The morning dew still clung to the Amarashik leaves. The first sunlight danced through the branches of the silent yet warm treehouse. Llione took a deep breath while tying her sword sheath to her waist. Sacri, the small sapling left behind by Deshret, was playing with FaYzuma on the soft leaf bed, tiny roots tickling the baby's fingers, causing him to giggle sweetly.
Llione bent down, lovingly stroking their heads. "You take care of him, okay?" she said to Sacri with a gentle smile. A reflection of light appeared from the mirror by her side. Llione stood up - and before her, a mirror clone of herself appeared, complete with a calm expression and a faint smile.
"If anything happens, you know what to do." The clone nodded. Llione stroked FaYzuma's cheek one last time, then turned and stepped out of the treehouse - heading toward a larger world.
The sky of Thyrus Kingdom was clear, with clouds moving slowly above the seven regions, each living in diverse cultures and rhythms. Llione rode a magical carriage pulled by spirit horses, gliding through forest paths toward Thyrus Core - the center of all life and knowledge. Along the way, she passed areas with distinct architectural styles - from the kaigara roofs of Kaikoku to the tall marble pillars of Albrith visible in the distance. The flags of each region fluttered gently in the breeze.
Llione leaned back in her seat, gazing at the expansive sky. She touched the small mirror reflection in her hand. "I hope today goes smoothly..." she whispered.
Upon arriving at the Thyrus Magic Academy, Llione was greeted by several students and instructors passing by. There was no grand welcome - only respectful bows from those who knew her.
"Good morning, Lady Llione!" greeted one student with a bow.
"Morning. The training starts earlier today - don't be lazy," Llione replied with a smile.
An instructor passing by added, "Welcome back, Llione," said an elderly trainer in a low voice. Llione nodded slightly. She climbed the stone stairs to the main training platform. The morning sun kissed the white marble floor. The wind gently blew her silver hair. She drew her sword and shouted:
"Formation 3! Focus on the basics of magic transitions into body movement!"
The class began. Full of focus and enthusiasm.
However, far below the academy tower, a detection crystal began to pulse on its own.
tick... tick... tick...
The sound grew louder, like the scrape of glass being dragged across a stone floor. Then-
CRACK!
A crack echoed through the space, and purple light shot up like a trapped lightning bolt. The magical system's voice echoed through the detection area:
"Extraordinary resonance detected. Location: Albrith. Second location: Nocturvale."
On the platform, Llione, still training, suddenly turned. She felt a weight in her chest. She knew this was no ordinary magic.
Meanwhile, inside the Council Hall, after the detection crystal exploded and showed two extraordinary resonances, one of the council members spoke:
"Call Mirrorblade Llione. We need her here, immediately."
A magic summoner, loyal to the council, nodded and quickly exited the hall, hurrying down the academy tower.
A few minutes later, the magic summoner ran toward her.
"Mirrorblade Llione, your presence is urgently requested in the Council Hall. This is a direct order," he said, breathless.
Llione nodded calmly, then turned back to her students who were still gathering. "Everyone, I have to leave the session today due to an important mission. But training will continue. Train in pairs, focus on Technique Formation 3."
She looked at a tall male student in the front row. "Kaien, you lead today's training. I trust you'll practice with discipline."
Kaien nodded confidently. "Understood, Lady Llione."
Llione gave a small smile before walking off with the magic summoner, heading toward the highest center of the academy.
In the Council Hall of Thyrus Magic Academy, seven chairs circled - representing the seven regions of Thyrus. Each member sat, exuding an aura of power. In the center of the circle, a pulsing magic crystal displayed two locations: Nocturvale and Albrith.
"Two extraordinary resonances. Two locations. Two unknown magical energies."
"We need someone experienced, someone unafraid of unstable magic."
A noble sneered. "And we send... a sword trainer?"
Llione responded calmly. "If that's better than letting the danger explode in silence, then yes."
The council leader raised his hand. "You will act as the investigator. You will investigate one location yourself. The other... will be handled by our elite team."
Llione bowed. "I will go to Albrith."
And the journey began...
Upon arriving in the Albrith district, Llione began investigating the area around the city center, where strange magical disturbances were reported. The sky was lightly fogged, and tall English-style stone buildings stood serenely. However, the morning atmosphere was disturbed by the frantic whispers of the local people.
