The morning sun filtered through the window as I sat in my room, focused intently on the floating translucent screen before me. It was my status—something I hadn’t checked in quite a while. With a single thought, I summoned it, and the list of my abilities and skills appeared in front of me.

  Status :

  Name: Amahiko

  Level: 15

  Titles Available:

  ? Hero

  ? Demon Lord

  ? Swordmaster

  ? Mage

  ? Sorcerer

  ? Summoner

  ? Assassin

  ? Dragon Slayer

  ? Blacksmith

  ? Alchemist

  ? Tailor

  ? Potion Maker

  ? Mechanic

  ? Inventor

  ? Builder

  ? Herbalist Healer

  ? Beast Tamer

  ? Appraiser

  ? Necromancer

  ? Shadow Assassin

  ? Dimension Traveler

  ? Time Weaver

  ? Space Manipulator

  Aura Types:

  ? Silver Aura (Primary)

  ? Dark Aura (Secondary)

  ? Golden Aura (Tertiary)

  Skills:

  ? Silverlight Battle Arts

  ? Darkine Battle Arts

  ? Advanced Swordsmanship Techniques

  I scanned the titles listed under my name. Each one reflected an achievement I could pursue or a path I could dedicate myself to. Hero? Demon Lord? Swordmaster? The choices felt endless, but none of them resonated with the vision I had for myself.

  I leaned back in my chair, deep in thought. These titles were predefined—bound by the expectations of this world. But I wasn’t like everyone else. I wanted to forge my own identity, a path that reflected my versatility and mastery in all fields.

  With a determined smirk, I waved my hand, closing the status screen. “If no title suits me, I’ll create my own.”

  Shiori, standing nearby with her tails swishing gracefully, tilted her head. “Master, you intend to create your own title? That’s… quite ambitious.”

  Hina, who was sitting with her legs crossed and observing me closely, added, “As expected of you, Master. What title would you grant yourself?”

  I crossed my arms and considered for a moment. “I’ll be The Monarch of Shadow—no, Shadow King sounds better. A king who is master in everything—swords, magic, invention, and even realms beyond this one.”

  Both Shiori and Hina bowed their heads in approval. “As you wish, Master. The title suits your strength and potential,” Shiori said with admiration.

  “But…” I glanced back at my status. “There’s one glaring issue. My magic skills are lacking. I’ve been too focused on aura manipulation and swordsmanship. It’s time to fix that.”

  Shiori perked up, her ears twitching. “Master, if you wish to learn magic, I can teach you. My expertise lies in illusions and spirit magic. You’ll find them invaluable for evasion and strategy.”

  Hina nodded as well. “And I can guide you in the arts of elemental manipulation, especially lightning and spatial magic. They are destructive, but also precise when mastered.”

  Their offers sparked a sense of excitement within me. “Perfect. Then let’s begin today. I want to understand the basics before diving into the advanced arts.”

  The two of them exchanged knowing looks before standing up. “Very well, Master,” Hina said, a faint grin spreading across her face. “Prepare yourself. Magic isn’t as forgiving as aura manipulation or swordsmanship.”

  Shiori chuckled softly. “But we have no doubt that you’ll master it in no time.”

  Their confidence in me was reassuring, but I also understood that magic was an entirely new challenge. As much as I prided myself on my abilities, this was uncharted territory.

  “Alright,” I said, standing up and rolling my shoulders. “Let’s get started. Show me what you’ve got.”

  As we stepped outside, the clear blue sky stretched endlessly above us. Shiori and Hina stood a few paces ahead, their postures confident and their auras radiating power.

  “This will be the beginning of your magical journey, Master,” Shiori said, her nine tails glowing faintly with an ethereal light. “Prepare yourself for a world unlike anything you’ve experienced before.”

  Hina extended her hand, a crackling sphere of lightning forming in her palm. “Let’s see if the Shadow King can handle the elements.”

