Chapter 168: A Day for Themselves

Chapter 168: A Day for ThemselvesIt was night at the Golden Cosmos Agency, and the central lounge was quiet, save for the low rumble of strategic planning.

Victoria and Zara sat at a polished table, a stack of papers and folders spread out between them.

The soft glow of the room's lighting reflected off Victoria's teacup as she sipped, her composure as steady as ever.

Zara, on the other hand, flipped nervously through a folder, her brow furrowed.

"We need to ensure we're competitive," Zara said. "With Eratz and Raya's popularity, everyone will be watching us closely. This is the perfect opportunity to get visibility for the next finales, but we need to perform in team battles too. An exhibition match could help us gauge the team's readiness... and deflect some pressure."

Victoria placed her cup gently on the table, her sharp eyes meeting Zara's.

"You think they'll pass the selections and handle the pressure of the team battles?"

Zara sighed, setting the folder down and leaning back in her chair.

"They'll pass the selections, no doubt about it. I've seen Milo in action. He's young, but there's raw talent there. He even managed to win a battle during the last round of selections."

She hesitated, her fingers tapping lightly on the edge of the folder.

"But for the team battles... the level is set based on our strongest fighters. With Eratz and Raya leading the charge at a continental level? Let's just say we're starting with a two-point disadvantage."

Victoria's lips curled into a faint smile, her confidence unbreakable.

"Eratz doesn't make decisions lightly. I don't know Milo and Colin as well as you, but if he believes now is the time, then I trust his judgment."

Zara nodded slowly, though her expression remained clouded with concern.

"I hope you're right. Tomorrow will tell us everything. It's going to be a big day."

The night deepened, and meanwhile, across town, the ambiance was more different. Eratz's house glowed warmly in the quiet neighborhood. The open-plan living room, cozy and filled with chatter, overlooked a garden where crickets chirped softly.

Simple furniture, a large rug, and family photos gave the space a welcoming charm, while snacks and drinks cluttered the coffee table, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Near the entrance, Cinderblaze grudgingly swiped the floor with a broom, his punishment for often teasing Eratz and Mercury.

He answered to his punishment with dramatic sighs and grumbles, which the others ignored with amused smirks.

On one side of the room, Colin and Milo sat slouched in their chairs, their exhaustion from the day's training written all over their faces.

Cassie walked in from the kitchen carrying a tray of steaming plates. Her voice was light and cheerful, full of encouragement.

"Here we go," she said, placing the tray on the coffee table. "Extra food for my two warriors. You've earned it today."

Milo groaned, half-heartedly reaching for a fork.

"I don't think I can eat anymore..." he muttered. "I feel like a protagonist before his character development."

"Nonsense," Cassie said, placing a firm but loving hand on his shoulder. "You're a

protagonist everyday, and you'll need your strength for tomorrow. Eat up, Milo. No excuses." Colin picked up her plate.

"Thanks, Mom," she said casually, already taking a bite. "We'll need all the energy we can get for the big day."

Across the room, Eratz and Roger sat at the dining table, deeply engrossed in a card game. Roger's brow furrowed as he studied his hand, while Eratz leaned back in his chair, looking unusually confident.

Behind Roger, Mercury stood quietly, her sharp eyes glancing at Roger's cards.

She caught Eratz's attention with a subtle nod, then mimed the correct card for him to play. Eratz smirked and slapped the card down on the table.

"Maybe this one?" Eratz said, leaning forward. "Your move, Uncle Roger."

Roger raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical.

"That's a suspiciously good play. You're getting lucky tonight."

"Always" Eratz said, grinning. "I've been very lucky lately."

Behind him, Mercury grinned in silence, crossing her arms and leaning casually against the wall. Colin, watching the scene, smiled faintly.

Milo, meanwhile, poked at his food, his shoulders tense.

"What if I mess up again tomorrow?" he blurted out suddenly. The room quieted for a

moment, everyone turning to look at him. S~eaʀᴄh the nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"You won't," Colin said, not even looking up from her plate. "Just do your best. That's all you

need."

"But what if it's not enough?" Milo pressed, his voice anxious.

Colin shrugged, her tone cool.

"It will be enough, you're panicking for nothing. This is just a formality."

Eratz, still shuffling his cards, glanced over.

"Sounds like you've got it all figured out, Colin. Maybe I don't even need to show up

tomorrow."

Colin froze mid-bite, her calm facade cracking. She looked up sharply.

"Wait, what? You're not coming?"

Eratz raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening.

"Well, if it's just a formality..."

Colin's usual composure shattered as she sat up straighter, her voice rising slightly.

"Of course not! I mean, of course it's a formality, but that's not the point! What if Milo freaks out? What if... what if something happens?"

Cassie chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she placed a hand over her mouth. Milo, pouting dramatically, gave her the side eye.

"I might not be the smartest," he declared loudly. "but even I can smell blasphemy when I hear it! And that's pure blasphemy!"

His exaggerated tone made Cassie laugh even harder, while Colin shot him an embarrassed look. Mercury smirked and walked over to Colin, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Relax, Colin," she said gently. "Eratz would never miss something this important. You know

that."

Before Colin could respond, Eratz leaned back in his chair with a teasing grin.

"Hm, I don't know, she grew a lot these past months, I feel like the little bird doesn't need the old fossil anymore." he said, leaning forward slightly to study her reaction.

Colin's expression shifted, her usual calm demeanor slipping as she quickly looked away,

trying to hide her embarrassment.

"That's not it!" she protested, her voice a bit too loud. Then, quieter, she muttered, "I'm not

a child anymore... But it doesn't mean you don't have to come!"

Eratz chuckled softly.

"Don't worry, podling. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I lived to see you give your first

beating."

Colin glanced at him from the corner of her eye, her lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smile before she quickly looked down at her plate.

"Whatever," she said, trying to sound casual, though the softness in her voice betrayed her

feelings.

Cassie stepped forward, her warm smile lighting up the room. She placed a hand on Colin's shoulder, then Milo's.

"Listen, you two," she said gently. "Tomorrow isn't about anyone else. It's your day, just for you. No one else matters. You've worked hard, and you're ready. Trust yourselves, okay? Show

them who you are."

Milo nodded hesitantly, while Colin gave a small, embarrassed smile.

As the night went on, laughter and conversation filled the house.

For now, the worries of tomorrow were set aside, replaced by the warmth of family and the comfort of being surrounded by those who cared most.