The morning sun filtered through the dense canopy of trees in the forest, casting golden rays on my sweat-drenched body. My white hair stuck to my forehead, damp from the relentless workout. I pushed up from the ground, muscles tensed, heart pounding in my chest. I had been at this for a while now, but I wasn't stopping just yet.
"Brat, your morning exercise is taking too long," Ignis grumbled in my head, irritation lacing his voice. "What are you trying to do, train yourself to death with these pointless push-ups? Why not do something worthwhile, like a killing spree in the forest? At least then you'd be useful."
I exhaled through my nose, pressing my body up with controlled movement. "This is the best way for me," I said evenly. "Strengthening my body strengthens my mana control. If my body can't handle the strain, I won't last long in a fight. Simple."
Ignis scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Hah! You talk like you've mastered something. What spells do you even know? Oh, that's right—none. Just swinging a weapon like a mindless brute. You're building a body that can't do anything except get stabbed slower. Impressive."
I ignored the jab, finishing my last push-up before standing. Sweat dripped from my chin, my chest rising and falling steadily. "And what would you have me do instead?" I asked, brushing my hands together to get rid of the dirt.
Ignis's voice took on a darker edge, his usual mocking tone fading. "Nothing, brat. Your mind is the real issue. You train your body like a fool, but a weak mind is a far deadlier weakness. Strength alone means nothing if your mind shatters the moment you're faced with something you can't punch your way through."
I stilled for a second, his words settling in my head. For once, he wasn't just insulting me—he was serious.
"Your mind adapts through experience, through trials," he continued. "But if pushed too far, it can break beyond repair. And trust me, brat, nothing is worse than losing yourself completely. Some people become hollow. Some become monsters. Others…" His voice lowered to a growl. "Others transcend—turn into something unrecognizable. And that always comes with a price."
I took a slow breath, staring up at the sky through the trees. My body was strong, but was my mind? I had no idea.
"You're quiet," Ignis mused. "That means you're actually thinking for once."
I sighed, wiping sweat from my forehead. "Fine. I get it. Strength alone isn't enough. But making my mind stronger sounds like a hassle."
Ignis chuckled, low and full of amusement. "Oh, it is. It's painful. Unforgiving. And the weak never make it out alive."
I shook my head, starting to walk back toward the cottage. The cool morning breeze felt nice against my skin, but I knew it wouldn't last long.
Ignis, never one to let silence linger, sighed dramatically. "At least you listened for once. Maybe there's hope for your tiny, useless brain after all."
I smirked. "Oh, great one, you're truly a dependable force."
"Don't get ahead of yourself, brat," he huffed. "I'm not helping you out of charity. And certainly not because I enjoy your company."
I chuckled. "I know. But it's nice having you around."
There was a pause before Ignis scoffed loudly. "Well, it hasn't been nice for me since your crazy witch of a mother bound me to you. One of the worst things that's ever happened to me."
I grinned. "Oh? Didn't you say you were a powerful being feared by all?"
Ignis bristled. "What's that supposed to mean? Have you met your mother, brat? That woman wasn't sane! Thinking about her still sends shivers down my spine."
I shook my head, amused. He wasn't exactly wrong. "So, how'd you lose to her, oh mighty one?"
Ignis growled. "I didn't lose! It was… different."
"Sounds like you're embarrassed."
"Embarrassed?!" Ignis sputtered. "Why would I be?! Let it be known, brat, that I am the great and mighty Ignis—feared by all!"
I couldn't hold it in any longer and burst into laughter, my chest shaking as I chuckled at Ignis's theatrics. Our banter lightened the morning air, and the view of the humble cottage ahead made my pace quicken. The sun filtered through the trees, casting a warm golden hue over the forest, the calm atmosphere a stark contrast to Ignis's overblown indignation.
As I reached the door, I pushed it open and stepped inside, the familiar warmth of the house wrapping around me. My body was still slick with sweat from my morning training, so I headed straight toward the bathroom without thinking. My mind was elsewhere—mainly on getting cleaned up and not listening to Ignis running his mouth.
I reached for the handle, pushed the door open, and—
A mistake. A huge mistake.
