Rin sat curled in on herself in the center of the room.
The space was… beautiful. Too beautiful. Soft cushions, silk drapes, polished stone floors glowing faintly with embedded mana. Luxury wrapped around her like a mockery. None of it mattered.
Her bare stomach was exposed where the mana restriction spell burned faintly against her skin, etched and glowing low at her side. It pulsed gently, constant, suffocating, reminding her that she was powerless.
Her eyes were swollen and red, tears staining her cheeks. Her ears drooped low against her head, tail curled tightly around her legs as she hugged herself, shoulders trembling with quiet sobs.
She didn't know where she was.
No windows. No sense of direction. No way to feel Kael's presence.
Nothing.
Then—
Laughter.
Rin froze.
Her ears snapped upright, sharp and alert despite the exhaustion weighing her down. The sound came from beyond the door, muffled, distant, but unmistakable.
Sayaka.
Her laugh was light, amused… pleased.
Rin pressed her ear toward the wall, heart hammering as she strained to listen. Another voice joined Sayaka's, a man's voice.
Calm. Measured. Deadly.
It slithered through the air like poison wrapped in silk, sending chills down Rin's spine.
"…balance," the man was saying. His tone was smooth, thoughtful. "Everything must be weighed. Sacrifice is inevitable."
Rin's breath hitched. She couldn't hear much more, just fragments. Control. Order. Necessity.
Her head started to ache from the effort. Slowly, reluctantly, she pulled back, curling in on herself again.
It's useless…
Her gaze darted around the room. The walls shimmered faintly, layered magic barriers, dense and overlapping. She pressed her palm against one. Nothing. Not even a tremor.
Her chest tightened. Escape wasn't just difficult, it was impossible.
The door suddenly opened.
Rin flinched hard, scrambling backward as the priest stepped inside.
His eyes landed on her like filth beneath his shoes.
Disgust.
Anger.
Rin immediately raised her guard, ears flattened, teeth clenched as she forced herself upright despite the tremor in her limbs.
"There's no need to posture," he sneered. "You're useless without your magic."
Her fingers curled into fists.
He scoffed. "That man—Kael. A fool. Keeping someone as weak as you by his side without proper training."
Her breath caught, fear and fury twisting together in her chest. She swallowed it down and lifted her chin.
"Why am I here?" she asked, voice shaking but steady enough.
The priest didn't answer. He stared at her for a long moment, lips curling in quiet contempt, then turned and walked away.
As the door opened, Sayaka's voice floated in lazily.
"I already met Kael," she said, amused. "Took one of his belongings. Getting him won't be difficult at all."
Rin's heart slammed painfully against her ribs.
Belongings…?
Before the thought could settle, Sayaka stepped inside.
She carried a tray of rich, beautifully prepared food, steaming meats, glossy fruits, warm bread. The smell made Rin's stomach twist painfully.
Sayaka set it down gently and smiled.
Proud. Satisfied.
Her fingers lifted Rin's chin softly, almost tenderly.
"I don't want to hurt you," she said sweetly. "I love animals. Cats are my favorite."
Rin's body went rigid.
"You'll be very useful," Sayaka continued, eyes darkening with delight. "Such perfect bait."
Her smile widened, something hungry flashing beneath it.
"Seeing that bloodlust on Kael's face again… obsession, possession… ah, it drives me crazy."
Rin said nothing. She couldn't. Fear sealed her throat as Sayaka finally withdrew and left.
---
Three days passed.
Nothing changed.
She was fed. Cleaned. Watched.
At first, Rin waited. Hoped.
Kael will come.
Then reality crept in, slow and crushing.
"What if he can't find me?"
Tears spilled again, but she stopped herself midway, hands trembling.
"No"
Her reflection stared back at her in the polished floor.
Weak. Always protected. Always behind someone else.
Her jaw tightened.
"I won't be useless anymore."
She called for the priest.
He arrived, scowling, steps echoing coldly against the polished floor.
"What is it now?" he snapped, irritation heavy in his voice.
"I want some fruit," Rin said firmly, holding her chin high, trying to radiate calm control.
The priest's lips pressed into a thin line. He looked at her with obvious disdain.
