“… and what truly shapes a Soul? Some folklore says it’s a spark within that burns for life itself. Yet, the people of the ancient dynasty described it as a struggle to discover one’s own deed after the journey’s end. Even now, this timeless and enigmatic question remains, forever elusive and undefined.”
----------------------------------------
Two days ago…
The principal, leaning back in his chair, regarded Caden with a measured stare. “We have much to discuss, Mr. Caden. I want you to be part of the camp program I'm initiating soon.” His formal tone carried a hint of urgency.
“Camp program, huh?” Caden raised an eyebrow, excitement flashing briefly. “Here at our school again?”
“Half correct, Mr. Caden,” the principal replied, a mysterious smile tugging at the corners of his lips, as if sharing a tantalizing secret. “We’re implementing the program in a different part of our school.”
Caden’s brow furrowed, curiosity igniting within him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means you’re going to have to check on our old school building. It’s been years since anyone set foot in that place,” Principal Arif explained, his eyes gleaming with unspoken thoughts.
“Ah, that place.” Caden rubbed his chin, remembering the tales and rumours about it.
“Alright, I'll check it out tonight,” Caden replied confidently. As he about to leave, the principal’s voice grew grave.
“Please proceed with caution when you go there. Remember, there’s something dangerous that lives there beyond our eyes, Mr. Caden,” he warned, concern evident. A shadow passing over his features.
Caden chuckled softly, a defiant spark in his eyes. “I’ve faced danger more times than I can count. Shook hands with Death too. But thanks for worrying.” He turned to leave, Caden was unbothered—he was young and dangerous, his past life had become second nature. “I’ll call you when I’ve handled it.” He strode out of the office, the principal’s warning lingering.
He hopped onto his bike and pedaled into the dusk, the sun dipping low behind him.
By the time he arrived, darkness had enveloped the abandoned school. He flicked on his phone’s flashlight, its beam cutting through the shadows.
“It’s big enough for them,” he muttered, stepping into the field, its eerie quiet might’ve unnerved someone else, but for Caden, it was just another day and didn’t even register as a threat. The forest loomed on the edge of the field, unnervingly silent. Not a single bird called out, and even the rustling of leaves seemed muted, as if the very air was holding its breath.
Every few minutes, a chilling sensation washed over Caden, like unseen fingers brushing against his skin. His muscles tightened briefly, an old reflex from years of surviving in dangerous situations. He quickly pushed the feeling aside, chalking it up to the eerie quiet. “I did not come here to disturb you,” he muttered, his voice calm. The feeling faded instantly.
Steeling himself, Caden stepped toward the building. The path to the school was surprisingly clear, as if nature itself had conspired to keep it open. Caden’s footsteps crunched through the twigs and leaves, the stillness unsettling. The path ahead seemed untouched by time, almost as if something—perhaps an animal—or it might be something else, the being like on the open ground earlier.
He stopped mid-stride, scanning the path. The trees pressed in close, their branches intertwining above him like a dark canopy. His phone’s flashlight flickered for a brief second, the beam dancing across the underbrush. Was it just the wind, or did something move in the shadows? Caden shook his head, exhaling through his nose. Probably nothing.
The abandoned school loomed before him, its windows dark and watchful. Vines crept along the walls, twisting with age, as if waiting for something long forgotten to stir. But Caden wasn’t uneasy, but something about the building felt… expectant.
He goes inside, despite the overgrowth, everything remained intact—the wooden racks stood tall, the bathrooms unchanged, a time capsule frozen in neglect.
The deeper he ventured, the stronger the sensation of being watched. Caden’s gut told him something was there—just out of reach, hiding in the shadows. The air thick with unspoken whispers and the scent of damp earth mingling with the decaying remnants of the past.
Caden's heart raced, a thread of danger weaving through him, but he forced himself to push it aside, knowing he couldn't fight against something intangible. This place is good enough. I just need an Etherea expert for this.
He pulled out his phone to confirm the camp's setup to the principal, but his hopes dimmed as he realized he had no connection deep within the forest's embrace. With midnight creeping closer, he let out a resigned sigh.
Guess I'll have to tell him directly tomorrow. Gotta sleep in the nurse's office again.
The weight of the abandoned building pressing on his shoulders as he retraced his steps back to his bike, making his way to Amethyst High School. He drifted into an uneasy sleep, the darkness of the abandoned building pressing into his dreams.
