The sun had barely set behind the mountains when the group finally arrived at the gates of Helion.
The city hadn't changed one bit. Even the cobblestones seemed to have retained the dust of their last visit.
"I'm getting off here," Lys announced lightly. "I'm going to see my aunt. It's been two weeks since we left her to go to the capital."
She then turned to Kyle.
"Do you want to come with me?"
"Why not," he replied simply.
Without further ado, the two moved away from the rest of the group.
Tristan, true to form, raised his hand and called out,
"I'll see you later at the guild! Take your time."
"Sounds good," Kyle replied.
"See you later!" " added Lys.
Elaria, Iris, and Anne also waved goodbye, which Kyle and Lys returned silently.
The cobblestone street led them gently into the heart of Helion. The city, bathed in the orange glow of twilight, seemed frozen in time. The smells of warm bread, magical incense, and freshly tanned leather hung in the air. Shops were closing their doors, adventurers were returning, and a few children were still running around, imitating mage duels.
"It seems like nothing's changed here," Kyle murmured.
They walked side by side in silence. A rather... long silence.
"Are you bored?" asked Lys, clasping her hands behind her head.
"Actually... a little," admitted Kyle. "Do you have any ideas for something to talk about?"
"We're almost there, aren't we?" »
"Exactly. Walking together without talking is a bit awkward."
Lys turned her head toward him.
"You want to go back to Asterion?"
Kyle raised an eyebrow.
"Why are you asking me that?"
"Because I know you. With your thirst for adventure, aren't you curious about what other people are doing... those who came from another world? And don't the Valkyries intrigue you?"
"Maybe, yeah. But I don't plan on going back right away."
"Why?"
He paused briefly.
"Because... if I did, it would be like turning back."
"I don't understand."
"Before I turn around... I want to go as far as possible."
Lys frowned, a little disconcerted.
"You talk strangely sometimes."
"It's okay. The important thing is that I understand myself." »
She gave a tender smile.
"And you? What do you plan to do after I leave?" Kyle asked.
"Honestly? I'm not sure yet. But the most logical thing... is for me to stay with the group."
Kyle laughed softly.
"Tristan's going to be all alone again, surrounded by girls."
"Are you jealous?"
"Me? Not at all."
A silence. Then Lys moved closer. A little too close, even. She was now walking inches away from him, her face close, almost provocative.
"You know I'm not interested in Tristan... right?"
Kyle swallowed, backed away slowly, his cheeks flushing. He immediately looked away and pointed at a building in the distance.
"The inn! We're here," he said, his tone a little too cheerful.
And without waiting, he quickened his pace, eager to escape the overly electric atmosphere that had just set in.
The inn was still there, true to itself. A carved wooden facade, hanging lanterns, and that smell of stew that made you feel at home, even if you came from another world.
Kyle stood in front of the inn's door.
Lys ran to join him.
"Wait for me!"
They pushed the door open together. A bell jingled, signaling their arrival.
Inside, the atmosphere hadn't changed: laughter, clinking glasses, the smell of simmering stew, and in the background, Rose, busy serving a customer.
"Here we are again!" Lys called out, her smile bright.
Rose looked up. A brief glance. Then she returned to her duties without a word.
Kyle, a little disappointed, raised an eyebrow.
"I expected more of a reaction... but oh well."
They approached the counter. Lys seemed a little pained by her aunt's silence.
"The mission lasted longer than expected," Kyle explained.
"It's okay," Rose replied without looking up. "The adventurer's life isn't easy."
"Do I still have our room?" Kyle asked.
"Yes, of course."
Kyle nodded and turned to go upstairs... but before he could take another step, Rose grabbed his arm and pulled Lys into an unexpected hug as well.
"I was so worried," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"I'm sorry," Lys said, hugging her back.
"No, I'm the one who's sorry... You know, I was once adventurous too. I thought I'd be strong when you came back, but now..."
Tears silently rolled down her cheeks. Lys also broke down, and the two women began to cry silently in each other's arms.
Kyle, embarrassed, tried to free himself by discreetly tugging at his sleeve.
"Uh... well. Now that that's out of the way... I'm going," he said, half-freeing himself.
But Rose immediately grabbed his arm.
"You haven't changed one bit."
"Okay, okay... but I'm still going..."
