Episode 21: Our Celebration
After subduing the bandit leader and completing the mission, Leon received a small commendation and a monetary reward from his superior officer. It wasn't the sort of merit that would be announced across the kingdom, but to him it was his first true achievement—and something to be proud of. Elated, he hurried home to share the news with his family.
At home, Leon proudly showed his mother the commendation and the reward, recounting the events that had led to it. His mother beamed with pride, though her gaze lingered on the bandaged arm he tried to downplay, reminding him not to push himself too far. Leon, concealing the pain, presented her with a small gift in gratitude.
Then, he decided to visit Serina. He felt that his success was partly thanks to the training she had given him with the magical necklace, and he wanted her to be the first to know. He packed some simple food and low-proof wine and made his way to her research chamber.
Serina, buried in her work, looked up in surprise when she saw the box in his hands.
"Serina!" Leon greeted her with a bright face. "I caught the bandit chief and was awarded a commendation! I couldn't have done it without the blinking skill you taught me."
Serina smiled warmly, listening to his story as though it were her own accomplishment. "That's wonderful, Leon! I knew you'd succeed." She lifted her cup as they sat to share food, talking about the mission and the training. Her joy mirrored his, and for a while, they celebrated together.
But then, her eyes fell on the bandage wrapped around his arm. A shadow of worry passed over her expression.
"Is your arm all right?" She reached out tentatively, then hesitated, her voice soft. "I knew you might get hurt, but seeing it myself… it unsettles me."
Leon tried to brush it aside with a smile. "It's nothing. Just a scratch. In battle, these things happen. You don't need to worry."
Serina lowered her gaze, struggling to hide her unease. His first commendation made her proud, yet the fact that it came with injury gnawed at her heart.
"Still, Leon… promise me you'll be more careful," she said quietly. "I trained you so you could return safely, not so you'd come back wounded. Please, be more cautious next time."
Her earnest words caught Leon off guard. A faint blush crept over his face as he nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Serina. Having you care for me like this… it gives me strength."
They clinked their cups together with a soft laugh. Amid the warmth of shared worries and mutual encouragement, the two of them grew closer, their trust deepening.
That night, Leon celebrated his first true achievement with Serina in a small, private feast. She was both proud and quietly embarrassed by how much her concern showed, but Leon knew her heart had reached him. Together, they pledged—silently but surely—to continue supporting each other's growth.
**
Episode 22: The Escort Mission for the Research Institute
A new order came from the kingdom's outer branch: Leon and his unit were tasked with protecting a transport from the Mage Research Institute. The institute's director needed a relic safely delivered to another facility, and the request came with stern warnings that the relic must be guarded with utmost care. Since the request had come directly from the director himself, Leon's unit was assigned the mission without delay.
When Leon heard the details, he was taken aback. The mission was for the Mage Research Institute—which meant Serina would be involved. Though he knew duty came first, he couldn't deny the quiet sense of anticipation at the thought of seeing her along the journey.
Maybe luck is on my side this time, he thought, checking his gear with newfound determination.
At the institute, Serina was busy assisting the director, preparing artifacts and tools for transport. She had just learned that Leon's unit would serve as the escort, and a ripple of conflicted emotions stirred in her chest. So… Leon will be there too. Am I reading too much into this? Even as she tried to steady herself, she couldn't help the flicker of expectation in her heart.
The caravan set out, guarded closely by Leon's unit. The soldiers kept a tight formation, while the researchers moved under their protection. Leon and Serina had few chances to speak directly, yet whenever their paths crossed—when their eyes met in passing—a quiet tension hung in the air, equal parts nervousness and warmth.
Midway through the journey, trouble came. Near the camp one night, the scouts detected a bandit presence. The soldiers immediately formed ranks, while the director ordered the researchers to prepare for evacuation.
Leon drew his sword, scanning the shadows. Suddenly, a projectile flew out of the dark—he caught it on his shield, the impact echoing through the camp. Serina flinched at the sound, glancing over just in time to see Leon holding the line. With a subtle gesture, he signaled her to remain calm. She nodded back, heart steadied by his presence.
The bandits were quickly repelled by the disciplined unit, and the researchers remained unharmed. Serina felt a wave of gratitude, her trust in Leon's resolve deepening once again.
At last, after several days, the caravan reached its destination without further incident. The director and the researchers thanked the soldiers for their protection. Serina stepped closer to Leon, offering him a small, heartfelt smile.
"Leon, thank you. Because of you, we arrived safely." Her gaze dropped briefly to the bandage on his arm, and her voice softened. "I only hope next time you'll return without a single injury."
Leon chuckled lightly. "I was glad you were there. Next time, I'll handle things even better—so don't worry." Though he spoke with a touch of humor, the sincerity in his eyes spoke louder than words.
The two parted with simple words, but the memory of this journey lingered between them. For Leon and Serina both, it became a small but meaningful step forward—another thread binding their paths together.
**
Episode 23: Serina's Transformation and a Meeting at the Symposium
Invited to a major magic symposium in the Kingdom of Elysium, Serina found herself torn. As someone from a rising merchant family, a hall filled with nobles and established scholars weighed heavily on her. It was a chance to present her work and be recognized—yet the attention of high society was hardly comfortable.
