The forest felt different on the return journey.
The oppressive heat faded with each step away from the dragon's mountain, replaced by cool shade and the scent of pine. Akari walked beside Lyra, her steps lighter despite her exhaustion.
She glanced at Lyra's pouch again.
"…Those are really dragon scales," Akari murmured.
Lyra smiled faintly. "Still glowing, too. They're fresh."
Akari hugged her pack tighter. "It's strange. I was terrified… but also excited. I didn't think I could handle something like that."
Lyra looked down at her. "You handled it perfectly. You trusted me, and more importantly, you trusted yourself."
Akari's cheeks warmed. "…I think I'm starting to understand what you mean about being an adventurer."
Lyra chuckled. "Good. You're learning faster than I did."
They continued in silence, the weight of danger replaced by confidence.
By nightfall, they made camp at the edge of the forest. Lyra set a small fire while Akari prepared rations, the two working together without needing to speak much.
As they ate, Akari stared into the flames.
"Lyra… when the dragon roared, my power wanted to answer it. Like it recognized something ancient."
Lyra stiffened slightly. "Divine power reacting to a primordial being… that's not surprising."
"…Is it dangerous?"
Lyra met her gaze seriously. "Only if you lose control. Which you didn't."
Akari nodded slowly. "I'm glad."
They slept under the stars that night, and for once, Akari dreamed peacefully.
Two days later, the familiar stone walls of the capital rose into view. Akari felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment.
"We're home…" she said softly.
Lyra smiled. "And now the real work begins."
Their first stop was the forge.
Heat rolled out of the workshop the moment Lyra pushed the door open. The air smelled of metal, coal, and magic..
Inside stood a broad-shouldered man with ash-dark skin and a beard braided with iron rings. His golden eyes flicked up at the sound of footsteps.
"Well, I'll be damned," he rumbled. "If it isn't the capital's favorite disaster."
Lyra grinned. "Miss me, Garran?"
Garran snorted. "Unfortunately."
His gaze shifted to Akari, sharpening with curiosity. "And who's this?"
Lyra rested a hand on Akari's shoulder. "My student."
Akari bowed awkwardly. "N-nice to meet you…!"
Garran's eyes narrowed, then widened slightly.
"…Divine resonance," he muttered. "Haven't felt that in decades."
Lyra set the pouch on the anvil and opened it.
The forge glowed brighter instantly as the red dragon scales caught the light.
Garran inhaled sharply.
"Red dragon. Fresh. And cleanly taken." He looked at Lyra, impressed. "What're we making?"
Lyra smiled. "Two swords. Dual blades. Red dragon scales reinforced with obsidian."
Garran let out a low whistle. "Bold, Expensive and Dangerous."
Akari shrank slightly.
"…Is that bad?"
Garran laughed loudly. "Kid, it's perfect."
He crouched in front of Akari, eyes kind despite his rough appearance.
"These will take time. Divine-compatible forging isn't rushed. But when they're done,"
He smirked. "They'll sing when you touch them."
Akari's eyes sparkled. "…Thank you."
Garran waved a hand. "Come back in a few days."
Lyra nodded. "We will."
As they stepped back into the street, Akari felt the mood shift.
A man in a guild uniform hurried toward them, sweat on his brow and worry etched deep into his face.
"Lyra!" he called out urgently.
Lyra turned, a frown forming. "What's wrong?"
The man bowed quickly. "It's the demon front. Since you've been away from the battlefield, we've been struggling to push them back. The knights are stretched thin, and the other S-ranks are deployed elsewhere."
Akari's heart skipped.
Demons… again.
"We need your help," the guild member continued. "Immediately, if possible."
Lyra's jaw tightened.
She glanced at Akari.
Akari felt the weight of that look and understood.
Lyra was needed.
"…Go," Akari said quietly.
Lyra hesitated. "Akari."
"I'll be okay," Akari said, forcing a small smile. "I'll stay in the kingdom. I'll keep training. And my swords aren't ready yet anyway."
Lyra searched her face, then nodded slowly.
"You've grown," she said softly. "More than you realize."
She turned back to the guild messenger. "Tell the commander I'll move out within the hour."
Relief washed over the man's face. "Thank you."
As he hurried away, Lyra crouched in front of Akari.
"Elen will stay with you. Don't push your power too hard while I'm gone."
Akari nodded. "Come back safely."
Lyra smiled, confident, reassuring.
"Always."
She stood, turning toward the guild headquarters.
As Lyra walked away to rejoin the war, Akari watched her go, hands clenched, but heart steady.
Next time… I'll stand beside her.