The sun hung low in the sky as Kane, Aldine, Loer, and Sylphira left Orvus’ house behind, stepping onto the vast, golden grasslands stretching endlessly before them. The wind whistled through the tall grass, carrying the scent of earth and distant rain. They had a mission—to grow stronger, to refine their abilities, to prepare for whatever lay ahead. But after hours of walking beneath the relentless sky, exhaustion seeped into their bones.

Kane exhaled sharply and let his entire body collapse onto the grass, limbs sprawled out as though he had melted into the earth itself. "Ugh," he groaned, staring up at the sky. "I can't walk anymore. I'm not going to walk anymore." His voice was thick with stubborn defiance, as if sheer willpower could keep him from moving another inch.

Loer, walking just a step ahead, paused, then chuckled. He made his way over to Kane and unceremoniously dropped down beside him, his arms resting behind his head as he gazed at the clouds. "Alright," he said with an easy smile, "then let’s rest for a bit." His breathing was steady, as if the long day of traveling hadn’t affected him at all.

Aldine hesitated for a moment before sitting down as well, stretching her tired legs in front of her. She absently plucked at the grass beside her, twirling a few blades between her fingers. Sylphira, ever poised, settled next to Aldine, her gaze shifting between the endless sky and the horizon ahead, deep in thought.

The moments passed in peaceful silence. The sun bathed them in warmth, cicadas hummed faintly in the distance, and the occasional breeze brought temporary relief from the lingering heat.

Just as Kane was beginning to relax—his eyelids fluttering, body surrendering to the pull of sleep—his mind jolted awake. He shot up suddenly, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

"Wait, hold up!" His voice broke the calm, his expression one of sudden realization. "I want to freshen up! Are we seriously just going to keep walking without stopping? Without eating, bathing, and sleeping in the grass like animals?"

Loer burst into laughter at Kane’s dramatic outburst, doubling over as he wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "Oh man," he said between chuckles, "you really are new to this world, huh?"

Kane scowled, crossing his arms. "Obviously! Otherwise, I wouldn’t be complaining!"

Still grinning, Loer stretched his arms over his head and turned towards Kane. "Alright, listen up," he said, amusement laced in his voice. "There’s actually a spell for that in your Gremoire. It’s right in the middle where your information is. Just say the words out loud, and you’ll get your own little space to stay in. Think of it like a magic lounge."

Aldine perked up at the mention of it. "Yeah! Just make sure you're standing in a clear spot before you cast it. You don’t want your room floating over someone’s house." She smirked. "That would be awkward."

Sylphira, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. Her voice was soft, but there was a hint of amusement in her tone. "The lounge has a limit," she explained, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It can only be used once per day, which is why we still have actual houses. But for travelers who need privacy while testing their magic, it’s useful."

Kane let out an exaggerated sigh, pulling his Gremoire from his bag. "There’s so much I don’t know about this world," he muttered under his breath. He flipped through the pages, stopping when he reached the section Loer had mentioned. His eyes traced over the unfamiliar script, but strangely enough, he could understand every word.

Taking a deep breath, he stood up and spoke the spell aloud.

The moment the words left his lips, the air around him shifted. A faint shimmer pulsed through the space beside him, and in the blink of an eye, a compact room materialized from nothing—a sturdy yet elegant structure, like a capsule of comfort placed gently on the grass. The wooden walls gleamed under the sunlight, and as Kane stepped inside, he found a cozy space complete with a bed, a bathroom, and even a miniature kitchen.

His jaw dropped. "Oh, this is amazing," he whispered in awe.

Loer, Aldine, and Sylphira exchanged knowing looks before summoning their own rooms beside his. One by one, they disappeared inside, savoring the luxury of fresh clothes and a proper wash after a long day. The sounds of running water and quiet movement filled the air, an almost surreal contrast to the untamed wilderness surrounding them.

By the time they stepped out, the warm glow of twilight was beginning to settle over the land. With a simple command, their rooms vanished, dissolving into thin air as if they had never existed. The grass beneath their feet remained untouched, nature reclaiming the space in an instant.

