This time, both Sebastián and Diana were invited to the private lesson with the Naiad.

  They were immediately captivated by the ethereal beauty of the water spirit. Still, there was no time to waste—the lesson began at once.

  The only one unable to attend was Anita.

  Although she had been invited, the girl was far too busy, as she was temporarily in charge of the bakery. In truth, the responsibility belonged to one of Valentina’s friends, but she had entrusted Anita with managing the day’s orders.

  Even so, Anita had resolved to do everything she could—even if only to stop by later and greet Nidya in person.

  As for the lesson itself, Nidya began by explaining the fundamentals of water magic.

  “As I told you before,” she said calmly, “when there is a body of water nearby, your attacks become far stronger and consume much less magical energy. That’s because a large portion of the power is drawn directly from the water itself, allowing you to preserve your own mana. However…”

  She paused.

  “…mastering this is not easy.”

  Then, she demonstrated.

  There was no spectacular explosion.

  No overwhelming display of force.

  There was no need.

  “Water Elemental Magic: Water Ball.”

  She raised both arms to her sides, palms facing upward. In one hand, she formed a sphere of water using only her own magical energy.

  With the other, she merged a portion of her mana with the energy flowing through the nearby stream.

  From the water, small bubbles rose and drifted toward her palm, merging with the sphere. Though both spheres were the same size, the second radiated a far denser presence—its power unmistakably greater.

  It was the fusion of her own energy with that of nature itself… and the difference was undeniable.

  “If you learn to draw upon natural energy,” Nidya continued, “you can conserve a tremendous amount of mana. With minimal effort, you’ll be able to unleash spells of incredible power.”

  “Do you understand?”

  The children nodded in unison, eyes shining with awe.

  “Do you truly understand?” she asked again, narrowing her eyes slightly. “You don’t seem like ordinary children…”

  They nodded once more.

  “In battle, using the energy of nature grants you an overwhelming advantage. You must learn this. These teachings are far too valuable to ignore.”

  Each of them began imagining how to incorporate this principle into their own fighting style.

  Practice followed.

  Since it was water magic, the goal was simple in theory: to feel the flow of the water and learn how to guide its energy.

  Nidya lined them up side by side, facing her. The stream reached just above their knees.

  Now, each child attempted to apply her teachings in their own way, searching for a rhythm that felt natural.

  “The most important thing,” Nidya explained, “is to feel the energy within the water.”

  She lifted her right hand, and a sphere of water slowly rose from the current.

  “Once you grasp it, you’ll see it’s no different from casting a normal spell—except you’re blending your mana with an external source.”

  “That’s easier said than done…” Sebastián muttered.

  Immediately, the water sphere shot forward and struck him square in the chest.

  “Any complaints?” Nidya asked coolly, fixing him with a sharp gaze.

  Soaked from head to toe, Sebastián shook his head at once—embarrassed, but determined.

  Minutes passed as Nidya answered questions about each child’s magic and combat style.

  Mathias, for example, relied almost entirely on close combat, his fighting style centered on Reinforcement Magic.

  Nidya helped him understand that even a purely melee fighter could benefit from natural energy.

  He could create a high-pressure water blade…

  Wrap his sword in a razor-thin layer of liquid capable of cutting through almost anything…

  Form water gauntlets…

  Or even shape a fluid barrier to block incoming attacks.

  In that moment, the Demi-human grasped something fundamental.

  True strength did not lie solely in internal power—but in mastering both one’s own energy and the energy of nature itself.

  His eyes widened—not only in amazement, but in understanding.

  Selestia, whether with her bow or with spells, specialized in long-range combat… at least for now. According to Nidya, she possessed all the qualities needed to master external energy with ease—first, because of her elven heritage, and second, because of her natural affinity with the environment. All she lacked was practice, and with time, she would be able to control it with confidence.

  In Sebastián’s case, his style revolved around wielding the katana, supported by Reinforcement Magic. He was open to incorporating external energy, especially since he frequently relied on defensive spells in battle. With enough practice, it was likely he would master it as well.

  When it was Christopher’s turn, Nidya let out a soft laugh as she spoke with him.

  Christopher was versatile.

  Whether in close combat—with fists or sword—or in the use of magic at short, medium, or long range, he adapted naturally to any style. Nidya immediately realized that he would have no trouble mastering the energy of nature. In fact, from the very first moment she watched him practice, she sensed the boy’s tremendous potential.

  She couldn’t even begin to imagine how far he might go.

  Her surprise deepened when, after only a few attempts, Christopher became the first to successfully combine his own energy with that of the environment.

