Lie stood alone in an endless white space. She glanced around cautiously before slowly making her way forward. In the distance, something stood out.
As she approached, she saw a dog tied to a peg. The dog, the leash, and the peg were all pitch-black silhouettes—devoid of detail, as if they were mere shadows. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't make out the dog's features.
"Hello," Lie said, crouching down.
She reached out, bringing her hand to the dog's head. But the moment she touched it, something flashed through her mind—something horrifying.
She flinched, yanking her hand back as a shiver ran down her spine. She quickly glanced around, suddenly wary.
"M-Must've been my imagination," she muttered to herself.
Hesitating, she reached out again, this time moving more carefully. Her fingers brushed against the dog's head—nothing happened. Relieved, she gently petted it.
After a moment, Lie stood up, gave the dog a small wave, then closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she was back in the tavern.
Lie and Rion separated their hands and pulled their foreheads apart. Lie leaned back in her seat.
"So? What'd you see!?" Rion asked eagerly.
Lie let out a sigh. "You already have magic in you."
"YES!" Rion cheered, pumping his fist.
Lie smiled but shook her head. "However, it's being suppressed by something."
"Huhhhh? No way," Rion groaned.
"Don't sound so disappointed," Lie said, amused. "You just need a magic assist. Do you know what that is?"
Rion furrowed his brow, thinking back to the books he had been reading earlier. "Is that like when you cast a spell on someone else's weapon?"
Lie shook her head. "No, that's an enchantment. A magic assist is more like… hmm…" She paused, then looked back up at Rion. "Do you know what jumpstarting a car is?"
"For some reason, yeah," Rion replied.
"Well, there you go. A magic assist works the same way—except instead of a car engine, it's magic power."
"Ohhh, I see," Rion nodded. "So… is it rare to find someone who can do it? Like a Magic Awakening?"
Lie shook her head. "N-no, lots of mages can do it. I've never done it before, but I think I could if I tried. I mean… it's a little dangerous, but you probably won't die."
"Probably…" Rion repeated, a lone bead of sweat rolling down his cheek. "Well, I don't really have a choice." He took a deep breath before grinning. "Lie, it sounds like you'd be willing to try. What do you say?"
"REALLY!?" Lie perked up, her voice almost cracking from excitement. "B-but are you sure? I'm only a Class 4! I wouldn't want to hurt you or anything…" Her words were stiff and robotic, making it painfully obvious how excited she was.
Rion laughed. "Yeah, I'm sure. How's tomorrow sound?"
A huge smile spread across Lie's face. "Got it! Let's meet by the tree you woke up under at noon!"
"Sounds good," Rion agreed.
The two exchanged a firm handshake before stepping outside the tavern after paying.
"You didn't have to pay for yourself, y'know. I was the one who invited you out," Rion said.
Lie shook her head. "No, thank you. I had fun."
Hearing this, Rion smiled. "I'm glad… Goodnight, Lie."
"Goodnight, Rion!"
With that, Lie turned and walked off. Rion watched her go until she disappeared from view.
Once she was gone, he slipped his hands into his pockets and exhaled.
"Now… where am I gonna spend the night?"
(And thus, Rion's adventure continues…)