As Caden finally lay down, the unease of the abandoned school still pressed at the edges of his mind, wrapping around him like a shadow. Sleep took hold slowly, its grip tenuous.
***
The first light of dawn broke, it felt like a release. A soft golden light filtered through the curtains, casting gentle shadows across the room. Caden lay sprawled across his pillow, drool pooling slightly as he slept soundly in his pajamas. The air was cool and tranquil until a familiar figure loomed by his bedside.
“So, how was the place?” The voice slicing through the serenity, stirring Caden from his sleep.
Startled, Caden gasped and coughed, shooting up in bed, his heart racing. The figure came into his view.
It was Mr. Arif, who was already watching him asleep for a minute.
Caden sighed, wiping his drool from his cheek. “Can’t you just wake me up properly?!”
The principal chuckled, a warm, infectious sound. “I could, but you seem tired.”
Caden groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he tried to gather his thoughts. “Yeah, about the place... It seems okay, but you were right about the thing. I need to find an ‘Etherea’ expert for this. Just, give me a day.”
“That’s good news.” Mr. Arif straightened up, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. “Come meet your students; they’ll be thrilled to know you’ll be at the camp.” With that, he turned and exited the room, leaving Caden to grapple with the day ahead.
For a few more blissful minutes, Caden allowed himself to drift back into the comforting embrace of sleep, the world outside fading away. But as the quiet settled, he felt a jolt of awareness rise within him, a nagging reminder of the responsibilities waiting to be faced.
He finally stirred, shaking off the remnants of slumber, and reluctantly rolled out of bed, the fabric of his pajamas still rumpled against his skin. With a weary sigh, he trudged toward the assembly, the cool air refreshing yet startling against his skin.
***
The day stretched on by afternoon, Caden moved from task to task, the routine tasks of the day had started to blend together. But as Caden stepped outside for a cigarette, his mind wandered back to the unease of the abandoned school and the mysteries still waiting to be solved.
Caden found a quiet moment to step outside, the familiar click of his lighter, igniting the tip of a cigarette. As he inhaled, the smoke wove around him, and he exhaled slowly, his mind momentarily drifting away with the haze. He pulled out his phone and dialled one of his sworn brothers, Carlos White, the leader of the Apocalypse Riders. A smirk crept onto his lips as he greeted him.
“Carl! How’s it been?”
“Hey, Caden. Been good,” came Carlos’s voice, familiar and warm.
Caden took a deep drag, letting the smoke escape. Caden leaned against the wall, smoke curling around him. “I need your help. Ran into some ‘Etherea’ stuff—know any experts?”
Carlos fell silent, his mind racing as he sought a solution. “How about the O.S.S.? Heard they’re powerful exorcists in Colonia.”
Caden exhaled slowly, flicking his cigarette. “I already tried the Sacred Seals—they’re tied up. Let alone the Vestals Veil, no clue where they are.” He rubbed his forehead, irritation pulsing through him.
Carlos paused, fingers tapping thoughtfully against the phone. “I think Richard has a guy involved with that recently. They’re still in Alpenreich, dealing with goods from HausMart for deliveries to Libertica. You should call him.”
“You mean in Frankenfort?” Caden’s brow furrowed, confusion creeping in.
“No, I think he’s in Stuotgarten. Is that far from your place?” Carlos clarified, his voice steady.
“Nah, it’s just a nearby city. I’ll meet him right now. Appreciate the tip, brother.” Caden’s tone lightened, ready to end the call.
“Wait, hold up. How’s your health? The doctor say anything yet?” Carlos’s tone sharpened, concern leaking through.
Caden hesitated, his stomach churning at the question. “Still waiting,” his voice steady, though the answer felt heavier than he let on. He didn’t need to explain the rest—not yet.
“Does the kid know?” Carlos pressed, his voice tight with concern.
Caden sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “No, not yet. I... can’t bring myself to tell him.” He paused, his hand tightening around the phone. “He looks up to me too much. I’ve watched him carry the weight of so many things already. Adding mine would crush him.” His words came out heavier than he intended. “How do you admit to someone that you’re not the hero they believe you are?”
“He still needs to know, brother. He looks up to you. He deserves the truth,” Carlos insisted, the urgency in his tone growing.
Caden let out a half-hearted laugh, but it felt flat, echoing in the stillness around him. “Come on, don’t make it sound like I’m dying.”
“I know we’ve faced a lot together, but this time it feels different,” Carlos said, the seriousness of his tone grounding the moment.
