It was morning, and Hide woke to find the sky turning cloudy. He extinguished the fire and continued on, donning his mask as he approached Sumiko. Curious about the growing rumors, Hide paused to listen.
"Have you heard? The masked figure with the God's Eye goes by the name Hide—and it's a boy under that mask," said a villager.
"They say he took down top adventurers and mercenaries," added another.
Hide noticed a bounty board with his masked image on it. The poster read: Wanted Alive. Reward: One million zel.
As he ducked into an alley to avoid detection, a familiar voice called out.
"You must be that masked figure," said a shadowed figure.
It was Iona.
"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. Come with me—quick," she said.
She led Hide to her home and ushered him into a hidden garden. They sat on a bench in the secluded backyard, a peaceful place surrounded by greenery.
"I don't know why they're after you," Iona said, eyes skyward, "but I believe you should do whatever it is you set out to do."
She smiled faintly. "I wouldn't be here if my big brother hadn't helped me. I hope he's okay out there."
Hide remained silent.
"If your name is Hide, why reveal it?" Iona asked.
Hide replied, "I gave them my name because I've been living a lie for so long. I don't know who I am anymore. Just a monster in their eyes."
"Well," Iona said gently, "you don't look like a monster to me. You don't seem to be hurting people. Your left arm—are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," Hide answered, glancing away. "Thank you. Where's your brother now?"
"He's traveling the world. His name's Cyrus. He gave me this ribbon before he left."
Hide looked at the ribbon tied in her hair.
"I should go. They'll find me if I stay," Hide said, standing.
"Be careful, Hide. And be safe in your travels," Iona said as he departed.
Hide left Sumiko, but not unnoticed. Knights stationed near the town spotted him.
"It's the masked figure!" one yelled. "Inform the General!"
Hide kept moving, knowing his bounty had made him a target. Though he could revert to his old identity, Cyrus, he chose to walk as Hide—to test if the world could accept him as he truly was.
Rain began to pour as he moved through the forest. Reports of his sightings spread.
"My King, the masked figure is a boy named Hide. We've yet to uncover more," said the General.
King Regis looked thoughtful. "Why reveal just his name?"
"Unknown. Perhaps to make a point," the General replied.
Outside, Fey waited.
"We'll find him. He can't hide forever," the General said.
"It's said he passed through Sumiko," Fey noted.
"Then we move."
King Regis stared out a window. "Hide... The name sounds familiar, but I can't place it."
Meanwhile, Hide crept through the forest, nearing the manor. Rain soaked the ruins where it once stood.
"They're gone," Hide realized. "Ji-san must've relocated them."
As he scanned the area, two figures appeared behind him—Pierre and Giro.
"Well, well," Giro said. "The infamous masked figure. That bounty could be ours."
Pierre remained silent, eyes narrowed.
Weakened and injured, Hide tried to fend them off but collapsed.
"Is that all?" Giro scoffed.
Pierre knelt beside Hide. "He's wounded. Could barely stand. These injuries are old—he hasn't healed."
They removed his mask.
"Wait... this is the boy from the heist," Giro said.
"His eye was normal then," Pierre added. "He was hiding his power."
"Why help him?" Giro asked.
"He beat me fair and square. And he wasn't one of the Zodiacs. He needs help," Pierre replied.
"Alright, alright," Giro sighed.
Pierre puts back the mask and lifted him over his shoulder. The two vanished into the forest, away from the ruined manor.