The forest path grew more defined as Kael neared the village. The faint scent of smoke from cooking fires and the distant hum of voices reached him, blending with the rustle of the trees. He slowed his pace, his gaze flicking to the small AI core suspended around his neck.
“Lexa,” he said, his tone quiet but firm, “keep it subtle for now. The last thing I need is to startle anyone.”
Her glow dimmed slightly, her voice a soft hum in response. “Understood, Captain. I’ll stay out of sight unless you need me.”
Kael nodded, adjusting the straps of his gear. As he stepped into the clearing, the village came into view—now fortified with a crude but sturdy palisade. The gates were partially ajar, two guards standing watch.
One of them, an older man with a weathered face and kind eyes, squinted before his expression lit up with recognition. “Kael!” he exclaimed, his voice carrying a mixture of relief and surprise. He turned to his younger companion, a newer recruit to the village’s defenses. “Open the gate! That’s the man who helped save us from the bandits.”
The younger guard hesitated, his brows furrowing as he studied the lone figure. “You’re sure? He’s… kind of suspicious, don’t you think?”
The older man scoffed. “Suspicious? He’s been through hell and back for this village. Now stop standing there like a fool and help me with the gate!”
With a begrudging nod, the younger guard moved to comply. The gate creaked open, and Kael stepped through, offering a small nod to the men. “Thanks. Glad to see the defenses coming along.”
The older guard smiled. “You’ll find the village’s grown a bit in your absence. Welcome back.”
Kael offered a faint smile before moving deeper into the village. The bustling activity struck him immediately—people carrying supplies, mending fences, and organizing tools. Children darted between the buildings, their laughter a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere he had left behind.
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Kael’s steps quickened as he approached Elira’s house. Her father was outside, talking with another villager and gesturing toward a partially repaired section of the palisade. When he saw Kael, his expression shifted from focused determination to sheer relief.
“Kael!” he called, striding over. His weathered face, marked by years of leadership and hardship, softened into a genuine smile as he clasped Kael’s shoulder. “You’re alive. And in good shape, by the looks of it.”
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“Good to see you too,” Kael replied with a small smile. “I’m glad the village is holding together.”
“More than that, we’re growing,” Elira’s father said proudly, gesturing toward the bustling activity around them. “Your efforts gave us the time and strength to rebuild.”
Kael nodded, his gaze lingering on the organized chaos. “Is Elira…?”
The older man’s expression sobered slightly. “She’s still recovering. Exhausted herself saving those people. Two days of deep sleep—barely stirred.”
“Can I see her?” Kael asked, his tone earnest.
Her father hesitated briefly, then nodded. “Of course. She’d want to know you’re back.” He led Kael toward the house, opening the door and gesturing for him to enter. “Go on.”
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Inside, the room was quiet, illuminated by the soft glow of a lantern. Elira lay on the bed, her breathing steady but faint. Her hair spilled over the pillow in soft waves, and her cheeks, though pale, held a faint hint of color. Kael pulled a chair close and sat beside her, his voice low as he spoke.
“You’re as stubborn as ever,” he murmured, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “And overextending? That’s my specialty. Let’s keep it that way, okay?”
There was no response, but her eyelids fluttered slightly. Encouraged, Kael leaned forward. “You did good, Elira. More than anyone could have asked for.”
Her fingers twitched, and a faint groan escaped her lips. Slowly, her eyes opened, unfocused at first before they landed on him. “Kael?” Her voice was hoarse, barely a whisper.
“It’s me,” he said softly, his expression relaxing into a genuine smile. “You had us all worried.”
Her lips curved into a faint smile, but it quickly turned into a frown as her stomach let out a loud growl. She blinked, startled, then looked at him, her cheeks flushing. “I’m… starving.”
Kael chuckled. “That, I can fix. Stay put. I’ll be right back.”
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Kael stepped out into the bustling village, weaving through the activity until he found the communal cooking area. A kind-faced woman handed him a bowl of steaming stew, offering a smile as she recognized him. “For Elira?” she asked knowingly.
Kael nodded. “She just woke up. I’m sure she’ll appreciate this.”
Returning to the house, he found Elira sitting up, her eyes brighter but still heavy with fatigue. She took the bowl with a grateful smile, the warmth seeming to bring life back to her.
As she ate, Kael glanced around the room, his gaze settling on a small, carved figure on the windowsill. “The village seems… different,” he remarked. “More alive.”
Elira nodded between bites. “They’ve been working hard. It’s not just survival anymore. It’s hope.”
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By evening, the village was abuzz with excitement. Word had spread that Berry, the eccentric magician, was preparing a lecture in the town hall about the nature of mana. The topic had sparked curiosity among the villagers, many of whom had never thought about magic beyond what they’d seen Elira or Berry perform.
Kael leaned against a fencepost, watching as people gathered in small groups, their voices filled with anticipation. Elira, now visibly more energetic, approached with Felix at her side.
“Looks like the whole village is curious,” she said, gesturing toward the growing crowd.
Kael smirked. “Can’t blame them. If Berry’s anything, he’s thorough.”
Felix grinned, his excitement evident. “I’m in. I’ve been dying to figure out how all this mana stuff works.”
Elira smiled softly, her gaze drifting toward the town hall. “Let’s see what he has to teach.”