As he approached Ha-Yoon, her eyes lit up, and she excused herself from her friends, crossing the cobblestone street to meet him. "Hey," she said, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Mai told me you were here. I wanted to make sure you didn't get lost again."

Si-Woo rolled his eyes playfully. "Thanks for the vote of confidence," he said. " By the way, how many Yoani cakes did you have today?"

The question brought a giggle from Ha-Yoon. "Only one or eight," she said, her cheeks coloring slightly. "But I can't wait for the next couple of days off of school. I'm going to get some more."

Si-Woo groaned, his stomach turning at the thought. "You know, I've been thinking," he said, trying to keep the disgust out of his voice, "maybe we should explore the city more, But for now, let's go home"

The siblings made their way through the crowded streets of Ondur, the buildings around them a whimsical blend of ancient and futuristic architecture. The air was filled with the chatter of a thousand voices, all speaking in a symphony of the Hoken language. The magic that pulsed through the very fabric of the city made the hairs on Si-Woo's arms stand on end.

"You're really going to move up a level," Si-Woo said with a smile, trying to reassure his sister. "I knew you had it in you."

Ha-Yoon beamed with pride, her eyes shimmering with excitement. "Thanks," she said, nudging him playfully. "But what if I mess up? What if I can't keep up with you guys?"

Si-Woo wrapped an arm around her shoulder, his grip reassuring. "You won't," he said with certainty. "You've got the mind and the will. You're a natural."

The siblings continued their journey home, the evening light casting a soft glow over the city. Ha-Yoon couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at Si-Woo's words. Despite their teasing rivalry, she knew he had always had faith in her. They had come so far from the quiet streets of their childhood, where they had dreamed of adventures and greatness. Now, they were living it.

...

Back in Yohen, the moonlight cast a serene glow over the quiet earth. Si-Woo stood outside their home after greeting his mother's sapling, a feeling of unease prickling at the back of his neck, something seemed off. The air felt charged with anticipation.

"What's wrong?" Ha-Yoon whispered from behind him, her voice a soft echo in the stillness.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Si-Woo tensed, his hand hovering over the door handle. "I don't know," he murmured, his eyes narrowed in concentration. "Just...stay behind me." He pushed the door open slowly, the creak of the wood cutting through the silence like a knife.

Immediately, Si-Woo was snatched into the darkness. Ha-Yoon's eyes went wide with shock as her brother disappeared into the shadows. "Si-Woo!!" She Yelled. She felt a cold hand of fear clutch at her heart, her instincts screaming for action. Without a moment's hesitation, she sprinted after him, her shoes slapping against the tile floor as she pursued the fading echo of his scream.

Her heart hammered in her chest as she burst through the living room entrance, expecting the worst. But what she saw instead was a scene of joy and camaraderie that stopped her in her tracks. Ha-Yoon squinted, disbelieving. The room was alight with a gentle glow, and familiar faces beamed at her from the shadows.

Her two Spade Wolves, their black fur gleaming, sat by the door, tongues lolling out in greeting. The Warping Tetharite, Spikey a small fairy-like creature hovered playfully in the air, its eyes twinkling with mischief. "Surprise!" A chorus of voices rang out, and Ha-Yoon's eyes fell upon Princess Deane, King Morey, Mai, Minho, and Si-Woos bond Z, who was snuggling with the giggling Si-Woo.

Laughter filled the room, easing the tension. Ha-Yoon's cheeks turned a shade of pink from embarrassment, yet a smile graced her face.

Si-Woo was laughing hysterically with King Morey while Z perched on his lap. "You had me scared," Ha-Yoon said to Si-Woo. "Did you know about this?" "Maybe," Si-Woo bluffed.

"Maybe?!" Ha-Yoon said faking annoyance. "You totally knew about this! You jerk," Ha-Yoon said to him as she stuck out her tongue at him.

Before she could say more, the spade wolves took advantage of her distraction and pounced. They were like living, furry black clouds as they crashed into her, knocking her to the ground. Their teeth flashed in the moonlight, but instead of biting, they licked her face with enthusiasm. Ha-Yoon squealed with laughter as she tried to push them off, feeling their warm fur and their tails wagging with delight.

Above, Spikey watched the chaos unfold with a smile, his small form hovering in the air.

Mai came to Ha-Yoon's rescue, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Congratulations," she said again, stepping closer to Ha-Yoon. She reached out a hand to help her up, but the spade wolves were having none of it, their playfulness not yet sated.

"Thanks," Ha-Yoon managed between giggles and gasps for air. "I think." She pushed at the wolves, but they only rolled her over, their tails thumping happily against the floor.

Princess Deane's smile grew as she stepped forward. "You should be proud, Ha-Yoon," she said, her voice warm and genuine. "Moving up a level so quickly is quite the accomplishment."

"Thanks," Ha-Yoon replied, pushing herself to her feet. She couldn't help but feel A blend of exhilaration and apprehension. "But what does that mean for me and Si-Woo? Will we still be in separate classes now?"

Princess Deane nodded. "Ah, yes," she said, her expression understanding. "Starting next term, you'll be in a level two classroom, Ha-Yoon. But fear not, for Si-Woo shall be by your side." She turned to the still chuckling Si-Woo. "As for you, young one, I have it on good authority that your skills are... developing at a steady pace. But perhaps it's time we challenge you a bit more." She winked at Minho, in her playful tone.