The central plaza of Zharakai was unrecognizable compared to the overgrown ruin it had been just days before. The first row of houses surrounding the plaza now stood restored, their stone walls reinforced and cleared of vines. The Molvari and human settlers worked side by side, their combined efforts turning the once-abandoned city into a growing settlement.

  Children darted between the wagons, carrying buckets of water from a nearby fountain, their laughter ringing out in the cavern. Villagers hauled lumber and stone, guided by Molvari who used their natural digging abilities to excavate debris and stabilize the foundations of larger buildings. Above them, the glowing crystals embedded in the cavern walls bathed the scene in warm, perpetual light.

  Kael stood on the edge of the plaza, watching the activity with quiet satisfaction. Progress was slow but steady, and the energy of the settlers reflected a newfound hope. He adjusted his cybernetic eye, scanning the perimeter for areas needing reinforcement before turning his attention to the far side of the plaza, where a familiar figure was addressing a small group.

  Berry stood before a group of curious villagers, his staff lightly tapping the ground as he spoke. On the ground beside him were diagrams hastily scratched into the dirt, showing swirling symbols representing Mana. Alma sat nearby, her hands idly playing with a small clump of dirt, while Felix leaned against a stone wall, arms crossed and his expression a mix of interest and skepticism.

  Berry gestured to one of the diagrams, his tone animated but serious. “Mana isn’t something you carry inside you. It exists all around us, like the air we breathe or the water we drink. Your body acts as a channel, a tool for drawing it in and shaping it into something useful.”

  He pointed to Alma. “Take Alma here. She’s a natural with Terran Mana. Her body is well-suited to channeling a moderate amount for a reasonable amount of time. A good balance.”

  Alma beamed at the compliment before Berry turned to himself. “I, on the other hand, am built for endurance. I can channel Mana for longer periods, but only in smaller amounts. That’s why you won’t see me doing anything flashy.”

  He gestured to an absent Elira, though her presence lingered in the group’s minds. “Elira’s the opposite—her body can channel large amounts of Mana at once, but she tires more quickly.”

  Berry’s gaze shifted to Felix, who straightened slightly under the attention. “And Felix here… well, he has the capacity for both. But Neutral Mana, which is the most common type and the hardest to shape, takes a heavy toll even on someone like him.”

  Felix frowned slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just need more practice,” he muttered.

  Berry chuckled. “That’s the spirit. Keep at it, and you’ll find your limits soon enough.”

  As Berry wrapped up his lesson, Kael approached from the edge of the plaza, his katana strapped neatly to his side. He caught the last of Berry’s words and nodded. “Always teaching, aren’t you?”

  Berry grinned. “Someone has to keep them from burning their eyebrows off. You’d be surprised how many people think Mana casting is as simple as wishing for it.”

  Kael smirked and turned his gaze toward Elira, who had just joined the group. “Elira,” he said, his tone soft but direct, “walk with me for a bit?”

  Berry’s grin widened, and he leaned on his staff, watching them closely. “Ah, young love,” he quipped, his voice carrying just enough volume to make both Kael and Elira pause. “Nothing like it.”

  Kael sighed but didn’t rise to the bait. Elira flushed slightly, but her composure remained intact. “We’ll be back,” she said simply, stepping beside Kael as they walked away from the group.

  Felix’s jaw tightened at Berry’s comment, though he said nothing. As Kael and Elira disappeared into the city’s winding paths, he grabbed a wooden training sword leaning against the wall and headed toward the sparring area.

  Berry watched him go, his grin fading into a knowing look. “Poor lad,” he murmured to himself. “Doesn’t quite know what to do with himself.”

  Alma glanced at Berry, her curiosity evident. “Why’s Felix so moody?”

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  Berry shook his head lightly. “Ah, Alma. Matters of the heart are complicated. Best you stick to moving mountains—far simpler.”

  As they walked away from the bustling plaza, Elira glanced sideways at Kael, her expression thoughtful. “Alright, out with it,” she said, breaking the silence. “What’s on your mind?”

  Kael exhaled slowly, his hand brushing the hilt of his katana. “Those council meetings,” he admitted, shaking his head. “I swear, if I spend one more hour debating logistics with the Molvari elders, I’ll start dreaming of them instead of…” He stopped himself mid-sentence, glancing at her with a sly grin. “Instead of you.”

  Elira’s cheeks flushed instantly, and she looked away, her pace quickening. “Dummy,” she muttered, though her voice carried a warmth that betrayed her flustered state.

