Chapter 13
After everything that happened, the four of them talk.
Shin explains what he realized in the moment when death felt close. He speaks calmly, choosing his words carefully. The others listen intently.
"That state you mentioned," Arthur asks, "the free state… how do you reach it?"
Shin shakes his head.
"It's not that simple. I was only able to transfer my mana into the sword not into the environment."
Ray frowns.
"Then what's the key?"
"You have to be calm," Shin replies. "You need to understand how mana feels. Only then can you start working on moving its flow outward. That's just my theory but it's the only explanation I have."
The others stare at him, stunned. Shin himself seems surprised by his own words.
Then reality catches up to them.
They remember why they came here.
After eating, they search for a place to rest. Their wounds are healed, but the pain hasn't faded. Reinzahn takes to the air again, and after thirty minutes, they spot a small house surrounded by dense nature.
They land.
Shin knocks.
The door opens.
A fairy stands there.
The moment she sees humans, her eyes widen.
"Humans?!" she screams.
Before she can react further, Reinzahn speaks.
"These humans are not what you think."
The fairy stares at him in disbelief.
"A dragon… with humans? Impossible!"
Shin steps forward.
"Thinking like that is exactly the problem. Humans aren't treating everyone equal but neither are angels, fairies, or demi-humans. Some are cruel. But not all. Judging an entire race because of a few is wrong."
The fairy's face trembles.
She starts crying.
Another fairy appears older, graceful, calm.
"Why is my daughter crying?" she asks.
Arthur answers honestly.
"Our friend told her the truth."
The older fairy sighs.
"The truth is not always gentle… but it must be faced."
She turns sharply to her daughter.
"I taught you to be cautious, not hateful. Why do you think this way?"
The daughter lowers her head.
Shin bows slightly.
"I'm sorry. I could have spoken more gently."
Ray explains why they are here. When he finishes, the older fairy nods slowly.
"The Spirit Garden does not reveal itself easily," she says. "Even if you enter it, you must be worthy. That is all I know."
As an apology, she invites them inside. Reinzahn stays outside he's far too large.
They sit in the living room. The daughter brings tea.
"I'm sorry," she says softly. "My name is Mira. My mother is Erica."
"That's a beautiful name," Shin, Ray, and Arthur say together.
Suddenly Pain.
The mild ache explodes through their bodies all at once.
The three collapse.
When Shin wakes up, warmth surrounds him.
Mira is asleep beside the guest bed, her head resting near his arm. Bandages cover his body. He realizes immediately—she helped them.
"Thank you," he whispers.
Later, Erica enters the room.
"Mira took care of all of you," she says. "You slept for two weeks."
Shin slowly stands and looks out the window. Sunlight filters through leaves and flowers.
"…Erica," he says quietly. "Will you train me?"
He turns to her and bows deeply.
"Please."
She studies him for a long moment.
"I will," she says at last. "But only you."
Ray and Arthur, who have overheard everything, step forward.
"That's fine," Ray says.
"We'll train with Reinzahn."
Arthur nods.
"We'll get stronger our own way."
Shin smiles.
"Thank you."
The atmosphere in the room feels peaceful almost unreal.
Ray and Arthur prepare to leave.
"We'll meet again in three months," Ray says.
"At the mountain, three kilometers from here."
"Get stronger," Arthur adds.
"I will," Shin promises.
As they leave, Erica turns to him and smiles faintly.
"Tomorrow, we begin," she says.
"Human boy."
How strong will Shin get ?
Will Shin succeed reaching free Mana?