  I clenched my fists, determination coursing through me. This was the start of a new chapter, one that would bring me closer to mastering not just aura, but the vast realm of magic. The road ahead was uncertain, but I had Shiori and Hina by my side.

  And with their guidance, I was ready to embrace it.

  The training grounds behind our home were calm, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh grass. Shiori stood before me, her elegant form radiating an aura of confidence as her nine tails swayed lightly.

  “Master, today I’ll teach you the fundamentals of elemental magic—fire, water, wind, and earth. These elements form the foundation of all magic in this world. Once you understand their nature, you can manipulate them freely,” Shiori explained, her voice steady and clear.

  I nodded, eager to begin. “What do I need to know before we start?”

  Shiori smiled softly. “Elemental magic isn’t just about chanting spells. It’s about understanding the essence of each element. Fire symbolizes passion and destruction, yet it also brings warmth and life. Water represents adaptability and healing, but it can also be a relentless force of nature. Wind is freedom and swiftness, capable of creating gentle breezes or fierce storms. And earth signifies stability and endurance, yet it holds the power to reshape landscapes.”

  Her words carried weight, making me realize that magic wasn’t merely a tool but a reflection of nature itself.

  Shiori extended her hand, a faint orange glow forming in her palm. “Let’s start with fire magic. Concentrate on the idea of ignition. Feel the spark within your mana and channel it outward.”

  I mimicked her movement, closing my eyes and focusing. Slowly, warmth spread through me, pooling in my palm. “Ignite!” I chanted, and a small flame flickered into existence above my hand.

  Shiori clapped her hands, her tails swaying with delight. “Well done, Master! Now try to control its size.”

  I focused again, willing the flame to grow. It surged higher, then shrank as I pulled back my mana. Fire magic, though powerful, demanded careful control.

  Next, Shiori stepped toward the small pond nearby. “Now, for water magic. Visualize the fluidity of water—its ability to flow, adapt, and overcome obstacles.”

  She lifted her hand, and a stream of water rose from the pond, swirling gracefully before solidifying into a sphere. “Stream!” she chanted.

  I followed her lead, focusing on the water’s movement. “Stream!” I called out, and to my surprise, the water obeyed, forming a small tendril that danced in the air before collapsing back into the pond.

  “Not bad, Master,” Shiori said, her voice filled with encouragement. “With practice, you’ll shape water as easily as you breathe.”

  Shiori raised her hand, the air around her swirling gently. “Wind magic requires you to sense the flow of air around you. Feel its freedom and energy. Then, guide it with your will.”

  She chanted, “Gale!” A gust of wind swirled around her, lifting her hair and tails before dissipating.

  I took a deep breath, extending my arm. The breeze danced around my fingers as I chanted, “Gale!” A strong gust burst forth, almost knocking me back.

  Shiori chuckled. “Careful, Master. Wind magic can be quite unruly for beginners. But you’re off to a good start.”

  Finally, Shiori knelt and placed her hand on the ground. “Earth magic is about stability and strength. Feel the earth beneath you and connect with its unyielding power.”

  She chanted, “Quake!” The ground trembled slightly as small rocks lifted into the air around her.

  I crouched and pressed my hand to the soil. The ground felt solid, unmovable. “Quake!” I called, and a small tremor responded, lifting a few pebbles.

  “Impressive, Master,” Shiori said, her voice filled with pride. “You’ve grasped the basics of all four elements. That’s more than most mages achieve in weeks.”

  For the rest of the day, we practiced each element repeatedly. I worked on controlling fire’s intensity, shaping water into forms, taming the wild gusts of wind, and manipulating the earth’s solid strength.

  By evening, I was exhausted but satisfied. Each spell had grown smoother with practice, my connection to the elements deepening with every attempt.

  As we finished, Shiori placed a hand on my shoulder. “Master, you’ve done well today. With continued practice, you’ll master elemental magic in no time.”

  I nodded, determination burning in my chest. “Thank you, Shiori. I’ll make sure to perfect these skills.”