"It suddenly appeared right in front of me! No wind, no storm!"
"I thought it was a stone statue... but it MOVED!"
Llione approached a flower vendor who was still trembling while holding his watering can.
"Tell me what happened," Llione said calmly.
The vendor swallowed nervously. "It appeared... BOOM! Like it came out of the air itself. A strange sound... DUMMM-SHHHHK, like glass cracking in water. I was startled, I splashed water right on it! But it... didn't say anything. It just dried its clothes with fire... and kept WALKING!"
Llione raised an eyebrow. "Where did it go?"
"Down that alley. But it was tall, big. Like... like a living stone pillar, ma'am."
Llione took a slow breath and began following the direction indicated. "If this is a creature from that resonance... it shouldn't be allowed to roam free."
The alley was narrow, its floor damp and mossy. Sunlight barely penetrated. The atmosphere was quiet.
Suddenly - Slupp!
A tall figure over two meters slipped slightly, its steps wobbling forward. Toshi Yazura. His clothes were still steamy. He looked like someone who had just woken from a long sleep.
Llione instinctively raised her hand, ready to draw her sword.
Toshi didn't act aggressively. He steadied himself, then... continued walking as if nothing had happened.
"Where... are you from?" Llione asked, standing in his way.
Toshi looked at Llione. His face was blank. No anger, no resentment - just emptiness.
"Don't know. I'm just walking."
"Name?"
"Toshi Yazura."
"Do you know you're in the area under the surveillance of Thyrus Magic Academy?"
"I don't care," he answered shortly.
Llione sighed.
"Then, I ask that you come with me to Thyrus Core. This is not a detention - just an inspection. You're too... extraordinary to be left alone."
Toshi looked around, then nodded.
But before he took a step, he turned to Llione - from top to bottom.
"You... are short."
Llione fell silent.
Her forehead veins started to show. She took a deep breath.
"Not a fact you need to mention, you know?" she replied calmly but sharply.
Toshi shrugged. "Just telling what I see."
Llione closed her eyes for a moment. "Never mind... let's go before I change my mind."
And so, without drawing a sword, without any explosions - a creature from the Albrith resonance was captured. Through... the strangest conversation ever experienced by Mirrorblade Llione.
After successfully taking Toshi out of the Albrith alley, Llione stopped her magic carriage parked not far from the city center.
However, as they walked toward the vehicle, a soft sound echoed - grruuuukkkk - from the side.
Llione turned, raising an eyebrow. Toshi was still walking as usual, but it was clear that the sound came from his stomach.
"Are... you hungry?" Llione asked.
Toshi stopped for a moment. "No. But my stomach still made a noise."
Llione watched Toshi's face, which showed no sign of embarrassment or desire. He looked like... he didn't care. Empty. Silent.
Llione sighed.
"Can't leave it like this. They say, to know a person's intentions - look at how they eat. Let's go. I'll treat you."
They arrived at an English-style restaurant located by the main plaza of Albrith - its walls were adorned with luxurious wooden carvings, crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the floor was polished white marble. The waiter, in white gloves, bowed respectfully as they entered.
Llione ordered two complete meal sets - juicy grilled steak with rosemary sauce, butter mashed potatoes, creamy pumpkin soup, and hot herbal tea in a porcelain cup with a dragon carving.
Llione ordered two complete meal sets - juicy grilled steak with rosemary sauce, butter mashed potatoes, creamy pumpkin soup, and hot herbal tea in a porcelain cup with a dragon carving.
Toshi sat across from her. He didn't look at the menu. Didn't ask. Didn't choose.
The food was served. Steam rose slowly. The aroma filled the space.
Toshi stared at the food for a long time before slowly taking a bite. His movements were neat. Calm. But there was no expression - as if he were counting rice grains, not enjoying it.
Llione sipped her tea, watching.
"Don't you feel anything?" Llione finally asked.
Toshi raised his gaze and answered briefly. "No. But... I know it's good."
The atmosphere was quiet.
Llione gave a small smile, but deep in her heart, a feeling of pity welled up. This man - or creature - wasn't just an extraordinary resonance. He was proof... that not everything strong has a place to return to.
Llione slowly leaned her back against the chair. The orange light of the evening sun began to seep through the restaurant's glass window, reflecting the silhouettes of two very different individuals - a young swordswoman, and a creature from a world unknown.
