The celebration was over, but its warmth still lingered in the streets of Eidenweld. Children reenacted the rescue in the fields, and villagers hailed Reynar and Liora as heroes. Yet, away from the smiles and praise, in a quiet clearing beyond the village's edge, the real work had begun.
"Again," Liora commanded, her tone firm but focused.
Reynar groaned, lifting his wooden sword despite the ache in his arms. Sweat dripped from his chin. His shirt clung to his back. His grip was raw and unsteady—but his eyes were steady.
Clack!
Their blades met again, the familiar thud of wood on wood echoing through the trees. Reynar's form was tighter now. His stances cleaner. Each movement less hesitant. He wasn't the boy who had once tripped over his own feet in the forest.
He was changing.
Off in the distance, perched on a tall branch, hidden beneath the dense canopy, Sylvie watched.
The breeze ruffled her silver hair, glinting beneath the rays of the late afternoon sun. She crouched silently, arms resting on her knees, ears twitching ever so slightly as she observed the duo.
"…He's come far," she murmured, just loud enough for herself to hear. "Not bad… for a human."
She tilted her head as Liora delivered a sharp parry, sending Reynar stumbling again. But he didn't fall this time. He caught his footing and countered. Sylvie's golden eyes narrowed with interest.
"Instincts are waking up. And that bond… it's unusual."
Down below, Reynar panted heavily and finally dropped to one knee.
"That's enough for now," Liora said, wiping her brow. "You're improving."
He looked up at her, smiling despite the bruises and fatigue. "Am I actually… strong enough now?"
"No," Liora said bluntly. "But you're getting there."
They sat in the grass, taking a moment to breathe. The late-day sun painted the sky in soft hues of orange and pink.
"Liora," Reynar asked, voice quieter now. "What do you know about Void Rifts?"
She stiffened, then exhaled. "Too much. And not enough."
She began to draw on the dirt between them with a stick. "Void Rifts corrupt everything. Not just beasts. Not just land. They bend the very rules of the world. They spawn monsters from broken logic—creatures that don't fear death, because they were never truly alive."
Reynar listened intently.
"I encountered one once. Years ago. It nearly took everything from me."
Her voice grew cold, but he didn't press. She continued, "This upcoming one is different. Higher-ranked. The last one was a Class D. This one's a B at minimum. It could level the entire region if it spreads."
He didn't flinch. "Then we stop it."
She gave him a long, unreadable look. "You're not scared?"
"I am," he admitted. "But if we don't act… who will?"
Liora's expression softened.
[System Notification]Companion Affinity Level Increased: 74% — Shared Focus unlocked.Effect: Slight increase in reaction time and mana synchronization while fighting alongside companion Liora.
Suddenly, their hands brushed as they stood up together.
A slight pause.
A slight flush in Liora's cheeks.
Back in the treetops, Sylvie watched, eyes narrowing in amusement.
"Companion affinity…?" she muttered. "So that's what's tying them together. Hmph. Cheesy."
But there was no malice in her voice. Only curiosity.
The pair below resumed sparring. This time, their movements were smoother, flowing with a kind of instinctual rhythm.
Liora would strike—Reynar would deflect. Reynar would pivot—Liora would cover his blind spot.
Even Sylvie was forced to nod.
"Good teamwork," she whispered. "And… good heart."
As Reynar landed his first successful counter-strike, Liora's eyes gleamed with pride. Not just as a teacher—but as someone who was beginning to believe in him. Not as a burden. Not as a child. But as a true partner.
"Not bad," Liora said.
"Not great either," Reynar replied with a grin.
Sylvie turned, the corner of her lips lifting in a ghost of a smile. She vanished silently into the trees, her presence unnoticed as always.
But her thoughts lingered.
"You're growing fast, Reynar… Faster than I expected. Maybe this world has a chance after all."