In the training yard, Mirai practiced alone, wielding her staff with precise movements, her features reflecting deep concentration. Not far away, Hikari sat beneath the shade of a tree, absorbed in a book about light magic. Mirai glanced briefly in his direction before silently resuming her training, certain thoughts flickering through her mind.
She finally slowed down, concluding her exercises. Taking a deep breath, she skillfully twirled the staff between her fingers before placing it aside. Quietly, she approached him, pausing briefly once she was close enough, casting him a sidelong glance.
"Hikari, I have a question."
He closed his book gently, looking up at her. "What's on your mind?"
She hesitated momentarily before speaking, her voice spontaneous yet genuinely curious. "Have you ever thought about getting a magical robe or a ring?"
A faint look of surprise crossed his face. He clearly hadn't expected the question. He stared at her thoughtfully for a moment, then rested his chin on his hand. "Hmm..." he sighed lightly. "A robe and a ring? Honestly, I haven't considered it before. Perhaps because I've never truly felt the need. I rarely exhaust my magic, except in those instances when I... heal you."
After a brief pause, he added, "But you're right. It might be wise to consider them."
Mirai didn't respond, only offering a slight smile. Turning around, she swung her staff over her shoulder and returned to the training area, leaving him staring blankly at the book, no longer truly reading.
The next few hours passed quietly, and as the sun set, they both returned to the inn. Mirai's thoughts, however, lingered on the robe and ring.
Entering her room silently, she sat on the edge of her bed. Resting her forehead in her palm, she stared at the same spot on the floor, as if an important decision was quietly taking shape within her.
Eventually, she stood up slowly and left the inn, heading toward the market.
She didn't intend to buy anything—but she wanted to see.
---
Night had begun wrapping the city in soft lights, yet the magical market still bustled with life. She wandered leisurely among the shops, reading signs and examining displays, evaluating something beyond what was physically present.
Finally, she paused in front of a small shop with a slightly weathered wooden facade. Above its door hung an engraved wooden board: "Ancient Magic."
She entered calmly. An elderly man, whose serene features were as peaceful as a mountain breeze, greeted her warmly. "Welcome. Looking for something specific?"
"I want a magical robe and ring... something to enhance magic and hasten recovery. I want the strongest you have."
The merchant nodded and began presenting various items, each marked with unique inscriptions and symbols.
Mirai studied them carefully, saying little, her eyes quietly assessing each piece.
"Not as bad as I expected," she thought silently. "At least now I know the market's upper limit. I can create something even better myself."
She thanked the merchant and left without purchasing anything.
On the way back to the inn, her steps were unhurried. The night air had grown slightly chilly, though her mind was far more unsettled than her calm exterior suggested.
Upon returning, she immediately ascended to the upper floor, stopping outside Hikari's room. She knocked softly.
After a brief pause, the door opened, revealing a somewhat puzzled-looking Hikari, remnants of fatigue still visible in his eyes.
She met his gaze calmly. "Sorry for disturbing you, but there's something I needed to talk about."
He opened the door wider. "It's alright, come in."
She stepped inside and stood quietly in the center of the room, hesitating slightly before finally speaking. "I'm leaving the city tonight."
She looked up at him. "Alone. I might be gone for a while."
Clear concern crossed Hikari's features as he straightened slightly, his heart sensing what was to come. "Why?" he asked quietly, tension evident in his voice. "Has something happened?"
Mirai shook her head slowly. "No. I received a mission... for one person only."
He didn't respond immediately, only stared at her as if her answer hadn't reassured him. "And where is this mission?" he asked, his voice less calm now.
She hesitated before clearly stating, "In the Forest of Saira."
Time paused for a heartbeat. Hikari froze, eyes widening involuntarily. "Forest... of Saira?" he repeated slowly, needing confirmation. He continued quickly, voice low but charged, "That place is entirely outside human territory... It's rarely even mentioned. It's... home to the Spirit Race."
She nodded quietly, confidently. "I know. But I must go. There's something I need there. I won't be long."
He stepped closer, urgency growing in his voice, yet retaining his usual calmness. "You know they despise demons more than anything else. They'll treat you as a threat from the first moment. They might not relent, even if you tell them you're half-spirit."