“Alright, I’ve gotta meet Richard now. Ta-ta!” Caden quickly cut off the conversation, the words hanging in the air. He chuckled, but the sound faded into a heavy sigh that lingered with him. “I’ll think about it,” he muttered to himself.
With that, he stubbed out his cigarette, the ember hissing as it met the ground. He turned, striding over to his bike. After slipping on his helmet, he revved the engine, the roar echoing in the quiet afternoon as he sped off toward Stuotgarten, the weight of their discussion pressing down on him.
***
The afternoon sun dipped lower, shadows stretched across the HausMart warehouse, where a group of people bustled about, loading boxes onto a truck. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and labor, and one man wiped his brow after hefting a particularly heavy crate, his muscles straining under the weight.
“Richard Roberts, the Road Captain of Apocalypse Rider, wiping his sweat off his ass ‘cause he’s stacking some boxes,” a voice called from the entrance, playful yet familiar.
Richard turned to see Caden leaning casually against the warehouse door, a smirk playing on his lips. He couldn’t help but return the grin. “Caden Stoddard, the retired Enforcer of the gang, now a shitty clown teacher,” he shot back, making his way over.
“Hey, I’m still active, okay? Just in a different way,” Caden retorted, laughter bubbling between them as they embraced, their camaraderie palpable. “It’s been a while, brother,” Richard said, their hands resting on each other’s shoulders, a silent acknowledgment of their shared history.
“Yeah, how are you and your boys?” Caden asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
“You know, the usual stuff with the organization,” Richard replied with a chuckle, but the laughter faded slightly as he added, “Hey, how’s your health—”
“Before that, I need to ask you something. I’ve got a problem at my school, something related to this ‘Etherea’ thing. Carl said one of your guys knows about this.” Caden interrupted, the urgency in his tone cutting through the casual banter.
“That urgent?” Richard’s expression shifted, concern lining his brow.
“That urgent,” Caden confirmed, his eyes steady.
“Alright, hold up.” Richard called over one of his men, his voice authoritative yet calm. “Andres! Come here, brother.”
“New blood?” Caden asked, his interest piqued as he observed the newcomer.
Richard nodded, a hint of pride in his smile. “Young and energetic, just like us back in the day.”
Andres approached, his stride confident. “Caden, this is Andres. Andres, Caden,” Richard introduced them, and they clasped hands firmly.
“I’ve heard your stories, brother. I admire you,” Andres said, a genuine spark of admiration in his eyes.
“Ah, you just heard some bullshit rumors,” Caden shrugged it off, a modest grin spreading across his face.
Andres chuckled, tilting his head slightly. “I don’t know, but your voice is cool. Kind of hoarse and raspy.”
Richard leaned in, a mischievous flash on his face. “His voice has always been like that, like someone’s choking him.” Caden shot a playful finger at Richard, a mock glare on his face. “Ah, he’s just jealous.”
“Alright,” Richard interjected, cutting through their banter with a more serious tone. “Andres here contacted an Etherea expert because his nephew saw something strange. The expert cured her almost instantly.”
“Got her number?” Caden asked, a hint of hope in his voice.
“Nah, I reached her through some organization in Haebang. She’s big on privacy,” Andres replied with a shrug.
“Alright, can you tell them I want to meet their expert?” Caden pressed, determination lacing his words.
“No, it’s fine, brother. The expert’s nearby. I can escort you to meet her now,” Andres offered, his tone reassuring.
“Lead the way, brother,” Caden said, nodding. He turned back to Richard, a playful glint in his eye. “Hey, I’m going with one of your boys. You okay with that?”
“Yeah, it’s cool. But you still gotta tell me your news,” Richard called after them as they walked away, Caden tossing a wave over his shoulder, the warmth of their friendship wrapping around him like a familiar cloak.
***
It's been months since I've been away from my homeland. The Trial of Pilgrimage is what I'm enduring, just like the rest of my siblings.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
I've been tasked with handling the North of Great continent since the start of this year. Ever since I arrived here in Alpenreich, none of these cases have challenged me. It’s not a surprise, as mine is the easiest among the others.
“Fraulein?”
A sudden voice drew Hyun’s attention, bringing her back to the present. She looked up to see a waiter standing before her, concern etched on his face. “You can’t bring a sword into our café.”
Ayame remained seated, her expression calm yet guarded as she handed him the permit for her sword. ‘Here,’ she replied evenly, her eyes steady.