Sensing her worry, Leon decided on a small gift to boost her confidence: a dress that was elegant but true to her. He combed the city until he found one that suited her temperament. The price made him hesitate, but he bought it anyway—wanting to help, even a little, on her important day.
On the day of the symposium, Leon brought the dress to Serina."Wear this, and show them the brilliant researcher you are," he said. "You deserve to shine."Surprised and moved, Serina accepted it with a warm smile.
That evening, Serina appeared transformed—trading her loose research robes for a deep blue dress. She looked poised and radiant, resolved to show them who she really was. Leon, waiting for her, was momentarily speechless."Se… Serina?" he stammered, cheeks faintly flushed."How do I look? Not too strange?" she asked, a touch nervous."You'll be the brightest person in the room," he said, sincerely. Her heart eased.
The symposium bustled with nobles and scholars. Serina stepped forward to present her research; Leon followed a few paces behind, quietly taking up a guard's position. Heads turned at her entrance, and when she began to speak, the audience leaned in. Leon watched, pride welling, as she presented with clarity and boldness.
Then Camilla arrived—gliding through greetings before spotting Leon and Serina."Good evening, Leon. And… Serina," she said with an ambiguous smile.Leon blinked. "Do we know each other?""Of course," Camilla replied. "I saw you at the market the other day. The way you handled that crisis was… memorable." She greeted Serina as well, her curiosity toward Leon plain to see.
Serina kept her smile, but Camilla's effortless approach to Leon unsettled her. Their easy exchange stirred a twinge of jealousy she couldn't quite suppress.
When the symposium ended, Serina and Leon stepped out together. She was proud of the reception her work had received, but her thoughts kept circling back to Camilla's words and smiles.
"Thank you, Leon," Serina said softly. "Without your encouragement, I'm not sure I could have presented like that.""You were outstanding," Leon replied. "Believe in yourself more. Tonight, you outshone everyone."Serina's cheeks colored at that.
Gratitude flowed both ways, and the distance between them shrank by a step. The symposium had become more than an academic milestone; walking side by side, they quietly acknowledged what each meant to the other. Serina left with not only recognition for her research, but a clearer sense of how special Leon was becoming to her.
**
Episode 24: The Distance Between Heroes and Common Folk
A cleanup operation against outlaws threatening Elysium's eastern border was underway. General Risa and the kingdom's elite were deployed; Leon's unit would take part, but he knew the center of this battle belonged to Risa and the court mages. Even so, to march the same field as living legends meant everything to him.
When battle began, Risa led the vanguard straight into the enemy's front line. With each swing of her greatsword, enemies flew; with each Titan-fueled blow, their defenses shattered. Her speed and raw power broke the foe's morale like a storm tearing through reeds. Rumors of Titan strength were common; those who had truly seen it were few. Risa made the rumors real—carving through bandits like the wind.
From a distance, Leon watched in awe. She didn't just fight—she dominated the field itself. Wherever she advanced, enemies collapsed, and the soldiers followed, restoring order in her wake.
Behind her, mages rained devastation—pillars of fire, bolts of lightning, lances of ice. Spells felled dozens at a time, binding any resistance with a gesture. Watching, Leon felt the gap between himself and such power. This was a pageant of force beyond what training alone could reach.
Then Leon's unit blundered into an ambush. Enemies surged from all sides, the ring closing tight. "Leon, the right flank!" a comrade shouted. He raised his shield, catching a hail of arrows, but the pressure mounted; the noose was tightening.
With no time left, Leon's hand went to the necklace. Cool metal under his fingers. He hesitated—the magic was his last resort—but there was no choice. He focused and blinked. The world smeared—and he slipped free of the encirclement. Heart pounding, he drew breath, shaken by how close it had been—and by how, for now, he could only use the magic to escape, not to turn the tide.
Moments later, Risa drove into the enemy's heart. Calling on the full surge of Titan's might, she cut down scores and seized the chieftain. The outlaw line collapsed. Soldiers cheered, their eyes bright with awe.
Leon, clutching a sore shoulder, watched her once more. That level of strength—of presence—lay far beyond the reach of effort alone. The "hero" he'd imagined as a child stood right before him, wearing Risa's face.
When the field finally fell quiet, Risa approached."You all right, Leon? Nothing serious, I hope," she asked, genuine concern in her voice. "We wouldn't have finished this so quickly without your unit. Well done."Caught off guard, he bowed his head. "I… only did my duty, General.""That's precisely what matters," she said, tapping his shoulder. "On the battlefield, everyone must do their part. You did yours. Be proud."
Risa strode up the rise and called out, "Today's victory is yours!" Her voice rolled across the field; the soldiers roared back as one. Leon found himself nodding, swept up in that shared triumph.
He knew Risa's path was far from his own. Yet fighting beside such figures—and contributing even a little—sparked a quiet courage in him. Perhaps one day he would shine in his own place.
Watching the healers weave their magic over the wounded, he remembered the childhood dream of becoming a mage. My road is long, he thought, but I'll find a light that's mine. With that small, steady resolve, he stepped back into the chorus of victory.