  “Ah… now I get it,” he murmured, studying the sphere of water in his palm as he tried to shape it into something new.

  Hearing this, his friends immediately stopped what they were doing and demanded to know how he had managed it.

  And Diana?

  The little girl still couldn’t practice—she was simply too young. At just three years old, it was only natural that Nidya’s teachings were beyond her understanding. So that she wouldn’t feel left out, the Naiad chose to entertain her instead, shaping playful water figures and dancing forms that made Diana burst into laughter.

  It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Nidya had fallen completely in love with little Diana.

  Mathias laughed as he watched the scene, catching his breath after such demanding training.

  “Look,” he said with a grin, pointing at Nidya and Diana. “Another victim of Diana’s charms.”

  “The only explanation I can think of,” Christopher said, letting the water sphere fall as he took a breath to try again, “is that Diana might be a Unique Magic user. Her Unique Magic is probably being… irresistible or something like that.”

  Selestia crossed her arms and nodded thoughtfully.

  “That seems like the most reasonable explanation…”

  A bead of sweat slid down the back of Sebastián’s neck.

  “Do you seriously think that?”

  Nidya, now seated serenely atop the water’s surface, cradled Diana in her lap. The little girl smiled sweetly, innocent and harmless…

  And yet, by now, everyone knew that her charm was as magical as it was suspicious.

  ? ? ?

  The sun began its farewell, painting the sky in shades of gold and orange. At most, an hour of daylight remained before night claimed the land.

  The children said their goodbyes, completely exhausted after spending the entire afternoon refining their control over magical energy.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Each of them returned home with the shared promise that the next day, after breakfast, they would look for another task to help the village.

  They loved Gignit deeply. It wasn’t just their home—it was part of who they were.

  Only Christopher and Selestia walked back together.

  Of course, not before receiving a pair of not-so-subtle death threats from Mathias and Sebastián, who warned Christopher not to get ahead of them in winning over the beautiful elf.

  “Hey, Christopher…” Selestia called softly, a hint of shyness in her voice. “Can I ask you something?”

  He looked at her, completely innocent.

  “Sure. What is it?”

  “How do you train?” she asked. “You’re always one step ahead of all of us… do you have some kind of secret?”

  Christopher scratched his cheek, his steps slowing without him even noticing.

  “I swear, Selestia,” he said sincerely. “I really don’t know. I’m not lying. If I knew why I learn so fast, I’d tell you right away.”

  Despite his age, he spoke with the calm honesty of someone far more mature.

  “I train the same way you all do… that’s the truth.”

  He lowered his gaze, cheeks tinged with red.

  “Please believe me… I would never lie to you.”

  Selestia felt the sincerity in every word. She knew he was telling the truth—he truly didn’t understand his own potential.

  She gently took his arm.

  “I believe you,” she whispered as they continued walking together.

  Both of them blushed.

  “Let’s hurry,” she added with a small smile. “Lady Valentina is probably already wondering where we are… and I want her to pamper me.”

  ? ? ?

  Back at home, Valentina welcomed them with sweets and a glass of juice for each of them.

  Selestia, who admired her deeply, couldn’t help but savor every bite with her whole heart. To her, those sweets were treasures—not because of their taste alone, but because they had been made by the person she admired most in the world.

  Christopher was the “normal” one between the two—or so they liked to joke.

  They spent some time chatting about the training while Christopher fulfilled his promise, watering his mother’s garden for the entire week. Selestia watched him with a soft smile as she sipped her orange juice.

  Valentina, clearly amused, covered her mouth with graceful elegance.

  “Fufufufu…”

  Night fell without them even realizing it.

  They talked, laughed, and even teased Christopher a little. By the time they noticed how late it was, it was already time to sleep. Together, they headed toward Christopher’s room.

  As they passed by the bedrooms, Selestia caught sight of a framed photograph. In it were Valentina, Alexander, Rachell, and Hermán, standing alongside several other people. It was most likely the old adventuring party of Gignit’s leaders.

  One figure, however, stood out.

  He wore long pants covered in stains—gray, black, and greenish—and on his head, a strange helmet. If one looked closely enough, a small inscription could be seen on it.

  U.S. ARMY

  With full stomachs and light hearts, they were already inside the room, debating who would sleep on the bed.

  “Sleep on my bed, Selestia. I’ll use the mattress,” Christopher said.

  “But this is your room! And besides… I’m the guest!”

  “That’s exactly why you should sleep on my bed,” he replied, taking her by the hand and gently tossing her onto the mattress. “I won’t let you sleep on the floor.”

  Selestia nodded, smiling warmly, unable to hide how his words made her feel.

