The skies over Shinzai shimmered with golden rays as Kael stood beside a transport crystal hub just outside the city. Today wasn't about war, training, or destiny. It was about taking a breath.
Kael, Hana, Tetsu, Eri, Ryuu, Liora, and the six newcomers—Valen, Mira, Daru, Aiko, Zeek, and Nali—had all agreed to go on a short trip to the Verdant Ridges, a scenic mountain region just two realms away. The region was known for peaceful energy pockets, floating islands, and rejuvenating Will currents—perfect for resting… or training, if someone got antsy.
"Don't overpack," Kael warned as Zeek lugged a massive duffel full of weapons. "We're not storming a Void Gate."
Zeek grinned. "You never know, boss. Evil doesn't take vacation days."
Mira chuckled beside him, shielding her face from the sun. "Well, I came for the hot springs and the view. Not another brawl."
As the group activated the portal crystal, a flash of light transported them to the lush ridges, the wind singing through floating petals and crystalline trees.
They didn't even get through half the first day before trouble arrived.
As the group admired a luminous canyon, a shadow shifted—and suddenly, a hooded figure darted toward Hana, aiming a strange device at her neck.
She barely had time to gasp—
—before Kael was already there.
In a blur of violet, he Voidstepped, snatching Hana into his arms mid-air and flipping back several meters as the attacker's blade sliced through empty space.
Kael landed smoothly, Hana cradled protectively in his arms, one knee bent as they slid to a stop on the mossy ground.
"Stay down," he said calmly, eyes locked on the attacker.
But Hana didn't hear him.
She was staring up at his face, her heart pounding. The wind rustled his hair, his eyes focused with that determined, protective gaze that had become so familiar—and yet… something about the way he'd held her just now felt different.
And in that moment, she realized something:
She was in love with him.
Her cheeks flushed deep crimson. "K-Kael…"
Kael didn't notice—he was already on the move, appearing in front of the attacker in an instant. With a shockwave punch enhanced by Void, he sent the enemy flying back into a cliff, unconscious before they even hit the ground.
The rest of the group ran up. Tetsu drew his blade, Ryuu checked the perimeter, and Eri jogged straight toward Hana—who was still flustered.
"Are you okay?!" Eri asked, grabbing her sister's shoulders.
"Y-Yeah… I'm fine," Hana muttered, avoiding her eyes.
Then Eri raised a brow, smirking.
"Ohhh... I see what's happening."
Hana blinked. "What do you mean?"
Eri leaned closer. "You were staring at Kael like he was the last sweet bun on Earth."
"I was not!" Hana hissed, turning redder.
"You so were. Don't worry—I won't tell him. Yet." Eri grinned.
Kael walked over, brushing off his jacket. "You alright, Hana?"
She looked away quickly. "Y-Yeah. Thanks… for, uh… catching me."
Kael smiled. "Anytime."
Eri leaned toward Hana again and whispered, "You better confess before someone else does, little sis."
As the group got back into formation, continuing their scenic hike, the bond between them deepened. The world might be unpredictable. Enemies could strike from the shadows.
But moments like this—quiet, awkward, and honest—meant everything.
And as Hana walked beside Kael, cheeks still warm, she made a silent promise to herself:
Next time... she'd tell him.