**Chapter 3: A Day of New Beginnings**

As Hange helped me dress and get ready for the day, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. The warm hug from earlier still lingered, and I felt a sense of comfort with Hange by my side. We headed downstairs, and I was greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of sizzling bacon. The dimly lit lobby of Hange's building was bustling with activity, and I could see people rushing to and fro. The elevator doors opened, and Hange led me out into the bright sunlight. I squinted, covering my eyes with my hand, and Hange chuckled, shielding my eyes with his hand. "Easy, little one," he said. "I forgot that the sunlight can be a bit much for you." We walked down the street, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. People passed by, giving us curious glances, but Hange seemed oblivious to their stares. As we walked, I noticed that Hange seemed to be taking a circuitous route. We turned down side streets and alleys, and I began to feel a bit disoriented. "Where are we going, Hange?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Hange smiled and leaned in close. "We're taking a little detour," he said. "I want to show you something before we meet with Laphicet." We stopped in front of a small, quaint shop. The sign above the door read "Madame Luna's Curios and Antiques." Hange pushed open the door, and a bell above it rang out. Inside, the shop was dimly lit, and the air was thick with the scent of old books and dust. Shelves upon shelves of curious objects lined the walls, and I could see everything from vintage dolls to ancient-looking artifacts. Hange led me deeper into the shop, and I noticed a small, intricately carved wooden box on a nearby shelf. The box seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, and I felt drawn to it. "Ah, you've found the box," a soft voice said from behind us. I turned to see an old woman with long, silver hair and piercing green eyes. She smiled, and her eyes seemed to sparkle with warmth. "Welcome, young one," she said. "I've been expecting you." Hange nodded, and the old woman beckoned us to follow her. She led us to a small room in the back of the shop, filled with strange and wondrous objects. In the center of the room, a large, ornate mirror hung on the wall. The mirror seemed to ripple and shimmer, and I felt a sense of unease as I approached it. "What's this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The old woman smiled. "This is a mirror of truth," she said. "It will show you things that you may not be ready to see, but it will also reveal secrets that you need to know." Hange's hand on my shoulder was reassuring, and I felt a sense of courage. The old woman handed Hange a small, delicate key. "For you, my dear," she said. "The mirror will only reveal its secrets to one who possesses this key." Hange took the key, and with a gentle nod, he inserted it into a small keyhole on the mirror's frame. The mirror's surface rippled and shimmered, and I felt a sense of trepidation. As the mirror's surface cleared, I saw a vision of myself, standing in a place that I didn't recognize. I saw a figure in the distance, walking towards me. It was a woman, with long, flowing hair and a kind smile. I felt a sense of longing, and I knew that this vision was trying to tell me something. But before I could process the vision, Hange's phone rang again. He answered it, and I heard him say, "Yes, we're on our way." He hung up the phone and turned to me. "It seems our appointment with Laphicet is waiting," he said. "Are you ready to face whatever comes next?" I nodded, feeling a sense of determination. With Hange by my side, I knew that I could face anything. We left the shop, and I couldn't help but wonder what the day had in store for us.