“Allow me to show this to my manager,” the waiter replied, glancing at the permit before hurrying away.
A minute later, he returned, his expression relaxed. “All good, Fraulein,” he said, handing the permit back to Hyun just as she took a sip of her green tea, the warmth soothing her.
Suddenly, Ayame sensed a shift in the air, a subtle tension that prickled at the edges of her senses—something beyond the ordinary. Its threat flared, and she grasped her sword, poised to unsheathe it. Her sword ready to be awakened.
What a fierce Aura. Hyun’s focus sharpening. It seems to be coming toward me.
The café door swung open, the cheerful tinkle of a bell announcing new arrivals. In stepped Andres and Caden.
“There she is!” Andres exclaimed, his voice bright as he pointed out Ayame. “You remember me, right? From a few weeks ago?” His eyes sparkling with recognition.
“Yes, I remember,” Ayame’s voice was flat, her eyes cold as ice. There was no pleasantry in her voice, no flicker of warmth in her eyes—only an unwavering focus, as if each word was calculated and every movement carried purpose. To her, there was no room for unnecessary emotion.
As she slowly lowered her hand from her sword, she made the movement appear both casual and ready. Andres turned to Hyun, excitement bubbling over. “Thank you again for helping my niece,” he said, extending his hand to shake hers, gratitude radiating from him.
“Actually, I came here for another favor. My brother-in-arms here needs your help with something similar.” He gestured toward Caden, who stepped into view behind him.
“Caden Stoddart, nice to meet you, Miss…?” A friendly smile broke across his face as he extended his hand in greeting.
“Hyun Ayame,” she replied, her voice steady as she shook his hand, a flicker of intrigue passing between them.
For a brief seconds, Hyun sensed his Aura—a shimmering presence she had possessed since birth. Recognition washed over her as she realized he was the source of the intensity she had felt earlier. So, he’s the one I sensed before. His Aura feels dangerous and fierce, almost predatory. Yet, somehow, I feel unthreatened and safe...
They finally released the handshake.
“You look young,” Caden remarked, taking in her youthful features framed by short hair.
“I’m 15,” she replied, her tone flat, devoid of any embellishment.
“About the same age as my students,” he murmured, a thoughtful expression flickering across his face. “Anyway, I need your help with this ‘Etherea’ thing in an abandoned place.”
“Explain,” she said, her voice steady and cool.
Caden delved into the details of the camp and the strange sensations that had washed over him like an unseen tide. Hyun listened intently, her expression neutral. “I’ll see more about this place,” she finally stated, a hint of indifference in her voice.
“Great!” His enthusiasm brightened the atmosphere. “How should I pay you?”
“I’m more interested in your case than your money.” She met his eyes with a calm, unwavering stare.
Caden glanced at Andres, hinting that he knew why Andres chose her as the payment for this kind of service is highly expensive.
“Don’t be like that. I’m not a cheapskate,” he insisted, a teasing lilt dancing in his voice.
“We’ll deal with that later, but I need to see this place first.” With that, she stood, her movements deliberate and composed as she turned toward the counter without waiting for a response. “Wait here.”
As Ayame queued to pay, Caden watched her with quiet amusement. “Quite an attitude… a bit cold,” he muttered.
“Yeah, but in a good way,” Andres grinned. If I were younger, “I’d try my luck—she’s got that doll face and those striking purplish eyes.”
“Yeah, right you are,” Caden chuckled, shaking his head for knowing a familiar personality of Andres.“Only if you were five years younger, Andres.” Caden smirked, shrugging it off.
“I’m about to smoke; you’re coming?”
“I’m cool, brother,” Andres replied, a casual wave of his hand dismissing the sentiment.
“I’ll wait outside then.” Caden stepped out of the café, pulling a cigar from his pocket. He lit it with a practiced flick of his lighter, but a sudden cough caught him off guard, green mucus escaping as he spat it out onto the pavement. He sighed, shaking off the moment as he took a drag from the cigar, the smoke curling into the cool air.
A few minutes later, Ayame and Andres emerged from the café. Caden flicked his unfinished cigar into the sewer with a flick of his wrist.
“Still bringing the sword?” he asked, nodding toward her.
“Yes,” she replied, her tone steady.
“Great. Alright, let’s go,” Caden responded, turning to Andres as he approached.
“I’m sorry, brother Caden. I’ve gotta help Richard and the others with the goods,” Andres said, regret in his voice.