  Before going to bed, Christopher walked over to the small nightstand beside the bed and touched a sphere resting perfectly balanced on a carved stand. It was about the size of a clenched fist.

  As he infused it with a small amount of magic, the sphere began to levitate a few centimeters above the stand.

  “It’s a cold sphere,” he explained. “In a few moments, it’ll cool the room so we won’t feel the heat.”

  Selestia nodded, watching in fascination as it floated. There was something strangely soothing about its movement.

  Moments later, a cool breeze brushed against her face.

  It’s really pleasant, she thought, closing her eyes with a faint smile.

  ? ? ?

  In the middle of the night, Selestia slowly opened her eyes.

  She frowned. She had always hated waking up at that hour. She tried to fall back asleep… until she noticed the nearby window.

  “Huh…?”

  She murmured, half-asleep, her voice dull and heavy.

  “Why is it open…?”

  As her mind cleared, she turned her head—and what she saw left her completely perplexed.

  Above Christopher—or rather, floating just a few centimeters above him—fluttered more than a dozen small spirits.

  They were the same spirits that lived in Valentina’s garden.

  What does this mean? Selestia thought, her heart beginning to race.

  The scene was magical, almost unreal. She had never seen them behave like this.

  They were so close to Christopher that some of them were resting on his body, as if they considered him a safe haven.

  Selestia realized that Christopher was awake when she saw him extend a hand, offering a finger to one of the spirits—just as one would gently invite a bird to perch.

  The gesture was returned.

  One of the spirits descended softly and settled on his finger.

  “You know… I’ve often wondered why you come into my room and just fly around me,” Christopher murmured, speaking quietly, as if afraid to disturb them.

  At his words, the spirits gathered even closer around him.

  They were tiny—no bigger than a pinky finger—with small humanoid shapes and a faint glow. Their most striking features were their tiny black eyes, which contrasted sharply with the soft white light they emitted.

  Their wings resembled those of dragonflies, though each had only a single pair.

  “I really wish you could talk…”

  As if responding to his words, several spirits descended and walked across the blanket covering him.

  Selestia had sat up on the bed, eyes wide, unable to look away.

  Christopher turned his head and noticed her watching, completely stunned.

  “Selestia… I’m sorry if I woke you,” he whispered. “I was trying to talk to these little ones.”

  “Why do they let you touch them?” she asked, unable to hide her curiosity. It was the only question that truly mattered to her.

  Back home, there were many plants inhabited by spirits—but she had never experienced anything like this. Those spirits rarely even allowed themselves to be seen. And yet, here they were, right before her eyes, in a moment that felt almost sacred.

  Christopher let the spirit perched on his finger take flight—though it didn’t take long before it returned.

  “I don’t know either,” he admitted, smiling at them. “Sometimes they come into my room, flutter around for a while… and then they leave.”

  “You probably heard the question I asked them. Honestly, I don’t know why they do this. They can’t speak our language… but I know they understand me.”

  Selestia couldn’t take her eyes off Christopher or the spirits surrounding him. It felt like watching a dream made real.

  Blushing, and gathering her courage, she voiced what her heart was asking for.

  “C-could you ask them for permission… so I can touch them too? I promise I won’t hurt them. I just want to touch one. Please… tell them.”

  Christopher looked at her gently. Her longing was obvious. Then he turned to the spirits.

  “Guys… she’s my friend, and she wants to meet you. Could you play with her? She won’t do anything bad. I promise.”

  Five spirits drifted toward her, fluttering softly.

  Selestia was utterly mesmerized. Her cheeks turned red, her lips parted in pure joy—and a single tear slid down her right cheek.

  She was overwhelmingly happy.

  The spirits hovered just centimeters from her face, and one of them settled directly before her eyes.

  Selestia extended her hand with reverence.

  The spirit landed on her palm.

  “Chri… Christopher, look!” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I’m touching them! I’m touching them!”

  Christopher smiled at her excitement.

  A small spirit rested on his head, while several others scattered themselves across the blanket covering him.

  Suddenly, all the spirits took flight.

  One by one, they slipped through the slightly open window, vanishing into the darkness of the early morning.

  Selestia’s eyes curved with quiet disappointment. She wished she could have played with them a little longer.

  Christopher let out a soft laugh.

  “Don’t worry… they’ll probably come back tomorrow night. And then you can play with them as much as you want.”

  “Yes!” she exclaimed, radiant with happiness.

  She knew it would be hard to fall asleep. That magical moment would replay in her mind again and again throughout the night. As she thought about it, a faint blush spread across her cheeks.

  She pulled the blanket over her head and murmured softly,

  “Christopher… you’re the best. Thank you so much… I love you.”