"No one is your slave here. You get what you get—and nothing more," he said sharply.
Rin lifted her head, eyes glinting, and spoke softly but deliberately:
"I don't need a slave. I just want what's fair. I only ask for the best fruit. Nothing more."
The priest's brow furrowed. "Fair? You dare speak of fairness when you are nothing but a weak, useless child?"
Rin's ears flicked, tail curling slightly as she kept her voice steady.
"I may be weak now, but even the smallest spark can grow into a flame," she said, letting her words linger. "And the person who tends the spark knows it is worth protecting."
The priest opened his mouth to retort but froze as the maid entered. Her eyes were sharp, tone clipped.
"Priest," she said firmly. "The princess commanded that the cat be treated with the best care. You will provide the best treatment she requires."
Sweat beaded down the priest's temple. "…Very well," he muttered, grumbling but clearly defeated.
Rin's ears twitched as the word "princess" landed like a bomb. Her heartbeat skipped.
She carefully listed the fruits she wanted, voice steady:
"Crimson Sunberries… Azure Moonapples… Verdant Vinetomes."
The priest waved dismissively, and the maid immediately went to fetch them. Soon, the tray appeared, neatly arranged. Rin's tail flicked once, ear twitching as she quietly celebrated the opening she had been given.
She picked up a **Crimson Sunberry**, feeling the faint pulse of mana. Only she knew its true effect. She bit into it slowly, letting the subtle power seep into her.
She glanced up at the priest, letting her voice be faintly coquettish, just enough to distract him:
"I am very grateful… though I hope you won't mind if I take my time savoring them?"
The priest grunted. "Do as you please, but don't expect more leniency than this. You are useless as always."
Rin's lips curled slightly into a faint, inward smile. She picked up a **Crimson Sunberry** and bit into it delicately, hiding the subtle pulse of mana only she could feel. Her ears flicked as she spoke aloud, seemingly innocently:
"Delicious. Truly… the best I've ever had."
The priest's glare softened ever so slightly, though he didn't realize he'd been baited into giving her more attention than he intended.
Rin's gaze shifted toward the priest, voice calm and commanding:
"And… may I take my nap now? A proper rest will help me think properly."
The priest barked a laugh, sharp and dismissive.
"No wonder you're weak. Always resting, always sleeping… this is why Kael even bothered protecting you."
Rin nodded, maintaining a calm, almost obedient expression.
"Yes… that is why I must rest. So I can one day be… useful."
The priest huffed, leaving the room with a growl, and the maid followed silently.
Rin exhaled quietly once the door closed. Her tail curled around her legs, ears flicking as she surveyed the room. She whispered to herself, almost in awe:
"They think I'm harmless. They think I'm weak. But they don't know… not yet. I have a chance now. I'll become strong. I'll become useful. And before they even realize it… I'll stop them. I'll protect Kael. I won't be weak ever again."
Her eyes flicked to the fruits on the tray, carefully planning how she'd use every single advantage. Even now, she calculated each movement, each bite, each rest. Every small act built her strength, and with it, her resolve hardened like tempered steel.
........
Kael zipped up the last of his bags, his movements sharp but tense, as if every motion held the weight of a storm brewing inside him.
"Kael…" Her voice was soft, hesitant, almost afraid to break the quiet of the room.
He looked up, meeting her gaze. She stood there, arms crossed, brows furrowed. "Kael… why are you packing?" Her tone wasn't accusing, it was careful, concerned.
He paused for a moment, letting out a slow breath. "We're leaving," he said finally, voice low but steady. "Back to my home… my father's kingdom." His eyes flicked to the floor, then back to her. "I… I need proper training. I need to become strong enough to… to take down this corrupt system. The one hiding behind the goddess, controlling everything."
Elisia's eyes widened, a mix of shock and worry. "So… does that mean you're changing your goal?"
He shook his head firmly. "No. I'll still find Rin and Lyra. That's not changing. But I've had enough… of being used. Being pushed around by rules and expectations that aren't mine. I need to be stronger. Smarter. Untouchable."
She nodded slowly, a small frown tugging at her lips. "Then… you want us to come with you?"
