Vel's steps quickened as he approached the orphanage, his mind set on sharing his newfound abilities with his friends. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone path.
"Celia!" he called out, spotting her familiar figure near the entrance.
She turned, dark hair swaying. "Vel? What brings you here?"
"I need to show you and Kein something. Something... amazing."
Her eyes lit up with curiosity. "Is it about your recovery?"
"Sort of. Let's get Kein first."
They walked together through Elnor's winding streets toward Kein's house. As they rounded the corner, both froze at the unexpected sight.
Two armed guards stood rigid at attention before Kein's modest home. Their polished armor gleamed in the sunlight, hands resting on sword hilts.
"What's going on?" Celia whispered, gripping Vel's sleeve.
Through the open window, Vel glimpsed an elegantly dressed man inside. His rich burgundy coat and golden chains marked him clearly as nobility. He gestured as he spoke with Lorene, Kein's mother, who sat with unusually straight posture. Kein sat quietly beside her, his expression unreadable.
"Should we..." Vel started forward, but one guard's stern look stopped him.
"No entry," the guard stated firmly. "Wait outside or move along."
Celia tugged at Vel's arm. "Maybe we should come back later?"
But Vel couldn't tear his eyes from the window, watching the noble's animated conversation with Lorene while Kein remained unnaturally still.
"What could a noble want with Kein's family?" Celia wondered aloud.
The guards maintained their stoic stance, making it clear they wouldn't answer questions or let anyone pass.
The noble strode out, boots clicking on stone. His sharp eyes passed over Vel and Celia, making them tense. His guards followed in formation, armor clinking as they marched away down the street beneath the midday sun.
Vel and Celia approached the door wordlessly. Inside, silence pressed down like a weight. Lorene sat stiff-backed, hands clenched in her lap, eyes distant and unseeing. Beside her, Kein slumped forward, head down but jaw tight.
"Kein?" Vel's voice broke the quiet as he approached cautiously.
Kein didn't respond at first, not even a flicker of acknowledgment. Celia stepped closer, her brows knitting together in concern. "Kein? What's going on?"
Slowly, Kein turned his head to look at his mother. She glanced back at him with a mixture of guilt and unease etched into her features. The unspoken tension between them filled the room like an invisible wall.
"It's about my father," Kein finally muttered without meeting their eyes.
Vel blinked in surprise. "Your father? But I thought—"
Kein cut him off with a bitter laugh that lacked any trace of humor. "He's not dead." His voice trembled slightly before hardening again. "My mom... she lied to me."
Lorene flinched at his words but forced herself to speak up softly, almost pleadingly. "It wasn't... it wasn't like that. It was for your own good, Kein." Her hands twisted together anxiously as if searching for something to hold onto.
Kein's gaze sharpened as he finally lifted his head fully to face her. "For my own good? You weren't honest with me either."
Lorene opened her mouth but faltered under his scrutiny before lowering her gaze to the floor.
Vel shifted uncomfortably where he stood but kept quiet; this wasn't his moment to interrupt.
After a tense pause, Kein continued grimly: "My father... he found out where we are." His tone grew heavier with every word. "He wants us to move back to Lona."
Vel tilted his head slightly in confusion but stayed focused as Kein let out a breath like it burned to say what came next: "Apparently... he's some kind of noble there."
Celia looked as stunned as the others, her usual brightness fading to a tense, closed expression. Vel shifted uneasily, his mind racing but finding no words. Every question felt too weighty to voice.
"So... what happens now?" Vel finally asked, his voice quiet but strained. He glanced between Kein and Lorene. "Can you just... stay here?"
Kein shook his head with sharp, deliberate movements, eyes locked on the floor.
Lorene's trembling voice cut through the silence. "If we don't move now," she said, fingers writhing in her lap, "they're going to use... force." She shot Kein a glance. "That would endanger both of us."
Vel saw Kein flinch at her words, a barely perceptible jolt as though struck by an invisible blow.
