Dawn broke gently over the town, painting the stone streets in warm gold. For Akira, however, there was no peace in the morning light.
He returned to the Adventurers' Guild later than expected, arms filled with rations, dried meat, water skins, and supplies he barely remembered purchasing. His mind had been elsewhere—buried in thoughts of materials, artifacts, and the quiet fear that time was not on their side.
When he stepped inside, Chloe was the first to notice him.
"You're late," she said, arms crossed, though her tone carried more concern than accusation.
Emma peeked out from behind her sister and smiled. "Welcome back."
Akira exhaled and bowed his head slightly. "Sorry. I lost track of time."
He paused, then added quickly, "Let's eat first. I'll explain everything after."
They didn't argue.
Over a simple meal at the guild's dining area, Akira finally spoke. "I need to go to the canyons."
Chloe froze mid-bite. "The canyons?"
"Yes. They're filled with caves—some untouched. Rare materials, high-grade herbs, old mana-rich stone." His eyes were serious. "Everything I need is there."
Chloe set her utensils down. "Akira, you know the maps lie. The canyons may look close, but they're far. Too far." Her gaze shifted to Emma. "She can't handle a trip longer than a day. You saw what happened yesterday."
"I know," Akira replied calmly. "That's why we're going."
Chloe frowned. "That doesn't make any sense."
Akira leaned forward. "Trust me. Emma will be fine."
Silence followed.
"Let's leave the town first," he continued. "I'll explain everything on the way. If you don't like it, we turn back. No pressure."
Chloe hesitated, then looked at Emma. "Are you okay with this?"
Emma nodded without hesitation. "I trust Akira."
That settled it.
They left the town shortly after, passing through the gates as the city began to wake. The road ahead was rough, winding into open land and broken terrain. As they walked, Akira finally revealed the truth.
"I made an artifact," he said.
Chloe stopped. "You what?"
Akira pulled a small device from his coat—simple in appearance, etched faintly with mana lines. "It's based on the one used on Emma yesterday at the guild. It has limited duration, but it will stabilize her mana long enough for this trip."
Emma's eyes widened. "You made this… last night?"
"Yes," Akira replied with a small smile. "Don't worry. You'll be safe."
Emma slowed her steps. "Akira… I'm sorry. You've done so much for us. We owe you nothing, and you keep—"
Akira stopped walking and crouched in front of her, meeting her eyes. "Never apologize for existing," he said firmly. "And never think you're a burden."
She blinked, stunned.
"After this trip," he continued, softer now, "I promise you'll be the most important person among the three of us."
Emma nodded, tears threatening to fall—but she smiled.
By nightfall, Akira found a suitable place to camp: a natural hollow shielded by rocks and trees, hidden from the road and defensible. He set everything up efficiently.
"You two sleep," he said. "I'll take watch."
"No," Chloe snapped immediately. "You haven't rested properly since yesterday."
"I'm fine."
"You're not." She glared at him. "Sleep. I'll watch."
Akira hesitated—but exhaustion won. "Alright. But wake me in four hours."
He lay down, keeping his map active in his vision, alert for any movement.
Four hours later, he woke quietly and gently shook Chloe awake. She didn't argue this time.
Moving a short distance from the camp to avoid noise, Akira sat down and began creating.
He failed again and again.
Mana collapsed. Materials cracked. Structures destabilized.
His supply dwindled, sweat dripping down his face—but finally, success.
A necklace.
Simple. Elegant. A tracking artifact. As long as Emma wore it, Akira would always know where she was.
By the time Chloe woke, dawn was approaching.
Akira prepared breakfast while Chloe gently woke Emma. They ate together, and then continued toward the canyons.
The land grew harsher—jagged stone, steep drops, thick mana in the air.
When they reached the canyon's edge, Akira handed Emma the necklace.
"With this," he said, "I can find you anywhere."
Both sisters were speechless.
Using Emma's wind magic, they descended carefully into the canyon.
"It's the outer layer," Chloe said. "Fewer monsters here."
Akira nodded, awed by the mana density around them.
After some time, Akira found an empty cave.
"Let's rest here."
Chloe checked the surroundings, then nodded.
Inside, Akira confirmed it was safe and prepared lunch.
They were eating—laughing quietly—when everything shattered.
Pain exploded through Akira's body.
He collapsed.
Chloe screamed.
Emma fell to her knees.
Footsteps echoed.
Rugen stepped into the cave, flanked by men.
"You're still conscious?" he sneered.
Akira gritted his teeth. "What… are you doing here…?"
Rugen kicked him. Again. And again.
"This is where you belong, filthy commoner," Rugen spat, pressing his boot into Akira's face. "You humiliated me."
He grabbed Emma by the hair.
"This one's valuable," he said. "Very valuable."
Chloe struggled, screaming, restrained by his men.
"She'll make me rich," Rugen continued calmly. "You and her sister can die here."
He stabbed Chloe.
Then left.
Darkness swallowed Akira.
⸻
He woke coughing blood.
With shaking hands, he pulled healing potions from his inventory and drank them, forcing consciousness back into his body.
Then he crawled to Chloe.
She was barely alive.
"Please…" he whispered.
He poured potion after potion into her mouth, hands trembling.
Her wounds closed.
She gasped.
Then she screamed.
Rage consumed her—wild, uncontrolled.
Akira slapped her.
Hard.
"Calm down!" he shouted. "We will save Emma. I promise."
She froze. Then broke down.
After she calmed, he gave her a recovery potion.
They stood together in the cave, silent.
Akira clenched his fists.
"Let's go," he said quietly. "We're getting her back."
⸻
To be continued