Nathan, after receiving the box from Aryel, slowly lifted the lid and began examining its contents. The serious expression on his face made it clear how important the message was. As his eyes moved across the lines, silence settled over the table. Only the sound of food being chewed could be heard; no one dared to speak. Everyone's attention was on Nathan — especially Maia's. Maia's eyes did not leave him for a single moment. It was Nathan who finally broke the silence. He lifted his head and glanced at each of them in turn:
"Thank you for delivering the box to me," he said. His voice was calm, but it carried weight. Then, after a slight pause, he continued.
"You are aware of this approaching darkness as well. The situation is becoming increasingly frightening. There are even reports that strong guardians from some guilds have joined the other side. That's why it's getting harder to know whom to trust."
His words fell onto the table like a heavy stone. In that moment, everyone was forced to confront their own inner fears. Nathan pressed on, his gaze unwavering:
"I hope that after you graduate, you will also fight this darkness as we do."
Maia immediately jumped in without hesitation. Her eyes sparkled:
"Yes! After graduation, that's what we plan to do. By then, I'll learn to use my powers even better. I'll help more people. We will."
A hopeful smile bloomed on her lips as she finished. "And I hope we'll meet again on other missions."
Though her words sounded cheerful, the trembling emotion in her voice did not escape Nathan's notice. His face flushed red in an instant. He didn't know what to say.
At that moment, Kael cut in:
"If you're working with Alex, I'm sure we'll run into each other more often. He invited us to the guild after graduation."
Nathan nodded slightly and let out a quiet breath of relief:
"I'm glad to hear that. Working with you was a pleasure."
But his mind was swirling with questions. Why do I feel this way about her? Why does it become so easy to talk about everything when she's around? Is it just because she saved my life, or… is it something else?
The answers were hazy. He was drowning in thoughts, until Aryel's voice pulled him out of the whirlpool:
"It was a pleasure working with you as well. I hope we meet again. If there's nothing else, we plan to set out in the morning."
Nathan lifted his head. His voice steadier now, he said:
"Of course, you may return. I'd like to accompany you, but the direction I must go is the opposite."
Maia sighed deeply. The breath slid from her chest, her lips curved slightly downward. She seemed to be struggling to keep her suppressed feelings from surfacing. But that sigh echoed around the table like a quiet chime. All eyes turned to her at once.
Vega frowned, watching her closely:
"What's wrong?"
Maia had only spoken her thoughts inwardly, but being noticed made her a little flustered. She quickly averted her gaze and shook her head lightly:
"It's just… I remembered I have to study for the exams once we return. It's nothing."
Kael raised his brows slightly, smirking with a teasing tone:
"Haven't you already studied enough? I'm sure you know everything by heart."
Maia stirred the food on her plate with her fork, glancing at him sideways.
"Of course I do," she replied, deliberately adding a touch of arrogance to her voice. "Unlike you, I don't cram at the last minute."
There was a brief silence. Then Maia placed her fork firmly on the table.
"Anyway, our food is getting cold. Let's eat."
With her words, the atmosphere eased again. Everyone turned back to their meals. But Maia's gaze kept drifting toward Nathan. Something heavy lingered inside her.
Dinner was over, and the conversation had begun to fade. A sense of weariness filled the air. After such a long day, everyone rose from their seats to retire to their rooms. Aryel, Kael, and Vega headed slowly toward the stairs, while Maia lingered behind. Her eyes were on Nathan. The young man had just risen when a soft voice came from behind, startling him.
"Can we talk for a bit?" Maia asked, her tone gentle but carrying a hint of shyness.
Nathan turned toward her, his eyes widening in brief surprise. After everything that had happened today, his mind was still clouded. He was tired. But refusing Maia's request… he couldn't do that.
"All right," he said, his voice tired but soft. "Come, let's get some fresh air."
