A pale moon rose over the Star Dou Forest, its silver light casting an ethereal glow over the clearing. The night air was cool, with the scent of fresh earth and damp moss mingling with the faint traces of spirit energy still lingering from the battle. The group was gathered in a loose circle, the crackle of the fire the only sound that filled the otherwise still air.
Oscar, standing in the center, looked both exhausted and exhilarated. The purple glow from his third soul ring activation faded slowly, and his legs wobbled as he steadied himself. His hair, damp from sweat, clung to his forehead as he took a deep breath, finally allowing himself a moment of relief.
The others had gathered around, their faces filled with admiration and encouragement. Xiao Wu was the first to cheer, her voice filled with warmth, "You did it, Oscar!" Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Li Wei stepped forward, a genuine smile playing on his lips. "You're up there now. Welcome to the world of the sky." He placed a steadying hand on Oscar's shoulder, his voice low but filled with pride.
Oscar looked up at him with a grateful expression. "Couldn't have done it without you, Li Wei. You really kept me going." His voice wavered slightly, the weight of the battle and the transformation finally starting to settle in.
The group nodded in agreement. Tang San offered a smile of approval, "That was impressive. Your first flight—smooth and controlled." His voice was calm but approving, his eyes shining with the same pride that the others shared.
Oscar's heart swelled with gratitude. "I wouldn't have made it without the team's support," he said, catching his breath. "But, this… this is something else."
Zhu Zhuqing, standing at the edge of the group, watched silently. Her sharp, deep purple eyes glimmered in the moonlight as she observed the others' reactions. There was no mistaking the pride she felt, but her expression remained composed, the typical cold distance masking the warmth that flickered within her. She glanced briefly at Li Wei, who had been standing closest to Oscar during his transformation. A subtle warmth passed between them, an unspoken understanding that ran deeper than mere friendship. They had shared so many battles, so many moments of trust, and tonight had added another layer to their bond.
Li Wei, noticing her gaze, gave her a small, reassuring smile. It wasn't romantic, but it was something more than the camaraderie they'd shared before—a quiet acknowledgment that they had both grown, not just as warriors, but as people who had learned to trust one another in ways words could never fully express.
They were close, far closer than friends, yet neither of them felt the need to define it. There was no rush for more, not yet. They knew where they stood, and for now, that was enough.
As the others continued to celebrate, Ning Rongrong, who had been standing off to the side, finally moved toward Li Wei and Zhu Zhuqing. She caught the exchange between them—between the two of them—and though her heart fluttered with something unspoken, she kept her composure. She had yet to fully sort through her feelings, and while a part of her was drawn to Li Wei, she wasn't ready to let herself feel more than the warmth of their friendship.
"You two are quiet tonight," Ning Rongrong teased lightly, her voice carrying a playful tone. "Are you both going to stand around looking all serious while the rest of us celebrate?"
Li Wei turned to her, a genuine smile on his lips. "There's no harm in letting the others have the spotlight. Oscar did a great job." His voice held a teasing lilt, though there was a quiet intensity in his eyes as he glanced back toward Zhu Zhuqing, who stood beside him.
Zhu Zhuqing, ever the enigma, gave a subtle nod but said nothing, allowing the others to continue their banter.
Ning Rongrong stepped closer, her eyes dancing with curiosity. "I see that," she said, glancing at Zhu Zhuqing, "but I also see that you two are… not exactly normal friends, are you?" Her tone was light, as though she were merely commenting on something interesting, but there was a note of something deeper in her words, a quiet acknowledgment that there was more between Li Wei and Zhu Zhuqing than the others had fully realized.
Li Wei caught her eye and shrugged, though he knew she could read between the lines. "Maybe we're just old friends who've been through a lot together. That's all."
Ning Rongrong's smile softened, a knowing gleam in her eyes. "I suppose that's one way to put it," she replied, her voice gentle.
Zhu Zhuqing said nothing, but the faintest flicker of a smile appeared on her lips. There was no need for words to explain the bond between her and Li Wei. Their connection had always been one of understanding, forged in the fires of battle and the quiet moments shared between fights. It was a bond that ran deeper than friendship but was not yet the fiery passion of romance. It was something more comfortable, something they both respected without feeling the need to rush forward.
Meanwhile, Dai Mubai, who had been watching the interaction from across the clearing, felt a subtle unease settle in his chest. His eyes flicked between Tang San, who was talking with Ma Hongjun, and Li Wei, who was standing so close to Zhu Zhuqing. There was a quiet tension in the air, as Dai Mubai felt quite jealousy whenever he saw Li Wei and Zhu Zhuqing exchange looks. He had seen their bond grow over time, and though he respected it, he do not like it.
Tang San, noticing Dai Mubai's gaze, raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. He was no stranger to the emotions of his teammates and, though it seemed like Dai Mubai was struggling with his feelings, Tang San knew the best course of action was simply to let things play out.
---
The fire crackled, sending sparks into the night air, as the group began to settle in for the night. Zhu Zhuqing sat beside Li Wei, her head leaning slightly against his shoulder as they both gazed into the flames. It was a quiet, intimate moment, but neither of them felt the need to break the silence. The others already asleep at this time as he volunteered to be the first watch. Li Wei and Zhu Zhuqing remained still, comfortable in the shared silence that had become a language of its own between them.
Li Wei's thoughts wandered as he looked at the fire, the warmth of the flames a stark contrast to the cool night air. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew that, whatever it was, he and Zhu Zhuqing would face it together. There was no rush for anything more. For now, they were content to simply be.
Zhu Zhuqing, sensing the unspoken bond between them, allowed her eyes to soften, her head resting a little more firmly against him. She didn't need to say anything either. There were no words to describe what had passed between them, nor was there any need to define it. Their connection was simply something they both understood.
---
As dawn's first light crept through the trees, the group began to stir. The exhaustion from the night's battle still weighed heavily on them, but there was also a sense of relief—a sense that they had moved one step closer to their ultimate goal. They were a team, bound by more than just the trials they faced together. They were friends, comrades, and for some, perhaps something more.
But for now, that would be enough.