  She smiled warmly. “I have no doubt, Master. Let’s rest for now. Tomorrow, we’ll continue your journey toward magical mastery.”

  With that, we headed back home, the knowledge of the elements firmly rooted in my mind, ready to be honed further.

  The next morning, I woke up with a sense of purpose. Shiori greeted me in the training grounds, her nine tails swaying with enthusiasm.

  “Good morning, Master. Today, we’ll refine your control over the elements. Yesterday, you learned the basics. Today, you’ll deepen your connection to each element and push your limits.”

  I nodded, my determination renewed. “I’m ready, Shiori. Let’s begin.”

  We started with fire magic. Shiori demonstrated by summoning a flame in her palm and controlling its intensity, making it grow into a blazing inferno before shrinking it into a tiny ember.

  “Master, fire magic is not just about destruction; it’s about control. Try to maintain a steady flame without letting it grow wild,” she instructed.

  I extended my hand and chanted, “Ignite!” A small flame appeared. Slowly, I willed it to stay steady. At first, it flickered and flared, but with Shiori’s guidance, I managed to hold it in place.

  “Now, make it larger, but only slightly,” Shiori said.

  I focused, feeding the flame more mana. It grew, but not uncontrollably. The feeling of managing such power was exhilarating.

  “Well done, Master,” Shiori praised. “With more practice, you’ll be able to shape fire as easily as clay.”

  Next, we moved to water magic. Shiori summoned a stream of water and shaped it into intricate forms—a sphere, a spiral, even a small bird.

  “Water magic is about adaptability,” she explained. “Imagine the shape you want and let the water follow your will.”

  I focused on the pond nearby and chanted, “Stream!” A tendril of water rose, but it wobbled, threatening to collapse.

  “Steady your mana, Master,” Shiori advised.

  I took a deep breath, calming my thoughts. Slowly, the water stabilized. I imagined a simple sphere, and the water obeyed, forming a smooth orb in the air.

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  Shiori clapped her hands. “Excellent, Master! Now, try shaping it into something more complex.”

  With effort, I molded the orb into a small flower. It wasn’t perfect, but it held its shape.

  For wind magic, Shiori set up a target—a wooden post at the far end of the training grounds.

  “Wind magic is about precision and speed,” she said. “Focus your energy and direct it toward the target. Watch.”

  She chanted, “Gale!” A sharp gust of wind shot forward, striking the post with enough force to splinter it slightly.

  I took my stance and chanted, “Gale!” The wind surged forward but missed the target, scattering harmlessly.

  “Concentrate, Master. Visualize the wind as an arrow and the target as its destination,” Shiori advised.

  I tried again, this time imagining the gust as a straight line. “Gale!” The wind hit the post, though not as powerfully as Shiori’s.

  “You’re improving, Master. Precision will come with practice,” Shiori encouraged.

  Finally, we practiced earth magic. Shiori created a small barrier of stone with a chant, “Quake!”

  “Earth magic is about strength and endurance,” she said. “Try to form a barrier like this one.”

  I pressed my hand to the ground and chanted, “Quake!” The earth trembled, and a rough, uneven barrier rose.

  “Good, Master. Now, refine it. Make the surface smoother and the structure stronger,” Shiori instructed.

  I focused, channeling more mana. The barrier reshaped itself, becoming smoother and sturdier.

  Shiori inspected it and nodded approvingly. “Well done, Master. With earth magic, you’ll be able to defend yourself and control the battlefield.”

  As the day progressed, we continued to refine each element. Shiori pushed me to my limits, making me combine elements for more complex spells.

  “Master, try this: use wind to enhance fire,” she suggested.

  I summoned a flame and a gust of wind, merging them. The fire grew brighter and hotter, its intensity amplified by the wind.

  “Excellent, Master. Now, combine water and earth to create mud,” Shiori instructed.

  I summoned water and earth, blending them. The result was a malleable substance that I could shape into forms.

  By sunset, I was exhausted but proud of my progress. Each element felt more familiar, as if they were extensions of myself.

