Martian Archer

Leon stormed through the bustling streets of Neo-Tokyo, gripping the recommendation letter like it was his last lifeline. His body was aching, his mind scarred, but there was one person he needed to see.

Hugo.

And, just as expected, the infuriating old bowmaker was exactly where Leon thought he'd be—leaning against the entrance of Bolt & Feather, sipping a soda, and laughing his ass off.

"BAHAHAHA! Oh man, I KNEW you'd survive! But damn, kid, I didn't expect you to reprogram the damn robot! That's next-level Martian insanity!"

Leon didn't even hesitate.

SMACK!

He slapped Hugo's face.

Not a serious slap—just enough to wipe that smug grin off his face.

The soda fell out of Hugo's hands, splattering onto the pavement.

"YOU SENT ME TO A PSYCHOTIC ANDROID?!" Leon shouted, eyes twitching. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT I WENT THROUGH?!"

Hugo blinked, then rubbed his cheek, looking more impressed than offended.

"Damn, kid. I think that's the first time anyone's ever slapped me."

"IT WON'T BE THE LAST IF YOU PULL THIS CRAP AGAIN!"

Hugo burst into another fit of laughter.

"Come on, lighten up! You got the letter, didn't you?"

Leon gritted his teeth.

"I ALMOST DIED!"

"But you didn't." Hugo smirked. "And that's what matters."

Leon opened his mouth to argue—but then stopped.

Because as much as he hated to admit it…

Hugo was right.

He had survived.

And more than that—he had changed.

He wasn't just some naive Martian kid anymore.

He was stronger. Smarter. Sharper.

He took a deep breath, sighing as he stared at the letter.

"...I swear, if I die, it'll be because of you."

Hugo grinned.

"Then try not to die. I put a lot of work into that bow of yours."

Leon rolled his eyes.

"Unbelievable."

Hugo clapped a hand on his shoulder.

"Now go, kid. Show those Earth bastards what a Martian can really do."

Leon didn't need to be told twice.

With the recommendation letter in hand, he turned and marched toward Academy Horizon.

This time—

He wouldn't be turned away.

This time—

He was going to prove himself.