Mirai returned to her room at the inn around midnight. She closed the door, placed the items on the table, and picked up the piece of Everlight.

  She quietly drew her spirit sword and directed it towards the metal, cutting it effortlessly due to the blade’s sharpness. Carefully shaping the metal, she formed it into a ring.

  She placed it on her right hand, then grasped the Spirit King's crystal in her left. Closing her eyes, she began breathing deeply, seeking harmony between her body and spirit.

  A sensation of energy flowing from the crystal enveloped her... Her heart trembled with the gentle prickling at her fingertips. The spirit current had started moving.

  Maintaining focus, she carefully guided the energy. She felt the ring vibrate—a faint pulse signaling interaction. The energy surged, causing her heartbeat to quicken, yet she remained steady.

  Minutes stretched on. Finally, the energy settled, and the crystal turned to ash. She opened her eyes and saw a faint shimmer on the ring’s surface, briefly smiling in satisfaction.

  Setting the ring aside, she stood and moved towards the black crystalline fabric and the magical sewing machine.

  She lifted the fabric, its dark surface softly glistening. She took threads of the Demon Spider silk and threaded them into the enchanted sewing machine.

  She began sewing, pushing threads through the fabric. Each stitch was precise. She observed the interaction between the threads and the latent energy within the cloth. The needle moved steadily, tracing invisible magical patterns.

  Hours passed. When the final stitch was placed, she raised the robe and noticed a faint glow across its surface. Setting it aside, she glanced towards the window—sunrise had arrived.

  Mirai picked up the robe and ring, then left her room, heading toward Hikari's chamber. She walked with steady steps, her expression a blend of calm and excitement.

  Stopping at the door, she took a deep breath and raised her hand to knock.

  But at that exact moment, the door opened from inside; Hikari was just about to step out.

  Seeing her, he froze in surprise, relief clear in his eyes.

  He said softly, "I'm glad you're back safe, Mirai."

  Then, with seriousness, he added, "What happened in the forest? Something nearly pierced your heart."

  She shook her head slightly, smiling, "No need for details. What matters is I'm alive."

  Then, enthusiastically, she said, "I brought something for you. Come with me to the training area."

  Hikari followed silently, anticipation evident on his face. Upon arrival, she turned towards him, extending the robe and the ring.

  "I want you to try them."

  Hikari took the robe, observing it momentarily, then put it on. He felt a gentle, warm energy spreading through his body—the robe seemed to adapt to him instantly.

  Then he took the ring and slipped it onto his finger. Immediately, he sensed a new flow of energy, stronger than he'd ever experienced.

  Mirai looked at him intently, "Listen. I want you to do something crazy. Use Healing Field, Barrier, and Healing Flutter—all at once. Summon as many butterflies as you can, place the barrier around me, and expand the field to its maximum extent. And most importantly... maintain it all."

  Hikari’s head throbbed at the mere thought; he stepped back, placing a hand on his head.

  "That's impossible. Healing Field alone drains most of my energy. If I try, I'll collapse... or even die immediately."

  A confident smile appeared on Mirai’s face as she approached him calmly.

  "Trust me. Just try."

  Hikari stared at Mirai, hesitated briefly, but couldn't ignore the determination in her eyes. Her tone and gaze implied something beyond his understanding awaited—only experience could provide answers.

  He exhaled slowly, prepared quietly, and began.

  First, he activated the Healing Field.

  Then, he erected a barrier around Mirai.

  Finally, he started summoning butterflies. Dozens appeared around him, gently glowing.

  Hikari focused, trying to maintain balance between the three spells. He expected rapid exhaustion. But, surprisingly, he felt no fatigue. Instead, a growing strength filled him, his energy seemingly replenishing endlessly.

  The Healing Field expanded beyond the training area, reaching the city's outskirts. The air filled with soft energy; plants blossomed suddenly, and birds began singing all around.

  The butterflies circled Mirai, radiating healing energy.

  The barrier surrounding her remained steady, glowing softly.

  Mirai, genuinely excited, said, "You're amazing, Hikari! You did it! How do you feel?"

