The forest stretched out behind him—his cave now just a distant mory. Zane walked with calm steps, End Blade sealed away in his storage, and Nyx humming softly in his mind.
"Nothing for miles," he muttered, shielding his eyes from the sun.
"No threats either," Nyx chid. "Your presence has beco too heavy for weaker monsters to approach."
"Can't complain," Zane said, cracking a smile. "A peaceful walk for once."
He had traveled far beyond the charred remains of his old village. Nature had slowly reclaid the ruins, but Zane hadn't looked back. He had outgrown that place.
By dusk, distant chimneys ca into view—smoke curling lazily against the sky. A village.
Zane's stomach growled. "Please tell they have food."
He approached quietly, brushing dirt from his cloak. The village bustled with activity—rchants calling out deals, smiths hamring away, and the sll of baked bread in the air.
His gaze landed on a small inn. He reached into his storage space... and frowned.
Empty.
"Nyx," he said flatly, "I forgot to loot the damn beasts."
"That's on you," she giggled. "Want to steal bread next?"
Zane groaned. He turned, intending to maybe find so odd job—when a flash of deep navy caught his eye.
A caravan of wagons rolled into the village. Atop them: students in sharp uniforms, chatting, laughing.
Zane froze.
No way.
A familiar voice rang out.
"Field trip ends tomorrow! Don't lose your badges!"
Among the students, a flash of golden hair.
Zane's eyes locked with hers.
Auri.
She blinked.
He blinked.
Nyx whispered in his mind, "Uh-oh."
Zane gave her the smallest of smirks... and then casually turned around, as if he hadn't just bumped into the one person who had chased him across a ravine.
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