  Kael chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Anyway,” he continued, “nothing cures the tedium of endless meetings better than a little adventure.”

  Elira arched an eyebrow, curiosity sparking in her green eyes. “Adventure? What do you have in mind?”

  Kael stopped and gestured upward toward the most prominent structure in Zharakai. The grand, palace-like building rose above the rest of the city, its towering spires and intricate stonework visible from nearly every corner. Despite the centuries, it remained remarkably intact, though vines and blooming flowers had claimed its walls.

  “That,” Kael said simply. “We’re going there.”

  Elira followed his gaze, her lips curving into a faint smile. “The palace? You do know that’s probably crawling with who-knows-what, right?”

  Kael grinned. “Exactly. Let’s go.”

  The journey to the palace was anything but direct. The overgrown paths twisted and turned, forcing Kael and Elira to climb over collapsed walls and navigate narrow ledges. At one point, they came across a family of small, fluffy creatures nestled in a hollow log. Their bright eyes and soft fur made Elira pause, her earlier fluster forgotten as she crouched to get a better look.

  “They’re adorable,” she whispered, her voice tinged with awe.

  Kael watched with a faint smile, his cybernetic eye scanning the creatures. “They look harmless… unless they have a taste for fingers.”

  Elira rolled her eyes and stood. “I think we’ll survive.”

  Further along, they found a tree bearing vibrant orange fruit, its branches drooping under the weight. Kael plucked one and tossed it to Elira. “Ever seen anything like this before?”

  She caught it easily, examining the fruit’s smooth skin. “Never,” she replied, before taking a cautious bite. Her eyes widened in surprise. “It’s sweet—try it.”

  Kael took a bite of his own, nodding in agreement as the flavor burst across his tongue. “Not bad,” he admitted. “Maybe Berry will know what it’s called.”

  As they navigated the overgrown paths leading to the palace, the sounds of the bustling camp had long since faded into silence. The only noises now were the soft rustling of leaves and their own footsteps echoing through the cavernous city. Elira’s curiosity, however, remained sharp.

  “Kael,” she began, her tone calm but pointed, “why do you talk to yourself sometimes?”

  Kael’s step faltered for a brief moment before he glanced at her with a lopsided grin. “Caught that, huh? Must be because you’re always looking at me.”

  Elira flushed instantly, her cheeks turning a deep red. She opened her mouth to retort but thought better of it, instead narrowing her eyes. “Nice try, but you’re not dodging this one. What’s going on?”

  ael chuckled softly, running his fingers along the smooth surface of the amulet hanging around his neck. “Alright, alright,” he said, his grin softening. “No more games. I think it’s time you met Lexa.”

  Elira tilted her head, her curiosity deepening. “Lexa? Who’s—”

  Kael tapped the amulet, and a faint hum filled the air. A soft, mechanical voice spoke, startling Elira. “Acknowledged, Captain. Activating interface. Greetings, Elira. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

  Elira froze mid-step, her eyes wide as she stared at the glowing amulet. “What… what is that?” she asked, her voice a mix of awe and uncertainty. “A… a fairy?”

  Kael smirked, holding up the amulet. “Not a fairy. Lexa, introduce yourself properly.”

  “Of course, Captain,” the voice replied smoothly. “I am Lexa—short for Linguistic Exploration and Xeno-Adaptive Assistant. I am an advanced artificial intelligence designed to assist the captain with a variety of functions, including communication, mapping, and tactical planning. I am not a fairy, though your interpretation is noted.”

  Elira blinked, processing the words as her gaze flicked between Kael and the amulet. “Artificial… intelligence?” She frowned. “So, it’s… a tool?”

  “Essentially,” Kael said with a shrug. “But a very helpful one.”

  Elira crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him. “And you’ve just been carrying her around your neck this whole time? Talking to her like she’s alive?”

  Kael nodded, his grin unabated. “She’s good company. Keeps me sane when things get quiet.”

  “And keeps him from making poor decisions,” Lexa added. “Though, admittedly, not always successfully.”

  Elira couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head as the tension melted away. “You’re impossible, Kael.”

  He adjusted the amulet with a smirk. “Yet, here you are.”

  Elira let out a soft sigh, her tone turning teasing. “Next time, start with the part where you’re carrying a talking… whatever she is. You had me thinking you’d lost it.”

  Kael chuckled as they continued walking, the massive palace drawing nearer with every step. Above them, the cavern’s glowing crystals cast a golden light over the path, illuminating their way forward. The towering structure loomed ahead, its ancient architecture untouched by time, save for the vines and flowers that draped its surface.