The Hollow Creed (Zenless Zone Zero x Male Reader)

Chapter 16 - A Masterful Reprise

When he awoke the next morning, Y/N was confused. His mind was foggy, and his memory was fuzzy. He couldn't remember anything. No, not true. It always took a little while for memories of the previous day to come back to him. Today was no different.

He sighed, and stretched, and got out of bed. He didn't have work, so he had the day to himself.

He went through his usual morning routine, and ate breakfast. It was a simple meal, just cereal, and toast. It was the most basic, plain, and simple meal he could make. But, somehow, it was satisfying. He had no idea why.

He finished eating, and went back to his room. He changed into some casual clothes, and headed out. It was a nice day, and he didn't want to spend it cooped up inside. He headed to the park, and sat down on a bench. He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

The air was crisp and cool, and smelled faintly of flowers. There was a light breeze, and the sound of leaves rustling was soothing. Y/N could feel himself relax.

He leaned back against the bench, and let the sounds and smells wash over him.

After a while, he opened his eyes. The park was beautiful. Trees swayed gently in the wind, their leaves shimmering in the sunlight. Flowers bloomed, and bushes were green and lush.

It was a perfect day.

Y/N sat on the bench, and enjoyed the weather. The sky was a bright blue, with a few white clouds. The sun was shining, and there was a pleasant breeze. Y/N felt like he was in paradise.

After a while, Y/N stood up, and stretched. He'd been sitting for a long time, and he needed to move around. Funny fate would have it, he had a missed text from Wise.

Wanna go back to Blazewood?

The simple question turned Y/N's blood to ice. The arena fight with the Master had shook him more than he would ever admit. Even though the Ethereal was dead, he couldn't help but wonder: what other horrid things did the Outer Ring have locked up?

He took a deep breath, and forced himself to relax. He had nothing to worry about. The Master was gone. It was dead. It was no longer a threat. He'd killed it. And even if it wasn't, Blazewood was a big place. He could easily avoid the Arena. And besides, he was pretty sure it was built for the occasion; it had probably been torn down.

Y/N texted back. Sure. What's up?

It was a few minutes before the reply came: another party :P the Sons of Calydon actually want to congratulate you for beating the Master. they didn't get a chance to last time since we left so early.

Y/N sighed. He had no interest in a party. But, if Wise and Belle were offering, then he would take the opportunity. Maybe it would be a good way to unwind.

Ok. Meet you there.

Cool. See ya soon.

Y/N groaned. He still really didn't like the Sons of Calydon. He'd done a little research on their five members, and that only made his perception of them go lower.

The Sons of Calydon, in general, were a powerful biker gang operating in the Outer Ring, the very edge of New Eridu. Like their fellow gangs, the Sons of Calydon have a role as a transportation company, mainly couriers between the various yet sparse towns and settlements of the Outer Ring, Blazewood included. They also act as liaisons for trading within the wider New Eridu.

One fact he found interesting was that they happened to be the successor group to the Calydonian Biker Gang, which apparently had some sort of a chaotic split before the Sons got together.