Kael's gaze shifted between her and his bags, calm but resolute. "Yes. Pack what you need. We leave now. And Mira comes with us, she'll be… very useful."
There was a quiet pause, and for a brief moment, the air seemed heavier, charged with the weight of what they were about to do. None of them spoke, but the understanding between them was clear: this wasn't just a move, it was the beginning of something dangerous, something that would test all of them.
---
The ride to the kingdom was silent, save for the occasional clatter of hooves and the wind. Kael stared straight ahead, lips pressed thin, thoughts buried in strategy and training. Hiryuu was stoic beside him, while Elisia occasionally adjusted Mira's position, keeping her calm. Mira, however, kept her gaze down, hands folded, avoiding everyone.
When they finally arrived, the grand gates of Kael's father's kingdom loomed before them. Kael's mother came running, arms wide.
"Kael! You're back!" his mother's voice rang through the courtyard. Before he could step closer, she practically threw herself at him, enveloping him in a warm, loving embrace. "I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed, holding him at arm's length, scanning his face with wide, excited eyes.
Kael chuckled softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I told you I'd be coming, Mom."
She blinked and stepped back, noticing the company behind him. Her eyes went wide, mouth falling open. "And… you brought… a healer? A dragon? And… Princess Elisia????"
Kael's chuckle faltered. "Mom… it's not what it looks like…"
"Not what it looks like?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow and smirking. "Kael, you went to the boarding just to pick up girls, didn't you? Huh? Tell me the truth!" She gave him a teasing shove, making him stumble slightly.
"I swear, Mom," Kael said, shaking his head, "that's not it."
Before the moment could settle, a sudden strike whistled through the air, narrowly missing Hiryuu. She barely moved, stepping aside as if the wind had brushed past her.
Kael's eyes widened. "Hiryuu—watch out!" He stepped forward defensively, muscles tensing, ready to intercept anything else.
Everyone froze, except Hiryuu who remained calm, though her gaze held a faint sadness. She had expected this reaction, but Kael seemed momentarily caught off guard.
Kaien, Kael's older brother, appeared from the side, sword drawn, eyes sharp and filled with mistrust. "Kael! Mother! Step back. Protect Princess Elisia and the healer! That dragon… it's dangerous. Level forty to seventy, maybe more."
Hiryuu's ears twitched. She glanced at Kael with a look that silently said: I expected this.
Hiryuu glanced at Elisia. Without hesitation, Elisia stepped forward, placing herself firmly between Hiryuu and Kaien. Her voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Draw your sword!"
Kael froze, eyes wide. "Elisia—what—"
She didn't even glance at him, words tumbling out before she could think. "She's not just a dragon. She's our friend. She's travelling with us to protect us, because I and Kael are engaged!"
The courtyard went completely silent. Every face froze. Kaien's jaw dropped. Hiryuu's ears flicked sharply, eyes wide. Kael's mouth hung open. Even Elisia's own eyes went wide, and her face immediately burned crimson. She stammered, flailing, trying to retract the words. "I-I didn't mean—wait—Kael! I—" but the embarrassment was too much; she couldn't take it back.
Kael's mother, instead of scolding, practically squealed in delight. She rushed forward and scooped Elisia up in a hug. "Engaged?! Tell me everything, child! How did this happen?! When? Oh, Kael!" She dragged Elisia inside, chattering non-stop, leaving the poor princess blinking and completely flustered.
Hiryuu and Mira followed carefully, feeling Kaien's gaze heavy on them as they stepped through the courtyard. Hiryuu could sense the wariness in his eyes but remained composed, walking steadily beside Kael.
*The hell? .... Did I just get engaged?* He thought.
He exhaled softly, finally letting the tension ease a little. The kingdom sprawled before them, sunlight glinting off the walls, the gardens perfectly tended, yet Kael's mind was already racing. Mira, Hiryuu, and Elisia flanked him as they walked, careful to keep pace.
Kaien stepped closer, eyes sharp but his lips twitching in a half-smile. "Kael… I didn't know you were engaged to the princess of the Imperial Kingdom," he said, his tone teasing but his gaze still serious. "You really do surprise me."