"So..." Llione began with a softer tone, "You really don't understand hunger?"
Toshi chewed slowly, then stopped. "I've never felt hunger. But... this body knows when to eat."
"And you've never felt full either?"
"Not really. But I know when I've had enough."
Llione was silent for a moment. Her finger traced the edge of her teacup, her mind drifting far away.
"Sometimes... eating isn't just about being full. Sometimes, it's about feeling... alive."
Toshi looked at her, this time for a little longer than usual. "Alive... what do you mean?"
Llione held back a smile, amused. "You're too serious, Toshi."
Toshi looked back at his plate. "I don't know the difference between serious or not."
Llione chuckled softly, the first time since they met.
"Well then," she said while slowly standing up, "consider this a welcome feast. Even if you came in... a very strange way."
Toshi stood up as well, wiping his hands with the towel the waiter had handed him.
"I eat, you pay. Fair."
Llione raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so you know what 'fair' means."
"I hear a lot of words people use. I keep them."
Llione simply smiled, then walked to the counter. Toshi followed behind, silent like a shadow.
And for a moment, the atmosphere felt... almost normal.
After finishing their meal, Llione and Toshi left the restaurant. The streets of Albrith were busy once again. People passed by, glancing at the unusually tall figure walking beside Llione - some whispered, others merely watched in silence.
Toshi didn't care at all. He just walked, his steps steady and calm.
The magical vehicle that was taking them to Thyrus Core glided smoothly across the main road. Inside the vehicle, no words were necessary. Llione stared out the window, watching the sky slowly change colors.
When they arrived at Thyrus Core - the center of all knowledge and official matters - Llione handed the mission verification document to the chief guard at the main entrance.
"This is the individual from the resonance of Albrith. Name: Toshi Yazura. I brought him under the Council of Elders' orders."
The guard nodded and signaled to two members of the elite escort team.
Toshi glanced at Llione before stepping into the special detention area made from resonance suppressing magic stone. His face remained calm, as always.
"See you again?" he asked quietly.
Llione nodded. "Maybe."
Without another word, Toshi stepped inside. The rune-engraved iron door closed slowly behind him - a heavy thud echoing, signaling the start of surveillance.
A few hours later, in the Hall of the Elders at Thyrus Magic Academy, Llione stood firmly before the seven figures representing the seven regional sections.
"The creature from the resonance of Albrith has been detained," Llione reported. "His name is Toshi Yazura. However, he has shown no aggression. In fact... he is very passive."
One of the elders spoke up, "Passive? But the level of the detected magic resonance... exceeds the normal limit. He could be a threat at any time."
Llione nodded slowly. "I felt that pressure too. But... his interactions show no malicious intent. He hasn't attacked. He has cooperated fully. He is not a threat - he seems like... someone lost from his own world."
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Finally, the council leader spoke, "We will place him under strict observation for the time being. Magic monitoring will be continuous. Meanwhile... rest, Llione. The next assignment will be announced after we evaluate all the information."
Llione bowed respectfully. "Understood, Council Member."
A few hours later, Llione rested in her quiet office. She leaned back on the soft leather sofa, holding a warm cup of tea in her hands. The steam from the tea rose slowly, and her eyes almost closed after a long day.
However, that peace didn't last long.
The door to her office was opened roughly.
"Mirrorblade Llione! Your help is urgently needed at the resonance of Nocturvale!" yelled a young magic herald, out of breath.
Llione placed the teacup on the table, sighed deeply. "I was just about to nap..."
However, without wasting any time, she stood up and stepped into the center of the room. A mirror-like flash of light appeared beneath her feet.
"If it's an emergency... no rest, I suppose."
With a deep breath, Llione focused her magic - small mirrors began to spin around her body. In the blink of an eye, she vanished.
The sound of a soft explosion followed her movement - like the air being pierced gently.
She had moved. As fast as sound.
Thick fog covered the low mountain area. The ground was scorched, blackened trees burned, and the air still smelled of magical smoke. The morning light was dim, as if afraid to pierce through the magical explosion remains.
DUUUM-CRACK!
A small explosion echoed, like glass shattering in the air. Llione appeared, her body enveloped in the reflection of light, her cloak fluttering with the remnants of magic.
