The streets of the royal capital buzzed with life. Merchants shouted over one another, children darted between stalls, and the scent of fresh bread and spiced meats filled the air.
Asrial walked beside Theresia, a rare softness in his usually guarded gaze. They weaved through the market together, their pace unhurried as they browsed the stalls.
"Are you sure we need this much dried meat?" Theresia teased, holding up a bulging sack.
"Better to have more than less," Asrial replied, examining the blade of a hunting knife before tossing it onto their growing pile of supplies. "We can't afford to be careless."
She smiled as she added a few bandages and flint stones to their bag. "You're starting to sound like Leonhard."
Asrial let out a small chuckle. "That's not a bad thing, is it?"
Their banter continued as they moved through the market, carefully selecting every item they might need: spare weapons, healing herbs, ropes, even needle-thin daggers for emergency situations.
Despite the looming mission, there was a comfort in these simple moments—walking, laughing, sharing small bits of life.
Theresia suddenly paused, her gaze drifting to a pair of young siblings arguing over a toy sword.
"…You know," she said softly, "I never really had anyone to call a brother. But with you… it feels like I do."
Asrial blinked, caught off guard by her sudden honesty. He opened his mouth but hesitated, unsure of what to say.
Her smile grew. "It's alright. You don't need to say anything."
He finally managed to speak. "I… I'll protect you. Always."
Her eyes lit up, and for a brief moment, the weight on Asrial's shoulders didn't feel so heavy.
---
Back at the estate, the two sparred fiercely, sweat glistening on their brows as wooden blades clashed.
"You're getting faster," Asrial noted, blocking her strike.
"And you're still holding back!" she countered, forcing him back a step.
A faint smile touched his lips. "Not for long."
Their practice lasted until sunset, until their bodies could no longer keep pace with their spirits. Asrial patted her shoulder. "You've come a long way."
Theresia looked up at him, determination blazing in her eyes. "And I'm not done yet. Let's survive this, together."
---
That night, while Theresia rested, Asrial sat alone in his room, legs crossed, eyes closed.
The room grew unnaturally still.
As he focused his breathing, the elemental energies stirred around him—fire, water, earth, wind—all drawn to him as if he were their rightful core.
His skin prickled. Scales—silver, black, and deep crimson—began to creep along his arms and chest. The elements didn't merely hover around him now—they tried to consume him.
The weight on his soul grew unbearable, like his very existence was being crushed under the invisible hand of fate.
Pain lanced through his chest. His breathing sharpened.
"Why…" he whispered, trembling. "Why do I even exist? Why was I born like this?"
For a fleeting moment, despair gnawed at him—a whisper to simply let go.
But then he remembered Theresia's smile. Leonhard's unwavering trust.
His fingers dug into his thigh, anchoring him to reality.
"I will not crumble."
His resolve surged, stabilizing the raging elements. The scales receded slowly, reluctantly, as if retreating in the face of his will.
Asrial exhaled, his body drenched in sweat.
Not yet. Not now.
I can't fall.
---
The morning of the exam arrived swiftly.
Leonhard stood at the center of the transportation chamber, his expression severe but laced with unspoken worry.
"You both understand the mission. Ten days. Fifty monsters. No less."
Asrial and Theresia nodded in unison, their faces calm, their hearts steady.
Leonhard approached them, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "This forest is not just about surviving the monsters. It's about surviving yourselves. You'll face hunger, exhaustion, fear… and worse. Trust each other. Watch each other's backs."
Theresia grinned. "Always."
Leonhard's gaze softened slightly as he turned to Asrial. "I won't be there to protect you. But you don't need me anymore, do you?"
Asrial lowered his head in a respectful bow. "You've already given me more than enough. I will protect what I've gained."
Leonhard's lips twitched, the faintest smile. "Then go."
At his command, a circle of mages raised their staffs. Ancient glyphs glowed beneath Asrial and Theresia's feet, humming with power.
In a flash of light, the two vanished—transported into the depths of Adramis Forest.
Their survival had begun.