  Then she pretended to fall asleep.

  Christopher looked at her, his own face faintly flushed. He smiled, a little foolishly.

  “You’re welcome… I’ll always be there for you…”

  It looked like they shared something special—perhaps even something romantic.

  But the truth was simpler than that.

  They just didn’t know it yet.

  ? ? ?

  The days passed in calm normalcy, filled with laughter, jokes, and shared games among the inseparable friends.

  Among them all, Anita worked the hardest, faithfully devoted to her duties at the bakery.

  Every morning, her friends stopped by to greet her before heading off to their own tasks—cleaning, pulling weeds, helping take care of Diana, and even visiting Nidya so she wouldn’t feel lonely.

  They never would have imagined it.

  In fact, no one in the village could have conceived that something terrible had already happened…

  …and yet, it was far too late.

  That day, the group that had traveled to the city of Nopal returned. And with them came terrible—deeply sorrowful—news.

  When midday arrived, it wasn’t Valentina who prepared lunch. This time, the task fell to Rachell.

  Around the small table, Christopher, Selestia, Sebastián, Diana, and Valentina waited impatiently, nearly drooling with hunger.

  The table was small, but they had managed to make room so everyone could sit together.

  Rachell moved at full speed—especially since Valentina, hungrier than ever, was hurrying her along and pestering her nonstop.

  Rachell forced a smile with all her strength… though the nervous twitch in her right eye told a different story.

  “Alright, kids. One… two… and… three!”

  “WE’RE HUNGRY, MOMMY RACHEEEEELL!” the children shouted in unison, with such enthusiasm that even the spoons seemed to tremble.

  A throbbing vein appeared on Rachell’s forehead.

  The children fell silent instantly, suddenly fascinated by anything in the room that wasn’t her—except Valentina, who burst out laughing.

  “Do you want me to do something funny?” Rachell hissed, her voice dark.

  Valentina swallowed hard.

  “NO, RACHELL! PLEASE, WAIT! STOP! NOOOOOOO! I DON’T WANT THAT!”

  In the blink of an eye, Rachell had Valentina pinned to the floor, holding her arms above her head with one hand while trying to force a piece of meat into her mouth with the other.

  “It’s delicious… yum yum. Come on, try it…” she hissed again, radiating a dark, mocking aura.

  “RACHELL, PLEASE! I’M SO SORRY! DON’T DO THIS TO ME!”

  Valentina whimpered dramatically.

  Rachell laughed with malicious delight.

  And the children… continued eating calmly, as if nothing at all were happening.

  Dramatic tears streamed down Valentina’s beautiful face.

  Beside her, Rachell sighed for what felt like the hundredth time.

  “Please, Mom… I already said I’m sorry.”

  Valentina turned her face away, clearly offended.

  “You tried to make me eat meat…” she said with a cute pout, her voice filled with sorrow.

  They both lowered their voices so the children wouldn’t hear.

  “You’re very mean to your mother. That was extremely cruel… you know elves don’t eat meat.”

  Rachell sighed once more and stood up.

  “Alright, I’m sorry. I’ll make you that dish you like so much… with your favorite juice. Okay?”

  Valentina nodded with exaggerated seriousness.

  She was still “angry,” but her expectant expression betrayed her.

  “I also want sweets.”

  Aside from that incident, the rest of the afternoon passed in relative calm.

  There was little left to do.

  Only anticipation lingered, keeping everyone slightly on edge.

  ? ? ?

  With her head resting on the counter, Anita could barely stay awake.

  F-finally… I’m going to rest… a-a little… she murmured to herself.

  Meanwhile, those who had been helping her continued with a thorough cleaning of the bakery.

  They had told her to rest—and rightly so. She had given absolutely everything she had.

  Even so, she couldn’t fully relax. That comment they had made to her father before leaving kept echoing in her mind… that she needed a new mom.

  Will I… have a mom?

  The thought made her chest tighten, as if she were truly waiting for it.

  She let out a long sigh.

  That’s impossible… What am I even thinking…?

  The others were waiting anxiously as well. Christopher, Sebastián, and Mathias missed their parents.

  Selestia missed hers too. More than a week had passed since she last saw them. Even though she enjoyed Valentina’s care and loved spending time with her, she missed her real parents deeply.

  She wanted to see them, hug them, and be showered with affection.

  She wanted to hear how everything went.

  What the city was like, what the people were like, whether they managed to sell the books… and so many other things.

  She looked toward the gate, knowing there were still hours left before they returned.

  Yet she couldn’t stop the tightness in her chest.

  Mom… Dad… I really want to see you.