  He looked at her, astonished, "I don't know\... this is impossible. My energy keeps regenerating. It feels like I could sustain this forever. Where did you get the robe and the ring?"

  Proudly indicating herself, Mirai answered, "I made them myself. The ring from Everlight metal and the robe from black crystalline fabric. I can't go into details."

  Hikari stared at her incredulously, "Wait. Everlight is extremely rare. It exists only in one known cave. And crystalline? I’ve heard only four Demon Kings possess it."

  Mirai simply replied, "I told you, no details needed."

  She then explained, "Each has a unique power. The robe rapidly restores your magical energy. The ring reduces spell cost to only one-tenth."

  Hikari looked at the ring and robe, slowly saying, "This is too much. I don’t deserve it. You're exaggerating."

  Mirai smiled lightly, "You deserve even more. You saved my life, taught me, and stood by me. This is a gift of gratitude, and I won’t take it back."

  He tried to respond, but words failed him easily.

  "But this..."

  She interrupted, "You deserve it."

  She then said gently, "Hikari, this gift is more than just tools. It's an expression of my gratitude."

  Hikari went silent, feeling warmth within.

  He took a breath, then calmly said, "Alright... I'll accept it."

  Mirai smiled happily, "That's exactly what I wanted."

  She added, "Let's go back to the city."

  They began their return journey, the atmosphere saturated with healing energy. The air was pure, and the surrounding plants were at their most beautiful state.

  **The next morning**

  On a quiet morning, Mirai trained with her short swords in the practice area. She moved swiftly, meticulously focusing on each step. Hikari watched her from a nearby bench.

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  After several minutes, she finished training, approached him, and sat beside him.

  Hikari remarked with a gentle smile,

  "You've improved a lot. Your dual swordsmanship has clearly gotten better."

  Breathing slightly harder, she replied,

  "I don’t feel a big difference compared to the long sword."

  He explained,

  "The difference isn't just the shape. Long swords offer range and stronger strikes, while short swords are faster and better suited for close combat."

  Then he continued,

  "In open battles, length lets you control distance and deliver powerful blows. But in confined spaces, short swords are preferable; they're quicker and allow more freedom of movement."

  Mirai stared at her swords thoughtfully, murmuring,

  "Weight isn't an issue, but you're right—the real difference is the reach. Still, I enjoyed training."

  She gazed toward the horizon,

  "We've spent a long time in this city. Mostly training, yet it passed quickly."

  She turned to him, asking,

  "What do you want to do now?"

  He pondered for a moment, then suggested,

  "Let's head to the guild. We haven't taken any missions lately."

  She replied,

  "Good idea. Hopefully, we'll find something exciting."

  Hikari stood up, and together they left the training ground toward the guild. Upon entering, they were met with a strange silence. The atmosphere felt tense, whispers fluttered among groups of adventurers gathered in corners, anxiety clearly visible on their faces.

  Hikari muttered softly,

  "This atmosphere... it's familiar."

  Mirai approached the mission board but immediately halted. It was completely empty. Exchanging concerned glances, they turned toward the receptionist.

  Hikari asked,

  "Excuse me, has something happened?"

  The receptionist lifted her head, worry evident on her face,

  "Yes. A dangerous demoness appeared recently. Her power is terrifying."

  Hikari’s expression shifted sharply; Mirai noticed immediately.

  He questioned further,

  "Did she attack anyone?"

  The receptionist nodded,

  "Yes, she wiped out an entire assassination squad in the city of Mental with just one spell. Only one barely survived to inform us. Since then, an emergency has been declared. Even high-ranked adventurers have been asked to assist."

  Hikari glanced toward the empty board,

  "So that's why the missions were canceled?"

  "Exactly," she confirmed. "No missions until things calm down. Everyone is searching for her. Her magical energy could easily annihilate an entire city."

  Hikari responded,

  "I see. Thanks for the information."

  Both left the guild in silence.

  Hikari said,

  "It seems we'll be waiting for a while until missions return."

  Mirai smiled,

  "Since everything’s paused… what about the dungeon? The last time was when we faced the hydra."