  Shiori placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “You’ve done well, Master. Your control has improved greatly. Rest now, and tomorrow, we’ll continue.”

  I nodded, a sense of accomplishment warming me. “Thank you, Shiori. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  As we walked back to the house, I realized that mastering the elements was just the beginning. There was still so much to learn, and I was eager to continue my journey.

  The next day, I found myself standing in the training grounds again, this time with Hina. Her majestic silver scales shimmered in the sunlight as her crimson eyes observed me with a mixture of pride and seriousness.

  “Master,” Hina began, her voice calm yet commanding, “today, I will teach you about light and dark magic. These two forces are opposites, but both are essential in balancing the world—and in battle.”

  I nodded, eager to learn. “I’m ready, Hina. Please guide me.”

  Hina raised her claw, and a radiant glow enveloped it, forming a sphere of pure light. The brilliance was soothing yet powerful.

  “Light magic is the embodiment of creation and healing,” she explained. “It can illuminate the darkest paths, mend the gravest wounds, and strike with purifying force. Watch.”

  She chanted, “Radiance!” A beam of light shot from her claw, piercing a nearby boulder and leaving a glowing, smoldering hole.

  “Your turn, Master,” Hina said. “Summon the light within you.”

  I extended my hand, closed my eyes, and focused on the warmth in my chest—the energy that felt pure and uplifting. “Radiance!”

  A faint light appeared in my palm, flickering like a dying candle.

  “Don’t force it, Master,” Hina encouraged. “Light magic requires a calm mind and a clear heart. Let it flow naturally.”

  I steadied my breathing and tried again. “Radiance!” This time, the light grew stronger, forming a small orb.

  “Well done, Master. Now, direct it toward a target,” Hina instructed, pointing to a wooden post.

  I aimed and released the orb. It flew in a straight line, striking the post and leaving a faint burn mark.

  Hina nodded approvingly. “Good. With practice, your light magic will become more potent. Now, let’s move on to dark magic.”

  Hina stepped back, her aura shifting. The air around her grew heavy as shadows gathered in her claw, forming a swirling mass of darkness.

  “Dark magic is the essence of destruction and manipulation,” she said. “It can consume, conceal, and overpower. But it’s dangerous if you lose control. Watch closely.”

  She chanted, “Oblivion!” A wave of darkness erupted from her claw, engulfing a nearby rock and disintegrating it into dust.

  I swallowed hard. The sheer power of dark magic was intimidating, but I felt a strange connection to it, as if it resonated with a part of me.

  “Your turn, Master,” Hina said, her gaze steady.

  I raised my hand and focused on the darker energy within me—the force that felt raw and unrestrained. “Oblivion!”

  A small tendril of darkness emerged from my palm, swirling weakly.

  “Dark magic requires focus and control,” Hina reminded me. “It’s easy to let it consume you. Try again, but this time, channel your will into it.”

  I gritted my teeth, concentrating harder. “Oblivion!” The tendril grew stronger, expanding into a sphere of darkness.

  “Good, Master,” Hina said. “Now, direct it at the ground.”

  I released the sphere, and it struck the ground, leaving a small crater.

  “Impressive,” Hina said with a rare smile. “You have a natural affinity for dark magic. With time, you’ll master it.”

  Hina then challenged me to use both light and dark magic simultaneously.

  “Master, combining these opposing forces is difficult, but it’s the key to true balance. Start by summoning both energies,” she instructed.

  I extended both hands, focusing on the warmth of light in one and the raw power of darkness in the other. Slowly, two orbs formed—one glowing with light, the other swirling with shadow.

  “Now, bring them together,” Hina said.

  I hesitated, unsure of what would happen. But with a deep breath, I willed the two orbs to merge. The energies resisted at first, but eventually, they fused, creating a sphere of radiant darkness.

  “Excellent, Master!” Hina exclaimed, her tail swishing with excitement. “You’ve achieved harmony between light and dark magic. Few can do that.”

