I awaken in the outskirts of Madrid, the soft light of morning filtering through my window. With a graceful movement, I rise from my bed, my cascading brown hair falling gently over my shoulders. After donning a coat, I set out on a brisk walk towards my workplace – a local pizza shop that forms the heart of this neighborhood. Stepping through the entrance, my boss greets me with an admonishing tone, "Jose, you're late." "Apologies," I respond.
Moving to the back of the shop, I roll up my sleeves before deftly spreading tomato sauce onto a prepared pizza base. Time passes, and the jingle of the door announces the arrival of a customer. A man with striking blond hair and piercing blue eyes walks in, his pouch clinking softly with the presence of two steel balls. Seated now, he places an order for pizza.
As the minutes tick by, I emerge with his customized pizza in hand. "Here you are, sir," I say courteously. He nods his appreciation, yet my curiosity gets the better of me. "I couldn't help but notice the steel balls. What are they?" I inquire. His response is curt, "You know, it's impolite to pry into others' belongings." "My apologies," I quickly reply, chastened.
The day unfolds, and as my shift ends, I embark on my journey homeward. Unexpectedly, a confrontation arises – a man attempts to mug me. He tightens his grip around my neck and produces a mysterious arrow, swiftly plunging it into my throat. Darkness claims me, and then consciousness returns. I find myself sprawled on the ground, the enigmatic man seated beside me. His exclamation fills the air, "He's alive! He's truly alive. I didn't think it would work! Now you are a stand user!"