Kael shot him a dry look. "Kaien… you knew I'd be coming. I didn't exactly hide it."
Kaien shrugged, though amusement flickered in his eyes. "Still… I didn't expect this. Princess Elisia, the dragon, the healer… and you call this a normal day?"
Kael smirked faintly. "It's anything but normal."
Kaien's expression softened, teasing edged with seriousness. "You always get into trouble, don't you, Kael? And I see… you let girls distract you now?"
Kael rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "I'm not distracted. I just… know what matters."
Kaien chuckled, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Hmm… priorities, huh? Alright. I'll bite. What brings you back, then? Don't just leave me guessing."
Kael's gaze hardened, determination creeping into every word. "Kaien, I didn't come back just to visit. I lost a very important battle. I need to grow stronger… I need your help. I can't do this alone."
Kaien raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. "Lost a battle, huh? And you come back acting like nothing happened? You really do have a flair for dramatics, little brother."
Kael rolled his eyes. "I'm serious, Kaien. I can't get stronger by sitting around. I need your guidance."
Kaien chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, so the great Kael comes crawling to me for help. I never thought I'd see the day." He gestured at Kael with a mock flourish of his hand. "Tell me honestly, did you grow weaker around girls while you were out there? Or is this just me finally catching you off-guard?"
Kael narrowed his eyes but couldn't suppress the faint grin tugging at his lips. "I'm not weaker. I just… have priorities."
Kaien let out a low laugh, shaking his head again. "Priorities, huh? Fine. I can live with that. But if you're serious about getting stronger, you're going to need more than just pride and stubbornness."
Kael crossed his arms, challenging. "Then tell me, Kaien, what do I need?"
Kaien's smirk softened into something more serious, but the teasing never fully left his tone. "Patience. Discipline. Technique. And maybe a little humility." He tapped Kael lightly on the shoulder. "Don't worry, little brother. You'll get there. But you're going to have to work harder than ever before. No shortcuts. No excuses."
Kael exhaled, nodding. "I understand. I'm ready."
Kaien's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of pride passing through his eyes. "Good. Because the master… well, he's fallen ill recently. But his daughter—she came from the village to tend to him. You'll be working under her guidance first. She knows everything about magic, martial arts, and combat techniques. Think of her as your… unofficial drill sergeant before you actually start."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Unofficial drill sergeant, huh? Sounds like fun."
Kaien let out a chuckle. "Fun? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. And you'll need it if you want to make any real progress." He leaned closer, lowering his voice in a mock-conspiratorial tone. "But don't get any ideas about taking it easy just because she's a girl. She's stricter than I ever was, and I've broken more bones than I care to admit."
Kael's lips twitched in a small smile. "Noted. I'll keep that in mind."
Kaien straightened, the teasing edge fading slightly, though it lingered in his eyes. "Alright, Kael. Let's move. Meet her first, learn what you need, and then we can start building you into someone who won't lose to anyone. I expect nothing less."
Kael nodded, determination blazing in his eyes. "Then she'll be my first stop."
The two of them moved through the gates, the sunlight spilling over the kingdom, illuminating the bustling courtyards and distant towers. Mira, Hiryuu, and Elisia followed carefully, watching the exchange quietly.
Kaien glanced back at Kael, smirking one last time. "And Kael?"
"Yes?" Kael asked, eyes forward, still focused.
"Try not to get distracted by the princess while you're training. I don't want to hear about any 'emergency rescues' in the middle of your drills."
Kael rolled his eyes again, a small, amused but annoyed smile tugging at his lips. "I'll… try."
Kaien laughed, shaking his head. "Good. Now let's get you started. No excuses, little brother."
......
Lyra knelt by the riverside, the cool water running gently over her fingers. She dipped her hands, letting the current wash away the grime and the lingering tension of the day. The forest around her was quiet, soft leaves rustling in the breeze, birds calling somewhere distant.
She took a deep breath, letting her body relax as she cleaned herself with the cloth she always carried. Her form, graceful and lean, moved with the careful precision of someone aware of every curve and line, long legs, toned arms, soft skin that caught the sunlight through the canopy. Even without the system, she felt… undeniably alive, undeniably her.