Mirai took several steps toward him, stopping directly in front of him. Meeting his gaze steadily, she said softly with a reassuring smile, "My spirit sword can handle them. Don't worry; I'll be fine."
He raised his hand to his forehead, sighing deeply, then lowered it, looking at her again with eyes weary from worry. "I'm not only talking about fighting. That forest isn't normal, Mirai. The barrier surrounding it isn't easily breached. Not to mention the spirits themselves... they don't negotiate, they don't talk. They attack any intruder immediately."
She continued to look at him steadily. "I'm aware. I'll go and reach the forest before tomorrow evening."
He stared at her for a long moment, finally shaking his head slightly, realizing she'd already decided and further persuasion wouldn't help.
"Alright... at least allow me to cast a Link of light spell. If you're injured, I'll be able to heal you immediately, even from afar."
Mirai nodded quietly. "Good idea. Since I'm going far away, we can test how distance affects the spell. The books never clearly mentioned its limit."
Hikari raised his hands slowly, tracing delicate symbols in the air while murmuring a brief incantation. Light symbols faded from his palms, drifting toward Mirai, disappearing into her as a gentle glow.
Lowering his hands, he said softly, "Please... be careful."
She didn't respond, only smiled reassuringly before turning and leaving the room.
Minutes passed, and soon she quietly departed the inn. On the road leading west, her steps slowed. She glanced back toward the distant lights of the city.
After ensuring the road was empty, she inhaled deeply. Moments later, massive black wings emerged silently from her back. She rose swiftly, vanishing into the night sky.
Once above the clouds, she drew her spirit sword and raced swiftly, covering distances like a streak across the sky, flying nonstop through the night.
She soared over towns, rivers, and mountains, steadily approaching her destination.
By the following evening, the forest came into view—a dark, dense green mass growing thicker as she approached.
---
Mirai descended slowly, landing at the forest's edge. Before her stood enormous trees forming a near-impenetrable green wall, branches intertwined above, blocking daylight even in midday. The air felt heavy with moisture, the ground blanketed in dark leaves that muffled every step.
She began walking carefully, each step deliberate, as if the forest itself watched her. Suddenly, she felt the air around her grow heavier—not an illusion but a tangible resistance, as if the atmosphere itself rejected her presence.
Mirai stopped abruptly, drawing her spirit sword slowly. Gripping it firmly with both hands, she closed her eyes momentarily, gathering a concentrated surge of her energy before swiftly swinging the sword.
The invisible barrier shuddered and tore open, forming a narrow gap barely large enough for her to pass through.
Breathing deeply, she felt a slight exhaustion settle over her, but didn't pause. She stepped through the gap, and as soon as her foot touched the ground on the other side, the barrier sealed itself behind her as if nothing had happened.
She pressed onward.
---
The sun had vanished behind the mountains, shadows blanketing the landscape as the moon quietly ascended into the night sky. Suddenly, Mirai halted.
She sensed something clear and powerful—more than mere energy.
She discreetly placed her right hand inside her left sleeve, preparing herself.
A man emerged from the trees, walking toward her with deliberate steps.
He gazed at her, speaking calmly but clearly, his voice laced with subtle contempt:
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"A demon in the Land of Spirits. You know, they say impudence has limits—but I'm certain even impudence itself is shocked by you."
Mirai met his gaze steadily, allowing herself a faint smile. "With your immense energy, you must be Renso—the Spirit King. I didn't expect you to personally greet me."
She drew her spirit sword, releasing a subtle pulse of her energy. The tension thickened, yet she stood unwavering.
Renso regarded her coldly. "I felt your presence when you shattered the barrier... but don't deceive yourself into believing you're too strong to be stopped."
He unleashed an overwhelming burst of spiritual power, vastly exceeding hers, causing the surrounding trees to shake as though caught in a violent storm.
"Do not assume that your half-spirit blood will spare you here," he stated with chilling finality.
Mirai only smiled faintly, not retreating.
After a moment, Renso slowly reduced his energy, stating coolly: "Yet I won't kill you immediately—not before I hear why you've come here."
Mirai responded with a slight smile, "I thought you'd attack without asking questions."
Renso's eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm simply curious. When a demoness of Levian's lineage enters the Forest of Spirits, I hardly consider it a friendly visit. Were you cast out by your own kind and seeking refuge here?"