"We need some time to prepare," Lorene added cautiously, her voice dropping even lower. "But after that..." Her words trailed off for a moment before she gathered herself again with visible effort. "We have to leave Elnor for good."
Kein's fists clenched on his knees. After a long silence, he stood abruptly and left without looking at anyone.
Lorene watched him go, then turned tired eyes to Vel and Celia, nodding for them to follow.
Vel paused briefly before heading out with Celia, the unspoken tension following them into the sunlight.
Vel scrambled after Kein's back, loose gravel skittering beneath his sandals. Celia's labored breaths echoed behind him as they ascended the steep hill overlooking Elnor's eastern wall. Kein's silhouette paused at the summit, shoulders heaving—whether from exertion or emotion, Vel couldn't tell.
Pine scent swept over them at the outcrop. Vel steadied himself on cold stone as the Lona mountains pierced gray clouds ahead. Kein stood frozen, staring at his future on the horizon.
Celia's sleeve brushed Vel's arm as she settled beside him. "Kein-kun..."
"They're coming back tomorrow." Kein's voice cracked like dry kindling. "With a stagecoach…and chains if we resist."
Vel's nails dug into his palms. "Can they do that? Lady Halen wouldn't just—"
"They have the Magistrate's Seal." Kein kicked a pebble over the edge, watching it vanish into the brush below. "Guards won't lift a finger against proper documents. Even if they wanted to."
Celia crouched to pluck a wildflower growing through the rocks. "What if we hide? My orphanage has—"
"Then they'll burn every building in Elnor searching." Kein's laugh held no mirth. "Nobles don't negotiate. They take."
The mountain wind whipped Celia's hair across her face as she stood. "But you're his son. Doesn't that mean anything?"
"I'm a stain on his legacy." Kein's knuckles whitened around a protruding stone. "Mother's the daughter of some disgraced maid. He just wants his property back."
Vel watched a hawk circle above the distant peaks. "What if we—"
"Please, no." Kein turned, eyes red-rimmed but fierce. "No clever plans. No magic tricks. This isn't some story where kids outsmart lords."
Celia's flower petals scattered in the sudden gust. Three heartbeats passed before Kein slumped against the boulder, his anger spent. Below them, Elnor's walls stood unwavering—a fortress suddenly fragile.
Kein exhaled sharply, dragging his sleeve across his face. "My father wants me, but I will not leave Mother alone." His voice was low, trembling with the weight of resignation. "I don't even know his name... but I'll do everything within my power to protect her. And I think it's time to accept it."
Vel took a step forward, his hands clenching at his sides. "Kein-kun, what are you saying?"
Kein straightened, turning to face them both, shoulders squared despite the slight quiver in his lips. "Until I grow up enough to leave on my own..." His breath hitched, just for a second, before he forced his words out. "...we have to live in Lona with him."
Celia's eyes widened as she shook her head violently. "But what about your dreams? What about our promise?" Her voice cracked at the edges, and she reached for Kein's arm as though afraid he'd disappear.
Kein's expression softened as he met her gaze, a bittersweet smile playing on his lips. "This won't change anything," he said quietly but firmly. "I'll still practice my swordsmanship every day... and I'll still get into the Academy."
Vel blinked rapidly as confusion swirled inside him like storm clouds. He searched Kein's face for any hint of doubt but found only unwavering resolve.
"You two must be the ones keeping our promise," Kein continued, turning from Celia to Vel with a rare earnestness that sent a pang through Vel's chest. "I want to see you both there—in four years' time."
Vel swallowed hard, unable to form words around the lump rising in his throat.
"Don't make me regret believing in you two," Kein added softly before dropping onto a nearby rock, shoulders slumping under invisible weight.
For once—just this once—Vel found himself speechless as Kein's determination carved itself into something unshakable before their very eyes.
Vel broke the silence, his voice steady despite the ache in his chest. "That's right. This won't change our goals. Four years apart doesn't mean anything if we keep our promise."