Together, they stepped through the inn's door and into the night. The air was cool but clear. The sky was filled with stars; in the distance, the wind rustled the leaves of the trees. Beneath the dim light of the street lamps, they walked slowly. Without breaking the silence, they arrived at the great tree in the square. Nathan sat down on the grass. Maia followed a few steps later and settled beside him.
Nathan tilted his head slightly toward her and asked:
"Well, I'm listening."
His tone was weary, but it carried genuine curiosity. What Maia had to say interested him far more than he expected.
Maia had hurried to sit by his side. Her eyes were fixed on the ground, her fingers playing with the grass. She tried to speak, but the words seemed stuck in her throat. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage.
"Um…" She began, averting her gaze. "I just… wanted to spend a little more time together. Tomorrow we'll go our separate ways. I don't know when we'll meet again."
Her lips trembled as she finished, her eyes searching Nathan's reaction. After a short pause, she added with embarrassment:
"I guess I'm being a little silly, aren't I?"
Nathan stared at her in surprise. He didn't know how to handle such open, direct affection. A thought slipped through his mind: Why does she want to spend time with me? And before he could stop himself, the thought tumbled out of his mouth:
"Well… I don't understand. Why do you want to spend time with me? Why with someone as boring as me?"
Maia flinched for a moment but quickly smiled. Her eyes shimmered faintly.
"Boring?" she said. "Not at all. Talking with you is really enjoyable. I just like being with you. Does there really have to be a reason?"
Nathan's chest felt as if her words had pierced straight through it. His heart began to race. His face was burning red, but this time not just his cheeks — his ears, his neck, even the nape of his neck were ablaze.
Maia was no different. She kept her hands resting on her knees, trying not to reveal the trembling. Her voice cracked slightly, yet she still smiled calmly. Between them, something indescribable sparked in the air. Silence… but a silence heavy with a thousand unspoken feelings.
It was Maia who broke it first. In the cool of the night, with a shy curiosity, she tilted her head slightly.
"Can I ask you something?" she said, her eyes searching Nathan's.
"How did you become a guardian, Nathan?"
Nathan's expression eased, lighting up with relief. At least this was a question easy to answer. He drew in a deep breath and began speaking while gazing into the distance.
"The person I told you about yesterday… the one who taught me how to fight."
"Brother Cain."
His voice carried both respect and a trace of sorrowful memory.
"He was a mercenary. I worked with him on missions for a while. I learned both survival and combat from him. After he died… I met Natalie at his funeral. Natalie is the captain of the Orven Guild. She's also Alex's fiancée."
Maia was listening intently. Her eyes were fixed on Nathan's face with admiration.
"She had a past with Brother Cain. Natalie wanted me by her side. Back then, I had just turned seventeen. I worked for three years in the guild as an assistant guardian. Then… last month, I took the exam and received my license."
When Nathan's voice quieted, Maia's eyes lit up.
"So… you have real combat experience," she whispered almost softly. "Not just from books like us… That's so cool!"
Nathan shook his head slightly and shrugged humbly.
"Many people become guardians that way. The academy isn't the only path. Those who've mastered physical combat can also qualify through the exam. So… it's not really that cool."
Maia shook her head firmly.
"I think it is. We learned a lot at the academy, but… I only used my powers in real combat for the first time recently. Until now, something was always holding me back."
Nathan turned his gaze to her. His voice was gentle.
"Your powers are truly special. Controlling time… it's not an easy thing. But… your friends are right. It leaves you completely defenseless. You shouldn't use it carelessly."
Maia lowered her head, then lifted her eyes back to Nathan with genuine curiosity.
"Do you really… find my powers special? I mean… did they impress you?"
Nathan's eyes widened for a moment. He wasn't prepared for that question. His throat went dry, and he struggled to choose his words.
"Yes… I've never met anyone with the power of time before," he said softly.
"And… yes. You saved my life. I owe you a lot."
Maia's voice dropped, turning into a near sorrowful whisper.