Her mind, however, was elsewhere. The nightmare haunted her again, the one where she ran, desperately chasing Kael. Every step felt like it would close the distance, yet he stayed just beyond her reach. And then… the faceless woman beside him. Her hand, cold and possessive on Kael's arm. It pierced Lyra's chest, leaving a hollow ache, a longing she couldn't shake.
Shaking her head, Lyra tied her cloth carefully around herself. The river had washed her body clean, but it hadn't washed away the thoughts that tangled inside her. The failure of the system, her human limitations, the cruel reality of this world, it all pressed down on her chest like a weight.
"I… I have to get better," she whispered to herself, stepping away from the river.
Later, she tried activating the system again. The screen remained blank, the same as before. Lyra sighed, disappointment flickering across her features, her fingers brushing against the cloth at her waist. "I feel so weak… but I'll get stronger. I have to."
Not far from her, Rei trained with his sword. Each strike precise, controlled, deadly. He moved with absolute focus, yet Lyra's face kept appearing in his mind, unbidden, distracting him. The memory of her laugh, the curve of her cheek, the tilt of her eyes, it broke his concentration, over and over.
He finally stopped mid-swing, leaning on his sword. A faint, genuine smile tugged at his lips. "She's beautiful," he murmured, voice low and almost to himself. Shaking off the distraction, he squared his shoulders and continued his practice, forcing focus back onto the motions he had trained tirelessly to perfect.
Lyra, lost in her thoughts, stepped from the tree line and unknowingly entered Rei's training ground. The two froze as their eyes met, startled and unprepared for the sudden presence of the other.
Lyra tightened her cover cloth instinctively, heart pounding. Rei's back turned immediately, his hand gripping the sword with a mix of fluster and caution.
"I-I'm sorry," Rei said quickly, voice low and polite. "I wasn't… monitoring my surroundings properly. I'll step back so you can… be comfortable."
Lyra shook her head, cheeks warming. "No, I-I should've checked before… moving here. I didn't mean to interrupt your training."
Before either could move further, a rustling erupted from the forest. A level 13 beast lunged at Lyra, claws out, teeth bared, its roar shattering the calm.
Lyra froze in terror.
Rei's movements were fluid, instantaneous. With a single calculated swing, the beast fell, its body hitting the ground lifelessly before it even realized what had happened. Lyra's breath caught in her throat, chest rising and falling rapidly.
Her eyes widened, staring at Rei. "I… I could've died…"
Rei finally lowered his hand from near his sword, though he stayed close enough to Lyra to provide a sense of security. His voice was calm, soft, yet firm. "Lyra… you're okay. I've got you. Nothing's going to hurt you while I'm here."
Lyra swallowed hard, the adrenaline still tingling in her veins. Her hands gripped the jacket tighter, her chest rising and falling rapidly. "I… I know. Thank you, Rei," she whispered, voice barely audible, almost lost to the rustle of leaves.
Rei's eyes softened, just a flicker, but it held warmth, understanding, and something that made her heart skip. "You don't need to thank me. I just… can't let anything happen to you. Not now. Not ever."
She glanced up at him, catching the intensity in his eyes. There was no pretense, no façade, just a quiet, unwavering resolve. Lyra's pulse quickened, a mix of fear, relief, and something else she couldn't quite name.
For a moment, they just stood there, inches apart, the forest around them alive with distant birds and the gentle whisper of the wind. Rei didn't move, didn't speak, just let her feel the presence he offered, and Lyra… she let herself feel it. The warmth, the protection, the weight of being mortal and yet… alive, standing here with him.
Lyra's voice broke the silence next, soft and hesitant. "I… I didn't realize… how fragile I am. How mortal."
Rei's hand moved slightly, not touching, but close enough to let her feel it. "That's why you have to remember… you're not alone. Not anymore. I'm here. Always."
Her breath caught. The words sank deep, echoing inside her like a promise. She looked at him, really looked, and for the first time, she felt seen, not as someone weak, not as someone who always needed protection, but as someone who mattered.
And in that quiet, intimate space, with the forest watching silently around them, Lyra realized something important: she wasn't just human… she was someone worth fighting for. And she wasn't going to forget it, not ever.