After experiencing the mysterious power of the magic necklace, Leon rose early the next morning and slipped into the depths of the forest, away from prying eyes, to test it further. The woods were still cloaked in shadow, the morning sun not yet piercing through, but the quiet calm steadied his mind. He checked his surroundings carefully, ensuring he was alone, then clutched the necklace and focused.
A subtle tremor tingled at his fingertips—then suddenly, he reappeared several steps ahead, beside a tree. Leon felt a thrilling rush and tried again, this time aiming for the edge of the forest. His vision blurred, and in the next moment, he stood precisely where he intended.
The realization struck him with awe. This power wasn't just a parlor trick. On the battlefield, it could confuse enemies, rescue allies, or save his own life in a dire moment. For the first time since childhood, when he had dreamed of becoming a mage, Leon felt that dream flicker to life again.
But as he practiced, he sensed it: eyes watching him. He froze, then turned sharply toward the trees.
"Who's there? Come out!"
From behind a trunk stepped a woman with shoulder-length black hair and sharp, intelligent eyes. She held a small book and smiled faintly.
"Don't worry. I'm not your enemy," she said softly. "That necklace you're using… it's fascinating."
Leon kept his hand on his dagger, wary. "Who are you? And why were you watching me?" His voice carried a nervous edge—he had never been good at speaking with women, least of all in moments like this.
She stepped closer, her tone calm. "My name is Serina. I'm a scholar of magic, a specialist in ancient relics. That necklace… it's no mere trinket. I imagine you've already realized that much."
Leon flushed slightly but nodded. "You're right. It's… not ordinary. But how do you know that?"
Serina's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Because that necklace once belonged to a legendary mage. He used its power of teleportation to turn the tide of countless battles. When the wars ended, the relic vanished—until today. I never thought I'd see it in use again."
Her explanation confirmed what Leon had only guessed. "Then… how do I unlock its full power?" he asked, trying for confidence but still awkward under her gaze.
Serina tilted her head thoughtfully. "The necklace doesn't bend to strength alone. It requires will, and a deep understanding of magic itself. I can teach you—if you're willing."
Leon hesitated. He was only a soldier. Could he really wield something like this? Yet her eyes were sincere, and his curiosity outweighed his doubts. "All right," he said finally. "Teach me. I want to understand it."
Serina smiled. "Good. Then let's begin. This relic doesn't just shift your body through space—it touches the weave of space and time itself. Learn that truth, and the power will become far more than simple movement."
There, in the quiet forest, she began instructing him in the rudiments of magical theory—how relics resonated with intent, how energy responded to will. Leon listened intently, feeling as though he had stepped beyond the life of a mere soldier into a wider world.
By the time he returned home, the necklace no longer seemed like a lucky trinket. It was a key to new possibilities. And Leon resolved to wield it not just for himself, but for the kingdom he had sworn to protect.
**
Episode 14: Time with Serina
Though he carried out his regular duties as a soldier of Elysium, Leon now found himself frequently visiting Serina's workshop. At first it was only to learn more about the necklace, but over time he realized he was drawn there for another reason: Serina herself.
Her workshop stood on the outskirts of the city, cluttered with books and relics. She had spent long years in solitude with her research, and Leon's steady presence slowly became a comfort. He helped where he could—carrying crates of herbs, organizing shelves, listening to her explanations with earnest attention.
"Leon, could you move those herb boxes into the storeroom? I'll be making potions today," she asked one afternoon, without looking up from her notes.
"On it," Leon replied, straining under the weight but refusing to falter. He grinned as he set them down. "Not too heavy for me."
Serina chuckled. "You really are diligent. I never expected anyone to lend me a hand in this place."
Leon scratched his cheek, embarrassed. "It's not much. Besides… your work is interesting. And honestly, seeing how passionate you get—it's kind of inspiring."
Her eyes lit up. "Inspiring? Most people find it tedious."
"Well, I'm not most people," he said awkwardly, but his sincerity showed.
That sincerity touched her. "Thank you. In truth, this field can be lonely. Scholars compete, guard their secrets, isolate themselves. Having someone who simply helps because he wants to—it means more than you know."
One day, while handling reagents, Serina nicked her hand. Leon instantly caught her wrist, alarmed. "Are you hurt? Let me see!"
She smiled at his concern. "It's nothing serious. But… it's nice, having someone worry."
Leon turned red, fumbling for words. "Just… be careful. Your hands are too important."
Gradually, their bond deepened. They shared tea after long hours, exchanged stories, and laughed more easily in each other's company. For Leon, the visits became a highlight of his days; for Serina, his presence softened years of solitude.
One quiet evening, she poured him tea and said, "Leon… thank you. For helping, for being here. You've made this place less lonely."
He smiled, his cheeks warming. "I've learned a lot here—not just about magic. About you, too."
Their eyes met, and for a moment words were unnecessary. What had begun with a relic was becoming something more—a bond of trust, warmth, and perhaps, in time, something deeper.
**
Episode 15: An Unexpected Encounter with Mariel
On his day off, Leon was enjoying a rare moment of rest at home when his mother called out,"Leon, could you run to the market and pick up a few things? The weather's lovely—take it as a walk."