“Yeah, it’s alright. You’ve already helped a lot. Send my regards to everyone, okay?” Caden offered, sincerity threading his words.
“Will do. Take care,” Andres replied, the two parting ways with a brief nod.
“Here we go. Use my helmet.” Caden handed it over to Hyun, a smile breaking through his previous seriousness. She accepted it without a word, her expression unchanged.
“I like riding my bike without one. It feels more free this way,” Caden explained, attempting to bridge the silence that hung between them. The words felt inadequate in the face of her cool demeanor.
Without further discussion, they mounted the bike and rode away from Stuotgarten. The wind whipped around them, but Ayame remained composed. When they reached the heart of Frankenfort, they stopped at Caden’s favorite place to eat—a small, unassuming diner that smelled of fried food and fresh coffee.
Throughout the ride to the camp, the silence settled between them—just a teacher and a Ethera expert, both poised to fulfil their roles. Caden smiled to himself, appreciating the calm confidence that radiated from her, understanding her personality well, even if she didn’t reveal much. The night deepened around them as they rode toward the camp.
Silver moonlight spilled over the drop point as Ayame and Caden arrived. The forest breathed around them, thick with the damp chill of midnight. Ayame’s senses prickled, the stillness of the night teeming with invisible eyes. “There’s a lot of them,” she murmured, scanning the shadows.
“Who?” Caden’s brow furrowed in confusion.
“The Dwellers,” Ayame replied coolly, her expression unyielding. “Wait here.”
Caden hesitated, concern etching lines on his face. “Do you need help with anything? A light, perhaps?”
“I don’t need it. The moonlight guides me just fine,” Ayame said, her silhouette drifting toward the open field, as if drawn by an invisible thread.
Ayame stood motionless in the center of the field, her sword resting lightly at her side. The air around her seemed to pulse with an invisible energy, the night thick with the presence of unseen entities.
Caden watched from a distance, the sharp aroma of his cigarette smoke mingling with the cool night air. A cough wracked his chest, but his eyes remained fixed on her—a pillar of calm in the storm.
Minutes stretched like shadows until Ayame returned, calm determination etched across her features. Caden quickly extinguished his cigarette, flicking the remnants into his portable ashtray and waving away the lingering smoke.
“I asked for their consent,” Ayame said, gripping her sword with quiet confidence. “They agreed to a brief exile for a few days, provided we don’t desecrate their land.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Caden replied, his tone measured. He glanced around the forest, the feeling of being watched lingering like a ghost of the shadows. It was quiet now, but too quiet—his instincts still on edge, a habit from years of facing danger. With a sigh, he shook it off, turning his attention back to Ayame.
“Let’s continue to the building,” she said, her voice steady as she turned and began walking, the night surrounding her like an indomitable cloak.
Caden followed her, retracing his steps through the familiar passage he had walked this morning. The shadows loomed larger now, and the air felt heavier with secrets. As they reached the front door, the night enveloped them in silence, broken only by the rustle of leaves.
“The Dwellers were the original inhabitants here,” Ayame said, her eyes steady on the door. “But the corrupted Elemental took control, pushing the Dwellers out into the surrounding fields. The building is no longer their home.”
“Corrupted?” Caden’s voice was edged with disbelief. “You mean possessed?”
Ayame’s voice remained calm, but there was a tension beneath it, a weight of knowledge only those who had faced true darkness carried “More than just possession,” Ayame’s tone was firm. “Abyssal Wraiths—or Abyssors— They don’t just control their victims... They corrupt them, hollowing out everything that once made them human. But…”
For a moment, her eyes flickered, as if recalling something only she had seen. “Few survive long enough to resist their grip—whether by own strength of Volition or with the help of an exorcism. Not everyone is fully lost to the Abyssor’s control.”
“Right…” Caden murmured, piecing together the weight of her words as they stood on the threshold of the unknown.
“I’ll place the seals to banish the Abyssors. They cling to this place, their darkness twisting the air, feeding on every scrap of fear. The corrupted Elemental is what’s bringing them here, like a host bring its parasites.” Ayame said, her voice steady and resolute.
“Wait,” Caden interrupted. “I’m coming with you.”
“You’ll just slow me down,” she replied, her tone unwavering.
“Don’t worry. I’ll just look at where you put the seals, then I’ll head outside,” he assured her.
