...
The sun glared down on the training grounds of the royal palace of Yohen, reflecting off the polished stone platforms. Si-Woo stood tall, his kunai, Eternity, Breaker of Mercy, pointed at Mai. Across from him, Mai was sprawled on the ground, her spear sent skidding across the platform. Her breath came heavy as she looked up at Si-Woo, whose calm, focused demeanor never wavered.
“I’ll admit it,” Mai said, her voice tinged with both amusement and resignation. “I forfeit. I just can’t keep up with you anymore, Si-Woo. You’ve surpassed me in more ways than one.”
Si-Woo immediately lowered his kunai and extended a hand to help her up. Mai took it, pulling herself to her feet as her breathing steadied. “I’m not able to keep up with you anymore, Si-Woo,” she admitted with a rueful chuckle.
Si-Woo shook his head, his voice filled with gratitude. “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have made it this far. But... something feels—”
He was cut off by Minho’s voice booming from the edge of the platform. “You both did well,” Minho said, his tone approving. Yet his eyes lingered on Si-Woo as he continued, “Though it seemed like you were holding back.”
Mai’s head snapped toward Minho, her voice indignant. “Holding back? Really?”
Si-Woo raised his hands defensively, shaking his head. “No, it’s not that. I’ve just been feeling... a little uncomfortable lately.”
Mai’s expression softened, shifting to one of concern. “Uncomfortable? Are you sick?” she asked, stepping closer to inspect him.
Minho’s expression darkened as he crossed his arms, observing Si-Woo closely. Could it be? he thought. There’s no way he’s feeling the symptoms of awakening this young.
Without a word, Minho infused his eyes with serein, his irises glowing faintly as he scrutinized Si-Woo’s energy flow. Fae nearing awakening often exhibited sporadic, chaotic flows of serein—an overflow of energy with no discernible form, like water pouring from an overflowing cup. But what i see, Minho thought, it seems nothing of the abnormal.
Si-Woo’s serein remained perfectly contained, like a second layer of skin, its flow stable and seamless. There was no visible sign of the energy spikes that typically heralded an awakening. It can’t be awakening, Minho concluded. But then again... Si-Woo is not a fae. He’s a completely different species. His gaze narrowed as he made a mental note. I’ll need to keep a close eye on him.
Mai frowned as she looked between Minho and Si-Woo, sensing the unspoken tension. “Is everything okay?” she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Minho forced a reassuring smile. “He’s fine. Probably just tired from all the training,” he said, clapping Si-Woo on the shoulder. “Rest up, Si-Woo. Tomorrow, we’ll push even harder.”
Mai nodded, though her worry didn’t completely fade as she glanced at Si-Woo once more. “Don’t push yourself too hard, alright?”
Si-Woo gave a faint smile, though a hint of unease lingered in his expression. “I’ll be fine,” he said quietly, though the discomfort within him was far from resolved.
Minho’s attention shifted as a soldier approached, his steps slightly uneven and his face speckled with bruises. Bowing respectfully, the soldier began his report. “Sir, Ha-Yoon’s progress is astounding, but…” he hesitated, touching his sore shoulder, “I’ll have to lessen the weights on my arms and legs during her training. She’s adapting faster than I can keep up.”
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Minho raised a brow at the soldier, then turned to see Ha-Yoon approaching, her bonds trailing behind her. She looked drained, her face glistening with sweat, but her posture was still upright and determined. Z chirped a greeting from Si-Woo’s head, but Ha-Yoon ignored it, her focus squarely on Minho.
“Minho,” Ha-Yoon began, her voice laced with a mix of exhaustion and determination, “Can I use my grimoire soon? I’ve been doing everything you’ve asked.”
Minho sighed, crossing his arms. “Not until you’ve matured,” he replied firmly. “Giving you that book now would be like handing a child the responsibility of someone else’s life.”
Ha-Yoon frowned, her brow furrowing as she crossed her arms in frustration. “But I’ve been feeling… weird lately. Like I need it.”
Minho’s expression darkened slightly as he pondered her words. Weird, huh? he thought. Perhaps this is a growth symptom of humans using serein for prolonged periods.
His gaze softened, but his tone remained steady. “For now, focus on mastering your foundations. When the time is right, you’ll be ready.”
Ha-Yoon hesitated, then gave a small nod, though her frustration was still evident in her tense posture.
Minho reached into his satchel and pulled out two small bottles, each filled with luminous, pearl-like pills. Handing one to Si-Woo and the other to Ha-Yoon, he explained, “These are a new product developed by the Knowledge Family. They’re designed to aid in meditation and improve the flow of serein through your meridians.”
He paused, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “They’re quite popular at alchemical shops right now, but I get them for free.”
Si-Woo examined the bottle with curiosity, watching how the pills seemed to shimmer faintly under the sunlight. Ha-Yoon, though still visibly drained, managed a small smile. “Free, huh? Perks of being Minho.”
“Perks of knowing the right people,” Minho corrected, a rare twinkle of amusement in his eyes.
The siblings exchanged glances before tucking the bottles into their pouches. Minho’s gaze lingered on them for a moment longer, his mind racing with unanswered questions. Their progress is remarkable, but their differences from fae are becoming more pronounced. What else lies ahead for these two?
He shook off the thought and clapped his hands. “Enough talk for now. Both of you, get some rest. Tomorrow’s another big day.”
The fading light of the sun painted Yohen’s sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink as Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon parted ways at their home. Mai had gone off on her own, leaving the siblings to wind down from their day. However, as they approached the door, Si-Woo hesitated.
“I’ll be right back,” he said casually, turning away.
Ha-Yoon paused, her brow furrowed. “Where are you going?” she asked, a hint of suspicion in her tone.
“Just a walk,” Si-Woo replied, keeping his voice even. “You know I do this sometimes.”
Ha-Yoon sighed, a flicker of worry crossing her face. “Alright, but be safe.”
Si-Woo gave her a reassuring smile and waved her off before heading in the opposite direction. As the streets of Yohen began to quiet with the onset of evening, he walked toward the western edge of town. He couldn’t help but marvel at the changes the city was undergoing. New shops and establishments lined the streets, their glowing signs showcasing wares crafted with materials harvested from the anomalies. The hum of progress was palpable, and for a moment, Si-Woo allowed himself to feel pride in the bustling vibrancy of his adopted home.
Eventually, he reached the outskirts of Yohen, where the town’s structures gave way to the rugged beginnings of the mountainous terrain that bordered the sprit territories. The air here was cooler, tinged with the earthy scent of moss and stone. Si-Woo slowed his pace, his thoughts heavy as he surveyed the horizon.
A movement in the distance caught his eye—a hooded figure, standing still against the backdrop of twilight. Si-Woo tensed momentarily but relaxed when the figure turned around, revealing Lirin’s familiar face. Her indigo eyes gleamed with sharpness, even in the dimming light.
“You look rough,” Lirin said, crossing her arms as her gaze flicked over him.
“Yeah,” Si-Woo admitted, running a hand through his hair. “I just got done with training. Oapa must not be here yet, then.”
Lirin shrugged, stepping closer. “He’s always late for these kinds of things. Probably got caught up in some council business.”
Si-Woo smirked faintly but said nothing, his thoughts drifting as the two stood in the shadow of the towering mountains. The rhythmic sounds of nature filled the silence between them—the rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of night insects, and the occasional gust of wind brushing against the rocky slopes.