The morning sun shimmered over the rooftops of the bustling town. Team Emberlight strolled through the cobbled streets of the central market, Faye walking between Mei and Aika, her eyes wide with awe at the colorful stalls and clamor of merchants shouting deals.

  Kairyuuha led at the front, hands in his pockets. “Faye has successfully stabilized her spiritual energy,” he said casually. “Now comes the next phase—training with actual spirit texts.”

  Reiya raised an eyebrow. “Where do we even find those?”

  > “Spirit books are rare,” Kairyuuha replied. “We’ll also need spirit stones for contracts, energy crystals to sustain the bond, protective scrolls in case the spirits go rogue, and a large enough training area.”

  Thora whistled. “Sounds like a money pit.”

  > “It is, which is why spirit summoning isn’t exactly popular. It’s expensive.”

  There was a beat of silence before Kael chimed in. “You know, we are loaded.”

  Kazuki smiled faintly. “More money than most noble houses.”

  “Guild rewards, dungeon bosses, and monster cores,” Yuno added with a shrug.

  Mei laughed. “Pretty sure even royalty would sweat at our coin pouch.”

  Kairyuuha snorted. “True. I suppose we’re in a good spot.”

  > “Richer than nobles. Stronger than captains. Prettier than elves,” Kael declared.

  “Speak for yourself,” Reiya muttered.

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  The team laughed together as they turned into another side street, arms full of glowing stones, books wrapped in protective cases, and a hefty bag of scrolls floating beside them, courtesy of Aika’s levitation spell.

  ---

  As they walked past a toy shop, Faye's steps slowed. Inside, a boy about her age clutched a fluffy lion plush and leapt into his mother’s arms, giggling.

  Faye’s lips parted slightly. “Mom… can I—?”

  But the words died in her throat. She lowered her gaze, fingers tightening around the scroll she carried.

  She quickly shook her head. No. They’ve already done so much. I shouldn’t ask for more.

  From behind, Kairyuuha had noticed everything—the pause, the change in her expression, and the soft whisper she didn’t realize escaped.

  Without a word, he changed direction and walked toward the shop.

  Faye blinked. “Huh?”

  He looked back at her. “Pick one.”

  Her eyes widened. “W-What?”

  > “Anything. Whichever one you like,” he said, placing a hand on her head gently.

  Faye hesitated, but his warm, steady gaze gave her the courage to walk inside. Her eyes wandered until they landed on a stuffed spirit fox, snowy white with embroidered blue eyes and tiny wings.

  > “I want… this one.”

  Kairyuuha nodded and handed over the coin. “Good choice.”

  From behind, Mei and Aika stood frozen in place. Then, without warning—

  “WAIT!” Mei gasped. “I remember when my parents got me a wind dragon plush!”

  Aika clasped her hands. “Same! I had this giant flame rabbit with button eyes!”

  Kairyuuha squinted. “You're both adults.”

  > “We’re just reminiscing!” they said in unison.

  Their eyes sparkled with battle-ready intent.

  Kairyuuha sighed. “No. Absolutely—”

  Before he could finish, both women radiated such intense auras of nostalgia and menace that even Kazuki took a step back.

  > “Fine,” Kairyuuha groaned.

  Minutes later, the group walked out of the shop again.

  Faye hugged her spirit fox plush, whom she quietly named Shiro. Mei carried a mini wind dragon plush around her shoulders, and Aika grinned, holding her flame rabbit doll up like a trophy.

  > “We’re keeping these,” Mei declared.

  > “Forever,” Aika agreed.

  Kael whispered to Thora, “We should’ve asked for something too…”

  ---

  Evening – Spirit Training Grounds

  Behind the mansion, dusk painted the skies in streaks of violet. The large open field now housed faint glowing circles drawn in chalk and stone—a temporary summoning zone.

  Faye stood at the center, Shiro plush tucked beside a satchel. Kairyuuha stood across from her, arms crossed.

  > “Take a deep breath. Feel the spirit energy inside you. Let it flow—not like magic, not like force—but like a conversation.”

  Faye shut her eyes. The wind hushed. The energy within her pulsed softly.

  Kairyuuha continued, “Spirit summoning isn’t about domination. It’s about connection. Invite the spirit. Don’t command it.”

  Faye held out her palm, whispering the basic chant from the book: “By bond of soul and light, I call upon the one who hears.”

  A faint glow sparked in front of her, a soft blue flame flickering to life. It hovered, shimmered—then disappeared like a sigh.

  She gasped. “Did I—?”

  Kairyuuha smiled. “You did.”

  The others watched from the steps of the mansion, silent, respectful.

  > “It’s not about power,” Kairyuuha said, walking up to her. “It’s about heart. Keep practicing. They’ll answer.”

  Faye smiled, eyes shimmering with pride.

  > “I will. I promise.”