Celia turned to him, her expression conflicted but hopeful as she clung to his words like a lifeline.
Kein's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "Four years... huh? You make it sound like nothing."
Vel grinned faintly, determination glinting in his eyes. "Because it is nothing. When we meet again at the Academy, you'll see that we've all grown stronger." He extended a hand toward Kein. "So let's seal it with one last sparring match today—"
Kein blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden suggestion before a spark of amusement flickered across his face. He stood and brushed dust from his tunic. "A sparring match? You're serious?"
"Why not?" Vel shrugged, his smile widening slightly now that he saw some of the weight lift from Kein's shoulders.
Celia tilted her head thoughtfully before nodding with a small smile of her own. "It sounds like a good idea." Her voice was soft but carried an undercurrent of warmth as she stepped closer to join them.
Kein's gaze flicked between them both before letting out an exaggerated sigh of mock exasperation. "Fine, but don't start crying when I win."
Vel laughed lightly, feeling tension ebb away as they began descending back toward Elnor together.
They gathered in their usual clearing, where grass met dirt worn by years of practice. Sunlight dappled their wooden weapons through the trees above.
Vel weighed his practice sword, its familiar heft reassuring. Beside him, Celia spun her slim training rapier with newfound grace while Kein rested his wooden longsword on one shoulder, head cocked with confidence.
"So," Vel began, tapping the tip of his sword lightly against the ground. "Who's going first?"
Kein rolled his eyes and gestured lazily toward Vel with a half-smirk. "You're always so eager to jump in—why don't you start for once?"
Vel grinned but shook his head. "Nah." He tilted it slightly toward Celia with mock seriousness. "Maybe we should let the lady go first."
Celia narrowed her eyes playfully, lips curving into a faint smile as she stepped forward without hesitation. Her movements were deliberate yet fluid as she squared up and pointed her weapon toward Kein.
"Fine by me," she said, voice calm but edged with quiet determination.
Kein blinked, scoffed, and dropped his hesitation. He gripped his practice sword with both hands and took a stance facing Celia.
"Ready when you are," Kein called out casually but kept steady focus on Celia's form.
The clearing fell silent but for wind-rustled leaves. Vel watched from a fallen log, arms crossed.
Kein and Celia faced off with wooden swords. Though they'd sparred often, today seemed changed.
Kein stood like a fortress, longsword steady, breathing measured.
Celia bounced light-footed, grip loose—but Vel caught the predatory gleam in her eyes. A shadow ready to strike.
Then, in a single breath—they moved.
Kein swung first, a heavy downward strike. Celia sidestepped, twisting out of reach. Her counter came fast—a thrust aimed for his side.
Blocked. Kein barely reacted, his sword flicking downward to parry. He countered immediately, using his sheer strength to push forward, forcing Celia back step by step.
But Celia never stayed in one place for long.
Vel watched as she ducked low, rolled to the side, then flicked her sword forward in a near-invisible blur. Kein jerked back just in time, the wooden blade narrowly missing his ribs.
They separated. A pause.
Then they clashed again—this time, faster.
Vel barely kept track of each exchange. Strength against speed. Precision against instinct. Kein drove forward like a hammer; Celia slipped past him like water.
Neither dominated. Neither yielded.
Then, in a final exchange—a blur of wood, feet shifting, swords colliding—
Both came to a sudden stop, their blades pressed against each other's chests.
"A draw," Vel muttered.
Celia's blade lowered slightly, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, she smirked.
"You sound disappointed," she teased, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.
Vel shrugged. "Just analyzing."
Kein let out a short breath, running a hand through his hair. "Haven't had a match end like that in a while."
Celia tilted her head. "And you're leaving before I can break that streak."
Silence settled between them. Kein's grip on his sword tightened slightly, his expression flickering for just a moment.
Celia didn't push.
Vel looked between them, understanding what wasn't being said. This wasn't just a spar—it was their last match, for now.
