The city grew even brighter as the night deepened.

Holographic advertisements covering the exterior of skyscrapers poured out red and blue light, and the mechanical hum of patrol drones echoed faintly in the distance. In the center of the city, people were still laughing and talking, but in the back alleys where that light didn't reach, only broken machine parts and signs of closed shops lay scattered.

Akito was leaning against the wall of one of those dark alleys.

Because not much time had passed since the battle ended, his black combat suit was stained with machine oil and dust, and he held a lit cigarette in one hand.

Gray smoke slowly dispersed into the night air. Until just a moment ago, this was a street where dozens of combat machines roamed.

But now it was quiet. Akito took a deep drag of his cigarette without saying a word.

Just then, familiar footsteps were heard from the entrance of the alley. Akito looked up. With the neon lights at his back, Toya was walking slowly toward him. Since the battle had just ended, there was a bit of dust in his hair, and he held his used weapon in his hand.

Akito watched Toya approach and gave a small smirk. Then he took the cigarette out of his mouth. As Toya stopped right in front of him, Akito naturally reached out.

His large palm rested gently on top of Toya's head. He slowly stroked the disheveled hair. It was a tender touch that didn't suit the brutal battle they had just fought at all.

Good job.