Kane sighed in deep satisfaction before promptly lying back down on the grass, hands behind his head, eyes closed in sheer contentment. "I like the whole magic-house thing," he said with a lazy grin. "But I still don’t feel like walking."

Loer let out a dramatic groan, shaking his head. "You're impossible."

Aldine chuckled. "We should get moving soon."

Sylphira simply smiled, watching the sky darken ever so slightly. The journey was far from over, but for now, just for this fleeting moment, the world was quiet. Peaceful.

And Kane, at least for now, refused to move an inch.

Just as Kane was sinking back into the comfort of the grass, his body melting into the earth beneath him, a voice rang through the air.

"Hey! Hey!"

Startled, Kane’s eyes snapped open. A girl was sprinting toward them, her light steps barely making a sound against the grassy field. She clutched a handful of brightly colored papers, her breath coming in ragged pants as she finally skidded to a stop in front of them. Her cheeks were flushed, strands of hair sticking to her damp forehead from the exertion.

She wasted no time, thrusting a flier into each of their hands.

Kane took his reluctantly, lifting it up to examine it, his brows furrowing in confusion. "What is this?"

Aldine sat up, her keen eyes scanning the page before a small smile curved her lips. "Wisthaven," she mused, tapping the flier with her finger. "It’s just outside Vaelthorne. They host events for mages who can’t enter the city. It's a place with large libraries and magic archives. Could be a good chance to find opponents and learn more about your magic."

Loer, who had been silently reading over her shoulder, nodded in agreement. "We’ll come," he said simply, glancing at the girl.

At his words, her face lit up, a bright, beaming smile stretching across her features. "Great! You won’t regret it!" she chirped before skipping off, disappearing into the distance as quickly as she had arrived.

Three hours passed in a lazy lull—Kane lying sprawled in the grass, Aldine absentmindedly toying with blades of grass, Sylphira sitting cross-legged with her eyes closed, meditating, and Loer stretching his arms behind his head, perfectly content with doing nothing.

But as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting golden hues across the endless fields, they finally gathered themselves and set off toward Wisthaven.

As they approached the entrance of the town, it was clear the flier hadn’t exaggerated. The archway leading inside was a breathtaking display of color and life—blue and green glowing flowers intertwined with lush green vines, their vibrant petals catching the sunlight. Alongside them, strange, exotic plants bloomed in striking shades of white and violet, their luminescent glow making the entire entrance feel almost ethereal.

A silver-lined cream golden carpet stretched out before them, guiding them toward the heart of the festivities. The air was thick with excitement—laughter, chatter, and the distant hum of music blending into an intoxicating atmosphere. It felt as though half the world had gathered here, the crowd a sea of energy and movement.

Attendants dressed in dark silver and gold knee-length dresses stood along the path, their smiles warm as they welcomed guests. "Enjoy the event!" one of them called as Kane and the others passed by.

When they finally stepped inside, the sight that greeted them was nothing short of breathtaking.

At the very center of the event lay a magnificent, shimmering pool, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the sky above. Surrounding it were lively food stalls, game booths, a juice bar, and even a section dedicated to magical performances. The scent of grilled meats, fresh fruit, and sweet pastries wafted through the air, mingling with the salty breeze from the ocean beyond.

Beyond the pool, where the golden sand met the water’s edge, surfboards rested lazily along the shore, waiting for their next adventure. The ocean itself was a mesmerizing shade of blue, its surface rippling gently under the sun’s golden glow.

"Wow," Loer breathed, his voice filled with genuine awe. "This looks awesome."

Kane gave an approving nod, though his mind was already elsewhere, scanning the area for potential challengers.

Sylphira, who had been silent, let out a quiet chuckle. "We should probably change first," she reminded them, motioning toward a door labeled Summer Costume.

The group made their way inside, where they quickly changed into their swim attire before stepping back out into the sun-drenched celebration.