Kein exhaled, shifting his stance back to normal. "I guess we'll settle this at the Academy."
Celia sheathed her wooden sword against her shoulder, smirking. "If you're still worth my time by then."
Their laughter was light, but Vel caught the underlying ache beneath it.
The clearing stretched ahead, its ground smoothed by years of practice. Late sun cast golden rays through the trees.
Vel watched Kein and Celia recover from their match. They'd drawn even—her perfect footwork had made him overextend, while his strength had kept her at bay.
Now, Vel's turn had come.
He exhaled slowly and stepped forward, gripping the wooden sword in his hands. The weight felt familiar, yet... wrong. Like a tool he wasn't meant to use.
Kein rolled his shoulders, adjusting his grip on his own practice blade—a heavier wooden longsword that suited his aggressive style. His eyes met Vel's, unreadable for a moment, before he smirked.
"Don't think too much about it, Vel," Kein said, bouncing slightly on his feet. "Or I'll knock that wooden sword right out of your hands."
Vel snorted but said nothing, taking his stance. His grip tightened. He wasn't the same as before. He'd trained. He'd fought.
He'd changed.
Kein didn't wait. He lunged forward with a sharp step, his sword swinging in a diagonal arc toward Vel's side.
Vel moved faster than before.
Instead of blocking, he twisted just out of reach, letting the wooden blade cut through empty air. Kein shifted mid-swing, adjusting immediately. A second strike came—lower this time, sweeping for Vel's legs.
Vel stepped back, dodging again. He saw it. He read it.
Kein grinned. "Tch. Not bad."
The attacks didn't stop. Kein advanced with relentless aggression, heavy strikes forcing Vel to react. Vel dodged where he could, deflected when necessary, but something gnawed at him. His movements were sharper now, but Kein's were heavier. The sheer difference in power meant every block rattled Vel's arms, sending shockwaves through his muscles.
Vel gritted his teeth, feeling himself slowly being pushed back. I can see the openings, but I don't have the strength to exploit them.
A feint—Kein's sword shifted directions mid-swing. Vel barely reacted in time, twisting his body to avoid the full impact. The wind rushed past his ear as the wooden blade grazed his shoulder.
It was instinct.
Vel's fingers twitched, the whisper of an incantation forming in his mind. A spell. Something fast—Water Slash. He'd mixed it together from Ice Lance and Slow Heal. The magic circle had already started forming in his thoughts, the energy gathering, ready to be shaped—
But his hands hesitated.
Wait. Would this be fair?
Celia and Kein couldn't use magic. He could. If he cast it now, if he won using something Kein didn't have access to, would this still—
Kein's sword crashed into his ribs.
The force wasn't enough to break anything, but it was enough to knock the wind out of Vel. He stumbled back, wooden sword slipping from his fingers as pain flared through his side.
"Match over." Celia announced
Vel coughed, sucking in a breath, but Kein was already stepping back, lowering his sword.
"You hesitated," Kein said simply.
Vel clenched his jaw, rubbing at his side. His heart was still hammering—not from the fight, but from the choice he'd made. The spell was there. He could've used it. He almost had.
"You were moving better than before," Celia chimed in, stepping forward. But her expression was thoughtful. "But... that wasn't like you, Vel. You weren't fighting properly."
Vel forced a small laugh, shaking his head. "Guess I still think too much."
Kein frowned slightly, but didn't press. Instead, he slung his wooden sword over his shoulder and glanced toward the village. His expression shifted, something flickering behind his eyes—distant, unreadable.
"You okay?" Celia asked, picking up on it too.
Kein hesitated for a fraction of a second before smirking. "Yeah, just thinking about some things."
Vel didn't push, but the unease settled deep in his chest.
The match had ended, but it didn't feel like a victory for anyone.
Celia's shoulders shook as the first sob broke free, catching both Vel and Kein off guard. She tried to stifle it, pressing her sleeve against her face, but it was no use. The tears spilled over, and her quiet cries filled the clearing.