Tilting her head slightly, Mirai replied with a hint of sarcasm: "Interesting. So you know who I am. I didn't come here to live among you—I came for one thing only: the Spirit King's crystal."
A deadly silence fell between them. Without a word, Renso's spiritual energy exploded once more, shaking the earth like a destructive earthquake. Finally, he spoke firmly:
"Something like that... you'll only obtain over my dead body."
The instant his words ceased, he released an immense wave of spiritual energy aimed unmistakably at Mirai—charged with lethal intent.
The atmosphere shifted instantly. The air thickened, and nature itself seemed to hold its breath. A faint rumble followed, as though the world itself trembled beneath his power.
Mirai felt Renso's devastating energy advancing toward her like an unstoppable tidal wave. Still, she didn't back away. Her eyes blazed with rare excitement, her lips curved into the faint, daring smile reserved solely for battles worthy of her strength.
In a flash, the battle commenced.
Mirai's spirit sword surged forward, colliding with the waves of Renso's spiritual energy. The clash resonated like the tearing of the heavens themselves.
Although Mirai had already expended considerable energy breaking through the barrier, she showed no weakness. Her movements were precise, weaving between strikes like navigating through rain. But the gap in their strength was evident, and Renso was no ordinary adversary.
Each blow of her sword clashed against the dense spiritual shield enveloping Renso's body. Every advance sent her recoiling due to the intensity of his aura. With each collision, surrounding trees trembled violently, shedding leaves as they shook.
Mirai's senses sharpened to their limits. She heard every breath, felt every subtle shift in the air, reading each vibration as a potential attack.
Renso unleashed a series of concentrated, precise strikes, forcing Mirai to exert every ounce of skill and energy to evade. Her breathing quickened, fatigue gradually infiltrating her muscles. Yet her determination was unyielding.
At a decisive moment, Renso detected a fleeting weakness in her stance and surged forward at tremendous speed, aiming his hand directly toward her heart.
She attempted to evade, but couldn't match his swift precision. His strike pierced her side, leaving a deep wound that tore her flesh open and ignited agonizing pain.
Mirai paused, breathing heavily, eyes narrowing from the intense pain radiating from her wound. She felt as if something vital was seeping away with her blood, warmth slowly fading from her spirit.
Yet, despite it all, she smiled.
She raised her left hand, gripping Renso's arm still embedded in her body, whispering sharply, though her voice betrayed exhaustion:
"That was close... You almost got my heart."
She lifted her right hand, preparing a counterattack, but Renso quickly withdrew his hand and stepped back, eyes sharp and alert.
"It's over," he calmly stated with certainty.
But Mirai, despite the blood staining her kimono, smiled once again. Gradually, the deep wound began to heal—not through ordinary magic.
Renso's eyes widened as he observed the strange aura now enveloping her.
An ancient, vibrant spiritual light, pulsing and interweaving with her body, reconstructing it. This wasn't ordinary healing magic—it was something far beyond typical spiritual limits.
"What is this...?" Renso muttered incredulously. "This isn't merely a healing spell."
Mirai looked at him through half-lidded eyes, speaking softly but firmly: "My end won't come that easily."
She raised her sword again, newfound strength surging through it.
Renso stepped back slightly, his gaze fixed on the radiant glow surrounding her. He spoke slowly, confusion still clouding his thoughts:
"This power... How did you come by this spirit?"
Mirai hesitated, trying to understand. "What do you mean?"
Still staring at her as if examining an open puzzle, he explained: "The spirit that healed you—that was the Guardian of Spirits' own energy."
Mirai froze momentarily, not comprehending at first. "Guardian of Spirits? I'm not sure what you're talking about."
Renso immediately withdrew his energy, approaching Mirai slowly but without hostility, his face reflecting both intrigue and confusion.
"You said you came for the Spirit King's crystal, correct? Why do you need it—and who cast the Link of light spell on you?"
Mirai sighed, slightly tense. "It seems we both have questions."
She sheathed her sword, her body still aching from the wound but no longer interested in continuing the fight now.
Turning his back slowly, Renso said, "Come with me."
Mirai stepped back cautiously, still watching him closely. "Why should I trust you?"