He nodded, slung a basket over his arm, and set out for the bustling marketplace.
The streets were alive with merchants calling, colors flashing from stalls piled with goods. As Leon scanned the shops for his mother's list, a familiar figure caught his eye—a woman with long golden hair and a radiant smile. It was Mariel, his childhood friend.
Mariel had always been admired in their town, not only for her beauty but also for her bright and outgoing nature. The moment Leon saw her, his heart leapt. When she spotted him and broke into a warm smile, his composure faltered even more.
"Leon! What a surprise! What brings you here?" she asked, slipping her arm playfully through his. Her easy familiarity sent a flush to his cheeks.
"I… uh… came to do some shopping for my mother," he stammered, embarrassed by her closeness.
Mariel laughed, releasing his arm with a teasing grin. "Perfect timing then! I've got errands too. Come with me—walking alone is boring." She clasped his hand and tugged him along through the crowd.
They wandered together from stall to stall, talking and laughing as they filled their baskets. Then, as they passed a small café, Leon's steps faltered. Through the window he glimpsed Serina seated across from another woman—Camilla. Serina's expression was serious, her hands curled around a coffee cup, while Camilla spoke with an easy smile.
Leon lingered for a heartbeat, torn, but didn't approach. He only watched from the street.
Mariel noticed his pause, though she didn't glance toward the café. Instead, she looped her arm through his again, leaning close enough that he could feel the brush of her chest against his arm. She masked the gesture with a teasing remark."Don't just stand there, Leon. Your mother's errands won't wait—and you'll be in trouble if you forget!"
Her playful tone disguised a flicker of jealousy. Leon blinked, shook off his hesitation, and smiled awkwardly. "You're right. Let's go."
Inside the café, Serina happened to glance toward the window. Her gaze landed on Leon—walking side by side with a striking young woman. She said nothing, only sipped her coffee, but something faint and unspoken stirred within her chest.
By the time Leon finished shopping, he and Mariel had shared easy banter and laughter. As they parted ways, she nudged him playfully."Thanks for today, Leon. I wasn't bored for a moment. Let's meet again sometime."
Leon gave a polite smile. "Yeah… it was good to see you, Mariel. Thanks."
But as he walked home, his mind was far from settled. The image of Serina and Camilla lingered, tangled now with Mariel's sudden reappearance. Three women, three paths—and Leon, caught in the middle, uncertain what choices lay ahead. For now, all he could do was face each day honestly, hoping clarity would come with time.
**
Episode 16: Serina's Coolness, Leon's Unease
The next morning, Leon strode toward Serina's workshop with eager anticipation. The necklace had rekindled his childhood fascination with magic, and every visit with Serina had become something he looked forward to.
But when he stepped inside, her greeting was brief—a curt nod, her expression unreadably calm.
"Good morning, Serina! I was looking forward to today," he said brightly.
She offered only a quiet reply and turned back to her papers. The warmth that usually lit her eyes was absent, and Leon felt a stab of unease.
Had he done something wrong?
He hesitated, then spoke gently. "You seem… different today. Is something bothering you? If there's anything I can do—tell me."
Her voice was quiet, distant. "It's nothing, Leon. Don't trouble yourself."
But he couldn't ignore the chill in her tone. After a pause, he pressed again, his voice careful. "If I've upset you somehow, please tell me. I don't want there to be any misunderstanding."
That made her finally lift her gaze. For a moment she searched his face, then asked softly, "Leon… I thought I saw you in the market the other day. Who were you with?"
He blinked, then nodded. "Ah, yes. My mother sent me shopping, and I happened to run into Mariel—an old childhood friend."
"Mariel," Serina repeated, her tone mild but her eyes shadowed. "And what sort of person is she?"
Leon smiled, unaware of the tension. "Mariel? She's been my friend since we were kids. She's… well, she's known in town for her beauty. Always cheerful, always kind—"
He stopped abruptly, realizing too late that praising Mariel's looks might not be wise here. He glanced nervously at Serina.
Her expression didn't change, but something flickered in her gaze—something that felt like jealousy quickly masked. With a faint smile, she said, "I see. A celebrated beauty, then. You must have been glad to see her again."
Leon waved his hands quickly. "No, no—it's not like that! She's just a childhood friend, nothing more. Honestly, it didn't mean anything." His voice was earnest, almost desperate.
This time Serina's smile softened, genuine if still a little restrained. "Of course. Friends are important. I understand."
Relief washed through him. "I'm glad you do. But… Serina, were you really curious about who I spend time with?"
Her eyes flickered away, and she gave a small, awkward laugh. "Perhaps. When you work closely with someone, it's only natural to wonder."
Leon smiled, his voice low and sincere. "Then let me say this—I want to be someone you can trust. Always."
She didn't reply with words, only nodded quietly. The silence between them eased. The brief chill melted away, leaving behind something warmer, more fragile, built on honesty.
From that day, a subtle shift remained between them—not mistrust, but a reminder that even small moments could stir unspoken feelings. And in navigating them, Leon and Serina found their bond deepening.