  As the sun set, I sat with Hina, reflecting on the day’s lessons. Light and dark magic felt like extensions of myself—two halves of a whole.

  “Thank you, Hina,” I said sincerely. “Your guidance has been invaluable.”

  She inclined her head. “It is my duty, Master. Your potential is limitless, and I am honoured to help you unlock it.”

  With that, we returned to the house, my mind buzzing with possibilities. The journey to mastering magic was far from over, but I felt more confident than ever.

  The next morning, I stood in the training field once again, my body still buzzing with the residual energy from yesterday’s lessons. Shiori and Hina watched me closely, their expressions a mix of curiosity and expectation.

  “Master,” Shiori began, her tone gentle but firm, “today, you’ll refine what you’ve learned. Light and dark magic aren’t just tools—they’re extensions of your very soul. You must master not only their power but also their harmony.”

  “Understood,” I replied, determination coursing through me.

  I began by focusing on light magic, calling upon the warmth and purity within me.

  “Radiance!” I chanted, summoning a glowing orb of light in my palm. This time, the energy felt more stable, the sphere brighter and more potent.

  “Good, Master,” Shiori encouraged. “Now, try shaping it. Light magic isn’t just about destruction; it can take many forms.”

  I nodded and concentrated, visualizing the orb elongating into a blade. Slowly, the sphere stretched and solidified, becoming a radiant sword.

  “Impressive,” Shiori said, her tails swishing in approval. “Now, let’s test its strength.”

  She conjured a shield of water magic. “Strike this with your light blade.”

  I stepped forward and swung the sword, its brilliance slicing cleanly through the watery barrier. The shield dispersed into a fine mist.

  Shiori smiled. “Excellent, Master. Your control is improving.”

  Next, I turned to dark magic, calling upon the raw, chaotic energy that resonated deep within me.

  “Oblivion!” I chanted, forming a sphere of darkness in my palm. Unlike before, the energy felt more malleable, easier to control.

  “Now, shape it,” Hina instructed, her eyes gleaming with pride. “Dark magic is versatile—let it flow like a shadow.”

  I focused on the sphere, willing it to stretch and shift. It elongated into a whip-like form, its tendrils writhing with dark energy.

  “Impressive, Master,” Hina said. “Now, use it.”

  She conjured a barrier of light magic. “Strike this with your dark whip.”

  I lashed out with the whip, its tendrils wrapping around the barrier and pulling it apart. The light shattered like glass.

  “Well done, Master,” Hina said, nodding approvingly. “Your grasp of dark magic is remarkable.”

  Finally, I attempted to combine light and dark magic once more. This time, I aimed to create something entirely new.

  I extended both hands, summoning a radiant orb in one and a shadowy sphere in the other. Slowly, I willed them to merge.

  The energies resisted at first, swirling around each other in chaotic patterns. But I focused, calming the turbulence with my will.

  “Unite!” I commanded, and the two forces fused into a single sphere of radiant darkness.

  “Now, shape it,” Hina said, her voice steady.

  I visualized the sphere transforming into a weapon—a bow. The radiant darkness shifted, elongating into a sleek, elegant bow with an ethereal glow.

  “Magnificent, Master,” Shiori said, her eyes wide with awe. “You’ve created something truly unique.”

  I notched an arrow of pure energy onto the bowstring and aimed at a distant target. Releasing the arrow, it streaked through the air, striking the target with a burst of radiant shadow.

  As the day ended, I stood in the training field, the bow of radiant darkness dissipating in my hands. My mastery of light and dark magic was far from complete, but I had taken a significant step forward.

  “You’re progressing faster than I expected, Master,” Shiori said, her voice filled with pride.

  Hina nodded. “Your potential is extraordinary. But remember, mastery requires time and patience.”

  “I understand,” I said, a small smile on my lips. “Thank you, both of you, for your guidance. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

  With that, we returned home, my resolve stronger than ever. The path to becoming the Monarch of Shadow was long, but I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

  The following days were dedicated to relentless practice. I spent hours honing my skills, ensuring that the magic and techniques I had learned became second nature. Shiori and Hina supervised my training, their sharp eyes catching every misstep and offering invaluable guidance.

