The stew was nearly done, and already a line had formed.
Rank mattered more than patience here. Seniors cut the queue as they pleased, and no one dared complain. Erik stood at the front, jaw tight, silently praying no one stepped in front of him. He didn't trust himself to know what chaos he might unleash if they did.
No one did.
When the ladle dipped into the pot, a steaming bowl of stew and a hunk of bread were passed to him. Erik took them with a grunt of thanks and walked toward the mine's entrance. On the way, he caught sight of Eri, half-asleep, waving lazily. He raised his hand in reply but kept moving.
Near the gates, a long bench faced the mountains. Erik sat, the bowl warming his hands, and took his first sip. The taste hit like a blow—rich, hearty, and so good it silenced every thought. Maybe it was hunger. Maybe it was the cook's skill. Didn't matter. It was perfect.
He ate until only broth remained, then tore the bread and soaked it, savoring each bite like it was his last. By the time he finished, satisfaction spread through his chest like fire. He carried the empty bowl back, setting it with the others.
On his way out, he spotted Evalyn and Leena talking near the camp's edge. He meant to pass quietly, but Evalyn's eyes found him. She lifted a hand.
"Erik," she called. "Come here."
He slowed, then stepped closer.
"I hear Leena's been helping you with your new element," Evalyn said.
"Yeah."
"She also says you picked it up quick."
Erik gave a noncommittal hum.
Evalyn's lips quirked. "Then how about a spar?"
The words struck him harder than they should have. Memories stirred—ugly, sharp, and buried deep. Still, he forced them down and met her gaze.
"Where?"
"I know a place." She tipped her head toward the waiting carriage. "Come."
Without another word, Evalyn climbed aboard. Erik followed, Leena at his side, as the wheels began to turn.
It didn't take long before the carriage came to a stop. It was in the middle of a town. Before Erik could wonder why, Evalyn opened the door.
A man covered in a cloak turned around—it was Arch Mage Kruzen.
"Evalyn?" he said, confused.
"Hey, old man, get in," Evalyn said.
He looked at Erik and Leena, then took a deep breath and climbed aboard.
The carriage started moving again. This time it took a while before stopping. On the way, Evalyn explained their destination to Kruzen.
When the carriage finally stopped, there were no humans in sight. An open area stretched before them, surrounded by canyon walls and hills.
Evalyn and Erik dismounted and walked toward the middle of the field.
"Okay, Erik, you know the rules. Kruzen's going to cast a mana shield on both of us. Whoever breaks first loses," she said.
With a nod, Erik walked to his position. Both stopped at opposite ends of the field and turned to face each other.
Kruzen cast the mana shield over both of them.
"Okay, Erik, let's see what you've got." Evalyn planted her axe in the ground and crossed her arms.
Erik grabbed his dagger.
"No, I'm not fighting a human here," he muttered.
He drew his sword as well, holding both at once. Sword in a normal grip, dagger in reserve. He raised the sword to face Evalyn, dagger just below it, pointed the same way.
I learned a lot training with Kruzen, but I haven't had a real chance to try it all—Walker's Eyes and electricity together. This is it.
"Oh, you're going to use both sword and dagger at once? That's new… You're not going to charge first?" Evalyn said, raising an eyebrow.
Erik said nothing.
"Huh! You don't change, huh?" Evalyn retrieved her axe, gripping it with both hands. "You better go all out, Erik. I won't hold back like last time."
Erik summoned the singularity technique. His body trembled with golden lightning, sparks crawling across his skin.
"You call that holding back?" Erik muttered.
Evalyn swung her axe high. Lightning arced from the sky down to her weapon as she sent a shockwave slash that tore through the earth.
Erik leapt left. Evalyn closed the distance, swinging hard. He rolled under the arc of her axe, coming up just in time to block a punch, but the force sent him skidding backward. Midair, he planted his swords into the ground and propelled himself toward her.
Evalyn adjusted her stance, readying another swing. As Erik entered her zone, he twisted midair with his new power and landed behind her.
Got you now, he thought.
Before he could strike, Evalyn grabbed his hand, still keeping her gaze fixed forward.
This monster!
Her free hand swung in a wide arc.
Fire Domain—Cage!
Flames erupted around Erik, forcing him to release his grip. Evalyn jumped back, creating space. Erik dashed out of the inferno, retrieving his sword and regaining his stance.
"Tch, I've always hated those attacks," Evalyn muttered.
"I said it before—I'll say it again. Go all out, Erik, because I will."
"If you ask for it that much…"
Both roared in unison:
"Core Activation!"