"Or is it… only because I saved you… that you're being kind to me?"
The night's coolness suddenly pressed heavier onto Nathan's shoulders. Something inside him knotted tight.
For a moment, he was silent.
Was it really… only because of that?
No.
But even he didn't fully understand why he felt this way.
His lips parted, but no words came out.
Maia was staring at him with wide, expectant eyes. He didn't want to leave her without an answer.
"N-no… not just because of that," he stammered, averting his gaze.
But Maia's eyes still lingered on him. She wanted more — an explanation, something beyond a few vague words.
Nathan tilted his head slightly, staying quiet for a moment. Then he lowered his gaze to the ground and whispered:
"Being around you… makes me feel strangely at ease. I guess that's why."
Maia's heart began to pound. That sentence… though simple, it was sincere.
But… was it enough?
She wasn't satisfied. Because she had realized how difficult it was for Nathan to open up about his feelings. If she wanted answers, she would have to gently draw them out of him. Slowly. Without scaring him away.
Nathan was not an easy person.
For years, he hadn't opened up to anyone.
No one had cared.
But Maia wanted to.
She truly wanted to.
Inside, she thought:
This boy doesn't speak, but his heart is there, hidden somewhere deep. And I will reach that place… slowly.
At that moment, a faint rustle broke the silence. It was as if the bushes were parting.
Maia flinched, her eyes widening.
On reflex, she drew close to Nathan and clung to his arm.
Nathan turned his head toward her in surprise. After a brief pause, he smiled.
"Relax… it's just a hedgehog," he said with a soft chuckle.
Maia let out a deep breath, looking embarrassed.
Slowly, she pulled her hand away from his arm.
"Ah… I'm relieved. Must be hungry. Should we give it something to eat?"
Nathan turned his gaze toward the bushes. He stayed quiet for a few seconds.
Then, in a soft tone, he said:
"No, it's not hungry. It hurt its foot. It's in pain right now."
Maia turned to him in amazement.
"How did you know? I can't see anything…"
Nathan's eyes were still fixed on the hedgehog.
"That's my power," he said simply.
I can communicate with animals and nature. Sometimes, if they allow me… I can even see through their eyes. But only for a short while. I rarely use it."
Maia looked at him in admiration.
"Why have you never mentioned something like this before? This is… incredible."
Nathan shrugged.
"You never asked," he said in a low voice.
"Besides… I never thought this ability was special enough to bring up. Usually, I just rely on my physical strength in close combat."
He paused for a moment, his voice softening even more.
"When I have to use this power in battle… it hurts me when the animals or nature are harmed."
Maia's eyes widened slightly.
For the first time, she saw so clearly that he was not just a silent warrior but someone carrying a deep sensitivity within.
The wind rustled gently through the leaves. The sky was cloaked in the silence of the stars.
Tilting her head slightly, Maia spoke with a warm smile:
"I'm so glad you think that way… There are so many people who harm this world. But you… you're different."
Nathan turned his head to look at her.
There was a sparkle in Maia's eyes—an expression that trusted him, that truly saw him.
After carefully bandaging the hedgehog's foot, Nathan straightened slightly.
He cast a quiet glance at the sky; the stars winked, adding depth to the night.
Turning back to Maia, he said softly,
"Shall we return to the inn?"
Maia bit her lip and lowered her head. She didn't want to leave. But Nathan was tired too.
"All right," she said, her tone tinged with sadness. "You must be exhausted… I kept you this long, I'm sorry."
Nathan immediately shook his head.
"Please don't think that way," he said sincerely. "I also enjoyed spending time with you. I hope we meet again. I'm truly glad I got to know you."
His green eyes gleamed even brighter under the starlight.
A light of hope flickered in Maia's eyes.
"I'd love that," she said with a smile. "This time I'll work hard… and I'll go on a mission with you again. But I won't faint this time!"
She burst into laughter.