  He pondered briefly,

  "I’ve heard about a dungeon deep within the forest. It's considered one of the most dangerous in the kingdom."

  Mirai excitedly replied,

  "Perfect! Let’s go now."

  They headed toward the forest surrounding the city, Mirai’s mind brimming with anticipation. After hours of walking, they reached the dungeon entrance—a huge stone door covered in plants and ancient roots.

  Mirai stepped forward, slowly pushing the door open. It creaked deeply as it moved.

  Inside, darkness loomed thickly.

  Hikari stepped forward,

  "Let me try something."

  He closed his eyes and raised his hand. Glittering golden butterflies appeared, illuminating the air.

  Mirai asked, amazed,

  "You're using butterflies instead of lamps?"

  He answered,

  "Yes. They’ll illuminate our path far ahead and show any traps."

  He extended his hand and placed a barrier around Mirai.

  Smiling lightly, he said,

  "Now we can move safely. Also, I've learned some excellent new tricks from the book while you were in the forest. Your death is impossible now. I can combine spells with the link of light."

  Mirai joked lightly,

  "Aren't you exaggerating? I won't get hurt easily."

  He smiled,

  "Caution doesn’t hurt. And thanks to the robe and ring, my energy won’t run out. Let's start."

  They entered the dungeon, golden butterflies illuminating their way. Moss-covered walls echoed their footsteps.

  They swiftly progressed through the initial floors, defeating strong monsters easily due to Mirai’s skills.

  Soon, they reached the twentieth floor and stopped before a vast hall filled with massive stone statues.

  Hikari warned,

  "These aren't just decorations. Be careful."

  Mirai advanced, gripping her sword, ready.

  The statues began moving, heavy footsteps reverberating through the hall.

  Hikari quickly said,

  "Stone golems! Watch out!"

  Mirai stood still before a golem as it raised its arm to attack.

  Hikari shouted,

  "Move back!"

  But she didn't budge.

  The golem struck the barrier; its arm instantly shattered, scattering debris everywhere. It stumbled back, but Mirai remained firm.

  Smiling, she attacked and swiftly destroyed the golem. She then swiftly dispatched the others one by one.

  Hikari approached her,

  "Nicely done. But why let the golem hit you?"

  She replied casually,

  "I was testing the barrier. It’s extremely strong. Previous enemies were weak and didn't justify testing it."

  Hikari admitted,

  "I didn’t expect it to break the arm of a high-ranked golem."

  Mirai urged,

  "Let's keep going. I want to test the barrier more."

  Hikari cautioned,

  "Alright, but don't be reckless."

  They continued navigating narrow passages, guided by golden butterflies. Occasionally, monsters tried ambushing from shadows, but Mirai reacted swiftly, and the magical barrier repelled any attacks.

  Eventually, they reached an unusually spacious floor. Hikari paused, cautiously scanning the room. An eerie silence and heavy aura filled the air. At the center was a circular engraving surrounded by ancient symbols, faintly glowing.

  Mirai carefully stepped forward, whispering,

  "Something feels off here."

  She approached the symbols slowly, examining them closely,

  "This… looks like an ancient summoning spell."

  Before she finished speaking, the ground beneath them violently shook. The symbols glowed intensely, releasing a vivid red beam from the center.

  They both jumped backward, watching as a colossal red-ruby giant emerged, its body like a gemstone sculpture, shimmering ominously.

  Hikari quickly whispered, stunned,

  "This is the Ruby Giant…"

  Mirai sharply asked,

  "What do you know about it?"

  Hikari answered,

  "I've read about it. It’s immune to both magic and physical attacks. Its body is extremely hard. Classified as SS-rank, its attacks equal level 13 magic."

  Mirai eagerly raised her spiritual sword, announcing confidently,

  "I'll handle it!"

  Hikari urgently shouted,

  "Be careful! Don’t underestimate it!"

  Mirai immediately rushed toward the giant, who swung a powerful blow at her. The strike collided with the magical barrier, causing it to alarmingly crack, the sound echoing throughout the hall.