"You're not going anywhere!" "Tonight, we're all having dinner together to celebrate your return," she declared firmly.
Kyle sighed.
"I guess I have no choice..."
Rose winked at him.
"Exactly."
A little later, the three of them were sitting at a table, a nice hot meal in front of them.
"Hey, Aunt Rose," Lys asked, "why were you so worried?"
"Because you just weren't coming back. I was starting to think something had happened to you..."
"Not a chance," Kyle said with a smile.
"With recent events, I've been far from at peace," Rose continued.
"What events?" Lys asked.
"The wyvern horde," she replied.
"But they were defeated, weren't they?" Kyle asked in surprise.
Rose stared at them.
"How did you know?"
"It doesn't matter," Kyle replied evasively.
"Okay... but there were still survivors. Not many, but enough to cause some damage."
"We know," Lys confirmed. "But don't worry, they've all been eliminated. There's no longer any danger."
Rose sighed with relief.
"Good."
"Honestly, there's nothing to worry about with simple wyverns," Kyle shrugged.
Rose frowned.
"I forgot that you don't have the same concept of danger as normal people. You know, a wyvern is a B-rank monster. You have to be C-rank or higher to have a chance of survival."
Kyle didn't answer. But a broad smile spread across his face.
Lys noticed and proudly announced:
"In Thoralis, Kyle has been promoted to B-rank adventurer."
Rose almost choked.
"What? In less than a month? You're becoming a B-rank adventurer? You're... truly incredible!"
Lys added timidly:
"I've been promoted too. E-rank."
Rose took her hands.
"That's amazing, Lys! You're incredible too. You know, it took me a whole month to reach F-rank when I was a beginner..."
Kyle raised an eyebrow, looking amused.
"Yes, yes, we already know that. You've told us at least three times."
Rose glared at him with a small smile.
"So? Such an achievement deserves to be celebrated! Tonight, we're bringing out the bottles of hibiscus nectar!" »
Kyle sighed again.
"Looks like I really have no escape..."
The table was well-laid. Steaming stew, crusty bread, candied fruit, and... several bottles of amber and red wine.
Rose cheerfully poured it into three glasses.
"Here you go! Hibiscus wine, mountain fig liqueur, and a small stash of fermented apple nectar... just to celebrate your promotions!"
"Uh... I'll pass," Kyle replied, both hands raised in front of him.
Rose stopped in her tracks.
"You don't like it?"
"It's not that... it's just that I'm not very... into alcohol."
Rose's eyes widened, but she didn't press the issue.
"I understand. I'm not going to force you, don't worry."
"What's wrong?" Lys asked. "Is there a problem?"
"No...actually, yes. In my...where I come from, you're not allowed to drink until you're twenty. And I'm not old enough yet." Kyle replied.
But Lys, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, leaned toward him.
"You know we don't have the same restrictions here?"
"Oh?"
"We dilute wine with water from the age of seven. It's even common for some noble or mage families."
Kyle's eyes widened, both shocked and amazed. He clasped his hands together as if in prayer.
"Blessed be the fantasy worlds..."
"You change your mind so quickly, don't you?" Lys teased.
"Rose!" Kyle called with a big smile. "Well... I'll try a tiny bit. Just a finger. Well, two."
"I like this enthusiasm," Rose said, refilling the glasses.
And the evening continued with laughter. But Kyle... didn't know when to stop.
One glass. Then two. Then three.
He was euphoric. Talking too loudly, laughing to himself at his jokes, declaring his eternal love to the toast.
Big mistake.
The next morning
The light streaming through the shutters assaulted his eyes.
Head heavy, stomach in knots, Kyle woke up... in his bed, but with no memory of how he'd gotten there.
"Ouch... my head..."
He slowly rolled onto his side, clutching his forehead as if his skull were about to explode.
"It's decided. That was the first and last time I'll drink alcohol."
Shuffling, he left his room, descending the stairs one by one, like a defeated hero returning from the front.
Downstairs, Lys and Rose were already at the table, eating peacefully, as if they hadn't drunk anything at all.
Kyle approached, his mouth thick.
"Hi..."
"Good morning, Kyle," Rose replied, smiling. Slept well?
"I've... known better."
"I'm sorry about last night. Lys explained the situation to me."
Kyle blinked.
"What situation?"