Nathan smiled faintly and unexpectedly reached out his hand.
He gently patted Maia's head.
"I have no doubt about that," he said. "I believe you'll gain much better control over your powers."
Maia froze in place. That small gesture made butterflies flutter inside her. Warmth spread across her cheeks, and her heart began to race.
When Nathan turned and started walking back toward the inn, Maia hesitated for a moment… then quickened her steps.
Closing her eyes, she slowly wrapped her arms around Nathan from behind.
Nathan stopped in surprise.
"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
Maia closed her eyes.
"Can't we just… stay like this for a moment?" she whispered.
It was as if time itself paused for a few seconds.
Nathan's heart pounded in his chest. Until that moment, he had tried so hard not to feel anything. But now… this warmth, this sincerity… shattered all his defenses at once.
After gathering his thoughts, Nathan slowly turned around. His fingers gently held Maia's arms, easing her away from him.
"Maia…" he said, his voice soft but firm. "Your openness and sincerity… they're truly beautiful. But the way I am… I'm not ready for something like this yet."
His eyes locked onto Maia's. She remained silent, but her expression carried an unspoken apology and understanding.
"I truly respect you," Nathan continued. "When I'm with you… I feel at peace. But when you express your feelings so openly, I… don't know how to respond."
Maia listened without looking away. She swallowed hard, a knot forming in her throat.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't mean to push you so much. I just… couldn't control my feelings. Honestly… I didn't expect to get used to you this quickly either. But being apart from you… hurt me more than I thought it would."
Nathan shook his head.
"Don't apologize. Really. It's just… I can't keep up with your pace. Everything is so new to me. I've never opened up to anyone before."
He paused, taking a deep breath. He chose his words carefully.
"We will meet again. I promise. But… can we take things a little slower?"
A faint, bittersweet smile appeared on Maia's lips. She nodded quietly.
"All right," she whispered. "We'll take it slow."
A heavy yet sweet silence settled between them. As the moonlight fell upon them, the night was no longer just a closure—it felt like a beginning.
The first rays of the morning sun streamed through the cracks of the window, while the sweet chirping of birds filled the inn. The relief of completing the mission was reflected on everyone's faces. The team gathered one last time for breakfast in the stone-walled dining hall on the ground floor.
Aryel took a sip from her teacup before scanning the table and speaking:
"If everyone's ready, let's set out. Maia needs to be back in time for her exams starting next week."
Vega immediately cut in, his eyes sparkling like a child's as he pointed at an old woman nearby:
"I'll grab some bread and cheese from that lady over there. No way I'm leaving without some snacks for the road."
Kael crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head.
"You're small as it is, but how do you eat so much? Your mind is always on food."
Vega lowered his voice with mock threat:
"If you ask me for bread on the road, I won't give you any, Kael."
Kael resisted with a grin:
"What, you mean you'd just sit there and eat in front of me while I starve to death?"
Aryel rolled her eyes but sided with Vega with a teasing smile:
"The bread really is good. I wouldn't share either, Kael. Sorry."
Kael dramatically let his head fall onto the table.
"I can't believe you'd abandon your teammate to die of hunger… Humanity is doomed!"
A moment later, he turned to Maia with a cheerful voice:
"You'll share with me, won't you, Maia?"
But Maia didn't answer. She was absentmindedly stirring her plate with her fork, lost in thought. Kael raised his voice a little more:
"Maia? I'm talking to you!"
Maia flinched, her shoulders jolting slightly.
"What? Why are you yelling?"
Kael raised his brows, annoyed.
"Maybe because you weren't answering?"
Maia blinked and murmured faintly:
"I didn't even hear what you said…"
Vega leaned closer and whispered into Kael's ear:
"She's probably upset about parting ways with Nathan. Try to be a little more understanding."
Kael turned to Vega in disbelief.
"Upset about a guy she's known for three days? And he left this morning without even saying goodbye!"