She glanced at him, her cold eyes assessing, but after a pause, she gave a brief nod. “Fine. Stay close to me,” Ayame conceded, her focus already shifting to the task ahead. Caden let out a breath, shaking off the last remnants of unease from his last exploration. Danger like this wasn’t new to him, but something about the place clung to him, as if it wasn’t done with him yet. Still, he had faced worse—Death had always been a close companion.
As they ventured inside, Caden treaded lightly, each step careful against the creaking floorboards. Ayame, however, sensed the Abyssor lurking in the shadows, a heavy presence in every corner.
I need to concentrate. Ayame pushed aside the creeping unease. The Abyssor will persist as long as the death of the felonies exists. Yet, as she absorbed the atmosphere, something unexpected emerged—fear.
They are... afraid? Of whom? Curiosity tugged at her, but she dismissed it, assuming they were wary of her strength.
They moved deeper into the building, placing seals at each corner. The air grew heavier with each step.
“I’m getting tired,” Caden muttered, breaking the tension. “I'll wait outside.” He coughed softly and turned, the weight of the place pressing on him.
As Caden stepped away, Ayame sensed the Abyssors stir, scattering like shadows swept by a fierce wind. It wasn’t her power they feared. No—her eyes narrowed in on Caden, now standing at the edge of the seals, his mere presence casting a heavy, a force through the room like the grip of something primal.
His Aura… They're afraid... of him? The realization sent a ripple through her calm, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.
Once the last seal was in place, a wave of retreat swept through the building, most Abyssors fleeing the confines of the space.
“It’s done,” Ayame called as she stepped outside, where Caden stood casually near the door. “The building is safe. The Abyssors will disturb your students, and the Corrupted Elemental is not in here. I’ll make sure it will not back to this building.” She assured him.
“Unless the seals are stripped off or removed from the building, right?” Caden replied, his voice laced with concern.
“Yes, the seals create an area effect. Anyone who removes them will be exposed,” she confirmed, her tone firm.
“I’ll guard deep in this forest to prevent anyone from interacting with these beings. Otherwise, they’ll face an unnatural cold for three days, or worse.” Ayame about to walk her destination.
“Hold on now—” Caden began, but Ayame cut him off.
“I was trained for this,” Ayame replied, her words clipped and precise. “Telling me not to do is like asking me to turn my back on what I know.”
Caden nodded slowly, his admiration tempered by a gnawing worry. “Smart girl,” he muttered, but the tightness in his chest remained. I’ll still check on her from time to time, just to be sure.
“The Dwellers mentioned an old shed in the forest. I’ll be using it as my shelter,” she said before stepping deeper into the trees, ready to settle in for the night. Caden watched her go, the weight of the night settling around him as he contemplated the dangers still lurking in the dark.
***
The night passed quietly, the forest holding its secrets. By morning, the camp came to life with activity, the late morning sun casting long shadows over the preparations. Mr. Lawson stood at the center of the bustling activity, his presence commanding as he oversaw the setup. “Set up the artificial campfire in the middle. The kitchen should be inside,” he directed, his tone leaving no room for questions.
“And the podium, herr?” one of the workers inquired, glancing up from the plans.
“Build it there,” Mr. Lawson replied, gesturing decisively to a spot on the ground.
As the camp area took shape, Caden, who had just arrived, barely paused at the outer gate, cutting past the fence and straight into the forest. His steps were brisk, purpose clear—he was going to find Ayame. Navigating through the broken fences, he finally reached the shed. “Ms. Hyun? Are you there?” he called, the sound of his voice mingling with the rustling leaves.
A bush stirred behind him, and Ayame emerged. “There you are,” she said, a hint of surprise in her tone.
“Here, I brought you this. You must be hungry,” he said, extending the meal box toward her.
“I’m not hungry,” she replied flatly, her stare steady.
Caden smirked, knowing better than to push, but the soft chuckle escaped him anyway. “Not hungry doesn’t mean you can’t eat. Come on, have a bite. It’s still warm.” She didn’t reply, but for a brief moment, her shoulders tensed as though she was considering.
“I’m about to move out again,” she stated, her tone resolute.
Caden coughed lightly, a mix of frustration and concern swirling within him. “I’ll just leave it here,” he said, placing the meal on the table in the shed. “In case you change your mind.”
He turned to head back to his bike, determination propelling him forward. He planned to have a brief conversation with Mr. Lawson about his absence from supervising the camp area.