Aldine emerged first, exuding confidence with every step. Her lean, athletic frame moved with effortless grace, the toned muscles beneath her skin subtly flexing as she adjusted the surfboard under her arm. The vibrant blue bikini she wore accentuated her slender waist and long legs, the color a striking contrast against her fair complexion.

With an easy, almost careless flick of her hand, she pushed her damp hair back and strode toward the ocean. The surfboard glided smoothly along the water as she propelled herself forward, her arms taut and strong with each practiced movement. As she leaped onto the board, water droplets sparkled under the sunlight, cascading over her toned abdomen and the powerful muscles in her legs.

Each motion was a testament to her skill—fluid, controlled, and beautifully effortless. She became one with the sea, riding the rolling waves as though she had been born for it.

Loer, having no intention of exerting himself, lounged comfortably on a sun chair, soaking in the warmth of the golden rays. His red trunks sat low on his hips, his chiseled abs gleaming under the sunlight, each defined muscle casting subtle shadows. He stretched out lazily, his fingers laced behind his head, looking like he had no care in the world.

Sylphira, in contrast, had draped herself elegantly on a shaded chair, her long, pale green cover-up flowing gently around her legs. She sipped from a tall glass of fruit juice, eyes sharp as they surveyed the crowd, ever observant, ever calculating.

Meanwhile, Kane, now dressed in a sleek navy-blue surf suit, wandered through the festival grounds with restless energy, eyes scanning the crowd in search of an opponent. But to his increasing frustration, no one seemed interested in a battle.

Instead, they were busy playing games, eating, laughing—completely ignoring the idea of a fight.

Defeated, he eventually dragged himself back to where Loer was lounging and threw himself onto the chair beside him with a groan. "No one here wants to fight," he grumbled, staring up at the bright sky.

Loer cracked open one eye, smirking. "Shocking. Who’d have thought people would rather enjoy themselves at a festival than throw fists?"

Kane rolled his eyes, but before he could retort, his hand accidentally brushed against Aldine’s bag, which had been left beside her chair.

Something small and metallic tumbled out, catching the sunlight.

A pendant.

It was breathtakingly beautiful—intricately designed with delicate engravings and a gemstone at its center that gleamed like liquid fire.

Kane exhaled sharply, pushing himself up from his seat. His gaze followed the pendant as it glimmered in the sunlight, rolling across the sand just out of reach. He stepped forward to retrieve it, but before his fingers could close around the delicate chain, a small hand darted in and snatched it up first.

Startled, Kane’s eyes flickered up to meet the face of a young boy, who seemed to look no older than eight, his round cheeks flushed with excitement. The child held the pendant tightly in his palm, his wide eyes shining as he admired the way the gemstone caught the light.

Kane’s brows knitted together in irritation. "What are you doing?" His voice was sharp, laced with impatience.

The boy clutched the pendant closer to his chest, his grip tightening protectively. "I want it," he declared, his voice unwavering. "It’s pretty."

Kane’s temper flared instantly. What kind of kid just grabbed things that didn’t belong to him?

He reached out, his fingers curling around one end of the pendant, tugging it gently but firmly. "Kid, it’s mine. Let it go."

The boy pouted and shook his head stubbornly. "No."

A sharp sigh escaped Kane’s lips, his patience already running dangerously thin. He tugged again, applying more force. "I’m serious. Let. Go."

Still, the child refused, his little fingers clutching the pendant like a lifeline.

Loer, who had been lounging nearby, sat up at the commotion, his relaxed demeanor shifting into mild concern. "What’s going on?" he called, pushing himself onto his elbows.

"This kid grabbed Aldine’s pendant and won’t let go," Kane replied, his voice edged with frustration. His grip tightened slightly, pulling a bit harder.

Loer sighed, pushing himself up and making his way over. He crouched down beside the two and spoke in a much calmer tone. "Hey, kid. That pendant belongs to our friend. You should give it back."

The boy’s lips pressed into a firm line, his small frame radiating defiance. Instead of releasing the pendant, he tugged it harder toward himself.

"I want it!" he insisted, his voice rising with stubborn determination.

Kane clenched his jaw, his frustration bubbling over. "Let go!" he growled.

