The sky over Windscale was still bruised from the battle. Crimson clouds drifted lazily, casting long shadows across the ruined outpost. The air still crackled faintly with leftover mana, like the ghost of a storm unwilling to leave.
Kazuki stood alone on the edge of the cliff where the fight had ended. His coat fluttered in the wind, stained and scorched in places, but still whole. Much like him.
Behind him, Aria was treating the wounded and helping the remaining villagers with food from her enchanted satchel. The girl was endlessly resourceful. Relentless. He liked that about her.
But right now, Kazuki needed air.
He opened the system window.
> [Soulcut – Active Skill Created]
Type: Combat
Effect: Enhances weapon with user's spirit force, allowing it to cut through magical barriers and disrupt enemy skills.
MP Cost: Medium per swing
Strain: Moderate mental fatigue with prolonged use
He flexed his fingers. The blade he'd conjured the day before shimmered into his hand, flickering with a faint blue glow—the manifestation of his spirit, pure and sharp.
He had expected it to feel like an extension of his body. Instead, it felt like a question.
"Why do you keep fighting?" he asked quietly.
No one answered.
Well—almost no one.
> [SYSTEM: That's a dramatic question, Kazuki.]
He smirked. "You've been quiet."
> [SYSTEM: You needed space. That's part of your 'live how I want' thing, isn't it?]
"You remember that, huh?"
> [SYSTEM: It's literally coded into your mission tracker.]
He chuckled.
> [SYSTEM: …But I'm watching. And so are others.]
That last part hit a little harder than he wanted to admit.
Kazuki turned his eyes toward the horizon. Something was shifting in the world, and for once, he wasn't sure if it was because of him… or waiting for him.
He closed the window and took a deep breath.
---
Back at the edge of camp, Aria waved at him.
"Come on, broody boy. We've got some people who want to thank you!"
Kazuki sheathed the spirit blade—his Soulcut—and walked back with a half-smile. He didn't particularly enjoy attention, but… denying someone their gratitude felt worse.
The villagers had prepared a small meal: roasted meat, wild vegetables, and something that vaguely resembled bread if you squinted.
They presented him with a handmade brooch—a crude silver emblem shaped like a flame surrounded by wings.
"It's… symbolic," Aria whispered. "You saved them. You brought fire and flight."
Kazuki took it with a nod. "Thank you. But I'm just passing through."
"You saved us. That's more than most have ever done," one elder said. "We'll never forget."
Something about the way she said it made Kazuki's fingers clench around the brooch. He suddenly felt unworthy.
Because he wasn't here to be a hero.
He just didn't want anyone to have a reason not to smile.
---
Later that night, as the fires burned low and the villagers slept, Aria approached him beneath a starless sky.
"You've been quiet since the battle," she said softly.
Kazuki shrugged. "I've been thinking."
"About?"
He hesitated. "About whether I'm helping… or just reacting."
Aria tilted her head.
"I mean, we got here, and I jumped into the fight. I didn't plan to help Windscale. It just… happened. I'm starting to think this world doesn't need another sword. It needs a reason."
She studied him, then nodded. "Then give it one."
He blinked.
"Don't let the world shape you. Shape the world instead."
That silenced him for a while. Then, eventually, he smiled.
"You sound like a goddess."
"Please," Aria scoffed. "Don't insult me."
They both laughed.
---
Later still, as Kazuki rested against a tree away from camp, something stirred in the shadows.
Not an enemy. Not yet.
But something watching.
> [SYSTEM: New presence detected.]
> [Scanning... Unknown. No immediate threat. Distance: 300 meters.]
Kazuki opened one eye and muttered, "Something tells me peace never lasts in this place."
> [SYSTEM: Define 'peace.']
He didn't respond. Just let the wind ruffle his hair and the stars begin to peek through the clouds.
Tomorrow, they would head east. Toward an ancient ruin Aria had found in a forgotten tome. Something about "Site Null." A place whispered in fear, hidden between the folds of time.
Kazuki didn't know why, but he had a feeling this was where the real game began.
And somewhere, far away, glowing eyes watched with interest.