  I began with elemental magic, starting with the basics.

  “Fireball!” I chanted, summoning a sphere of fire and hurling it toward a target. The flames roared with intensity, the heat palpable even from a distance.

  “Not bad, Master,” Shiori said, nodding. “Now, try combining it with wind magic for a stronger impact.”

  “Wind Blade!” I cast, sending a sharp gust of wind to merge with the fireball. The result was a spiraling inferno that struck the target with explosive force.

  “Perfect!” Shiori cheered, her tails swishing excitedly.

  Next, I moved to earth and water magic, creating barriers and torrents with increasing precision. Each element felt more responsive, bending to my will as I practiced.

  Once I was satisfied with my progress in elemental magic, I shifted my focus to light and dark magic.

  “Radiant Spear!” I called out, forming a spear of pure light and launching it at a distant boulder. The spear pierced through effortlessly, shattering the rock into fragments.

  “Impressive, Master,” Hina said. “Now, try using dark magic in conjunction.”

  “Shadow Tendrils!” I commanded, summoning writhing tendrils of darkness that wrapped around the scattered fragments, crushing them into dust.

  The synergy between light and dark magic felt more natural now, the opposing forces harmonizing under my control.

  Next, I practiced the battle arts I had developed.

  I started with the Lunaris Blade Arts, weaving silver and golden aura into a flurry of sword strikes that seemed to illuminate the entire field. The strikes were swift and precise, each one leaving behind a trail of shimmering energy.

  Then I shifted to the Eclipsine Battle Arts, channeling my dark aura into a series of devastating attacks that seemed to swallow the light around me.

  “Master, your control over the battle arts is astounding,” Shiori said, clapping her hands in admiration.

  Hina nodded. “Few could wield such power with this level of finesse.”

  Finally, I experimented with my aura manipulation, creating defensive barriers and offensive constructs with my silver, golden, and dark auras.

  I shaped the auras into various forms—shields, spears, and even a suit of armor. Each construct shimmered with power, their forms solid and unyielding.

  “It’s like second nature to him now,” Hina observed, her voice filled with pride.

  After hours of relentless training, I decided to check my status.

  “Status,” I whispered, and the familiar screen materialized before me.

  Name: Amahiko

  Age: 7

  Level: 20

  Titles: The Monarch of Shadow, Shadow King

  Skills:

  ? Elemental Magic: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth

  ? Light Magic

  ? Dark Magic

  ? Lunaris Blade Arts

  ? Eclipsine Battle Arts

  ? Aura Manipulation (Silver, Golden, Dark)

  I stared at the screen, a mixture of pride and determination swelling within me. My level had risen significantly, a testament to the progress I had made.

  “Master, your growth is incredible,” Shiori said, her voice filled with admiration.

  “You’re becoming stronger with each passing day,” Hina added, her eyes gleaming with pride.

  I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips. “This is just the beginning. I still have much to learn.”

  With that, we returned to our home, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the training field. The road ahead was long, but I was ready to face it with unwavering determination.

  The sun hung high in the sky as I ventured into the forest, my sword strapped securely to my back. It had been a while since I decided to hunt wild boars. The forest was dense, with the chirping of birds and the occasional rustling of leaves creating a serene ambiance.

  My steps were light, my senses sharp. Tracking the boars was no difficult task, as their tracks and broken branches gave away their movements. After a while, I spotted one grazing near a thicket. Its massive body and tusks made it an intimidating sight, but I was undeterred.

  I unsheathed my sword and prepared for a clean strike. However, just as I was about to attack, a distant scream pierced the air. My body tensed immediately, instincts flaring.

  “A scream?” I muttered to myself. Without hesitation, I turned in the direction of the sound, my hunt forgotten.

  Pushing through the dense foliage, I emerged on the other side of the forest. The scream had come from near the outskirts, where a small clearing led toward a village I had never visited before.