  Mirai paused momentarily, staring in astonishment at the massive fracture that had appeared:

  "The barrier isn’t immune to level-13 attacks."

  Hikari shouted anxiously:

  "Be careful!"

  She swiftly retreated, narrowly evading a second strike. However, the giant slammed its fist into the ground, sending sharp ruby shards flying towards her at incredible speed.

  Mirai raised her sword, barely deflecting the shards. At the same moment, Hikari reinforced the barrier around her.

  Mirai smiled, determination blazing in her eyes, and charged forward again. She leaped high into the air and swung down with all her strength, shattering the giant’s arm entirely.

  Suddenly, energy gathered ominously in the giant’s chest. Hikari warned urgently:

  "Watch out! It’s about to unleash a devastating attack!"

  Mirai swiftly leaped backward just as the giant released a destructive beam. She deflected the attack with her sword, but the explosion sent her flying backwards. Standing up again with a smile and even greater determination, she caught her breath and declared:

  "I’ll finish this now."

  She dashed forward again, skillfully evading the relentless barrage of shards the giant hurled to keep her at bay. She gathered all her strength for one decisive strike.

  Leaping high above the giant’s head, she swung her sword downward with full force, splitting the giant cleanly in half—but the impact shattered the bones in both her arms.

  The hall shook violently. The giant’s remains began glowing intensely, prompting Hikari to yell desperately:

  "It’s going to explode! Move away now!"

  Mirai jumped away with all her might, but couldn't avoid the explosion completely. She fell heavily to the ground, huge stones falling from the collapsing ceiling. Dust filled the air as she struggled to her feet, coughing.

  "Hikari!" she shouted anxiously, searching frantically until she saw him lying motionless, blood covering his arm and chest.

  She rushed to his side, dropping to her knees, heart pounding fiercely:

  "Hikari! Are you okay?"

  He slowly opened his eyes, managing a weak smile:

  "I'm… fine. Just scratches. I was far enough from the blast—the shards aren't serious."

  He opened his bag, retrieved a teleportation crystal, and said:

  "Let's get out of here. You look utterly exhausted."

  Noticing her broken arms, he remarked sarcastically:

  "My goodness, do you always enjoy breaking your bones?"

  Mirai smiled despite her concern:

  "I got carried away. Besides, you can easily heal me now without putting yourself at risk."

  Hikari activated the teleportation crystal, transporting them safely outside.

  It was completely dark now, stars filling the sky, and silence blanketing their surroundings. They sat briefly to rest. Hikari first used his healing magic on Mirai, then took out bandages and healing potions, tending to himself afterward.

  They began their journey back to the city through the quiet forest, Mirai noticeably silent, worry etched on her face.

  As they walked quietly in the darkness surrounded by trees, Mirai turned to Hikari, softly apologizing:

  "I’m sorry… I was supposed to protect you. I always forget my surroundings when I get too excited."

  Hikari smiled reassuringly:

  "No need to apologize. I understand your excitement. You rarely get a chance to unleash your full power without consequences."

  Mirai laughed softly, replying:

  "You’re right. I usually have good logic—I never risk unnecessarily. But as long as I know I can heal afterward, I’ll fight without restraints…"

  Suddenly, Mirai fell silent, halting abruptly as a chilling sensation ran through her body.

  Hikari turned quickly:

  "What’s wrong?"

  She didn't immediately respond, her heartbeat accelerating sharply. Slowly, she turned around, her expression growing increasingly tense.

  Just a few steps away stood a young woman, about Mirai’s age, gazing calmly at her with a cold, steady smile.

  The girl spoke quietly, confidently:

  "It's been a long time, Princess Mirai."

  Mirai tightened her fists, her expression turning icy and sharp:

  "I knew you were behind the recent chaos… Iris."

  Iris slowly raised her hand, revealing a dark crystal pulsating with mysterious energy, responding in a composed tone filled with hidden implications:

  "And I'm glad you're still alive... For now."

  (To be continued.)

  Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

  Big things are coming next chapter… you won’t want to miss it.