As Caden walked away, Ayame watched him go, her thoughts lingering on the unexpected gesture. Pushing aside, she continued her duties. As the day wore on, Caden’s mind drifting to Ayame.
By nightfall, the workers filtered out, leaving behind the remnants of the day’s labor. Caden returned from the city, the low hum of his bike cutting through the stillness .
Mr. Lawson was waiting near the entrance, arms crossed and brow furrowed. “Why didn’t you come earlier? Everyone’s finished here,” he said, irritation evident as Caden removed his helmet.
“Give me a break, sheesh. It’s not like I could check in instantly,” Caden replied, bristling at the reprimand.
“There’s nothing more for you to help with. You should head back. I’m going home,” Mr. Lawson said, his tone final.
Caden flicked open his lighter, the cigarette catching fire with a sharp snap, the faint glow illuminating his features as he taking a slow drag. “You go ahead. I need to check on something,” he muttered between puffs, the smoke curling around him.
“Okay, make sure everything is in place,” Mr. Lawson replied, heading toward his car, leaving Caden alone in the twilight.
With purpose, Caden retrieved the meal box he had bought from a local Haebang restaurant—an authentic dish from the country he believed Ayame hailed from. He walked deeper into the forest, determined to check on her. When he arrived at the shed, he found the meal box he left earlier still untouched on the table. Leaning closer, he sniffed it, relieved to find it hadn’t spoiled. He sighed, a smirk tugging at his lips, admiring her resilience.
Then he noticed a shadowy figure in the clearing near the shed. It was Ayame, her movements fluid as she practiced with her sword, each strike echoing the discipline she embodied.
Caden knocked gently on the wooden frame of the shed to announce his presence without startling her. Approaching her, he held out the lunch box. “Ms. Hyun,” he began softly, prompting her to pause her training. “I noticed you haven’t eaten the meal I brought you this morning.”
She shook her head, her expression firm yet softer than before. “I was trained to eat sparingly. I’ve already had something light,” she replied, her tone carrying the weight of her convictions.
Caden nodded, respecting her training. He settled onto a nearby fallen log and took a bite of the lunch box he had bought this morning, savoring the rich flavors. “I understand. Surviving on little becomes a habit. But right now, you’re not just surviving; you’re safeguarding.”
Ayame paused, her resolve wavering slightly as she turned to him. “I don’t want to rely on more than necessary,” she said, her voice steady.
“Right,” Caden replied, his voice calm and understanding. “But even the strongest need to keep up their strength. We’re in the forest, and your energy is crucial.” He took another bite, allowing silence to settle comfortably between them. He couldn’t help but think about how much Ayame’s resilience reminded him of someone from his past.
“You know,” he began, “this reminds me when I had to convince Axka to eat many years ago. I really think of him as my little brother, though not by blood,” Caden said, a hint of sadness tugging at the corner of his voice. “He was a hard, aggressive boy—misunderstood and outcast— but I saw something in him. He learned that accepting help and staying strong didn’t mean being weak.”
Caden’s hand tightened on the meal box as a distant memory flickered in his eyes, one he didn’t care to relive. “I wish I could tell him more, but it’s hard when you’re carrying your own weight too.”
“Where is he now?” Ayame asked, curiosity piqued.
“He’s in his final year at my school and will be joining this camp. He learned that to protect what mattered, he needed to adapt. Just like you,” Caden said gently, placing the lunch box closer to her, not pushing but offering.
“Can you hand it to me directly? I can’t see it,” Ayame requested, her tone surprising him.
Caden hesitated, puzzled. “Then how do you see everything around you?”
“I don’t. I can still see, but my vision isn’t clear. I use the Aura to help me sense living things,” she explained, her fingers flexing around the sword hilt. Through years of training, she had refined this ability to detect even the faintest flickers of life and the subtle energies of the supernatural—each one like an atmosphere she could feel, no matter how well they tried to hide in the shadows.
Understanding dawned, and Caden handed the lunch box to her. As she took a small bite, her hard exterior softened further.
“It’s... good,” she admitted, her expression softening for a brief moment, though her composure quickly returned.
Caden smiled, warmth flooding his expression. “Glad you think so.” Ayame took another bite, the tension in her shoulders easing, the meal fostering an unexpected bond.
“Thank you, Mr. Stoddard.”
“Just call me Caden,” he replied sincerely. They continued eating in a comfortable silence, the night enveloping them in a cocoon of shared understanding and respect.