Rose got up to get a pitcher of water.
Lys took the opportunity to lean toward him.
"I told her your family was very strict. And that it was your first time drinking."
"...That's true," Kyle admitted, rubbing his eyes. "But you didn't have to make excuses for me, did you?"
"Maybe... but I felt a little guilty seeing you like that."
"Well. Might as well leave it at that, then."
A light silence fell. But Lys, seeing his miserable expression, suddenly placed her hand on his chest.
"Wait... don't move."
A soft, green, soothing light emanated from her palm. A healing spell.
She stayed a little longer than necessary. Her warm hand, gently placed there, gradually calmed Kyle's uncontrollable heartbeat.
"Thanks..." he breathed.
"You survived a dungeon, but it was the wine that knocked you out. Ironic, isn't it?"
"I'd rather fight a dragon than relive that hangover..."
They laughed softly. Then Kyle sat down at the table, a plate already filled in front of him.
"You should eat something," Lys said. "You're going to need your strength. We're going to the guild afterward, right?"
"Yeah..."
Rose came back with the pitcher and poured generously.
"To your return... and to your exploits," she said with a wink.
Kyle raised his glass of water... this time, much more cautiously.
After sharing a good meal with Rose, Kyle and Lys finally set off for the Adventurers' Guild.
The atmosphere was relaxed, almost joyful. They exchanged jokes, discussed their mission in Thoralis, and joked about Kyle's state after drinking the night before.
"I have a feeling your liver still hasn't forgiven me," Lys said with a laugh.
"My liver hates me," Kyle confirmed gravely.
A few minutes later, they found themselves in front of the large doors of the Helion Guild. The carved wooden sign, the familiar sounds of animated discussion, and the lingering smell of iron and sweat welcomed them like a familiar cocoon.
They pushed open the doors, and the familiar bustle immediately enveloped them.
"Hey, look over there," Lys said, pointing to the reception desk.
Tristan was standing not far from the counter, deep in conversation with Eris, the receptionist, and a young woman in light armor... very light.
Black and silver armor molded her figure precisely, revealing far more than it actually protected. Her long black hair flowed behind her, and her bright smile contrasted with the confident aura she exuded.
"Oh, there's Tristan at the reception desk. Shall we join them?" Lys offered.
"Why not," Kyle replied.
They started to walk forward. But as the footsteps brought them closer, Kyle slowed down.
He narrowed his eyes, staring at the female figure.
A chill ran down his neck.
Then suddenly, he recognized her.
He immediately turned on his heel, trying to turn around as naturally as possible.
"Hmm... I forgot something. I'll be right back."
Lys arched an eyebrow, intrigued, but said nothing.
But he had barely taken two steps when a clear voice echoed through the room.
"Kaito?"
He froze in place. His whole body tensed.
That voice...
He turned slowly. The young woman had already broken away from the group and was walking towards him.
"Mitsuki..." he breathed. "It's been a long time."
Lys looked at him blankly, arms crossed. Tristan, meanwhile, watched the scene with a puzzled expression.
Kyle had no choice but to return to them.
"I... I didn't expect to run into someone I knew here," Mitsuki said, her eyes shining.
"Me neither. Honestly, this is... unexpected."
He gave a small, uncomfortable smile.
But he immediately turned around.
"Anyway, nice to see you again. See you later!"
He tried to slip away, but Mitsuki grabbed his shoulder.
"Wait."
The contact startled Kyle... and the look Lys gave the hand placed on him spoke for itself. A subtle mix of surprise... and suppressed jealousy.
Eris, for her part, seemed completely lost.
"Um... can someone explain to me what's going on here?"
Tristan smiled softly.
"It's complicated... but in short, Kyle... well, Kaito, is from another world. So it's normal if they know each other."
"Another world?" Eris repeated, her eyes wide.
"Yes," Lys confirmed. "Kyle is also one of those people from another world." »
Mitsuki opened his mouth, about to say something important. But Kyle raised a hand to interrupt him.
"It would be better if we talked about this sitting down, wouldn't it?" Calmly, without attracting attention.
Without waiting for a response, he walked purposefully towards an empty table.
Lys followed him immediately, silent.
Mitsuki fell into step with them, a wry smile on her face.
Around the table, the silence hung heavy.
