As Nevalis and Felix approached Lina's home, the air was filled with laughter and warm conversation. The sound of cheerful voices came from inside, and the scent of fresh food wafted through the evening air. To Nevalis, those sounds felt comforting—like the melody of a simple life he had long missed.
When they entered the house, everyone was already there. Noah, who was no older than twelve, stood in the middle of the room holding a stick shaped like a spear. His movements were full of pride, as if he believed he had mastered its use. His silky black hair and sparkling eyes carried his mother's features, and something in his smile showed how proud he was of himself—even at such a young age.
"Mom!" Noah shouted excitedly, rushing toward Lina, who was sitting on the couch near the fireplace. He leapt into her lap without hesitation, completely ignoring the guests for a moment.
Lina laughed as she hugged her son, gently stroking his head.
"What is it, my little one? You look so excited today."
Noah held up the stick in front of her proudly, trying to look serious.
"I've gotten good at using the spear!" he said with confidence, raising his chin with a dreamy tone. "I want to go on adventures and fight monsters like you!"
Felix laughed heartily, while Nevalis folded his arms, quietly observing the child.
"Oh, really now?" Lina said, pointing to the stick. "And who taught you that?"
"I taught myself!" Noah declared proudly. He then performed a quick move with the stick—but lost balance slightly, prompting Nevalis to suppress a small smile.
"Well done, little warrior," Lina said as she patted his head. "But you still have a long way to go."
Felix jumped in, still smiling.
"Looks like we've got a little warrior in our midst. But adventures aren't as easy as you think, Little Noah."
Noah frowned, then turned to stare at Nevalis, pointing at him with surprising seriousness:
"Wait a minute! If that kid is on your team, why can't I join too?!"
A sudden silence fell over the room—before everyone burst into laughter. Even Lina couldn't help but smile.
Nevalis raised an eyebrow, unsure whether to feel offended or amused.
"I'm not a kid," he said dryly.
"But you look like one," Noah replied cheekily, crossing his arms and giving him a scrutinizing look.
Felix laughed again and ruffled Noah's hair.
"Don't worry. When you're a bit older, we'll take you on a real adventure. But until then, you'll need to get stronger!"
Noah took a deep breath and looked to his mother, as if seeking her confirmation. Lina smiled and patted his shoulder.
"Looks like you've got yourself a challenge, my little one."
Noah frowned, then nodded eagerly.
"Alright! I'll get a lot stronger!" He then ran to a corner where some gifts and toys from previous visits by the team were placed.
As he dashed to his toy corner, Nevalis noticed the smiles on everyone's faces. It was a moment of pure joy that lifted everyone's spirits. Noah was in his own world, enjoying every second.
He began opening each gift, as if putting on a show. He picked up a big plush toy from Felix, a small car from Mira, and a box full of toy tools from Graive. His eyes lit up with excitement at every discovery, handing each one around and thanking everyone personally.
While Noah was playing with one of the boxes, Lina turned to Nevalis.
"Looks like you've found yourself a rival."
"He's just a kid," Nevalis replied, unbothered.
Noah quickly turned and glared at him.
"I heard that! When I grow up, I'll beat you in a duel!"
Everyone laughed again as Nevalis sighed, realizing he had just earned a new rival—one much smaller than himself.
As laughter filled the room, Noah looked at Mira first, then turned to find Nevalis standing in front of him.
"You're small!" Noah said in a seriously funny tone. Then, holding out his hand for a dramatic handshake, he added, "I'm Noah. Don't be sad for being the youngest member of my mom's team. Soon, I'll be the youngest—and the strongest!"
Nevalis looked at the offered hand, then gently patted Noah's head with a faint smile.
"Until then, you're still just a kid."
Everyone burst into laughter again. Noah blushed deeply from embarrassment, but ended up laughing too. Nevalis's response was a small payback for the kid's earlier remark.
As the laughter continued, Nevalis looked around. Smiles filled the room, and the atmosphere was warm and joyful. He felt something different—something he hadn't felt before, as if his heart was beginning to understand what it meant to belong.
He lifted his head and looked at the whole team, all smiling and happy. In that moment, something deep stirred within him. He felt, for the first time, that he belonged—to this place, to this family.
Nevalis smiled silently and whispered to himself:
"This is a real family."
---
Lina smiled warmly as she looked at everyone.
"Alright, everyone—let's eat."
Mira quickly headed to the kitchen, followed by Celeste, while Lina made sure everything was ready at the table. Everyone gathered around a beautifully arranged meal. The dishes Lina had prepared with care radiated warmth and love for her family.
As they sat around the table, they took turns expressing how much they loved the food. Noah was the first to dig in, speaking between bites.
"Mom, this is amazing! Can I have more?"
Lina smiled.
"Of course, but take your time, little warrior."
Mira, sitting beside Noah, chuckled as she handed him more food.
"You'll need lots of energy if you're going to be stronger for your adventures, right?"
Graive watched with a wide grin.
"The food here is really great, Lina. Everything is made with such care."
"Thank you all for your help. Nothing beats dinner time with family," Lina said warmly, looking around the table.
Celeste, speaking with Felix, added jokingly:
"At least tonight, Noah might actually be quiet after all this food."
Everyone laughed, and the table was filled with chatter and joy as they ate together in a cozy atmosphere.
---
While they were enjoying the meal, laughter and conversations bounced around the room—until suddenly, there was a loud, rapid knock at the door. The sound was so abrupt that everyone fell silent, lifting their heads in surprise. It was strange—who would knock like that so urgently?
Felix stood up, staring at the door with curiosity, then walked over and opened it.
Standing there was a tall, muscular man, drenched in sweat and wearing the standard attire of a mercenary. His eyes were wide with urgency, and he was breathing heavily—as if something important had driven him here.
"What's going on, man?" Felix asked, clearly startled by his sudden entrance.
The man didn't bother responding to the scolding. He shoved the door open further and stepped inside. His voice was rushed, almost panicked:
"Where's Lady Lina?"
Everyone exchanged looks of confusion. Lina stood slowly, slightly startled.
"What is it?" she asked calmly.
The man shook his head quickly, his voice trembling:
"I-it's..."
"It has appeared…!"