The King, recognizing the growing danger surrounding me and the untapped power I possess, has granted me a month to prepare for the trial. There’s an overwhelming sense of pressure, but there’s also an undeniable thrill that courses through me as I begin this journey. The King believes that, in these thirty days, I will unlock my true potential. Nocthyss and Lyria have been tasked with training me—Nocthyss in combat and Lyria in controlling my magic.
It feels strange to think of myself as anything but the lost traveler who stumbled into this world. But with each passing day, it becomes harder to deny the change within me.
Nocthyss, the Void Dragon, is everything I imagined and more. Her power is immense, and I find myself struggling to keep up with her in our first sparring session. The difference in our abilities is stark, but Nocthyss is patient, guiding me as she effortlessly outmaneuvers me. Her strength is intimidating, and yet I can feel the subtle undercurrent of pride in her eyes each time I push myself further.
At one point, in the midst of our fight, I manage to land a hit on her—a mere graze, but enough to earn me an approving smile. She ruffles my hair with a teasing grin, and my face turns bright red. It's an unexpected gesture, one that catches me off guard. Nocthyss revels in my discomfort, teasing me with her usual playfulness. But beneath it all, I feel something more—something I can't quite name, but it's there, stirring within me.
Lyria, on the other hand, is teaching me how to control the chaotic surge of magic within me. Fire, wind, water, earth—each element seems to bend to my will with varying degrees of difficulty. But it’s the more complex elements—holy, dark, demonic, and spirit magic—that test me. My magic often runs wild, with flames scorching my clothes or winds knocking over nearby trees. Lyria remains calm, patient, always there to correct my mistakes and guide me back to focus.
During one lesson, as I struggle to control a surge of dark magic, I falter, unable to keep it in check. Lyria, sensing my frustration, smiles softly. "It's okay. It takes time."
I don’t know what compels me, but in that moment, I blurt out, “You’re amazing, Lyria. You make this look so easy.”
Her face flushes a soft pink, and I realize immediately that my words have had an unexpected effect. Embarrassment floods through me, but before I can backpedal, Lyria chuckles softly, her smile genuine. "I’m glad you think so," she says, her voice filled with warmth.
As the days go by, the training becomes less about the physical and magical challenges and more about the bond between us. One evening, after a particularly intense sparring session, Nocthyss teaches me a battle cry, a unique technique passed down through the dragons. My first attempts are nothing short of disastrous, but Nocthyss is patient, her laughter filling the air when I finally get it right.
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When I succeed, Nocthyss gives me a proud nod. The swell of admiration I feel for her is overwhelming. In that moment, I realize that I’m not just learning from her—I’m growing to admire and respect her in ways I never thought possible.
Lyria, too, shows me a side of herself I hadn’t seen before. One night, as we sit by the fire after training, she shares a story of her own struggles with controlling magic. She’s always been the calm, composed one, and hearing her vulnerability makes me see her in a new light. I find myself drawn to her, not just for her strength, but for her heart, her determination to protect and nurture those she cares about
The tension between the three of us has grown palpable, especially after the incident where we were forced to share the same room with beds far too close together. Kiwi, awkward and clearly uncomfortable, was caught off guard when Lyria casually suggested he sleep in her bed. Nocthyss, of course, couldn’t resist chiming in with her own offer. The situation quickly became impossible to ignore. Teasing remarks flew between them, and soon enough, Kiwi found himself squeezed between the two of them.
Sleep was elusive that night. Though the air was still, a sense of closeness hung in the room, and I couldn’t help but feel a subtle shift in our dynamic. The emotional bond between the three of us had deepened, and yet it was something we hadn’t yet spoken of—something unspoken that lingered just beneath the surface.
I can feel it now—the growth, the transformation. I’ve surpassed my expectations and, perhaps, even those of Nocthyss and Lyria. My strength in combat has improved exponentially, though Nocthyss is still the superior fighter. But it’s my magic that truly astounds them.
With Lyria’s guidance, I’ve learned to control my magic more precisely, and yesterday, I managed to perform poly chanting—a feat considered impossible for anyone other than the most advanced sages. I’ve learned to weave together multiple spells in a single breath, bending the elements with ease and power.
Nocthyss, always proud, watches me with a rare sense of awe. "Impressive," she says, her voice softer than usual. "You’ve mastered what even the greatest of sages fail to comprehend."
As the month draws to a close, the trial looms ahead. But I feel a sense of calm within me, a belief that I am ready for whatever comes next. I’ve grown stronger, more confident, and more attuned to the bond I share with Lyria and Nocthyss.
They have become my companions, my mentors, my… friends. Though the nature of my feelings remains unspoken, I can sense the change in the air. Nocthyss and Lyria no longer just guide me—they are a part of my journey, of the person I am becoming.
With the trial approaching, I stand at the precipice of something new. But no matter what happens, I know one thing for certain: I am not the same person who first arrived in Krishara. I am stronger, not just in power, but in spirit. And with Lyria and Nocthyss by my side, I feel ready to face whatever challenge comes my way.