The forest stretched out behind him—his cave now just a distant memory. Zane walked with calm steps, End Blade sealed away in his storage, and Nyx humming softly in his mind.
"Nothing for miles," he muttered, shielding his eyes from the sun.
"No threats either," Nyx chimed. "Your presence has become too heavy for weaker monsters to approach."
"Can't complain," Zane said, cracking a smile. "A peaceful walk for once."
He had traveled far beyond the charred remains of his old village. Nature had slowly reclaimed the ruins, but Zane hadn't looked back. He had outgrown that place.
By dusk, distant chimneys came into view—smoke curling lazily against the sky. A village.
Zane's stomach growled. "Please tell me they have food."
He approached quietly, brushing dirt from his cloak. The village bustled with activity—merchants calling out deals, smiths hammering away, and the smell of baked bread in the air.
His gaze landed on a small inn. He reached into his storage space... and frowned.
"Nyx," he said flatly, "I forgot to loot the damn beasts."
"That's on you," she giggled. "Want me to steal bread next?"
Zane groaned. He turned, intending to maybe find some odd job—when a flash of deep navy caught his eye.
A caravan of wagons rolled into the village. Atop them: students in sharp uniforms, chatting, laughing.
A familiar voice rang out.
"Field trip ends tomorrow! Don't lose your badges!"
Among the students, a flash of golden hair.
Zane's eyes locked with hers.
Nyx whispered in his mind, "Uh-oh."
Zane gave her the smallest of smirks... and then casually turned around, as if he hadn't just bumped into the one person who had chased him across a ravine.