Kyle said nothing. He stared at the table, sighing from time to time. Tristan, Lys, and Mitsuki watched him without daring to break the atmosphere.
Finally, it was Mitsuki who broke the silence.
"So... you've finally decided to leave the Shrine of Awakening, huh?" »
"It's been a month since I left," Kyle replied neutrally, without looking at her.
He then looked up.
"If I remember correctly, you went to train with Lady Kaelis and Miss Sakura and some other girls from the class, right?"
"Right. It was... a good experience."
Her face lit up for a moment, but she stopped before saying more. She sensed Kyle didn't want to dive back into the memories of the past.
Mitsuki swallowed her nostalgia and asked softly,
"But you, what are you doing here?"
Kyle shrugged.
"I'm just here to have... an adventurous experience. And you?"
Mitsuki smiled weakly. She knew Kaito—or Kyle—well enough to know that was enough.
"Okay. To answer your question, I came here to warn about the wyvern threat."
"I'm aware. But... I thought you'd have already left."
"It was planned. But after what happened to Harry's group... I couldn't just leave like that." »
"I see..."
Kyle crossed his arms, visibly tense.
"By the way... why are you changing your first name?" asked Mitsuki.
"No particular reason. Every time I played an RPG, I used Kyle as my nickname. It's become a habit."
Tristan and Lys listened to the conversation in silence. The further it went, the more lost they became. The names, the places, the innuendos... nothing made sense to them.
But they respected the exchange.
Mitsuki looked at Kyle for a moment, her eyes narrowed.
"You still think we're in a fictional world, don't you?"
"The more time passes, the more I'm convinced of it," he said without blinking.
She sighed.
"You know, I once saw a report on TV. People convinced they were living in a scripted reality." A kind of... Truman syndrome."
Kyle narrowed his eyes, looking irritated.
"You think I have a psychological disorder, is that it?"
"No! I'm just saying... if you ever need to talk, I'm here."
Kyle frowned. His voice became a little harsher.
"First of all, Truman syndrome isn't recognized in the DSM. And secondly, it's just how I've been feeling since I moved here."
Mitsuki froze for a moment, surprised. She hadn't expected such a specific reaction.
"I didn't know you were so well-read..."
"Having parents who are doctors has its advantages too."
"And you're not going to say anything else, I take it?"
Kyle stood up without answering. Lys was about to follow him, but Tristan placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I think it's best if I talk to him," he said calmly.
Lys hesitated, then nodded. Tristan followed Kyle outside.
A little further, outside the guild...
"Hey, Kyle! Wait!"
Tristan caught up with him. Kyle stopped, arms crossed, still looking upset.
"This is the first time I've seen you react like this," Tristan said sincerely.
"It's nothing. Like everyone else, I lose my cool sometimes."
"I believe you, but... what happened, exactly? What she said isn't fair."
A moment of silence.
"Even if I explain, you won't understand."
"It's okay, the main thing is that you tell me."
Kyle took a deep breath.
"When I was little... I was diagnosed with Level 1 ASD."
"ASD?"
"Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mild level. It affects communication, emotions, social interaction... That's why when she implied I had a problem, it pissed me off."
"I... see," Tristan replied, even though he hadn't understood everything. A confused smile tugged at his lips.
Kyle looked at him, then laughed softly.
"That's your face right there... It tells me you don't understand."
"Not really... but I'm glad you told me. Sometimes talking helps, doesn't it?"
"Yeah... you're right. And you know what? Thanks."
"Do you want to go back inside?"
Kyle nodded.
"Yeah." I left Lys all alone with Mitsuki... I wonder if she's okay."
Back at the guild
Meanwhile, inside, an eerie silence had fallen between Lys and Mitsuki.
To break the ice, Lys spoke.
"Say... what's your relationship with Kyle? Well, with Kaito."
Mitsuki raised an eyebrow, easily guessing what Lys was implying.
"If you want to know if I'm interested in him, the answer is no. And even in our world, we weren't close. We barely knew each other."
Lys, a little embarrassed, looked away.
"I see..."
"He's a little... strange, isn't he?" added Mitsuki. "But that's part of his charm, I guess."
Lys simply smiled shyly.
At that moment, Tristan and Kyle reappeared in the room.
"We're back," announced Tristan, looking calm.
