SPECIAL 200 CHAPTERS: Code Fénix MAXIMUM

SPECIAL 200 CHAPTERS: Code Fénix MAXIMUM

It was a beautiful night. Berlin shone under the warm lights of shop windows and streetlamps, full of people strolling through the streets with the carefree naturalness of a Saturday. Laughter, overlapping conversations, and the constant murmur of traffic composed an urban symphony that enveloped the city.

Fénix and Marcus walked side by side, moving through the crowd toward Cocolo Ramen. Both were dressed casually, far from tactical suits and mission gear: jeans, sneakers, and light jackets that made them pass for any two ordinary men. Fénix had his hands in his pockets, his brow slightly furrowed; Marcus, on the other hand, walked relaxed, holding a small gift bag.

"I still think this is a bad idea," Fénix murmured, breaking the silence. "I barely know Vannesa… and I know Lucian even less. Besides, on the last mission with them, I almost lost a hand. That's not exactly the best memory to take to a birthday celebration."

Marcus tilted his head, glancing at him sideways with a tired but understanding half-smile.

"Stop complaining," he replied. "We're not defusing a bomb or hunting anything tonight. It's just dinner."

Fénix let out a brief snort through his nose, unconvinced.

"That's what you say now."

Marcus stopped for a second to match his companion's pace and lowered his voice a little.

"You know perfectly well why you're coming," he added. "If it were just for Vannesa or Lucian, you would have made any excuse. But Enid is going to be there."

The name hung in the air between them. Fénix didn't answer immediately. His steps continued, but his expression shifted just a shade, enough for Marcus to notice. The lights of a traffic light reflected in his eyes as he clenched his jaw slightly.

Marcus didn't insist. He knew that silence well.

"Relax," he said after a few seconds. "I'm not judging you. I understand."

Fénix looked away toward the street, watching people pass by, laughing couples, groups of friends going in and out of bars. A normal life, far from his own.

"It's not that…" he murmured finally. "I just don't like mixing things."

Marcus nodded slowly.

"Sometimes you can't avoid it."

They continued walking in silence, the restaurant now just a few blocks away.

The red lights of the Cocolo Ramen sign were already visible at the end of the street. The aroma of broth and spices mixed with the night air as people entered and left the establishment.

"Relax," Marcus said, breaking the silence. "The place closes at midnight and it's 9:10. This isn't going to last long."

Fénix raised an eyebrow, skeptical.

"I hope so."

"Besides," Marcus added with a lopsided smile, "you never know. Maybe Enid will drink a bit too much… and maybe you can steal a kiss from her. Who knows."

Fénix was silent for a second. His steps became slightly lighter, betraying a hint of hope.

"I don't think so," he answered finally. "Enid doesn't seem like the type of person who loses control with alcohol."

Marcus let out a short laugh.

"You're right, totally. Dreaming is free."

Fénix sighed.

"And on top of that, there'll probably be sushi," he continued, frowning. "I don't understand how people like raw fish. It's… unpleasant. And everyone will drink except me. You know I've always been teetotal. I don't like alcohol and I never have."

Marcus nodded without saying anything, letting him continue.

"And I bet the place will be crowded, noisy, with loud music…" Fénix added, clearly in complaint mode now. "A perfect night."

They arrived at the entrance of Cocolo Ramen. The sliding doors opened, letting out the murmur from inside and the warmth of the place.

Upon entering, both stopped for a few seconds by the door, letting their eyes scan the interior. Cocolo Ramen was lively, full of overlapping conversations, laughter, and the constant sound of plates and cutlery. Occupied tables, steam rising from bowls, and waiters moving quickly through the narrow aisles.

"Lots of people…" Fénix murmured, scanning.

From a table at the back of the place, a female voice rose above the noise.

"Fénix! Marcus!"

Vannesa waved enthusiastically, pointing them out without any shame. They glanced at each other for a moment and then moved between the tables until they reached her.

At the table sat Vannesa and Lucian. She was smiling with obvious excitement; he maintained a relaxed posture, watching them attentively.

"Happy birthday," Marcus said, handing the gift to Vannesa.

"Thank you," she replied, visibly delighted. "I'm glad you came."

Fénix sat down with a contained gesture, settling into his chair. Almost immediately, his gaze swept the table automatically. An empty seat caught his attention.

"Sorry," he said, addressing Lucian in a polite tone. "Is Miss Enid coming?"

Lucian nodded calmly.

"Yes, of course. She's on her way," he replied. "There's quite a bit of traffic tonight."

Fénix nodded silently, trying to make his reaction go unnoticed, as he returned his gaze to the table, feigning disinterest.

The four were already seated around the table when Vannesa took the menus and handed them out one by one.

"Well, let's see what we're going to order," she said enthusiastically. "Today is a celebration."

Marcus opened the menu with immediate interest.

"I think I'll start with sake," he commented. "Something mild."

Lucian nodded.

"A Japanese beer for me."

Fénix, on the other hand, looked at the menu with a mixture of confusion and distrust. His eyes ran over the names written in Japanese, accompanied by brief descriptions that he found completely unappealing.

"What is this?" he murmured, frowning. "Maguro, sake, hamachi… I don't understand anything. And it's all raw fish."

Marcus smiled.