Location: TALA Guild Headquarters, Quezon City
Time: Two hours after the national interview
The van hummed gently as it rolled through the guarded gates of TALA Tower.
Inside, Khalil sat quietly, arms folded, eyes half-lidded as he watched the skyline pass. He looked at peace.
But floating just above his shoulder, invisible to most, a faint shimmer of green-blue light danced in the air.
"You were so cool on TV!" came a high, breathy voice near his ear.
Khalil didn't flinch. "I dodged half the questions."
"You glared at the anchor when she asked about your dating life!" the voice giggled. "I think the whole country felt a breeze when you did that!"
"You created the breeze, Zephyr."
A tiny fairy—barely the size of Khalil's palm, with silver-blond hair, glowing wings like spun mist, and wide green eyes—somersaulted midair and perched on the window's edge.
"I was helping with atmosphere!" Zephyr chirped. "You were too stiff. You needed some sparkle."
Khalil exhaled slowly. "Please don't sparkle during national interviews."
Zephyr pouted, wings flickering. "Fine but next time I'm adding echo to your voice. You'd sound like a god."
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The elevator opened on the top floor of the tower, revealing the TALA war room.
Steel-grey walls. Mana crystal lights. Live projections of Gate activity.
Behind his desk, Guildmaster Leon Alvarez stood reading reports. The former general looked like he hadn't moved in hours. Tall, broad-shouldered, armored even in rest. His aura, like a stone slab — heavy and dependable.
He looked up as Khalil entered. "Windboy, You're back."
Zephyr immediately zipped toward the ceiling to avoid detection.
"He saw me!" he whispered, alarmed. "He always knows!"
"He's an S-Class, Zeph. You're not that sneaky."
"I will be someday!"
Khalil gave a tired nod. "Evening, sir."
Leon gestured toward the chair across from his desk. "So. How does it feel being the country's most mysterious bachelor?"
Khalil took a seat. "Exhausting."
Leon chuckled. "They're going to keep pressing. Every reporter thinks they'll be the one to crack your whole stoic persona."
"They can try," Khalil replied, sipping from the cup Leon pushed his way. "It won't work."
"Public likes you. Foreign guilds are nosy. You're keeping the wind controlled — but it's getting harder."
Khalil didn't argue. Zephyr fluttered down and landed on his shoulder like a tired leaf.
"Master Leon's kinda scary sometimes," the little spirit whispered. "But I think he likes us."
Leon narrowed his eyes toward Khalil. "Tell Zephyr I heard that."
Khalil raised an eyebrow. "He heard you."
Zephyr squeaked and covered his face with both hands. "Sorry! Please don't ground me!"
Leon smirked and went back to his tablet.
Khalil sipped his coffee. Zephyr swirled above the cup like steam, humming a tune no one else could hear.
"No new assignments?" Khalil asked.
"Nothing urgent. One minor Gate in Samar. Already closed. I figured you could rest a while."
Khalil nodded. "Appreciated."
Leon glanced at him. "When was the last time you slept?"
"Properly? Two days ago."
"Figures. And Zephyr?"
"I meditate!" Zephyr chimed, proudly flying a loop. "While Khalil sits quietly, I nap on his head."
Leon blinked slowly. "You nap. On his head."
"Like a wind cap!"
Khalil rubbed his temple. "Please stop saying things."
Leon stood and cracked his back with a grunt. "You know why I like you, Reyes?"
Khalil raised a brow.
"You don't ask for attention. You do your job. You train rookies when no one's watching. You protect your team. That matters more than whatever label's on your Hunter file."
Khalil was quiet. Zephyr smiled, floating up to eye level.
"That means he trusts you," the little spirit whispered. "That's rare, right? For someone like him?"
Khalil gave the faintest smile. "Yeah. It is."
Leon added, "Just don't disappear again without sending a damn message."
"I had no signal."
"You were in the mountains sword-dancing with a fairy."
Zephyr blinked. "That was training!"
Leon pointed at him. "Don't encourage him."
As Khalil turned to leave, Leon raised his mug.
"Enjoy the peace while it lasts."
Khalil nodded. "I always do."
The elevator closed behind him. Zephyr perched on his collar, legs swinging.
"You know," the little spirit said dreamily, "for all his grumbling, I think Master Leon really likes us. He even made two cups of coffee this time!"
"Don't let it go to your head."
"Too late!" Zephyr twirled in the air like a wind chime, giggling. "I already did!"