Authors Note
Hey everyone,
It's been a long time. Life threw a few curveballs my way, and I lost the energy to keep writing—but this story never left my mind.
New chapters are coming regularly again, starting with this one.
If you're still here after all this time, thank you. Seriously. Your patience means the world to me.
If you're new, welcome to Kira's journey. It gets darker, deeper, and much more intense from here.
—DyslexicAuthor
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Kira whipped around when she heard Mizu's sweet voice. Her heart started to dance.
She watched, almost in a trance, as Mizu jogged toward her—her eyes, unintentionally, following something up and down.
Her cheeks turned a shade darker.
"Finally caught you!" Mizu smiled mischievously.
Her radiant smile sparked feelings Kira had never experienced before, leaving her a bit confused.
"H-He—" Kira coughed, slightly embarrassed. "Hey," she finally managed to say, wishing she could sink into the ground.
"Mizu, where are you?" came the voice of Hari from the arena's entrance.
Kira's mood soured almost instantly. She vividly remembered the arrogant girl.
"Come quickly," Mizu said, grabbing Kira's hand and dragging her away.
A warm feeling spread from where their hands intertwined, all the way up her arm and down to her lower stomach. Both of them were blushing as they ran.
They passed many disciples on their way down the mountain, the beautiful fauna surrounding them like a dream.
Kira wore a shy smile while watching the giggling Mizu lead her—catching a whiff of her floral scent every so often.
They arrived at the foot of Moonlit Peak. Mizu stopped suddenly, and Kira—lost in the girl's scent—crashed into her from behind, toppling them both to the ground.
A little shriek escaped Mizu as they landed entangled—Mizu on her back and Kira sprawled on top of her, her dark hair falling into the other girl's face.
"Sorry," Kira mumbled as she propped herself up. Their eyes locked—both immediately flushing pink.
Their breaths intertwined.
"I-It's okay," Mizu stuttered.
Kira instinctively brushed some hair from Mizu's face, her fingers lightly tracing her cheek.
It drowned Mizu's face in an even deeper red.
Her hand lingered for just a moment longer before she realized what she was doing and sprang up, offering Mizu a hand—just like she did the first day they met.
"So… what now?" Kira asked.
"We go shopping," Mizu giggled while dusting herself off.
"Shopping?" Kira blinked. "Why?"
"Why not, silly?" Mizu laughed.
"I'm poor," Kira deadpanned.
A flicker of embarrassment flashed in Mizu's eyes.
"Well… my treat," she said with a beaming smile that made Kira want to protect that smile from the world.
"Is there nothing you can think of that you need?" Mizu asked.
"I… I need a sword," Kira mumbled.
"Ugh, weapons," Mizu whined, but then her eyes lit up again.
"How about we buy your sword—and then we'll go buy you some jewelry," she offered, throwing on a poor attempt at puppy eyes.
But Kira got lost in those icy blues regardless.
And without thinking about her pride, she agreed.
She had the feeling she'd agree to anything Mizu wanted.
That frightened her.
But it was already too late. Mizu had grabbed her hand again and was pulling her toward the nearest smithing shop.
A short walk through the bustling streets brought them to a gigantic weapons dealer that looked way out of Kira's price range.
The air inside smelled of smoke, leather, and polishing oil.
The spacious room was filled with weapons—swords, sabers, sickles, darts, knives, bows.
Kira wandered among the displays, visibly overwhelmed.
She turned to Mizu, eyes pleading.
"Don't look at me—I know nothing about swords!" Mizu giggled.
"Greetings, junior sisters," came a husky voice from behind.
They whipped around.
A middle-aged man in white outer sect robes stood there. He had a genuine smile—but tired, sunken eyes.
"Do you need help?" he asked.
"Yes! My friend is looking for a sword," Mizu jumped in. "But we don't know much about weapons, so we humbly ask Senior Brother for guidance." She clasped her hands respectfully.
"I understand," the man nodded. "What is your affinity, junior sister?"
"Wind and thunder," Kira replied, nervous to share it so openly.
Some life returned to the man's tired eyes. He muttered, "How rare…"
"I think I know just the sword for you," he said, and disappeared into a back room.
Mizu whipped around and clasped Kira's hands.
"I didn't know you had such a powerful affinity," she whispered, turning slightly red. "That fits you perfectly."
"Uhm… thanks," Kira said, a little embarrassed. "What's yours?"
"Let's just say… it doesn't fit my personality," Mizu giggled.
Before Kira could press further, the senior brother returned, holding a sword.
"Take a look, junior sister. One of my master's finest works—Lightning Storm. It's fitted perfectly for wind and thunder dual roots. If properly maintained, it'll serve you well into the Foundation Establishment realm."
He paused.
"The price is accordingly high. 100 spirit stones."
"100?!?" Kira gasped. Her breath caught in her throat.
"We'll take it," Mizu smiled, handing over a pouch of spirit stones without hesitation.
"No—wait! I can't accept this, Mizu!" Kira protested.
"I already bought it, so shush." Mizu grinned. "You need a sword worthy of…"
She scanned Kira, her gaze lingering a moment too long before blushing and turning away.
"…of you."
They left the shop. Kira trailed behind Mizu, sword in hand.
"You shouldn't have done that," Kira said quietly.
"Please," Mizu said with a teasing smile. "See it as a thank-you—for teaching that horrible wench Kresa a lesson."
Kira gave her a surprised look… then laughed.
"You have a beautiful laugh," Mizu said suddenly.
They stared at each other. Neither broke eye contact.
"Thank you… truly," Kira whispered—and hugged the soft, warm girl in front of her.
"Don't mention it," Mizu murmured, embarrassed.
"And now," she grinned, "we go shopping for real!"