Kyle approached the table, more relaxed. He glanced quickly at Lys, who responded with a genuine smile.
The reunion could now continue... more calmly.
The atmosphere had been more relaxed since Kyle and Tristan's return. Mitsuki apologized quietly, a little embarrassed.
"Sorry about earlier... I didn't mean to offend you," she said, her voice almost clipped.
"It's fine," Kyle replied, nodding. "It's forgotten."
He didn't like to stay on the outs for too long, especially not with a former comrade. He leaned slightly toward her, trying to start a less tense conversation.
"Have you heard from the others?" he asked.
Mitsuki looked up, slightly surprised by the question.
"Yes. I received a letter from Reiji. It was delivered by a fantastic bird."
"You too?" Kyle breathed.
"Yes. I even ran into him in person. When I went to see the King of Asterion for a mission, he was there."
"Okay..."
Kyle's voice was flat, almost indifferent. He was trying to remain polite, but it was obvious he didn't want to dwell on the subject too much. Mitsuki seemed to notice.
"I won't be here long, by the way. Just a quick chat with Master Richard, the guild leader, and then I'll be on my way."
"Again," Kyle replied neutrally.
She stared at him for a moment.
"You don't want to come with me?"
"No, thanks."
"We could use an elemental mage, you know. You could be useful."
"No, thanks again."
This time, he didn't even bother to hide his disinterest. It was Lys who broke into the conversation, her voice cutting through the atmosphere:
"Tell me, your group... you're the ones called the Valkyries, right?"
Mitsuki rolled her eyes.
"Unfortunately, yes. Even though I hate that name."
"Let me guess," Kyle interjected. "This was Reiji's idea again, right?" »
Mitsuki sighed.
"How do you know?"
"We've always been mythology fans. We had that much in common, at least. And it's totally his style."
Mitsuki nodded.
"He started calling us that... and everyone followed suit."
Kyle tilted his head slightly.
"By the way, between you and Reiji... How are things going?"
She blinked in surprise.
"Huh? Why do you ask that?"
"Oh, I don't know... Maybe because you're in love with him, aren't you?"
Mitsuki's cheeks immediately turned red.
"W-Who told you that?!"
"No one. It's just... how it feels."
She looked away, unable to deny it, and fell into an awkward silence. To mask her confusion, she changed the subject:
"And you... why don't you want to come back to Asterion?"
Kyle shrugged.
"I just don't want to. That's all."
"Too bad..."
A heavy silence fell. Kyle sighed.
"I think I have nothing more to say."
"I agree with you too," Mitsuki whispered.
He was about to stand up, but Lys interrupted, curiosity in her voice:
"By the way, how did you get to Thoralis from Asterion?"
Mitsuki raised her head, happy to answer something else.
"I just took the Skyway."
Kyle raised an eyebrow.
"You mean... you too... you know how to fly now?"
"Huh? No!" she laughed. "I rode on the back of a hippogriff."
"A hippogriff?! Isn't that the creature that looks like a griffin... but with hooves and a horse's head?"
"Right. You have a good grounding in fantasy creatures."
"Normal. When you spend your life in front of screens and manga."
Lys, slightly sidelined by the two's complicity, tried to rejoin the exchange.
"But... isn't it dangerous, riding that kind of beast?"
"I asked a summoner for help so I could seal it and fly with it."
Kyle seemed to make the connection immediately.
"Isn't that Mr. Kobayashi, by any chance?"
"Yes, it is." And besides, he's the only one we know personally."
"That's true."
"I originally wanted a pegasus," Mitsuki sighed. "But Madame Sakura had already taken it..."
"I understand your disappointment."
Lys, curious, continued softly:
"Hey... could you tell me a little about your adventures? I'm really interested."
Mitsuki smiled warmly at her.
"Of course! With pleasure."
As the two girls launched into a heated discussion, Kyle leaned toward Tristan.
"By the way... Where are the others?"
"Anne and Iris are with their respective masters, who just returned from their mission. As for Elaria, she said she had things to do."
"Hmm... Still so mysterious, that one."
Tristan smiled.
Do you want to meet them afterward?
"Yeah. But... not right away."
He glanced at Lys and Mitsuki, who were deep in their conversation.
He was glad the atmosphere had relaxed a little. Even though deep down, he knew this meeting would change everything.