The Next Morning,
Ronan opened the door and spotted Kairos heading out, his steps brisk and purposeful. "Good morning!" Ronan called out, his voice carrying the ease of someone glad to see a familiar face.
Kairos stopped abruptly, turning to Ronan with wide eyes. "Ronan? When did you get back?"
"Yesterday, Late night", Ronan replied with a small grin as he fell into step beside his brother. They made their way toward the training ground, their breaths forming faint clouds in the cool morning air.
Kairos tilted his head, studying Ronan. "You advanced to Adept, didn't you?"
Ronan's lips curled into a confident smirk. "Hehehe? Yeah, I did."
Kairos raised an eyebrow. "What happened yesterday?"
Ronan scratched the back of his head, his smirk giving way to a more subdued expression. "I absorbed a beast flame."
Kairos frowned, confused. "Then why don't I sense much of a difference in your flame? Sure, it's stronger, but it's still... your flame."
Ronan chuckled awkwardly, avoiding Kairos' gaze. "That's because I only absorbed the essence of the flame. I didn't add it to my core or replace my innate flame with the beast flame."
Before Kairos could press further, a hand clamped down on both their shoulders.
"Ah, so that's the reason Kairos lied for you yesterday, isn't it, Ronan?"
The voice was unmistakable. Ronan froze, his body tensing as he slowly turned his head.
"S-Samantha?!" His voice cracked as he stared at his sister, his face pale with dread. "When did you get back from your mission?"
Samantha's grip on his shoulder tightened, her expression one of mock severity. "Yesterday. At noon," she said, her sharp tone leaving no room for excuses.
Ronan laughed nervously, his eyes darting to Kairos for help. "H-how did your mission go?"
Kairos took a step back, wisely staying out of the brewing storm.
"Oh, don't try to change the subject!" Samantha snapped. She reached for Ronan's ear, pinching it firmly. "And why are you looking at Kairos for help? Huh? Look at me!"
"O-ow, ow!" Ronan yelped, his hands flailing as he tried to free himself. "I-I wasn't looking at him! I swear!"
Samantha pulled him closer, her voice dropping into a low, menacing whisper. "You not only lied to me, your sister, but you also dragged your brother into it? That's low, even for you. If you ever lie to me again, I'll beat some sense into you personally. Got it?"
Ronan nodded rapidly, his expression that of a chastised puppy. "I'm sorry, Samantha! I won't lie again, I promise!"
After a few tense moments, Samantha released him and sighed, her features softening. "Good. At least you're quick to apologise." She stepped back and studied him for a moment, her lips curving into a proud smile. "Congratulations on advancing to Adept, Ronan."
Ronan brightened under her praise, though his relief was short-lived.
Samantha placed her hands on her hips, a dramatic sigh escaping her lips. "Then I guess you don't need this three-tailed Fox Flame I brought back. Such a shame."
"What?! No, no, no! I need it!" Ronan exclaimed, his voice tinged with panic.
Samantha smirked and pulled out a fiery orb from her storage ring. She handed it to Ronan but gave him a stern look. "Wait a few days before absorbing it, okay? Don't rush. Pacing yourself is just as important as growth."
Ronan took the orb reverently, nodding quickly. "Yes, I understand. Thank you, Samantha."
Her expression softened even further, and she placed a hand gently on his shoulder. "You're my little brother, Ronan. I'll always take care of you. But please, don't lie to me again. It breaks my heart and my trust."
Ronan's smile faltered, guilt flashing in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Samantha. I won't lie to you again. I promise."
Samantha's face lit up with a cheerful smile as she ruffled his hair. "Good. It's nice to see you've learned your lesson." She turned to leave but paused after a few steps. "I'll see you both later. Don't slack off during training, alright? Bye!"
"Bye, Samantha!" Ronan called out, watching her retreating figure with a mix of affection and trepidation.
Kairos chuckled beside him. "You really are scared of her, huh?"
"Terrified," Ronan muttered, clutching the flame orb tightly. "But you would be too if you were in my shoes."
As Samantha's figure disappeared into the distance, a smirk crept onto Kairos' face. He turned to Ronan, his voice dripping with mockery.
"'Little brother,'" he said, imitating Samantha's affectionate tone. He clasped his hands together dramatically, his expression twisting into a perfect caricature of Ronan's earlier fear. "'I'm sorry, Samantha! I won't lie again, I promise!"
Kairos broke into hearty laughter, clutching his stomach as he doubled over. "You should've seen your face, Ronan. Priceless!"
Ronan groaned, his face reddening as he glared at his brother. "Shut up, Kairos," he muttered, crossing his arms.
Kairos wiped a tear from his eye, still chuckling. "Come on, you can't blame me. She had you shaking in your boots like a scared kitten."
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Ronan grumbled, though a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He couldn't stay mad; Kairos' laughter was always infectious.
As they continued their walk to the training ground, Ronan pulled out his sword, examining it under the morning light. The blade had seen better days; faint cracks marred its once-pristine surface, and the edge was slightly dulled. He ran his fingers over the damage, frowning.
"This sword isn't going to last much longer," he said, his tone thoughtful. "Too many cracks. I'll need to either get a new one or repair this one."
Kairos glanced at the blade, whistling softly. "Yeah, it looks like it's been through a lot. Perhaps you should consider a new one. A fresh start for a new Adept."
Ronan hummed in agreement but didn't commit to the idea. "Maybe. I'll see what the Smith says. Do you want to come with me later? Could use a second opinion."
Kairos shrugged with an easy grin. "Why not? It's been a while since I visited the smithy. And it'll be fun watching you haggle over prices."
Ronan snorted. "I don't haggle. I negotiate."
"Sure, sure," Kairos replied with a laugh. "Whatever makes you sleep better at night."
Ronan shook his head, but the smile on his face showed he appreciated the banter. Sliding his sword back into its sheath, he quickened his pace. "Let's focus on training for now. I've got to test how much stronger I've gotten."
Kairos matched his pace, his grin unwavering. "Just don't blame me when you're the one left eating dust."
"Oh, we'll see about that," Ronan shot back, his competitive spirit igniting.
The two brothers reached the training ground, their earlier teasing giving way to the anticipation of sparring.