Makoto followed Lenalee through the winding halls of the Black Order, trying to absorb everything at once. The fortress felt alive with activity—scientists rushing about with stacks of papers, Exorcists sparring in the courtyards, and the hum of machinery echoing in the distance.

Timcampy perched on Makoto's shoulder, chirping occasionally as if equally curious.

"Don't worry, Makoto," Lenalee said, noticing his nervous expression. "It might seem overwhelming at first, but you'll find your place here."

"Thanks, Lenalee," Makoto said, smiling shyly. "I'll try not to get in the way."

"You're already part of the team," Lenalee replied warmly. "Let's get you started with the basics. First stop: Hevlaska."

Makoto's pace slowed as they approached an enormous chamber. The room was dimly lit, the air heavy with a sense of reverence. In the center hovered a towering, luminous figure, her serpentine body gliding gracefully through the air. Hevlaska.

Makoto stared in awe. "She's incredible..."

Lenalee smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "She's the guardian of the Black Order's Innocence. She'll guide you."

Hevlaska's eyes opened slowly, her glowing gaze fixed on Makoto. Her voice resonated, calm yet commanding. "Makoto Naegi, the child of fortune. Step forward."

Makoto hesitated, his hands trembling. Lenalee gave him a reassuring nod, and he stepped forward, his breath catching as Hevlaska's tendrils extended toward him. The soft glow of her body bathed him in light.

"Relax," Hevlaska said, her voice gentle. "I will not harm you."

Makoto's cursed eye glowed faintly as his Innocence materialized—a spinning, green wheel that hovered protectively in front of him. The chamber hummed with energy as Hevlaska's tendrils wrapped around him.

"A parasitic Innocence," Hevlaska murmured. "Tied to the essence of chance itself. It shines brighter than most, resonating with a purity rarely seen."

Makoto blinked. "Purity? What do you mean?"

"Your soul," Hevlaska replied. "It burns with a light that draws others to you—a beacon in the darkness."

Lenalee smiled softly. "I can see that."

Hevlaska's tendrils pulsed, and her gaze sharpened. "Your synchronization rate with your Innocence is... remarkable. Eighty percent."

Makoto's eyes widened. "Is that good?"

"It's exceptional," Hevlaska said. "Such a connection is rare, even among Exorcists."

Makoto felt a swell of pride—and anxiety. Before he could speak, Hevlaska's voice deepened, her tone solemn. "But there is more."

The air in the chamber grew heavier as Hevlaska spoke again. "Makoto Naegi, you are bound to a prophecy."

Makoto stiffened. "A prophecy?"

Hevlaska's glowing form seemed to brighten as her voice echoed through the chamber. "The child of infinite chance shall stand at the crossroads of salvation and destruction. His choices will shape the balance of light and shadow, deciding the fate of the world."

Silence fell over the room, the weight of her words pressing down on everyone present. Lenalee's hand tightened on Makoto's shoulder, her expression unreadable.

Makoto swallowed hard. "I... I don't know if I can handle that."

"You will," Hevlaska said simply. "Your journey will test you, but your bonds will guide you."

After leaving Hevlaska's chamber, Lenalee guided Makoto to the dining hall. "Don't overthink the prophecy," she said gently. "For now, just focus on getting to know everyone."

Makoto nodded, though Hevlaska's words lingered in his mind. "I'll try."

The dining hall was massive, filled with Exorcists and staff chatting and laughing over trays of food. The smell of roasted meats and fresh bread filled the air, making Makoto's stomach growl loudly.

Lenalee giggled. "Sounds like someone's hungry."

Blushing, Makoto grabbed a tray and began piling it high with food. By the time he sat down, his plate was a mountain of stew, bread, and fruit. The Exorcists around him stared in awe.

"Can he even eat all that?" someone whispered.

To everyone's shock, Makoto began devouring the food with surprising speed and efficiency. Even Kanda, sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow. "Tch. Glutton."

Makoto paused, noticing the attention. "Sorry! I didn't mean to—"

"Don't apologize!" Jerry, the cheerful head chef, said as he approached. "A big appetite means you're healthy! But... if you're that hungry, maybe you should try cooking something yourself?"

Makoto blinked. "Cooking?"

Jerry grinned. "Why not? Let's see what you've got."

Makoto followed Jerry into the bustling kitchen, rolling up his sleeves. Years of cooking for the circus crew had given him plenty of practice, and he moved with practiced ease—chopping vegetables, seasoning meats, and preparing dishes with precision.

By the time he finished, the kitchen staff was staring in amazement. Jerry took a bite of Makoto's stew and let out a loud laugh. "Kid, this is incredible! You've got real talent!"

Makoto smiled, his cheeks turning pink. "Thanks. I used to cook for the circus, so... it's kind of second nature."

Word of Makoto's cooking spread quickly, and soon the dining hall was filled with Exorcists clamoring for a taste. Even Kanda grudgingly accepted a bowl of stew, muttering something about "adequate seasoning."

Lenalee beamed as she watched Makoto interact with the others, his natural warmth drawing them in. "You're fitting in already," she said softly.

Makoto looked up, surprised. "Really? It doesn't feel like it yet."

"You are," Lenalee assured him. "Just be yourself."

While Makoto settled into life at the Black Order, a more serious conversation took place in a distant chamber. Komui stood before a group of Grand Generals, his usually cheerful demeanor replaced by solemnity.

"Hevlaska's prophecy is concerning," one of the generals said. "A child who could tip the balance of the world..."

Komui nodded. "Makoto Naegi is unlike any recruit we've had. His synchronization rate is extraordinary, and his Innocence... it's tied to chance itself. He has the potential to be a game-changer—or a threat."

"What do you propose?" another general asked.

Komui adjusted his glasses. "We monitor him closely. Guide him, protect him—but also ensure he doesn't stray."

The generals exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. "Very well. Let us hope the child of fortune brings salvation, not destruction."

To Be Continued...