He stopped, turning calmly to face her again, his voice clear and devoid of threats, filled only with clarity:
"You're not obligated to trust me. But you said we both have questions—and if you want answers, your only choice is to follow me. And don't speak so carelessly—I could kill you anytime I wished."
Mirai studied his expression briefly, realizing that further confrontation wouldn't yield answers. Perhaps what she sought lay beyond the peculiar calm now overtaking Renso's demeanor.
Finally, she conceded: "Fine. I'll go with you. Not like I have much choice."
---
They walked deeper into the forest along a faintly lit path, air heavy but no longer oppressive.
After a short distance, they arrived at a clearing in the heart of the forest, centered around a small wooden cabin surrounded by softly glowing pale-blue flowers whose gentle aura seemed almost to illuminate the air itself.
Renso opened the cabin door, gesturing Mirai inside.
She entered cautiously, carefully scanning the interior. The cabin appeared simple yet deeply mysterious. Spiritual herbs hung from the walls, and ancient symbols adorned the furniture, protecting the place like silent guardians.
Renso sat on a wooden chair near the fireplace and gestured to the seat across from him. "Sit. We should talk."
Mirai sat cautiously, her alertness still peaked despite the subsiding tension.
Renso spoke quietly, "I want to understand everything clearly. But first, tell me who you are."
She studied him carefully before responding calmly, "My name is Mirai, former princess of the kingdom of Arximor." After a brief pause, she continued, "You mentioned earlier that my injury was healed by the Guardian of Spirits. What did you mean by that?"
Renso inhaled deeply, gazing into the gentle flames in the fireplace. "Before I explain, I need to know first—who cast the Link of light spell on you?"
Mirai answered simply, "A human boy."
Renso raised his eyebrows with evident curiosity. "Does this boy possess extraordinary healing abilities but is unable to cast such spells on himself?"
Mirai's eyes widened slightly. "That's right. Can you tell me what you know?"
Renso nodded, lowering his voice slightly, as if about to recount an ancient tale. "You must have heard of Arias, the hero. He possessed exceptional healing powers, but these abilities weren't innate. He acquired them from the Guardian of Spirits, Oralis."
Mirai paused to absorb this revelation, while Renso continued, "Despite his immense offensive strength, Arias lacked supportive spells crucial for protecting his companions in battle. One day, the Golden Wisdom Dragon used her special power—The Eye of the Unknown—and saw a disturbing vision: Arias standing beside Astra, directing his sword toward her—the dragon herself."
He fell silent briefly before adding softly, "Based on this vision, the dragon assumed Astra had taken control of Arias. Thus, a crucial decision was made: merging Oralis with Arias's spirit. Despite Arias's complete refusal, the merging was performed forcibly."
Mirai raised an eyebrow in intrigue. "But why specifically choose the Guardian of Spirits? Wasn't there any other option?"
Renso replied calmly, "They aimed to accomplish two goals at once: protecting Arias from Astra's mental influence while granting him Oralis's healing powers. Oralis had the ability to heal any injury, remove curses, and perform the strongest supportive spells linked to the element of light."
Meeting her eyes steadily, he added, "After the fusion, Arias gained a unique power known as Absolute Light—a strength attainable only through merging Oralis's spirit with a human soul."
Mirai lowered her gaze slightly, recalling a distant memory. "The boy I know... He once told me that a woman said to him: 'You will lose all your powers to gain the power of healing.' Is this related?"
Renso nodded slowly. "Yes. It's connected to the nature of the human soul itself. When a powerful spirit like Oralis merges into a human, immense energy is produced—but this energy places unbearable strain on both body and spirit. If the host's original power isn't reduced, their soul could tear apart from within."
Mirai took a deep breath. "I understand now..." Raising her eyes to his, she asked, "But why can't this boy heal himself or cast defensive spells on his own body?"
Renso immediately replied as if he knew the answer well, "Oralis's power was designed solely to aid others. Its energy always flows outward; thus, it can't be directed inward."
Mirai appeared puzzled. "But what about Arias? Wasn't he able to heal himself?"
