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The training grounds hummed with activity as Si-Woo clashed with Mai under Minho’s watchful gaze. The sparring match had been grueling, their movements a blur of calculated strikes and counterattacks. Dust swirled around them, evidence of their intense practice session.

With a sharp sweep of her spear, Mai delivered the final blow, sending Si-Woo tumbling to the ground. He landed with a groan, rolling onto his back as Z chirped anxiously from the sidelines.

“You’re really strong, Mai,” Si-Woo muttered, staring up at the sky.

Mai, bent over and catching her breath, dropped her spear and planted her hands on her knees. Her uniform was tattered, streaked with dirt, and her face glistened with sweat. “Soon, I won’t be able to keep up with you,” she said between labored breaths. “You and Ha-Yoon... your growth rates are frightening.”

Si-Woo sheathed his kunai, propped himself up on his elbows shaking his head. “I don’t know about that. You’re still giving me a hard time out there.”

Before Mai could respond, Minho’s voice cut through the tension. “That will be enough for today.” He stepped onto the platform, his tone both commanding and approving. “Good work, both of you. You’re pushing each other exactly as I hoped.”

Mai straightened, offering Si-Woo a hand to help him up. “Thanks,” she said, flashing a tired but genuine smile.

Minho turned his attention to a distant platform where Ha-Yoon was locked in a session of her own. “Ha-Yoon!” he called out, his voice carrying over the training grounds.

From afar, Ha-Yoon’s gray eyes darted toward them as she disengaged from her opponent—a heavily armored soldier. Her bonds, the two spade wolves and the elusive warping teharite, trailed behind her as she jogged over, her expression a mix of determination and exhaustion.

As she approached, Minho crossed his arms. “You’ve made progress,” he said, his tone acknowledging yet firm. “But I need you to refine your coordination with your bonds. They’re an extension of you, not a separate unit.”

Ha-Yoon wiped her brow with the back of her hand, nodding.

“Understood,” she said, though her stomach grumbled audibly, betraying her fatigue.

Si-Woo stifled a laugh as Ha-Yoon shot him a look. “Maybe you need another cake,” he teased.

Ha-Yoon rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. “Don’t tempt me.”

Mai, still catching her breath but clearly curious, chimed in. “So, Si-Woo, how was your first day at the middle academy?”

Si-Woo glanced at her, a small smile forming. “It was... interesting,” he said thoughtfully. “I met some new faces and even ran into a higher sprit—his name’s Oapa. He’s actually part of the student council.”

Mai tilted her head, intrigued. “I heard about him!. What’s he like?”

“He’s... calm, level-headed, and seems to have a lot of insight,” Si-Woo replied. “I also met this girl, Lirin. She’s sharp and knows a lot about fae history and beasts. They’re both planning to go to Ondur during the break, and I thought it might be nice if we tagged along. I figured since you two were already planning to go, it could be a good chance for everyone to meet.”

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As he spoke, Si-Woo’s gaze shifted to Ha-Yoon, his black eyes softening with sympathy. The memory of a lesser sprit almost taking her life flashed in his mind, a moment that had left its mark on both of them.

Ha-Yoon hesitated, her expression clouding for a moment. Her bonds sensed her unease, the spade wolves drawing closer while the teharite flickered in and out of sight.

“If he’s my brother’s friend,” she said slowly, her light gray eyes meeting Si-Woo’s, “then I guess I should meet him.”

Before she could say anything else, Si-Woo stepped forward and pulled her into a tight hug. The unexpected embrace caused her to blink in surprise, but she quickly relaxed, her arms hesitantly wrapping around him.

“Thanks, Ha-Yoon,” Si-Woo said softly, his voice filled with gratitude. “It means a lot to me.”

“Okay, okay,” Ha-Yoon mumbled, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. “Don’t make it weird.”

Si-Woo chuckled, releasing her but keeping a hand on her shoulder. “You’re the best.”

Mai, watching the scene with a fond smile.

Ha-Yoon rolled her eyes, her bonds returning to their usual calm state as the tension eased. “Let’s not get too sentimental. I said I’d try, that’s all.”

Mai beamed, clearly excited by the prospect. “That sounds like it’ll be fun! And I’ve never met a higher sprit either—it’ll be an experience for all of us.”

Si-Woo smiled, grateful for her willingness. “Thanks, Ha-Yoon. I think you’ll like him once you get to know him.”

“Let’s hope he likes us too,” Mai teased, her usual lightheartedness shining through.

As they gathered their things to head home, the prospect of the upcoming trip hung in the air—a mix of curiosity, excitement, and a hint of unease for what the journey might bring.

The academy days passed quickly, and soon the break had arrived. The sun rose over the small house Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon called home, casting a warm glow across the yard as Mai approached, dressed in casual yet stylish clothes—a loose, flowing top and comfortable pants that allowed her freedom of movement.

Si-Woo stood by the door, Z perched contentedly on his head, while Ha-Yoon lingered beside him with her bonds. The spade wolves playfully nudged her, sensing her nerves, while the teharite flickered in and out of sight nearby.

Mai greeted them with a bright smile. “Morning! Are you two ready for our trip?”

Si-Woo nodded, adjusting the bag slung over his shoulder. “As ready as we’ll ever be.”

Ha-Yoon, however, looked a little less certain. Her light gray eyes darted around as if searching for reassurance, her unease apparent in the way she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt.

Mai quickly picked up on her nervousness. As they started their walk to the portal connecting to Ondur, she fell into step beside Ha-Yoon and gently took her hand. “Don’t worry,” Mai said softly, her voice soothing.

“We’ve got this. Plus, you’ve got your bonds, your brother, and me. Nothing’s going to go wrong.”

Ha-Yoon glanced up at Mai, her tense expression easing slightly at the comforting gesture. “Thanks,” she murmured, squeezing Mai’s hand lightly. “I guess I’m just not used to... all of this.”

Mai chuckled, giving Ha-Yoon’s hand a reassuring squeeze in return. “That’s what I’m here for. One step at a time, okay?”

Si-Woo, walking ahead with Z occasionally peeking down at his face, looked back at the two girls. “Mai’s right,” he said with a small smile. “We’re in this together. Besides, you’re the one with three bonds. If anyone should be nervous, it’s us trying to keep up with you.”

Ha-Yoon let out a soft laugh, her spirits lifting as they continued their journey.

The walk to the portal was quiet but pleasant, the streets lined with a mix of fae students enjoying their break and merchants setting up shop for the day. As they approached the designated portal location, they spotted Lirin and Oapa waiting.

Lirin leaned casually against a lamppost, her indigo eyes scanning the crowd with mild disinterest, while Oapa, hooded as usual, stood with his arms crossed, exuding his usual calm demeanor.

“There they are,” Mai said, her tone bright as she waved. “Looks like we’re all here now.”

Oapa glanced up, his light green eyes visible beneath the hood as he gave a small nod. “Right on time,” he remarked.

“Let’s get this show on the road,” Lirin said, adjusting her glasses and smirking slightly. “I’m curious to see how this trip turns out.”