The second my eyes landed on the scene before me, my soul nearly left my body.
Syl stood in the middle of the bathroom, her damp hair clinging to her shoulders, drops of water tracing down her skin. A towel was the only thing keeping the situation from escalating into an absolute catastrophe.
For a split second, neither of us moved. We just… stared. Wide-eyed. Frozen. A shared moment of sheer horror.
Then—
"GET OUT!"
A ceramic bowl came flying at my face like a divine punishment straight from the heavens.
Thud!
The impact nearly knocked me out cold. I barely managed to stumble back and slam the door shut before collapsing to the floor, clutching my forehead in agony.
"Idiot!" Syl's furious voice exploded from behind the door.
I groaned, rubbing the forming bump on my head. "Why does this always happen to me?"
Ignis, meanwhile, was losing his mind in my head. The dragon wasn't even holding back.
"HAHAHAHA! YOU ABSOLUTE MORON!" he howled. "Oh, this is GOLDEN! First thing in the morning, and you've already ruined a woman's dignity! What's next? Peeking into her bedroom?!"
"Shut up," I muttered, still nursing my forehead.
"Oh, no, no, no, brat, you don't get to be mad at me. This is all on you," Ignis snickered. "What kind of brainless fool walks into a bathroom without knocking?"
"I was distracted," I grumbled.
"Yeah? Distracted by what, exactly? The thought of violating a poor girl's privacy? You're a lost cause, brat."
I groaned, dragging myself to my feet. "I didn't see anything, okay?"
"You saw enough," Ignis taunted. "And don't think for a second she'll let this go. Congratulations, brat, you're officially a pervert in her eyes."
I sighed, dreading the conversation that was about to happen.
Moments later, I found myself kneeling on the wooden floor of the living room, head bowed in an exaggerated apology.
Syl stood before me like a vengeful goddess, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. Her attire had changed into a simple blouse and a long skirt, but the air around her still carried the remnants of her earlier fury.
Beside her, Lily watched with wide, innocent eyes, hands clasped together. "Syl, Kibo didn't know you were in the bathroom," she said sweetly. "Can't you forgive him for me?"
I internally screamed. Why am I the one kneeling down? This is ridiculous!
Ignis, as expected, had something to say. "Because you're an idiot, that's why."
I ignored him.
Syl's glare remained fixed on me, but when she turned to Lily, her features softened. I could see it happening in real time—her anger melting away like snow in the sun.
Then, in the softest voice, she murmured, "How can I stay mad at that face of yours?" and reached out to gently pinch Lily's cheeks.
Lily giggled, and I thought, Oh, great. I'm about to be let off the hook.
Then I noticed something weird.
Syl was… staring. At me.
Her gaze wasn't furious anymore. It was… different. Almost like she was looking at me for the first time.
And then she did it.
A small, strange smile crept onto her lips. Her eyes shimmered—not with rage, but with something else entirely.
I felt a chill crawl up my spine.
This girl is insane.
Lily, the pure and innocent child that she was, tilted her head in confusion. "Syl, are you okay? Your face looks… weird."
Syl blinked, startled out of whatever strange thoughts she was having. The moment she realized what just happened, her face turned crimson, and she quickly crossed her arms over her chest, trying to act composed.
"I-I'm fine!" she snapped, her voice higher than usual.
Ignis immediately seized the opportunity.
"Oho! What's this? A change in perspective? The girl's finally seeing the brat in a new light!" he teased.
I groaned. "Don't start."
"No, no, this is interesting," Ignis continued, his voice filled with amusement. "What happened to all that righteous anger? She was about to bury you alive, and now she's acting like a maiden in love! This is hilarious!"
Syl, still trying to regain her composure, refused to meet my eyes. "Anyway," she huffed, clearing her throat, "just… don't do it again."
"I won't," I said quickly, wanting this moment to end.
Lily beamed, clearly happy that peace had been restored. "See? Everything's fine now!"
Yeah. Fine.
Except for the part where I just witnessed something truly terrifying.
Syl was dangerous. Not because of her anger.
But because she looked at me with that weird smile.
And now I knew—I wasn't safe.
Not from her.
And definitely not from Ignis's endless mocking.