Renso leaned back slightly. "He was an exception. His merging with the Guardian of Spirits wasn't ordinary. The Golden Wisdom Dragon herself oversaw the fusion, and Arias sacrificed a portion of his lifespan to retain full use of his powers. Therefore, he could use spells like the Phoenix Wings to heal himself."
Mirai crossed her arms, deep in thought. After a moment, she asked, "So... can this power never be extracted from its user?"
After a brief silence, Renso responded, "There's only one method... the Soul Extraction spell."
Leaning slightly forward, his voice quieted further, "But something puzzles me."
Mirai looked directly at him. "What is it?"
He spoke solemnly, "When Arias died fighting Astra, Oralis should have vanished with him."
Mirai tried to reconcile this new information with what she knew. "Perhaps... Arias separated the spirit before his death?"
Renso shook his head slowly. "It's not that simple. Separating merged spirits demands tremendous sacrifice, immense spiritual energy, and a significant portion of the user's life. Arias died in battle, leaving no time to separate Oralis."
Mirai contemplated briefly, then asked, "Do you think there's another explanation for Oralis remaining in this world?"
Renso replied uncertainly, "I don't have an answer. But I do know this: if a merged spirit is incompletely separated, it loses its autonomy, becoming a mere tool that requires a new host to activate it."
He paused, considering something carefully before adding, "There's something important about this boy you know. His powers weren't lost; they were sealed."
Mirai's eyes widened in surprise.
Renso explained further, "Those abilities aren't gone—only dormant, suppressed beneath Oralis's spirit. If he ever chooses to separate that spirit, the cost will be steep—he'll lose a considerable part of his lifespan. Separation after fusion isn't just a removal; it's internal tearing."
Mirai lowered her head slightly and smiled faintly. "Thank you for this information."
Renso raised an eyebrow, "We've spoken at length, but you still haven't answered my initial question. Why did you come here? Was it merely for the Spirit King's crystal?"
Mirai laughed softly. "Ah, I nearly forgot. Yes, I need the crystal."
Renso regarded her sharply. "And why exactly do you want it? The crystal isn't something I give lightly."
She replied simply, "The boy who possesses Absolute Light drains his energy rapidly. I want to craft a magical ring to assist him."
A long silence stretched between them. Renso stared intently into her eyes, silent but scrutinizing every nuance of her expression, clearly conflicted.
Finally, he sighed, slowly extending a hand to trace intricate symbols in the air. Murmuring mysterious words, a gentle spiritual glow formed, condensing into a small crystal shimmering gold and blue.
Holding it briefly, he turned to Mirai. "If this will help him, then I don't mind."
He offered her the crystal. Mirai took it gently, staring thoughtfully into its radiant depths.
"I didn't expect you'd hand it over so easily," she murmured.
Renso smiled gently. "I saw Oralis manifest clearly as he healed your injury. There's no reason for me to refuse."
Mirai turned to leave, but his voice halted her: "Be cautious. Using the crystal requires precision. A single mistake might destroy your soul."
Looking back over her shoulder, she smiled, "I'll be careful. Thank you again."
She walked toward the door, then paused abruptly, turning back to face Renso once more, curiosity glinting openly in her eyes. "It might be late to ask, but why do history books never mention Oralis's fusion with Arias? All the stories clearly imply Arias possessed this power himself."
Renso's voice grew quiet, revealing a distant past, "Certain truths were deliberately obscured—not merely because they're dangerous, but because they're tied to a dark chapter in history."
Meeting Mirai's gaze briefly, he continued, "In the past, spirits were forcibly merged into weak humans, granting powers that never belonged to them. Spirits weren't mere energies—they were sentient beings stripped of their freedom, forcibly merged until their consciousness faded into silent tools."
He concluded solemnly, "All that changed after the great war against Astra. At its conclusion, the Golden Wisdom Dragon made a final decree. She divided the world into three regions and erased everything related to spirit fusion—the records, rituals, even memories. Names and stories were altered, all to protect spirits from being enslaved again."
Mirai offered a gentle smile. "Thank you for satisfying my curiosity. I promise to keep this secret."
She exited the cabin, retracing her steps through the quiet forest, contemplating the glowing crystal in her hands.
(To be continued.)
Thank you for reading. hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Things are only just beginning to unfold, so stay tuned—next chapter's going to hit even harder.
See you in the next one!
