Later that evening, Kira and Darumu sat in the tavern, their drinks untouched. The day’s events had left them both in a strange mood—tense, yet electric.

Darumu leaned back in her chair, her crop top riding up slightly, revealing a hint of toned abs. She caught Kira staring and smirked. “Something on your mind, newbie?”

Kira quickly looked away, his face flushing. “N-no! Just... thinking about how I can improve my Arcane Strike.”

Darumu laughed, leaning closer. “You’re terrible at lying, you know that?” She rested her chin on her hand, her dark eyes locking onto his. “But I’ll let it slide. After all, you’re not the only one who’s been thinking.”

Kira blinked, surprised. “What do you mean?”

She didn’t answer right away, instead reaching out to toy with a strand of his hair. “You’re not like the other guys I’ve met. Most of them just talk big and can’t back it up. But you... you’ve got potential.”

“Thanks... I think?” Kira said, his heartbeat quickening.

Darumu leaned in even closer, her lips inches from his ear. “Don’t let it go to your head, though. You’ve still got a long way to go.” Her breath was warm against his skin, sending shivers down his spine.

Before Kira could respond, she pulled back with a sly grin. “Well, newbie, I’m calling it a night. Don’t stay up too late dreaming about me.”

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The next day, Darumu pushed Kira even harder during their training session. The physical intensity was matched only by the playful teasing that kept him perpetually flustered.

At one point, she demonstrated a powerful chi attack, her movements so fluid and precise that Kira couldn’t help but admire her form.

“Eyes up here, newbie,” she said, snapping her fingers in front of his face.

“I-I was watching your technique!” Kira protested, his face red.

“Sure you were,” she teased, giving him a wink. “Maybe one day you’ll be able to keep up with me.”

Kira gritted his teeth, channeling his frustration into his training. By the end of the day, he managed to execute a flawless Arcane Strike, the glowing blade cutting through a training dummy with ease.

“Not bad,” Darumu said, clapping him on the shoulder. “You might actually be worth something after all.”

As night fell, Kira sat in his room at the inn, staring at the glowing orb. He could feel its energy pulsing, almost as if it were alive.

“What are you?” he muttered.

“Analysis: Artifact contains traces of forbidden magic. Activation may reveal additional functionality.”

“Forbidden magic, huh?” Kira hesitated. “Alright, let’s see what you can do.”

As he touched the orb, a surge of energy shot through him. The room spun, and he found himself standing in a strange void, surrounded by swirling shadows.

A voice echoed around him, deep and resonant. “You have chosen to embrace the power of the Dark God. Are you prepared to face the consequences?”

Kira clenched his fists. “I don’t want your power—I just want answers!”

The voice chuckled. “We shall see.”

The next morning, Kira shared his experience with Darumu, who listened with a rare seriousness.

“Sounds like that thing’s more trouble than it’s worth,” she said. “But if it can lead us to the source of the corruption, it might be worth holding onto.”

“Agreed,” Kira said. “Let’s head back to the temple. There has to be more to it than what we saw.”

Darumu smirked. “Fine by me. Just don’t slow me down, Arcane Swordsman.”