Maia raised her voice sharply:
"That's not true! We said goodbye last night. And he promised he'd see me again!"
Kael spread his arms wide, shaking his head.
"I just don't get how you can get attached to someone so fast…"
Aryel placed a hand on Kael's shoulder, trying to calm him.
"Kael, I think that's enough. If Maia feels this strongly, she must have her reasons. You shouldn't meddle in other people's feelings."
Suppressing his frustration, Kael muttered,
"Yeah, but… do you honestly think this is normal?"
Vega rolled his eyes, his voice clearer and firmer now:
"Why wouldn't it be? While you can't even make sense of your own feelings, maybe you shouldn't interfere with others'."
Kael shot back instantly:
What… what do you mean by that?"
Maia, unable to hold back any longer, leaned over the table and spoke:
"Vega's right. Look at yourself first before judging me. You don't need time to fall in love—haven't you heard of love at first sight?"
Kael turned his head slightly, grumbling:
"And what does that have to do with me…"
Vega and Aryel couldn't help but smile at the shocked expression on Kael's face. Around the table, there was a familiar warmth, a little chaos that felt strangely comforting.
Kael rolled his eyes and gestured toward Aryel as if to complain:
"Hey Aryel, say something! Why are they blaming me out of nowhere?" He muttered under his breath, "Getting attached to someone this fast could hurt you."
Aryel, with a warm piece of bread still in her mouth, lifted her head slightly.
"Because they're right. Also… the bread is really good. Fresh, warm, and soft. How am I supposed to talk while eating?"
She chewed deliberately, shaking her head as if it were a very serious matter.
Kael leaned back and sighed.
"Ah, your calm and relaxed attitude… I wish I had a little of that. You let everything go so easily."
Aryel put her cup down and spoke in a serious tone:
"Me? Let things go? You're the one who never lives in the moment. You constantly meddle and judge others, then wonder why you're alone."
Kael narrowed his eyes:
"I never said I'm alone!"
Vega chuckled and interjected:
"You may not say it, but sometimes that face of yours… it becomes the face of a very lonely person, Kael."
Kael nudged Vega lightly with his elbow, but the faint smile at the corner of his lips betrayed him. Even these small bickers were part of the warmth of their friendship.
Aryel slowly leaned her head on the table, turning her gaze gently to the sky. As the soft morning sunlight filtered through the window and fell onto the table, a gentle wave of calm rose within her. She wished these moments would never end—the little moments with her friends, their laughter echoing around her.
It had been roughly half a day since they had set out on the road. The sun streamed golden light through the trees, casting a gentle warmth over the forest. Occasionally, the birds' songs echoed, and the whisper of the wind through the branches created an almost meditative calm.
As they moved in the direction they had come from, they passed by the village they had visited a few days earlier. Smoke rising from the chimneys of the houses was a sign that life had returned to normal. After a brief observation in the village, they continued on their way without delay.
The forest was unexpectedly calm. The traces of the dark creatures they had encountered on their arrival were nowhere to be found. Apart from the birdsong, the rustling leaves, and the soft sounds of their footsteps on the grass, all was silent. The stillness initially stirred unease in them, but they soon grew accustomed to the tranquility and began enjoying the journey. Their small jokes and playful exchanges brought life to the silence, their laughter echoing among the trees.
Just as they were immersed in this peacefulness, a sharp, high-pitched cry came from deep within the forest, startling the entire group.
The sound came both from nearby and from a frail body. It was a cry full of pain—a desperate wail of a child seeking help.
Aryel immediately stepped forward, her expression serious.
"A child… what could they be doing in this forest at this hour?"
Kael furrowed his brows.
"This doesn't feel right. It could be a trap."
Vega instinctively prepared his magic, while Maia stepped toward the direction of the sound.
"Wait… maybe someone really does need our help."
After a brief hesitation, Aryel nodded.
"Move carefully. No one should scatter."