The morning sun bathed Orleaf in warm, golden light as Yoshiya stretched, letting out a long yawn. Beside him, Omina stirred, blinking sleep from her eyes and stretching her arms high above her head. The soft rustle of the sheets and the distant chatter of townsfolk filled the room with a quiet serenity—a welcome contrast to the chaos of their recent adventures.
"Morning," Omina murmured, her voice still tinged with sleep.
"Morning," Yoshiya replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Ready for the next challenge?"
Omina raised an eyebrow, her expression teasing. "If by 'challenge' you mean breakfast and a stroll, then yes. Absolutely."
They laughed softly, enjoying the comfort of the morning as they shared a simple meal of bread and fresh fruit. Between bites, they reminisced about their recent promotion to 3-star adventurers, marveling at how much had changed in just a few weeks.
After breakfast, they set aside time for practice. Yoshiya concentrated on his spells, carefully alternating between Protect and the new Barrier technique. He tested angles, timing, and mana concentration, finding ways to make the shield precise and efficient. Beside him, Omina moved with fluid grace, running through sword forms and agility drills, imagining herself as a Blade Master, Archer, or Thief.
Occasionally, they'd glance at each other and laugh—Yoshiya struggling with a miscast spell, Omina tripping over a branch during a maneuver. Their lighthearted banter eased the tension, the comfort of their companionship as important as the skills they were honing.
By mid-afternoon, they decided to leave the training grounds for a short walk through Orleaf. The town was alive with the hum of daily life: vendors calling out, children laughing, and the occasional bark of a dog. They wandered along the riverbank, the gentle current reflecting the afternoon sun, and stopped at a small market to grab a few supplies.
"I think I'll need a new cloak before Reflynne," Yoshiya said, examining a display of neatly folded fabrics.
"Or maybe some new boots," Omina teased, nudging him lightly. "Can't have you slipping mid-exam."
They wandered further, pausing at the forest edge to watch the sunlight filter through the trees. A comfortable silence settled over them as they took in the quiet beauty of their surroundings. No goblin ambushes, no looming threats—just the two of them, a peaceful moment in a world that rarely offered such luxuries.
As evening approached, they returned to their inn, sitting side by side on the veranda. The sun dipped low, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
"You know," Omina said softly, leaning back on her hands, "I never thought getting promoted could feel… this nice."
Yoshiya nodded, his gaze on the horizon. "Yeah. We've earned this moment. But the exams are coming, and I want to be ready."
Omina smiled, nudging him with her shoulder. "Then let's get some rest. Tomorrow, we train harder. After that… Reflynne."
The words lingered, filled with promise and excitement. They packed their belongings, making final preparations for the journey ahead. With the quiet town of Orleaf behind them, they set off the next morning, traveling along the familiar roads toward Reflynne. Yoshiya's mind raced with anticipation for the White Mage exam, while Omina silently considered her own path, imagining the possibilities that lay ahead.
The sun rose higher as they walked side by side, the town fading into the distance. Ahead lay the next chapter of their lives—new skills to master, new responsibilities to bear, and the ever-present bond between them guiding each step.