"You let go!" the boy shouted back.

The childish tug-of-war escalated as they pulled the pendant between them, each refusing to yield.

Aldine, who had been returning from the ocean, caught sight of the struggle. The moment she realized what was happening, her stomach dropped.

"Wait—no, stop!" she hurried toward them, but it was too late.

With one final, forceful yank, the pendant snapped in two.

A stunned silence fell over them.

One half remained in the boy’s hand, the delicate chain tangled in his fingers. The other slipped from Kane’s grasp, falling into the sand with a barely audible thud.

Aldine froze, her breath catching in her throat as she stared at the broken pieces.

The moment shattered when the boy’s mother came rushing over, her face a mask of embarrassment and concern.

"Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!" she cried, bowing repeatedly. "I wasn’t watching him closely enough!"

Aldine bent down, her fingers trembling slightly as she picked up the half buried in the sand. Her expression was neutral, but her eyes told a different story.

Kane, however, wasn’t as forgiving.

He rounded on the boy, his voice low and sharp. "Look what you did!"

The child’s lips quivered, and he quickly hid behind his mother, gripping the fabric of her dress.

The woman, still bowing, spoke in an urgent tone. "Sir, I’m so, so sorry! I’ll pay for it! Please forgive my son!"

Kane ran a hand down his face, exhaling through his nose as he fought to contain his irritation. "Now I look like the villain," he muttered under his breath.

Aldine quickly shook her head. "No, ma’am," she said, forcing a small, tight-lipped smile. "It’s really not your fault."

But Kane wasn’t done. His gaze locked onto the child again, his tone still harsh. "Kid, if I see you again, it won’t be good for you."

Instead of cowering further, the boy stepped forward, his eyes burning with newfound determination.

"You seem so proud of yourself," he snapped. "I want to be a Mage master!"

Kane’s glare darkened. "...What?"

The boy puffed out his chest, his fists clenched at his sides. "If you think you’re so tough," he said, his voice brimming with youthful arrogance, "then let’s battle! I’ve got amazing element mastery! No way I’m losing to a cocky niichan like you!"

Kane’s grip tightened at his sides. "The audacity…" he muttered through clenched teeth.

Loer, sensing the rising tension, stepped in swiftly, holding up a hand. "Don’t battle him, Kane," he reasoned. "He’s just a kid. Child mages have less mana than us. It’s not worth it."

Kane’s jaw flexed. He wanted to argue, but after a brief moment, he sighed sharply and turned away.

"Whatever."

He started to walk off, Aldine following closely behind. Sylphira, who had been quietly observing the exchange, lingered a moment longer, studying the boy. Her sharp eyes held an unreadable expression before she finally turned and followed the others.

But just as they were leaving, the boy’s voice rang out again.

"Hah! I knew it! You guys are just a bunch of cowards!"

Kane stopped in his tracks. His fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.

Slowly, he turned back around.

"Kid," he said, his voice dangerously low. "You’re making it harder for me not to knock you flat."

The boy smirked, crossing his arms. "Talk big, no action!"

Kane turned to his friends, his patience dangling by a thread. "I’m sorry. I can’t take this kid’s attitude."

Aldine quickly placed a hand on his arm. "No, Kane—don’t." Her voice was firm. "He’s just a small boy."

Kane’s anger flared. "He broke your pendant, Aldine!" He gestured toward the broken chain in her hands. "And he’s still acting like a brat even after his own mother apologized for him!"

Aldine flinched slightly, her fingers tightening around the pendant.

Sylphira, still composed, finally spoke up. "The boy doesn’t understand what he’s done," she said, her voice smooth and controlled. "His pride is greater than his guilt."

A tense silence settled between them.

Loer rubbed his temples, sighing. "Kane, let it go. Fighting him won’t change what happened."

Kane exhaled slowly, his muscles still taut with frustration.

His gaze flickered once more to Aldine—the way she held the broken pendant so carefully, the way she refused to show how much it truly hurt her.

Kane clenched his jaw.

And for the first time, he was beginning to hate walking away.