Vel froze, unsure what to do. His fingers twitched awkwardly at his sides before he took a hesitant step toward her. "Celia-chan... come on now," he started gently, his voice uncertain. "Don't cry... we're not saying goodbye forever."
Kein sighed heavily beside him and scratched the back of his neck, looking almost embarrassed. "Yeah," he added gruffly. "It's just four years—blink, and it'll be over."
Celia didn't respond immediately. She shook her head fiercely as she sniffled into her sleeve, her small frame trembling with emotion.
Vel exchanged a glance with Kein, who rolled his eyes but softened ever so slightly as he crouched beside Celia.
"You're making this harder than it needs to be," Kein said quietly but firmly. His hand hovered awkwardly near her shoulder before finally resting there in an uncharacteristically gentle gesture. "I'll write if I can—or send something through someone coming from Lona or Elnor."
Celia hiccupped a laugh through her tears and lowered her sleeve just enough to shoot him a weak glare. "You better... or I'll hunt you down myself."
Vel let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and managed a small smile despite the knot in his chest tightening at the sight of Celia's tear-streaked face.
"We should walk back together," Vel suggested after a beat of silence. He didn't trust himself to say anything more comforting without faltering completely.
Kein nodded curtly before standing and offering Celia a hand up without waiting for further discussion.
They made their way back into town at an unhurried pace—almost too slow for what should've been routine steps along familiar paths.
Through Kein's window near Elnor's main road, they saw Lorene moving purposefully inside, surrounded by packed crates and clothes draped over bags—clear signs of leaving.
The sight hit harder than Vel had anticipated.
"Already packing..." Celia murmured under her breath before falling silent again.
Kein entered first, mumbling about helping, but they all stayed. They lingered past sunset, sharing stilted conversations that avoided farewells.
The evening air hung heavy as they lingered in Kein's house, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on all of them. Celia fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, her eyes darting between Vel and Kein. Vel could see the struggle in her expression—the reluctance to leave—but Kein leaned back against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching them both.
"You two should go back," Kein finally said, breaking the silence. His voice was firm but not unkind. He shifted his weight slightly, glancing toward the window where faint traces of moonlight filtered through. "I'm fine here. Stronger than both of you combined, so don't worry about me."
Vel opened his mouth to argue but caught himself when Kein raised a hand to cut him off.
"Celia," Kein continued, looking directly at her now. "It's late—Althea's probably worried sick by now. You should head back to the orphanage."
Celia hesitated before nodding slowly, though her grip on her rapier-like practice sword tightened as if reluctant to let go of something tangible.
Kein's gaze turned toward Vel next. "And you—don't stick around just because you feel bad or whatever. You've got your own place waiting for you too."
Vel exhaled quietly through his nose and gave a small nod. He could see there was no convincing Kein otherwise tonight.
Before either of them could respond further, Celia took a half-step forward and looked at Kein intently, her voice soft but steady as she spoke one last time: "Don't forget our promise."
Kein blinked at her words before letting out a quiet chuckle under his breath—a rare sound that carried more weight than any farewell might have. "Wouldn't dream of it," he replied simply.
With nothing else left to say, they exchanged muted goodbyes that hung heavy in the stillness around them before stepping outside into Elnor's dimly lit streets.
Vel walked alongside Celia in silence for most of their journey back toward the orphanage until they reached its gates beneath flickering lanterns. He stopped there as she turned toward him briefly with a weak smile.
"Goodnight," she said softly before disappearing inside.
Vel made his way home after that—feet dragging slightly despite himself—and collapsed onto his bed once he arrived, staring blankly up at the ceiling above him.
His mind churned endlessly despite his exhaustion—turning over thoughts about how nothing seemed to go quite as planned lately and how uncertain everything ahead felt... yet he couldn't stop clinging stubbornly to fragments of hope amidst it all—even if he didn't fully understand why anymore...