Deeper into the Elowen Forest – Afternoon
Kael slid his sword back into its sheath with a casual flick. The air was still charged from the fight, but he turned calmly to the group.
"Well… I don't know if you guys are up to it," he said, brushing off his coat, "but I'm going to kill some monsters."
Jace groaned, stretching his sore arms. "Nah man, I think I'm done for now. Gonna head back to camp."
"Same," Max said, already turning around. Chloe silently nodded, clutching her staff a little tighter.
Cynthia gave Kael a lazy smile, brushing a strand of pink hair behind her ear. "Well, I guess I'll take this as a date then."
Kael didn't bother responding to that.
They walked side-by-side through the lush forest, the sunlight filtering through the leaves. Mana-rich air shimmered faintly between the trees.
Kael broke the silence. "I heard that Jin is really strong."
Cynthia smirked, amused by his sudden interest. "Well, of course he is. He's from the Eldraven family the strongest clan in the entire Southern Korea Empire."
Kael nodded slowly. "I know that… but his strength seems beyond genius-level."
Cynthia's voice softened slightly, and she stopped to face him. "Yeah. He's strong enough to take down some of the seniors. One-on-one."
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"But," Cynthia continued, "he once told me… you look like you'd be a good match for him."
Kael blinked. "He was probably just messing around."
Cynthia tilted her head, amused. "Trust me, Jin doesn't mess around. Especially not with words."
Then, she turned to him, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Wait a second why are you asking so much about him? Don't tell me… you're jealous that I spent some time with him?"
Kael's reply came quickly. "No."
Cynthia chuckled. "What a rude response."
Kael rolled his eyes. "You asked."
They continued walking in silence for a moment longer until a low growl rippled through the trees ahead. Mana wolves emerged, their glowing blue eyes locked on the pair.
Kael's expression shifted instantly focused, composed. He slowly drew his blade. "Get ready."
Cynthia twirled her rapier, mana gathering around its edge. "I'm always ready."
In a split second, the wolves lunged.
Kael and Cynthia vanished from sight, moving at supersonic speed. The clearing exploded with motion flashes of steel, bursts of wind, and howls echoed through the air.
In the blur of motion, Kael's voice cut through, calm and sharp.
"Don't hold back."
Cynthia smiled. "I wasn't planning to."