Kael found a clearing near the forest's edge, a flat stretch of grass ringed by pines.
It was perfect to test their new tricks. Mara prowled at his side, her ember-flecked fur catching the afternoon light.
He summoned the System, checked his SP—200/200 now, thanks to the level-up—and grinned.
"Let's see what we've got."
He started with Inferno Spark, aiming at a withered stump.
"Go!"
A flame burst from his hand, bigger than before, not just a spark but a roaring ball of fire that slammed the stump, charring it black.
The heat drew back, blowing against his face, and he fell back, surprised and excited.
"That's more like it!"
He fired again, the fireball was stronger, faster, it scorched a line across the grass as it flew forward.
Mara buzzed, chasing the flames like it was a game, her claws left smaller faint scorch marks on the floor.
Kael was even more impressed, it seemed the both of them were fire attuned, and it was great.
Now for Tag. He had been waiting for this. Kael pointed at a rock 30 meters away.
"Mara, go there."
She bounded over, tail flicking. He focused, trying to communicate with the system, then he muttered,
"Tag."
A rush of mana seemed to pull him forward, the world blurring—then suddenly, he was standing by the rock, Mara back where he'd been, blinking in surprise.
Kael laughed, dizzy but thrilled. "Holy—did you feel that?"
Mara barked, scampering to him, and they tried again, swapping twice more.
Kael paused, staring at Mara from the distance. He raised his hand, pointing it at her. He closed his eye for a moment, then he opened them. He muttered underneath his breath.
"Inferno Spark!"
Mara's eyes widened as she saw the powerful burst of flame suddenly fly towards her, it was fast and burning hot.
But the next moment, the fire wasn't a threat anymore.
"Tag!"
With that single shout, Kael and Mara switched places, Kael suddenly appearing in place of Mara.
The fireball was still on its course, moving very quickly towards him. Kael dodged with a smile on his face, jumping away. The fire blitzed past him, leaving a small burn on his hair as it flew past.
He experimented more with his powers, until he had depleted his SP.
Cooldown's a pain, he thought, but the ability was a game-changer.
Exhausted, Kael dropped onto the grass, Mara curling beside him. Her new emberfox form radiated heat, which was comforting against the cooling air.
He scratched her ears, staring at the sky.
"We're getting there, Mara. we can make Cresthaven a reality..."
The Ashfox wagged its tongue lightly, quiet. Kael inhaled as he slowly reached for the pendant on his chest, grabbing it.
Kael heard the sound of rustling leaves and snapping twigs, and he immediately stared at Mara. However, the fox's ears flicked, but she didn't growl. He sighed, it wasn't a threat, then.
He heard sounds of footsteps approaching, he looked up, curious to see who it was.
He was surprised.
Lila stepped into the clearing, Her hair was tied back, a satchel slung over her shoulder, and her eyes widened when she saw Kael.
"Oh—Kael! You're… here."
Kael sat up, slightly uncomfortable, he instinctively placed his hand on Mara.
"Yeah."
He mumbled, his voice was flat. It was not hostile, but definitely not warm either.
But she didn't leave, she just stood there, fidgeting with her satchel.
"I, uh, saw your note," she said, stepping closer.
"You didn't have to leave so quick. You are still hurt..." Her eyes flicked to his side, where blood stained his tunic despite the bandages.
"I'm fine," Kael said, his voice was a tiny bit sharper than he meant it to be.
Mara's tail twitched, sensing his mood. Seeing the fox's reaction, He softened, just a little bit.
"Thanks... For… last night."
He muttered quietly, not staring at her. The words felt like gravel, but they were true. She'd helped when he couldn't stand. That counted for something.
Lila nodded, her eyes lighting up with a smile.
"I'm glad you're okay."
She stood there for a moment, staring at him.
She hesitated, then she moved closer, before she sat a few feet away, cross-legged. "Mara looks a bit different. Don't you think?"
Kael's guard went up, she was quite observant. However, her tone wasn't prying, she just seemed curious.
He scratched Mara's neck, her ember pulses warming his fingers. "Maybe."
She went quiet for a while, then she spoke again.
"You're really going for Cresthaven, huh?"
Kael nodded, staring ahead of them. "It's what she wanted."
He didn't say Mara's name, he didn't need to. Lila understood, her face softening.
"My pa wanted it for me too," she said quietly. "He'd talk about Cresthaven like it was the sun itself—bright, untouchable. He always said it'd make me more than a hunter's kid."
She laughed, but it lacked humour. "Guess we're both chasing ghosts."
Kael glanced at her, surprised. He hadn't thought of it like that. But maybe she was right. "Yeah," he muttered. "I guess so."
Mara nibbled at his hand, licking it slightly. There was a little pool of blood welling there.