She stood, surveying the surroundings. The atmosphere was dark and chaotic.
Llione sighed quietly.
"Was about to sit for five minutes... now it's a burnt field."
She slowly walked among the elite team members lying on the ground - some unconscious, others trying to stand but falling back down. Llione touched one shoulder that was still moving, checking the pulse.
Still alive.
But in the middle of the field... stood a young man. Not moving. Not looking anxious.
A warm aura calmly surrounded him, small flames flickering on the ground but not touching his body. He just stood there, hands in his pockets, head slightly lowered.
Llione approached slowly.
"Did you do all this?" Llione asked calmly, but cautiously.
The man turned slowly. His eyes half-lidded, his expression relaxed - almost sleepy.
"Hm?" He scratched the back of his head. "Not on purpose. I'm hot."
Llione raised an eyebrow. "Hot?"
"Yeah... phoenix style." He smiled slightly, not arrogantly, but also not joking.
"Your name?"
"Azure. Or... people call me Lantern Keeper. But Azure is fine too."
Llione looked around. Smoke, embers, and injured people.
"Seriously... all this because you showed up?"
Azure shrugged. "I show up when someone believes. Maybe someone here... believed too strongly last night."
Llione was silent, but not angry. She was more tired than upset.
"Alright, Azure. You're coming with me to Thyrus Core. And please... no more weird stuff. I'm tired of explaining to the council."
Azure slowly raised both hands. "I'm just following. No intention to fight."
Llione whistled briefly, and the mirror portal began to form in the air. She also levitated a few of the elite members with light magic to bring them along.
"If all resonances are like this, I should file for leave," Llione muttered while lifting a fallen body.
Azure, still relaxed, stepped into the mirror circle. The fire around him began to extinguish by itself.
Upon arriving at Thyrus Core, Llione and Azure were greeted by the magic guards. Azure just nodded slightly, remaining calm even though many eyes were on him. Llione went straight to the Hall of Elders with a disciplined stride.
In front of the seven Thyrus elders, Llione stood tall.
"The resonance from Nocturvale has been identified. The individual is named Azure Latch. His magic style... is unusual. His fire burns at will, and the effects on our elite team were too severe to classify as harmless."
One of the elders whispered, the others looked tense.
"He didn't attack directly. But... his power was exposed just because it was 'believed.' This means, under certain circumstances - anyone can 'call' him to our world."
Llione sighed. "If Toshi from Albrith was silent, this one... too mysterious to predict."
The head elder nodded slowly. "We will place them under special surveillance. Meanwhile, rest, Swordmaster."
He turned to an assistant. "Prepare a special rest room for Llione in the east tower. And provide an additional allowance for this week - consider it a reward for handling two incidents without any loss of life."Another elder chimed in with a teasing smile, "And make sure there's Velvet Luna Cake for her. She tends to sulk quickly if she doesn't get that sweet cake."
Llione, who had been standing quietly until now... suddenly shot a glare.
"I don't sulk quickly... I'm just a tired human, you know?" she replied, her tone rising an octave. "Next time, give me a break first, then send me to face strange creatures!"
"Alright, alright," the head elder said, raising his hand in surrender. "We were wrong. You're right. Please... take your rest, Llione."
Llione huffed lightly, turning her face to the side - like someone half-seriously sulking - but her steps remained graceful as she exited the Hall.
Once the door closed, the atmosphere in the hall returned to calm... until one council member whispered quietly:
"She's actually cute when she's angry, huh?"
The others nodded... in silence.
Outside, Llione leaned against the white stone wall, letting out a breath. "Two resonances... and two more big questions without answers."
She took a step forward, walking down the long hallway of the academy.
But just a few steps later...
KRRAAAK!
The warning crystal exploded at the high tower, scattering yellow light. Llione looked up, her eyes narrowing.
"Looks like no time for rest..."
A clone of Llione was folding clothes. Sacri and FaYzuma were playing, laughing lightly. Suddenly, Sacri stopped-her small roots trembled.
A soft knock at the door. Not from a hand. Not from nails. It was like... the tip of a needle.
The clone of Llione turned slowly.
A long, blood-red needle fell from the gap in the leaves above.
And a voice echoed, soft... but enough to send chills down the spine.
"Mimiya... have arrived..."