š Scene 1 ā Morning After
The blue flames of the crater had dimmed. The sun now hovered above the Mana Volcano like a watchful eye, casting golden light on black stone.
William stood at the cliff's edge, staring down into the calmed forge. His new blade rested against his shoulder, the silver-black surface reflecting a dull glow.
Alicia watched him from a distance.
He hadn't said much since waking up.
Gin approached with his usual swagger, chewing on some leaf he probably shouldn't be.
"You died, didn't you?" he asked casually.
William shrugged. "Only mostly."
Gin grinned. "Overachiever. Classic Montelo move."
---
š§ Scene 2 ā The Voice Within
Later, William sat alone beneath an obsidian arch. The air was quiet here. Heavy, but calm.
He unsheathed the sword and placed it across his lap.
The blade pulsed once.
> "Still alive, I see."
The voice echoed inside his mind ā clear now, not just a whisper.
Female. Calm. A little tired. A little amused.
> "Because if you died after one handshake, I'd be very disappointed."
William closed his eyes.
"I wasn't expecting sarcasm from my sword."
> "I'm not your sword."
> "I'm Lyra."
He smiled faintly.
"Lyraā¦"
> "You'll get used to me. Or you won't. Either way, I'm stuck with you."
---
š«„ Scene 3 ā Alicia's Suspicion
Alicia approached from behind, quiet as always.
"You've been staring at your sword a long time," she said softly.
William looked up. "It's... different now."
She stepped closer.
"May I?"
He nodded.
She reached down and touched the bladeā
āand immediately pulled her hand back.
Her eyes widened.
"Itā¦ felt like someone was there."
William stayed silent.
Alicia searched his expression.
"You weren't alone in there, were you?"
He looked away. "I don't really understand it myself yet."
She nodded slowly.
But her eyes lingered on the sword.
---
š Scene 4 ā Gin, Unfiltered
Gin flopped onto a nearby boulder with a groan.
"Ah, youth and haunted swords," he said, tossing a pebble. "Reminds me of my second ex."
William raised an eyebrow.
Gin grinned. "Soul blades are tricky. The closer you bondā¦ the more they change you."
He leaned forward, serious for once.
"I'm not joking. Some sword spirits love you. Some hate you. Some justā¦ want to be real again."
Alicia looked sharply at William.
Gin winked. "Anyway, who wants boiled moss soup? It's vaguely food-shaped!"
---
šÆļø Scene 5 ā Echoes of a Bond
That night, William lay awake under the stars, sword by his side.
Her voice came again. Softer now. Almostā¦ human.
> "You didn't ask who I was."
"I figured you'd tell me when you were ready."
A pause.
> "...Thank you."
Another beat.
> "If I could live againā¦ not as a weapon, but something moreā¦ would you let me?"
William closed his eyes.
And whispered, "Yes."
---
š Chapter End Quote:
"Not all voices in your head are madness. Someā¦ are just waiting to be heard."