. After a moment, he spoke again.

“I never asked before, but… why do you hide that you’re a ZeroPoint? You only use magic when it’s just the two of us.”I shrugged, trying to keep my tone light.

“Maybe I’m just not comfortable with it. Honestly, I’m scared, Fran. Not like you.” I laughed, but it was forced. We both knew I was avoiding something deeper.When we got back to our hideout, the noise of everyone playing greeted us. Kids ran around, laughing and shouting, oblivious to the dangers outside.

“How’s everyone doing? Did you have a good time while we were out?” I asked, scooping up little Vivian into a hug. “You’re getting so big now. Not a little girl anymore.” I handed out candies I’d picked up earlier, earning bright smiles from the younger kids.One of the older girls, Adeline, tugged at my sleeve.

“Is it true? Is Fran leaving?” she asked, her voice trembling a bit.I sighed and glanced at Fran.

“That’s for him to say,” I answered gently. Fran gave a small nod but didn’t meet her eyes.Later that evening, after dinner was nearly ready, I knocked on Fran’s door.

"What’s your plan? Are you gonna tell them or what? Everyone’s been asking me.”

He sat on his bed, looking torn. “You’ve already told them, haven’t you?” I shook my head.

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