"Where did this question come from?" Raito replied, surprised.

"I just wanted to ask," Aiko said quietly. "I always think about Mom. I remember the exact day she died. And I… I said… no woman—no mother—should ever have to go through what she faced. She suffered so much… right in front of me… and she was pierced and killed by a monster."

"Yeah… I remember it so well too," Raito said.

I was weak. I couldn't do anything. Even now… even as I am, I wouldn't be able to stop that kind of monster if it came again. The pain… it never really goes away," Aiko.

Raito's voice softened. "Well… everyone feels pain. Me, you… even Dad. And don't say you can't see her again. You can… anytime. Just go outside at night, look at the stars. She's up there, listening to all our prayers."

Aiko's throat tightened, and tears threatened to fall. "I… I actually cleaned it up. I'm supposed to protect you, but sometimes… I feel like the younger one here."

Raito shook his head gently. "It's fine. But long ago, I promised myself I wouldn't shed tears. I'm going to become what I'm meant to be… a hunter."

Aiko's gaze softened. "I have faith in you. I know you can do it. I'm a Rank C hunter when it comes to assessments, but I don't have a hunter's card, and I don't need one. That's not the path I chose. You chose your path… and I believe one day you'll keep the promise you made."

"I… I sure will," Raito whispered.

He spread a mat flat on the floor. Aiko didn't say a word. She stepped closer and hugged him from behind, resting her head lightly against his back. "Thank you for being strong," she murmured, her voice gentle.

He nodded, feeling the warmth of her presence. Raito quietly took a blanket, covered himself, and leaned back slightly into her embrace. Aiko pulled her own blanket over herself and drifted to sleep. He looked down at her for a moment, smiled softly, and then turned off the light, lying on the mat as the quiet of the night settled around them.

The following day, Raito woke up feeling alert. He rubbed his eyes and picked up his mat. The smell of cooking drifted from the kitchen—Aiko was already awake, preparing breakfast.

"Wow… what's that smell?" he said, sniffing the air. "You're already cooking?"

Aiko looked up and smiled. "Good morning. I hope you had a wonderful night."

"I sure did," Raito replied. "You're going to meet your friends or classmates today, right?"

"Of course," Aiko said. "Are you going anywhere today? Tell me exactly where you're going—don't just leave me hanging. I'd worry."

"No, I won't be going anywhere today," Raito said. "I'm planning to rest for the day."

He went to his wardrobe and took out the remaining money. "Oh… crap. The money's already running low. I only have 2,000 yen left, and I haven't even paid this month's rent. The landlord came by two weeks ago… this won't be enough."

He folded the money and put it back into the closet. Then he picked up a book and opened it. The pages were filled with information about dungeons and monsters—their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.

Raito kept reading, completely absorbed in the book, flipping through pages after pages about dungeons and monsters. His focus didn't waver, the hours slipping by.

Finally, the smell of food reached him. Aiko had finished cooking and carried the plates to a separate table for both of them. She placed one in front of Raito and one in front of herself.

"Hey… the groceries are already used up. Do you need money? I can give you some to go buy more," Aiko asked.

"No, no, it's fine. I have enough," Raito replied.

"I know," Aiko said, smiling gently. "You always reject it, even when you don't have enough. You force yourself to use the last money you have for groceries. Well… it's fine."

They ate in silence for a while, finishing their food. Once done, Aiko stood up. "Hey… I'm going to head out now."

Raito noticed she was already dressed. "Oh… you're ready already?"

"Yeah," she said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "It might take a while before I come back, but if I'm late, I'll let you know."

"Alright," Raito said calmly.

Aiko walked out, closing the door softly behind her.

She's already left. I should have taken the money she offered for groceries. Two thousand yen isn't enough. That can only cover groceries for a week. But… even my rent? How am I going to pay that? I haven't paid last month, and this month isn't covered either. The landlord… I hope he doesn't come while Aiko is around. If he does, she'll have to handle it, and I don't like that.

Raito shook his head and sighed, then finished his meal. Once he was done, he removed his shirt and pulled on a hoodie. From his closet, he took the 2000 yen and headed out to buy groceries.

As he walked, his hands in his pockets, eyes on the road, his mind drifted back to his finances. How am I going to survive this month?

Suddenly, loud voices pierced his thoughts. "BOSS! BOSS! BOSS!"

Raito froze. Who is shouting "Boss"? This isn't my concern… yet.

The voices grew louder, and he saw two people waving at him frantically. Shocked, he raised his hand instinctively. "Is… is it me?"

"BOSS!" they shouted again, nodding eagerly.

They crossed the street toward him, bowing slightly. "It's so nice to see you!" one of them said.

"I've been looking for you everywhere!" the other added.

Raito frowned. "I think you've got the wrong person. I don't know who you are… and I'm not the boss of anyone."

"Oh, you've forgotten us so quickly," the first one said, smiling. "I'm Daichi, and this is Haruya. You saved us once—from a Rank E dungeon. We were attacked by Rank D monsters.

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