  There, in the clearing, was a young girl. She had a petite frame, long black hair cascading neatly down her back, and striking blue eyes wide with fear. Her simple lavender kimono with floral patterns clung to her, emphasizing her delicate and serene presence. She seemed out of place in such a dangerous situation.

  In front of her stood a wild boar, larger and more aggressive than the ones I had encountered before. Its tusks gleamed in the sunlight, and its hooves pawed the ground as it prepared to charge.

  Without a second thought, I rushed forward.

  The boar charged toward the girl, its heavy body thundering across the ground. I gripped my sword tightly, focusing all my energy. The moment the boar lunged, I leaped into action.

  With a single, precise strike, I severed its path, my sword cutting through the air with a silver gleam. The boar collapsed with a heavy thud, the danger now neutralized.

  The girl stood frozen, her expression a mixture of shock and relief. Her blue eyes locked onto me as I stood over the fallen boar, my sword still gleaming with the remnants of my aura.

  I sheathed my weapon and turned to look at her. She didn’t say a word, nor did I. The moment lingered, silent yet heavy with unspoken gratitude.

  The clearing, now peaceful, seemed to hold its breath as the two of us stood there, the remnants of the encounter settling around us.

  The silence between us was broken as the girl stepped forward, her petite frame trembling slightly but her expression softening. She clasped her hands together, a warm smile of gratitude lighting up her face.

  “Thank you for saving me,” she said, her voice gentle and sincere. “I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t come.”

  I nodded slightly, sheathing my sword. “It’s nothing. I’m glad you’re unharmed.”

  She seemed to relax, her initial fear giving way to relief. “My name is Sayo Inari. I live in the village just beyond the forest.”

  “Sayo,” I repeated, committing her name to memory. “I’m Amahiko.”

  Sayo gave a small bow. “It’s nice to meet you, Amahiko. Thank you again for helping me. I was gathering herbs for my mother when that boar came out of nowhere.”

  My eyes fell to the bundle of herbs she was holding. They were neatly tied together, some still fresh with dew. “Herbs? Is your mother unwell?”

  She nodded, her expression becoming somber. “Yes, she’s been ill for a while. These herbs are supposed to help ease her symptoms. I go out to collect them whenever I can.”

  Her determination was evident, even in her small frame. I respected her resolve to help her family despite the risks. “You shouldn’t be wandering these woods alone,” I said. “It’s dangerous.”

  “I know,” she admitted with a sigh. “But I don’t have a choice. We need these herbs, and there’s no one else to gather them.”

  Her words stirred something in me—a reminder of my own mother’s sacrifices. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of responsibility. “I’ll escort you back to your village. It’s not safe to go alone.”

  Sayo’s eyes widened slightly, and then she nodded gratefully. “Thank you. That would mean a lot.”

  The journey to the village was quiet at first, the forest around us alive with the sounds of nature. As we walked, Sayo glanced at me curiously.

  “You’re not from the village, are you?” she asked.

  “No,” I replied. “I live in a house deeper in the forest with my… mother and companions.”

  “That explains why I’ve never seen you before,” she said, a hint of curiosity in her tone. “What were you doing in the forest?”

  “I was hunting boars,” I said simply. “But then I heard your scream.”

  Sayo’s cheeks flushed slightly, her gratitude evident once again. “I guess I owe you twice then.”

  I gave a small smile but didn’t say anything more.

  When we reached the edge of the forest, the village came into view. It was a modest settlement, with thatched-roof houses and fields stretching out in the distance. The villagers moved about, busy with their daily tasks.

  “This is my home,” Sayo said, gesturing to the village. “Thank you for bringing me back safely.”

  “It’s no trouble,” I said. “Take care of your mother.”

  Sayo hesitated for a moment, then smiled warmly. “You’re kind, Amahiko. Maybe I’ll see you again?”

  “Perhaps,” I replied, turning to leave.

  As I walked away, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this encounter was the start of something significant.